A Parent’s Guide to the 5 Best Nursery Schools in Singapore

Need help rounding up prospects for nursery schools in Singapore? You’re in luck because we have some great recommendations we’d love for you to check out!

Most parents don’t know where to start when it comes to finding the right preschool to kickstart their child’s education, so we’re here to make things a bit easier by doing some legwork ourselves.

Here’s a quick introduction to some of the best nursery schools in Singapore!

1. Lily Valley

Lily Valley is an international preschool that’s open to children aged eighteen months to six years old, providing them with an inclusive and encouraging learning environment. It’s also a non-profit institution!

Their teaching philosophy and pedagogy is based on the Reggio Emilia approach. This means their programmes focus on experience-based learning, developing children’s skills and interests by exposing them to stimulating learning environments.

That’s why they have specialised learning ateliers designed to foster creativity, strengthen critical thinking, and build on existing knowledge.

Is your child showing an early interest in cooking or baking? There’s a space here where they can learn more about the science and techniques of food preparation!

We also appreciate that there’s a conscious effort on their end to build relationships with parents, so they get to personally participate in their child’s learning journey. 

2. Star Learners

Star Learners has been a trusted source of excellent early childhood education by many families for over 20 years – and they have numerous awards and recognitions to show for it!

As an appointed partner operator, they also have capped monthly fees to make their programmes accessible to more families. They’re a great option if you’re looking for a quality nursery school in Singapore with lower fees.

Following a literature-based curriculum, stories are at the centre of their approach. They focus on exposing children to a wide range of story books as a way to nurture an early love for reading and strengthen critical thinking skills!

3. MindChamps

As one of the largest preschool brands in Singapore, MindChamps perhaps doesn’t need further introduction.

Accessibility is a main consideration when parents look for a preschool – and that’s something they can give with their more than 30 branches across the island. Dropping off and picking up your child would be the least of your worries.

Instead of what children learn, MindChamps focuses on how children learn, which means they have the freedom to learn and explore independently whatever suits their interests, at their own pace. There isn’t any form of pressure or expectation put on them.

As a result, children develop a positive association with learning that prepares them for primary school and beyond! 

4. Shaws Preschool

For more than three decades, Shaws Preschool has been one of the most trusted names in play-based learning in Singapore – and it’s not difficult to see why!

They follow a unique play-based curriculum that incorporates life skills and executive functions, making it easier for children to develop an early passion for learning and exploration.

There won’t be a boring day at school because children get to participate in different types of play every day, such as free play, dramatic play, teacher-led play, and unstructured play. The large outdoor space will allow children to move as much as they want!

Another thing we like about this preschool is how they expose children to sports training at a young age. From basketball to cricket, children get to join in various games that can hone their athletic abilities.

5. The Odyssey

For expats in Singapore, you

 might want to check out The Odyssey. It’s a preschool that combines the Reggio Emilia with the best global teaching pedagogies over its five fully-equipped campuses.

Similar to most nursery schools in Singapore, their curriculum is designed to nurture children’s curiosity, creativity, and imagination by exposing them to fun, age-appropriate activities in and outside of the classroom.

Besides academically preparing children for primary school, one of their values is to teach young learners how to embrace diversity. They aim to build a learning community based on recognising individuality and respecting cultural differences.