Best preschools in Singapore
Organic food, weekly nature walks, and ocean-themed sensory rooms – you probably didn’t have these during your time as a kid. But preschools now are pretty on the ball with various education systems to children a good head start in their early years.
For all the mommies and daddies out there, here’s a list of the most popular preschools in Singapore, complete with an explanation on their teaching programmes.
*Some reviews have been edited for length and clarity
**School fees are subject to change.
Table of Contents
- Best preschools in Singapore
- What are the different preschool pedagogies in Singapore?
- When should I enrol my child for preschool in Singapore?
- When is MOE Kindergarten registration?
- 1. Brighton Montessori
- 2. The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees
- 3. MapleBear
- 4. Mahota Preschool
- 5. The Little Skool-House
- 6. E-Bridge Pre-School
- 7. EtonHouse
- 8. MindChamps
- 9. Kiddiwinkie Schoolhouse
- 10. Carpe Diem Preschool
- 11. Invictus International Preschool
- 12. Blue House Infant & Toddlers Atelier
- 13. House on the Hill
- 14. Children’s Cove
- 15. LeClare Preschool
- 16. Emile Preschool
What are the different preschool pedagogies in Singapore?
You’ve probably heard of Montessori and maybe even Reggio Emilia talk among parents signing their kids up for preschool. These are just examples of the various pedagogies available at preschools in Singapore. We break down the different types and which one you should sign your child up for:
| Pedagogy | Features | Best For |
| Montessori |
|
Kids who are naturally showing signs of independence and curiosity. |
| Reggio Emilia |
|
Children who are expressive or those who may need help developing social skills. |
| Waldorf/Steiner |
|
Children who enjoy playing pretend, and parents who want to limit screentime overall. |
| Play-Based |
|
Active and energetic kids who learn best through hands-on experiences. |
| Traditional |
|
Parents who want kids to be well-prepared for formal education in Singapore. |
| Bilingual/Language-Focused |
|
Parents who want a strong foundation in their mother tongue for their kids. |
| Inquiry-Based |
|
Naturally-inquisitive kids, and for parents with plans to enrol children in IB schools in the future. |
| Right-Brain Training (Heguru method) |
|
Parents who want children to develop cognitive skills beyond rote memorisation and academic learning. |
When should I enrol my child for preschool in Singapore?
Formally, most preschools in Singapore would cater to children 3-6 years old for 2 years of nursery and 2 years of kindergarten:
- N1 – Child turns 3 in that year.
- N2 – Child turns 4 in that year.
- K1 – Child turns 5 in that year.
- K2 – Child turns 6 in that year.
However, many preschools also cater to kids as young as 18 months in pre-nursery programmes to develop some motor skills.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in an MOE Kindergarten (MK), note that only K1 and K2 classes are available, with your choice between 2 4-hour sessions from 8am-12pm, and 1pm-5pm. Full-day childcare services are available at all MKs at an additional cost. MK is currently only offered at PCF Sparkletots and NTUC First Campus’ My First Skool.
When is MOE Kindergarten registration?
For kids entering K1 in 2026, registration will open from 9am, 7th February 2025 to 4pm, 17th February 2025 on the MOE Kindergarten website. Do note that to qualify for registration, your child should be a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident (PR), and is born between 2nd January 2021 and 1st January 2022. You’re only allowed to register your child at 1 MK. Multiple applications will be rejected and the latest submission will only be considered.
Places for MOE Kindergarten are competitive, and there is a priority order (PO) for admission:
- PO1: ⅓ of spaces reserved for Singaporean children from households earning less than $4,500/month or per capita income not exceeding $1,125/month. Must live within 1km of MK.
- PO2: Singaporean and PR children with siblings already in an MK or enrolled in primary school in Singapore.
- PO3: All Singaporean children, with special consideration for children of MK or primary school staff.
- PO4: All PR children.
Balloting will be done if a preschool is oversubscribed and considers citizenship and the distance between your residential address and the MK. Kids are prioritised in this order:
- <500m from MK.
- Between 500m – 1km of MK.
- >1km from MK.
Application results will be posted by 15th April 2025 via email. There will be a stipulated deadline as to when you must accept or reject the offer in the outcome email.
If your child is not accepted into MK, you can contact your school of choice directly to be placed on the waitlist. If not, you may want to consider enrolling your child in other preschools in Singapore.
