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.
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. |
Formally, most preschools in Singapore would cater to children 3-6 years old for 2 years of nursery and 2 years of kindergarten:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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 $1,080/month (half day), S$1,480 /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 via Google Maps
Full list of MapleBear locations.
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)
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.
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 enroll 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.
Pedagogy: Reggio Emilia
School fees: From $741.20/month
Full list of E-Bridge Pre-School locations.
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 $2,140.57/month (half day), from $2,412.10/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.
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.
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.
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 $540/month (half day), from $680/month (full day)
Full list of Carpe Diem locations.
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
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 $2,182/month
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
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 $2,050/month
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.
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.
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
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 $1,558/month (half day) | from $1,758/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.
Image adapted from: The Schoolhouse Singapore
Formerly known as Pat’s Schoolhouse, The Schoolhouse Singapore has a curriculum focused on more than just academics with blocks of time set for your child to learn other useful life skills like cooking. Kids will also be able to take a dip into the arts world with drama, music and arts and craft learning experiences.
Image credit: @theschoolhouse.sg via Instagram
This 30-year-old school also has developed a unique bilingual programme where classes are done in both English and Mandarin.
Pedagogy: Bilingual
School fees: From $1,822.43/month
The Schoolhouse Singapore review: “Amazing safe haven for my little ones. For me, it’s less about the facilities but more about the people, teachers, educators, staff, and principal, who are all excellent and loving and nurturing. Every place is going to have sick kids and outbreaks, but it’s the quality of the people working there that sets this place apart. You can tell they work from their hearts and really love the kids.” – Christelle
Full list of The Schoolhouse Singapore locations.
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:
Image adapted from (clockwise from top left): White Lodge, LeClare, The Caterpillar’s Cove, EtonHouse
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