Thinking of living in Singapore? Finding the right school is one of the major decisions you’ll have to make, along with which house or neighbourhood to live in. This guide includes an overview and information on Singapore international schools, who will also help your family to settle in if you’re relocating.
Singapore international schools – an overview
With it being such a popular destination for expats from around the world to live and work, it’s no surprise to learn that Singapore’s international schools offer a multicultural environment, with students from a diverse range of backgrounds and countries.
There’s also a range of curriculums. Some maintain a single-country programme, from the English National Curriculum to the Advanced Placement (US), to programmes from Japan, France, Germany, India and elsewhere. Others offer the International Baccalaureate programme, known globally for being well-rounded and rigorous. In fact, approximately half of Singapore’s international schools are IB schools, with as many as 30 offering the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). At some schools, you’ll find a mix of these curriculums.
Below is a look at some leading Singapore international schools. They include a range of new and old, small and large, and with educational backgrounds ranging from British to the International Baccalaureate. There’s also feedback from the schools themselves on curriculum, languages and more.
XCL World Academy
Founded: 2014
Number of students: 1,000
Nationalities: Over 40
Grades: Nursery to Grade 12 (18 months to 18 years)
Dates: August to June
Location: In a residential neighbourhood surrounded by greenery and nature, about 20 minutes from the city centre, and easily accessible by car, public transport and MRT.
A word from the team
What curriculums are taught at the school?
At XCL World Academy, we do more than prepare students for exams. We’re also shaping bold, compassionate individuals ready to lead, create and thrive in a changing world.
From age two to 18, your child will experience the full IB continuum. This encompasses the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme delivered through a future focused lens. We combine the rigour of the IB with AERO aligned standards from the United States, creating a seamless and globally recognised education.
What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation. We offer one of the most comprehensive technology and artificial intelligence integrated curriculums among international schools in Singapore. Students engage deeply with AI, robotics, entrepreneurship, the arts, sports and leadership as essential parts of their learning. Our bilingual and technology forward approach builds critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem solving.
Every student’s journey is personalised. Parents receive real time insights, customised learning plans and dedicated support from teachers and counsellors. Together, these ensure that each child grows with confidence, joy and clear direction.
Are there opportunities for learning Mandarin?
Mandarin language learning is a core part of the XWA experience. Students can join an immersive English-Mandarin bilingual programme taught by native-speaking educators, promoting fluency in both languages from an early age. Additionally, Mandarin is offered as a home language option alongside Japanese, with after-school choices in other languages. For non-native English speakers, the school provides structured English language support programmes from Grades 1 to 9.
What support do you offer families relocating to Singapore?
XWA understands that relocating to Singapore can be exciting but also overwhelming for families with children. We aim to make the move as smooth as possible by offering a strong support system.
Our experienced Admissions Team and Parent Ambassadors guide families through every step of the relocation and enrolment process. Families can expect personalised support and answers to all questions about living in Singapore.
Student wellbeing is a key focus. Our counselling team provides emotional and social support. Meanwhile, our Student Ambassadors and Mentors Programme helps new students settle in through meaningful peer connections from day one.
Parents are warmly welcomed into our community through the Parent Engagement and Connection Committee, which hosts cultural events, coffee mornings and family activities that help families feel at home.
2 Yishun Street 42
6808 7300 | xwa.edu.sg
International French School (Singapore)
Founded: 1967
Number of students: 2,900
Nationalities: Over 30 different nationalities
Grades: Kindergarten to Grade 12 (3 to 18 years)
Dates: September to early July
Location: Situated along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 in a peaceful residential neighbourhood. The campus is minutes from public transport and major expressways.
A word from the team
What curriculums are taught at the school?
We offer a bilingual education in French and English, following the French national curriculum from kindergarten through High School. At the Secondary level, students can choose between the French Baccalaureate and the French International Baccalaureate, both of which are internationally recognised and designed to prepare students for global higher education. Additionally, students in Seconde (Grade 10) have the option to take the Cambridge IGCSE exams.
Are there opportunities for learning Mandarin?
Students learn Mandarin at every stage of their education at the school – we accommodate both native and non-native speakers. From the 2025 academic year, Kindergarten students will receive up to three hours of Mandarin lessons per week. In Elementary School, Mandarin is taught for one hour each week, providing a strong foundation in the language. At the Secondary level, students have the option to join the ‘Mandarin section’. This offers three hours of Mandarin per week, allowing for deeper language development and also cultural exposure. It eventually leads to the Mandarin Culture & Civilisation programme in High School, which is five hours per week.
What support do you offer to families relocating to Singapore?