1. Brighton Montessori
Independent development & child-centred learning
Image adapted from: Brighton Montessori
Brighton Montessori is one of the top private preschools in Singapore, with a diverse approach to childcare focused on independent and experiential learning. They have a host of unique programmes within their developed 5 Montessori subject curricula – Practical Life Skills, Sensorial Exercises, Language, Mathematics, and Cultural Studies. These are conducted through creative and enriching hands-on activities where children can discover various skills and modalities of learning.
A key approach to their education method is emphasising child-centred independent learning, where children are stimulated to be curious and choose their activity to explore. With attentive teachers acting as guides, your children will proactively engage with their surroundings while being able to progress at their own pace.
Pedagogy: Individualised, hands-on approach through experiential learning
School fees: From 1,994.70/month (child full day), $2,528.80/month (infant full day)
Brighton Montessori Mountbatten review: “What sets Montessori apart is the emphasis on practical life skills. From pouring their juice to cleaning up after themselves, children are encouraged to take ownership of their actions. This not only instills a sense of responsibility but also enhances fine and gross motor skills. Witnessing my child confidently tackle daily tasks has been immensely rewarding.” – Ayaan Sameer via Google
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Full list of Brighton Montessori locations.
Register your child for Brighton Montessori.
2. The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees
Bilingual immersion & integrated creative curriculum
Image adapted from: The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees
For 35 years, The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees has been educating and nurturing young minds with their inquiry-based approach to learning. Combined with their multiple literacy curricula, they value holistic education, where children are encouraged to understand and connect with their culture and surroundings.
As part of their pedagogical approach, English and Mandarin educators partner together to help children foster a meaningful relationship with language and learning in their everyday lives. The comprehensive bilingual curriculum is supported by their methods of creative inquiry-based play and their Orff-Schulwerk Music Approach, where children learn about music by creating and improvising it themselves.
Pedagogy: Bilingual & inquiry-embedded play
School fees: From $1,798.50/month (half day), $2,158.20/month (full day)
The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees Gentle Road review: “The children’s classrooms are imaginatively designed with many opportunities for the children to explore and learn, and I even find myself drawn to the creative play stations that the teachers have painstakingly spent time to create and set up. The support staff are equally competent, and The Schoolhouse Gentle Road has an onsite chef who prepares the children’s meals fresh every day. I have always felt reassured and confident leaving my children in their hands.” – Jane Cheong via Google
Full list of The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees locations.
Register your child for The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees.
3. MapleBear
Canadian-inspired teaching style
MapleBear Bukit Timah.
Image credit: MapleBear
With more than 50 preschools dotted all around Singapore, MapleBear merges the Canadian dynamic methodology with a locally developed curriculum designed to develop your little tot’s social, emotional, motor, language, and cultural skills.
Pedagogy: Bilingual
School fees: From $1,450/month (half day), S$2,000 /month(full day)
MapleBear Review: “Love the personal touch the centre gives to us. It’s a place of education and also a second home for our child. He is always looking forward to going to school everyday. Teachers and management are super attentive. Attention to details is what we sought after. The centre has definitely done that. If you like a holistic and warm approach to education, come to this school to have a look.” – Shi YingYing
Full list of MapleBear locations.
4. Mahota Preschool
Nature-based curriculum with farming sessions
Image credit: Mahota Preschool
Sometimes, learning is best done outside of the classroom. For a good dose of outdoor activity, enrol your child in Mahota Preschool. The curriculum here is nature-based – with farming and cooking sessions, and weekly nature walks for your young one.
Image credit: Mahota Preschool via Facebook
To complete the health and wellness-based curriculum, the school also has daily health checkups upon arrival, exercise sessions, and healthy organic meals.
Academics wise, Mahota focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and executes it through hands-on learning.
Pedagogy: Play-based
School fees: From $1,800/month (full day)
5. The Little Skool-House
Bilingual literacy-based curriculum
Image credit: Little Skool-House
Strong grasps on both English and Mandarin is a huge advantage. So if you want your little tot to start off on the right foot, consider Little Skool-House. Your child will be taught using stories, and they’ll also try their hand at things you wouldn’t expect them to do at that age, like conducting experiments or creating their own Chinese plays.
Image credit: Little Skool-House
You can find available in-house centres at notable institutions like the Ministry of Education and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where Little Skool-House is the preschool of choice amongst folks who work there. Apart from that, they’ve also got 8 dedicated centres all over the island, so you can definitely find one at a spot that’s convenient for you and your child.
Pedagogy: Bilingual
School fees: From $2,300/month (before subsidies)
Little Skool-House review: “Anya represented her class and won first prize at Primary One level. All this would not have been possible without a solid foundation created at The Little Skool-House.” – Parents of Anya Wong, age 8
Full list of Little Skool-House locations.
