Local Vs International Schools Singapore: What Expats Should Know
It is a common question in the mind of expat parents, “Should I send my children to a local school or an international school in Singapore?”. International schools have become extremely popular in the country as they provide a global and well-rounded education.
Fortunately, expats living in Singapore have some excellent private/international schools to choose from.
You can rest assured knowing that your children will be taught well, just like in your home country or even better. Read on to learn more about Local vs International schools in Singapore.
Are International Schools in Singapore Really Worth It?
As an expat parent, you need to ensure that your child receives the best education in Singapore.
Although local public schools have a lot to offer, private schools follow an international curriculum that is more holistic and focuses on global learning. They allow your child to excel in more than just academics.
An international school will provide diverse curriculum choices, ensuring the best educational experience for your kid. Hence, international schools are worth the cost.
They help provide your child with a competitive advantage by focusing on student development.
Besides focusing on academic excellence, they also allow your child to excel in extracurricular activities, sports, leadership skills, skill-based activities, community care, and artistic skills.
What Is It Like Attending An International School?
There are more than 40 private/international schools in Singapore, and each school aims to provide a world-class education.
Here are some things that you can expect when you send your child to an international school.
- A strong focus on internationalism and global learning
- An international and holistic curriculum
- A focus on sports, arts, and extracurricular activities
- A greater degree of autonomy
- An international team of teachers dedicated to helping your child succeed in the world and beyond
- A lower teacher-to-student ratio for ensuring that your child receives more attention
- Modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology
- Priority placement for foreigners and expats
- A wider choice for learning a second or third language
How Does Education in Singapore Compare to the USA or England?
Singapore is a model example of how far a country can go if it educates its citizens. It is home to some of the best schools in the world.
Boasting a literacy rate of 97%, its primary and secondary students have some of the highest scores in international education tests.
Although the country might be tiny in size, its students perform well in mathematics, science, and reading.
The only reason Singapore has been able to achieve everything is quality education.
It invests heavily in education and provides an abundance of learning opportunities. Hence, students in Singapore perform much better than their counterparts in the USA or England.
Parents can rely on international schools to provide their children with better learning opportunities, so they may find a broader range of options when they graduate. Besides, international schools make it easy for your child to shift to a school in another country.
Singapore has been at the top of international performance tables regarding how children perform. This high ranking explains why it is a top-performing country.
5 Differences Between Education in Singapore Compared to the USA or England
1. More focus on Problem-Solving Skills and the Teaching of Specific Subjects
Creative work and project work have been critical to the success of Singapore’s school system.
Classes equip students with knowledge in specific subjects and problem-solving skills.
The main objective of the curriculum is to ensure that students possess practical skills and knowledge to take on real-world challenges.
The country even introduced the ‘Teach Less and Learn More’ strategy for inspiring teachers to improve the quality of education.
2. More of a Priority
Education is a priority in Singapore. Ever since the country became independent, it has focused heavily on education and has gone on to become a world leader.
The government fully supports education and has created an ecosystem to truly thrive. The ideals of meritocracy, or those with the best ideas, have been fundamental for its development.
Creativity and innovation are highly encouraged from the state level, and lifelong learning is emphasised in Singapore.
Furthermore, the school system undergoes continuous reforms to meet the highest international standards. Thus, the education scene matches the interests and abilities of students.
3. More Inclusive Culture
Parents continue to play a huge role in children’s education in Singapore.
Children are praised for their effort instead of inherited intelligence. They are also held accountable for strategic thinking and success.
It is also common for kids to take extra classes to succeed. They use online tuition platforms like Easylore.
4. Accountable System
Teachers are the backbone of the Singaporean education system.
Only the top 5% of graduates are targeted by the government to undergo training. In fact, the prestige that comes with teaching in Singapore makes it an attractive profession.
Each school in the country has a high-quality task force that comprises only the brightest minds. Unlike American teachers that are underpaid, Singaporean teachers are paid quite well and do not need to work an extra job to make ends meet.
5. Precise Education Goals
Lastly, Singapore has precise education goals that help ensure that every student is on the right path.
By setting desired results of education, students know what is expected of them, and they strive to exceed expectations.
High levels of participation and preparation are also instrumental to academic success. Policies are implemented with these precise education goals in mind.
What’s the School Calendar for International Schools in Singapore?
When you consider Local vs International Schools, you will come to realise that international schools have greater autonomy for deciding their academic year.
The most common international school calendar in Singapore is from August to July. This timing corresponds with the academic calendar of schools in the Northern Hemisphere. Read here for a detailed list of holidays dates for each international school.
How Much Does A Private School Cost In Singapore?
The cost of private schools in Singapore is higher since they do not receive any government subsidies. However, the fees help fund sports, arts, leadership, extracurricular, and language lessons.
You should expect to pay anywhere from S$13,000 to S$47,000 a year (approx. USD10,000 to USD35,000) in international school fees in Singapore.
On top of this, you would also have to pay one-time fees such as registration and application fees.
The exact cost will depend on the school you select and the curriculum it follows.
What Is The Most Expensive Private School in Singapore?
The most expensive private school in Singapore is Dulwich College. It was established over 400 years ago and charges around S$47,000 in annual tuition fees.
The school offers holistic, experiential learning to help your child discover their unique potential.
Children from the age of 2 years old can start studying at the institute. They can learn at their senior school until they are 18 years old.
Dulwich College provides a collaborative environment that focuses on innovation to offer an international outlook.
What Is The Most Prestigious School in Singapore?
Raffles Institution is considered the most prestigious school in Singapore (based on their 2021 PSLE scores). You can see a complete list here.
Founded in 1823, it is the leading pre-tertiary education institution. It provides the ultimate platform to students to help them excel in lifelong learning.
Can Expats Go To A Local School?
Although expat parents can try to send their kids to a local school in Singapore, there are higher barriers to entry.
The country gives priority to its citizens.
That’s why international students must have a backup plan if they don’t want to end up on the waitlist.
Besides, foreigners cannot just solicit any local school. The Ministry of Education has a quota for allocating international students.
Moreover, studying at a local school is more stringent for expats.
Admission is only provided based on the number of vacancies and if your child meets the school’s criteria.
Can Singaporeans Go To An International School?
While international schools provide an effortless admission process for expatriates, it is more difficult for Singaporean citizens to attend.
This is because they need a special dispensation from the Ministry of Education. Therefore, Singaporeans will need to seek the Ministry of Education to state their case.
On the other hand, expats should have no trouble getting their kids admitted to an international school. The admission team at the international school will provide all the guidance you need to get your child accepted. Therefore, expat families only need to focus on researching what the international school offers. This includes infrastructure, prices, teaching staff, location, and curriculum.
Summary
Singapore’s local and international schools play a vital role in developing our youth into fearless learners and leaders. They hold one another accountable through friendly competition and innovation.
Local is a great option here in Singapore. However, when it just seems easier for expatriate children to study the same program as in their own country, then international schools provide this seamless experience.