For students who are new to the French language, we have intensive integrated bridging programmes such as FLSco and French Passerelle. There’s also direct support for students’ wellbeing. It includes a peer ‘Buddy system’ for immediate friendship, a dedicated Counselling Centre for emotional support and over 70 extracurricular activities that encourage building social connections through shared interests.
Simultaneously, we actively foster a strong sense of community among parents through a structured engagement model. This includes a Parent Committee and a Class Representative system, both of which explicitly encourage new and non-Francophone parents to participate.
Together, this holistic ecosystem addresses the key challenges of relocating and living in Singapore, helping new families and students to feel at home and thrive within IFS’s diverse community.
3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
6805 0000 | ifs.edu.sg
Tanglin Trust School
Founded: 1925
Number of students: 2,850
Nationalities: Over 50
Grades: Nursery to Year 13 (3 to 18 years)
Dates: August to July
Location: On Portsdown Road, about 15 minutes from Singapore’s city centre; close to Holland Village, Dempsey and nearby Sentosa
A word from the team
What curriculums are taught at the school?
Our academic traditions and approach to teaching are firmly grounded in an enhanced and rigorous English National Curriculum. However, there are many aspects of school life that have a global focus and are contextualised to the school’s location in Southeast Asia. Tanglin offers IGCSEs; we are the only school in Singapore offering both A Levels and the IB Diploma in the Sixth Form. This gives students the opportunity to choose the best pathway for them.
In the Senior School, students can learn French, Spanish and Mandarin. All are popular and many students choose to pursue them right up to IB and A Level.
Are there opportunities for learning Mandarin?
In the Infant and Junior schools, all children have Mandarin lessons twice a week and a linguist-in-residence programme operates in Nursery and Reception. The focus is on nurturing a love of language learning and encouraging children to develop confidence when expressing themselves in Mandarin. This moves on to reading and writing as they move through Years 1 and 2. The school also offers French, Mandarin, Japanese and Hindi Mother Tongue programmes for Infants.
What support do you offer to families relocating to Singapore?
We work collaboratively with parents via the Friends of Tanglin (FoT) community group. The aim of this informal platform is for both current families and those who are new to Tanglin and Singapore to connect and find support from a nurturing community. FoT gives families the opportunity to engage with others and make friends around their children through appealing events. Parents can volunteer as much or as little as they like, since such roles are flexible and adaptable to one’s schedule. Parents who connect through Friends of Tanglin activities often form strong friendships, some of whom have continued to keep in touch even after they leave the school.
95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
SJI International Preschool
Founded: 2024
Number of students: Over 100
Nationalities: 15
Grades: Early Years and Kindergarten (2-6 years)
Dates: January to December
Location: Set in lush greenery along Holland Road, offering access to vibrant indoor and outdoor learning environments. Easily accessible by both public and private transport.
A word from the team
What curriculums are taught at the school?
A bilingual, inquiry-based curriculum that is holistic, co-constructed and tailored to support every individual child.
Are there opportunities for learning Mandarin?
We offer a comprehensive bilingual English and Mandarin Immersion programme. Our programme ensures that children learn meaningfully and engagingly. It fosters their interest and builds their confidence in using English and Mandarin through their daily interactions and learning inquiries. Each classroom is staffed with at least one English and Mandarin-speaking educator throughout the day.
What support do you offer to families relocating to Singapore?
Families joining our Preschool are welcomed into a nurturing environment that reflects one of our core values: Community. As a growing Singapore school, our team places great emphasis on building strong relationships with each family. We offer personalised support as children, and parents, settle into a new home and routine.
49A Holland Road (previously Maris Stella Kindergarten)
6908 4520 | sji-internationalpreschool.com.sg
SJI International Elementary School
Founded: 2008
Number of students: Over 800
Nationalities: Over 40
Grades: Prep 1 to Grade 6 (4 to 12 years)
Dates: January to December
Location: The landscaped campus is centrally located in the Thomson suburbs, easily accessible by both public and private transport.
A word from the team
What curriculums are taught at the school?
Mainstream or Bilingual Programme, International Primary Curriculum, International Middle Years Curriculum, MOE Singapore Mathematics Syllabus, and The Virtues Project.
Are there opportunities for learning Mandarin?
Our Bilingual Programme accommodates both native and non-native speakers by fostering proficiency in both English and Chinese languages. It employs an alternating language teaching model that strategically divides instruction by subject area and time. This approach reflects our commitment to balanced language development in both English and Chinese.
For students in the Mainstream Programme, Chinese is offered as an additional language. Our Mandarin language and Chinese culture lessons take place daily for all classes. There are also further immersion opportunities for our early language learners.
What support do you offer to families relocating to Singapore?