6. E-Bridge Pre-School
Also emphasises developing healthy habits & character building
Getting your kids to learn their ABCs and 123s is a must at any preschool. But if you also want your children to grow up socially-adjusted, then enrol them in E-Bridge Pre-School.
Image credit: E-Bridge Pre-School
Part of their curriculum comprises developing emotional intelligence, such as how to identify and manage feelings in themselves and others, nurturing a positive attitude, and even fostering their own self-worth. This is done through activities in class with a teacher, but parents are also expected to bring that teaching home by intentionally engaging with their children.
Image credit: E-Bridge Pre-School
Kids also get schooled in physical development with lessons on health, hygiene, and nutrition. Lessons are held both indoors and outdoors, giving children a chance to practice what they’ve learned through interactions in the real world. For families with a monthly household income of $6,000 or below, the school offers priority enrolment as well.
Pedagogy: Reggio Emilia
School fees: From $697.60/month
Full list of E-Bridge Pre-School locations.
7. EtonHouse
More than 20 years of experience in Singapore
EtonHouse Thomson Preschool and Primary School.
Image credit: EtonHouse
With a longstanding 20 years in Singapore, international education group EtonHouse has a good rep among locals. The preschool follows the Reggio Emilia approach where children undergo self-directed, experiential learning where the lessons evolve based on student responses.
EtonHouse at Claymore.
Image credit: EtonHouse
If you are looking for language programmes other than English and Mandarin, EtonHouse offers 7 different language programs including Malay, Hindi and Spanish.
Pedagogy: Reggio Emilia
School fees: From $2,234.76/month (half day), from $2,483.29/month (full day)
EtonHouse Review: “My son went to EtonHouse. He loved every day spent in the school. The inquiry approach is fantastic. It helped him develop his confidence and encouraged him to ask questions which I feel are the most important traits in pre-school.” – Parentfirst
Full list of EtonHouse locations.
8. MindChamps
Structured, academic-oriented approach
With close to 40 locations spread across our little island, MindChamps is a name that probably rings a bell with most people. With a structured, academic-focused programme, this system is good for those who want their kids to have a head start in their studies.
Pedagogy: Traditional & bilingual
School fees: From $2,205/month (half day), from $2,405/month (full day)
MindChamps review: “I notice that most of the students in MindChamps are more mature compared to other children in the same age group. Most strangers are surprised by my child’s speech, proactive behaviour and friendly attitude towards strangers.” – JY2011
Full list of MindChamps locations.
9. Kiddiwinkie Schoolhouse
Experiential & investigative learning
Image credit: Kiddiwinkie
Kiddiwinkie Schoolhouse is all about experiential learning through outdoor play – one to look out for if you want your kids to get a healthy dose of sun and sweat every day.
With several awards under their belt for their curriculum, they offer unique programmes – like Vitamin C to develop moral values, and Playtinkers which provides hands-on activities for children to explore the sciences and math.
Pedagogy: Play-based
School fees: From $1,700 (half day), from $1,900 (full day)
Kiddiwinkie Schoolhouse review: “I’m absolutely pleased with the lovely environment of the school, the standard of teachers, and the level of care that they provide. We have weekly updates consolidated and sent out by the teachers. They also send out weekly activity schedules beforehand, so that parents know what the children will be going through.” – yc_mw
Full list of Kinddiewinkie Schoolhouse locations.
10. Carpe Diem Preschool
Strong bilingual focus
Image credit: Early Childhood Development Agency
Carpe Diem is another one of the most renowned preschools around – especially when it comes to their bilingual curriculum.The kids here are immersed in an environment structured to help them master English and Mandarin.
On top of that, the school has unique learning corners such as a Shakespeare Literacy Corner and Beethoven Music Corner for children to develop in areas beyond academics.
Pedagogy: Inquiry-based
School fees: From $510/month (half day), from $680/month (full day)
Full list of Carpe Diem locations.
11. Invictus International Preschool
Play-centric learning
Invictus International Preschool has a curriculum based on a mix of education systems from countries like the United States, Australia and UK. What’s more, they are known for their learning environment that encourages active learning through a hands-on approach.
