We asked our panel of parents if their child attends a local school in Singapore and, if not, will they be considering it
Local schools have undergone plenty of positive change in the last few years. While Singapore government schools have had a reputation in the past for focusing on literacy and numeracy at the expense of creativity, the pedagogy has now evolved to include a greater focus on values-based and inquiry-based learning. Nurturing a love for learning is an important facet of local schooling too. Meanwhile, tuition fees at international schools in Singapore are constantly on the rise and fewer expat employment packages include coverage for the associated costs. So we wanted to know what type of schools families are considering at the moment, and we asked our panel of parents:
Would you consider sending your child to a local school in Singapore?
“No, our preference is for our children to attend an international school as we feel they produce more lateral thinking through the curriculum offered.”
Priscilla Gosh, Australian, two kids
“I think local school is a very valid option that we’ve had to consider very carefully. There are some big advantages with local schools – from cultural exposure, language development, and of course reduced school fees. Our concerns have been if a local school would accept us (as we are not PR), and if we could become PR in time if it was required. Then there is the issue of not being able to choose the school and the possibility of our child having to travel for long periods of time to and from school each day, which is a big concern when they are so young (our eldest is five).”
Sarah Keen, Australian, three kids
“We have thought about it.”
Roberta Ciccone, American, five kids
“Yes, for sure!”
Lena Lee, Singaporean, two kids
“Our children are in local schools”
Juliana Lim, Singaporean, two kids
“Yes, my older daughter does go to a local school”
Maria Athena Catedral Bughao, Filipino, two kids
“Probably not if my company will pay for a private school.”
Brian Bird, American, two kids
“We have considered it but we don’t think we would get in. We’re not PRs.”
Jess Hart, Australian, three kids
“No, not with the lack of creativity they allow.”
Sara Valentine, New Zealand, three kids
“Yes – but have decided it is not an option for us due to the cultural differences.”
Danielle Fredford, Australian, two kids
“I will definitely send my gal to a local school when she the time is right.”
Ashley Tan, Singaporean, two kids
“Yes, my children are all enrolled in local schools.”
Sri Rahayu, Singaporean, two kids
If you’re after more help in choosing a school that is right for your child, budget, location and curriculum choice then visit our School Selector. This handy tool will help you honestly compare schools, side-by-side, based on your own set of criteria.
*Some of the above names have been changed, as requested by a handful of members in the panel.