Relocating to any new country, Singapore included, is a significant journey, and the community at SJI International Elementary School understands this well. Many of our staff and existing families have navigated similar transitions, making them invaluable resources for newcomers. We foster a vibrant and welcoming environment where new families can easily connect with others through our Parent Support Groups and regular parent coffee mornings. These provide a space to share experiences, gain insights into local life, and build lasting friendships, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition into school life and beyond.
490 Thomson Road
6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg
SJI International High School
Founded: 2007
Number of students: Over 1,300
Nationalities: Over 40
Grades: Grades 7 to 12 (13 to 18 years)
Dates: January to December
Location: The High School shares the same campus as the Elementary School (above).
A word from the team
What curriculums are taught at the school?
IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme.
Are there opportunities for learning Mandarin?
In all Grades, we offer Chinese on three different pathways – as a first, second or foreign language – according to our students’ varying needs. Within each pathway, students are placed in ability sets best suited for their level of language competency.
What support do you offer to families relocating to Singapore?
Families quickly discover the warmth and strength of our school community. This is an embodiment of one of our core values, Community. Many of our families and staff have themselves relocated to Singapore – they’re always ready to share experiences and offer support. Our active Parent Support Groups and regular parent coffee mornings provide natural opportunities to connect, gather advice, and feel part of school life. This shared understanding creates a welcoming, empathetic environment where new families are supported and quickly feel at home living in Singapore.
490 Thomson Road
6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg
Singapore American School
Founded: 1956
Number of students: 4,034
Nationalities: Over 70 different nationalities
Grades: Pre-Nursery to Grade 12
Dates: August to June
Location: In Woodlands in the north region of Singapore. It’s near to Marsiling MRT station and close to several bus stops.
A word from the team
What curriculums are taught at the school?
The American curriculum.
Are there opportunities for learning Mandarin?
We host daily world language classes and also run our Chinese Immersion program from preschool to fifth grade.
What support do you offer to families relocating to Singapore?
We offer a variety of supports for incoming families including counsellor-led orientation sessions, PTA organised “buddy families”, and a week-long programme called Jumpstart, specifically designed to help kids make friends, learn the school, and feel settled before their first day.
40 Woodlands Street 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
Finding a spot in a Singapore international school
Given the strength and reputation of the school system in Singapore, some parents in Hong Kong worry that there might not be any places for their kids.
A few schools are always in high demand and are extremely competitive. However, local citizens generally don’t attend international schools so the schools have seats for expats to fill.
Another factor is the growth in the number of international schools in Singapore; new ones seem to open every year. While local education is also an option, with fees considerably lower than their international counterparts, there are some fairly strict admission obstacles for expats to get around.
It’s really about finding the best fit. That means doing your research and asking lots of questions before moving. If you’re not sure what to ask, read on!
Key factors to consider when shortlisting Singapore international schools
There are some obvious topics that parents will have questions about when starting their research. Fees is one. Common queries include, “How much are they?” “Do they increase every year?” and “Are they all-inclusive?” A school’s age and reputation is another. Many families want to know how long a school has been around, and also where the teachers are from and how experienced they are.
For a deeper dive into whether or not a school might be right for you and your family, you could also consider the following checklist of questions.
10 things to ask
- What is the curriculum, and will it suit my child’s educational needs and the future plans of our family? Finding the right fit with the curriculum can help minimise the impact of moving country and school.
- Where is the school located? Is it a manageable commute to the campus from home? What are public transport links like?
- What are class sizes like, and is there a high teacher-to-child ratio?
- What is the language programme at the school? Is there a compulsory second language, and is this an experience that will benefit my child?
- What kind of extracurricular opportunities are offered as a balance to my child’s academic studies and to help widen his or her educational experience?
- Can parents get involved at the school? This can be a great way to meet new people and also become a part of the community.
- What are the school facilities like for educational, sporting and cultural pursuits?
- What kinds of school excursions are offered? Might there be opportunities for visits to foreign countries for volunteering and community engagement? What about excursions on a local level?
- Does the term calendar vary from our previous school in Hong Kong? When does school start, and when are the holidays?
- What are the school’s methods of communication with parents? Can we follow newsletters and social media outlets to see our children’s learning experiences and hear school news?
Want to know more about schools in Singapore?
The Expat Living Singapore website has comprehensive guides to preschools and schools in Singapore. You’ll also find reviews from families, and features on campus facilities, extracurricular activities, specific subjects and sports programmes at Singapore international schools. In addition, if you’re planning on relocating here, there are loads of articles all about the process!
Not thinking about relocating to Singapore? You can also find features about Hong Kong schools in our Kids section.