Pedagogy: Play & inquiry-based
School fees: From $1,925/month
Invictus International Preschool review: “We are very happy with the progress that [our daughter] has made at Invictus International Preschool Grandeur Park. Her social and communications skills have improved by leaps and bounds in the last few months. As this was her first school experience, we were a bit apprehensive, but with the love, care, and engagement shown by her teachers she adapted to school life quickly. She looks forward to going to school to be with her friends (even on weekends).” – Jaya and Vikas
12. Blue House Infant & Toddlers Atelier
With flexible parent-child play sessions
Image credit: Blue House Atelier
Spacious and brightly lit, Blue House is more than just your regular preschool. Other than the regular classes, the school has Drop In sessions where you can pop by for flexible play sessions with your child.
Image credit: Infant and Toddler Atelier via Facebook
Programme wise, Blue House follows the child-directed Reggio Emilia approach where kids will be trained to be independent learners. Classes include messy play, drama, and music, and are conducted in both their indoor and outdoor areas.
Pedagogy: Reggio Emmilia
School fees: From $7,178/12-week term (half day), from $8,741/12-week term (full day)
Blue House Infant & Toddlers Atelier review: “Nowhere in Singapore have I found an opportunity for my child to play with such a range of materials, which was a fascinating experience for him. We’ve enjoyed classes, drop in sessions and birthday parties guided over the two and half years.” – Rita Grewal
13. House on the Hill
Montessori education in a peaceful space
Image credit: House on the Hill
Set in a historical conservation building, House On The Hill offers a private, peaceful environment where your kid will undergo the Montessori model of education – essentially self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play.
Image credit: House on the Hill
The school is affiliated with Nienhuis Montessori, one of the most renowned of its kind in Europe. Like all schools adopting the Montessori model, classes here are mixed aged so your child will be able to play and interact with both older and younger children.
Pedagogy: Montessori
School fees: From $1,950/month (half day), from $2,300/month (full day)
House on the Hill review: “Many people asked me why my son eats vegetables and whole grains. After preschool, his classmates were amazed by his Science knowledge and he always scored between 90-95% in Math. He also never has issues with English and speaks fluently.” – Leon Tan’s Mommy
Full list of House on the Hill locations.
14. Children’s Cove
With parent involvement opportunities
Image credit: Children’s Cove
If you are looking to spend more time with your tots while they are in school, Children’s Cove is for you. There are many opportunities here for you to have quality time with your kids during school time – from day trips to farms to designing a class activity.
Image credit: Children’s Cove
Classes here are research-based, where kids learn via exploration and experimentation though both outdoor and indoor classes.
Pedagogy: Inquiry-based
School fees: From $1,620/month
Full list of Children’s Cove locations.
15. LeClare Preschool
With in-house music and arts specialists
Image credit: LeClare
For those who want their kid to hone their musical and artistic talent, LeClare has all the resources needed. On its grounds are a fully stocked art atelier with easels and pottery tools, as well as a music studio with guitars, pianos and drums. Plus, in-house specialists will be there to facilitate the classes.
Image credit: LeClare
After sessions of creative lessons, the kids will also be able to get some physical activity and social interaction at the preschool’s rooftop Adventure Park, a large and private open-air wooden playground.
Pedagogy: Reggio Emilia
School fees: From $1,900/month
LeClare Preschool review: “Do not let the fact that they’re in a shopping mall or have a playground in a car park fool you. It has by far one of the best facilities I saw. – Joanna Cook
16. Emile Preschool
With international brain-training resources
Image credit: Emile Preschool
Emile Preschool was started by local professionals from NTU and NUS. Learning tools here are partly sourced from international education channels like National Geographic Kids and Oxford Reading Trees. They also take brain-training programmes from countries like Germany, Japan and Taiwan to give your child a greater head start to Primary School education.
Lunches here are both healthy and adorably designed.
Image credit: Emile Preschool
Pedagogy: Inquiry-based
School fees: From $1,988/month (half day) | from $2,188/month (full day)
Emile Preschool review: “The teachers, principal and founder are very caring and patient. They listen to the parents’ concerns and help the children progress. They also provide a healthy organic diet.” – Valerie Lim
Full list of Emile Preschool locations.
Popular preschools in Singapore with the best facilities
Having a little one is no easy feat, so make sure you start getting your planning done early. With word going around that parents are applying for slots in advance, you gotta make sure that you chope these highly coveted spots fast.
For more kiasu parenting tips, check out our article here.
Also check out:
- Family-friendly things to do with kids in Singapore
- Guide to having a baby in Singapore
- Kid-friendly Singapore libraries
This article contains partial partnership content. However, all opinions are ours.
Cover image adapted from: White Lodge, LeClare, The Caterpillar’s Cove, EtonHouse
Last updated by Adriel Ang & Ariel Soh on 12th June 2025.