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Selecting the best international school in Singapore for my child
Singapore is home to more than 60 international schools, each offering different curricula, educational programmes and learning environments. The diversity of different offerings and the tuition fees attached to an international education may seem overwhelming, but the quality and reputation of such an education speaks for itself, with Singapore’s international schools consistently producing cohorts of Ivy League-calibre students who gain entrance into top universities around the world.
Given the range of different schools available, there are significant factors to consider when selecting the international school in Singapore best suited for your child.
Choosing the right curriculum
The primary factor to consider in your child’s schooling is the curriculum he or she will study. Reflective of the large expatriate community in Singapore, families will be able to find schools providing region and country-specific curricula around the island. For example, curricula from India, Germany, France, the United States and United Kingdom are well represented within Singapore’s educational landscape.
Parents who want their child to learn within a truly global framework will be pleased to know that many international schools including the Canadian International School in Singapore (CIS) teach within the International Baccalaureate® framework, more commonly known as the IB programme. The IB developed independent of government or national systems and premises a focus on local and global contexts. The programmes’ emphasis on community service and experiential learning helps students connect theory to real-world applications, preparing them for diverse futures. With over 5,800 IB schools in 160 countries, the global nature of an IB education offers particular flexibility to families who frequently relocate and make it an ideal pathway for those seeking a well-rounded, internationally-minded education for their children.
Importance of language-learning opportunities
While English is the language of instruction at the majority of international schools in Singapore, it is crucial that parents consider available language programmes and pathways during the school-selection process. Opportunities or the lack thereof for bilingual and multilingual development can significantly influence the educational experience and future possibilities open to a student. Differences exist even among schools who offer bilingual pathways, with some schools adopting an English-based bilingual approach, or promoting language studies as an addition to another core programme.
CIS’ Chinese-English bilingual programme was one of the first to be offered in Singapore by an international school and is led by a dedicated bilingual leadership team. Our Chinese-English and French-English bilingual programmes ensure equal and rigorous exposure to both languages in the early and primary years, with students attending lessons in English one day, and a second language (Chinese or French) the next. Mastering another language not only enhances one's linguistic skills but also fosters cultural awareness and prepares our students to thrive in the undoubtedly globalised world of tomorrow.
Campus facilities and outdoor learning spaces
The physical spaces in a school form an essential consideration as your child will be spending a significant portion of their daily lives learning, thriving and building bonds with their peers in these environments. Well maintained and frequently refreshed campus facilities like libraries, sporting fields, gymnasiums, art studios, and technology and design laboratories will enhance your child’s schooling by providing exposure to different learning spaces, and resources and access towards furthering specific interests or talents. For example, students interested in competitive swimming will flourish in schools like CIS where they have access to a purpose-built Olympic-sized pool.
In addition to built spaces, a vibrant campus with ample outdoor learning environments is especially important in the early years where students learn through play. At CIS, we boast a beautiful, green Outdoor Discovery Centre (ODC) where our youngest learners engage in hands-on exploration of the natural world. They navigate the ODC’s terrain, freely play in our mud kitchen and encounter diverse flora and fauna while immersed in this outdoor learning space. By evaluating campus facilities, parents are best positioned to select a school that not only provides proper academic spaces but also promotes a balance of enriching environments for every child's growth and development.
Qualifications, Awards and Accreditations
Qualifications, awards and accreditations serve as affirmations that an educational institute possesses the rigour, reputation and legitimacy to educate and nurture young minds. International schools in Singapore are classified as private schools and thus fall under the supervision of the EduTrust Certification Scheme. This is the highest certification awarded by the Singapore Government as an endorsement of a private institute’s quality of education.
Additionally, international schools like CIS are routinely audited by external accrediting teams from the International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in re-validation of our learning programmes and academic standards. According to our most recent IB Programme Evaluation Report, CIS stands out as a school that “honours individual and cultural differences while fostering international-mindedness in our IB learners”. Other accreditations to look out for include accreditations around child safety and protection. For example, CIS is proud to be a Keeping Safe accredited school as the safety and well-being of our students both within and outside the school environment remains our utmost priority.
Ultimately, such endorsements are the most obvious indicators of a healthy and thriving school environment. They should not be presupposed as they are vital indicators of a school’s commitment to student wellbeing and success.
Book a tour today
Founded in 1989, the Canadian International School in Singapore has provided decades of educational excellence to families from all over the world. To learn more about our school and how we may just be the best community for your child, get in touch with our friendly admissions team for a personalised school tour here. You can also reach us on our admissions hotline +65 6734 8088 from 9am to 5pm. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.