Love the strong community vibe that small preschools are known for, but don’t want to miss out on the opportunities that big international schools offer? Your child can enjoy both at Dover Court International School’s early education programme.
“Big international school, or small preschool?” is a common question that parents have when looking for a preschool or kindergarten.
Small, boutique preschools often come with a close-knit school community where every teacher knows every child. Parents also feel assured knowing that their little ones may be less prone to feeling overwhelmed in a smaller school setting.
On the other hand, big international schools with early childhood education programmes have their advantages as well. They usually come with more facilities and spaces for children to learn and play; as well as have resources to provide lessons conducted by specialist teachers, or even to provide more professional training to teachers. More importantly, these schools offer seamless continuity for children when they progress to primary school and onwards.
Enter Dover Court International School, one that offers big school opportunities with a small preschool feel
A small, nurturing preschool experience within a big school? That’s exactly what Dover Court International School offers through its early education programme, Nurturing Early Success Together – also affectionately referred to as NEST.
Just as its name suggests, NEST allows Dover Court’s youngest students to learn in a dedicated early childhood setting. NEST learning spaces are designed to foster belonging as well as encourage play and discovery. The early childhood community at Dover Court comprises students from Nursery to Year 2 (ages three to seven years old), forming a strong, tight-knit community where every child is seen and heard; as well as providing them with a seamless transition from early years into primary.
At the same time, children have lots of ‘big school’ places to play and explore in Dover Court. The school recently unveiled a 10,000-square feet Discovery & Play Cove too – just for NEST students! Besides that, students will have access to lessons in Mandarin, physical education, music, swimming, and more taught by specialist teachers. Upon the end of Year 2, you can also expect a smooth transition into Year 3 and beyond at the established Dover Court primary school, with more learning opportunities with partners like The Juilliard School, MIT, UNICEF, and more.
Children are encouraged to learn through play and exploration at NEST
NEST is a unique early education programme that combines the Reggio Emilia approach with the English national curriculum, followed by the International Primary Curriculum from Year 1 onwards. The result is an academically strong preschool learning experience driven by inquiry and play. Children are encouraged to ask questions, conduct their own experiments and research, as well as work together to pick up new concepts. This approach is known to help young children develop critical thinking and communication skills, on top of literacy and numeracy.
Find out what NEST has to offer your family at its upcoming open house
Dover Court’s NEST is having an open house on 26 September 2026, Saturday, where you’ll get the chance to learn more about the early education programme from its teachers, as well as tour the dedicated NEST learning spaces. This is an opportunity for you to experience its warm and nurturing environment for yourselves, and see if it’s a good fit for your little ones. Register now to book your spot.
This post is in partnership with Dover Court International School.
