Relocating to Singapore with your family is an exciting new chapter and a rewarding opportunity. With its consistently high rankings in global quality of life indices, excellent healthcare and safe environment, this vibrant island nation offers a popular and desirable destination for expats seeking a new life for themselves and their children. Singapore is also known for its highly regarded educational landscape with over 60 international schools, each with its own unique offerings, programmes and educational philosophies. For expat families, choosing the right international school in Singapore is an important decision that impacts your family routines, lifestyle, and future. This guide will help you navigate the selection process by considering the following factors:
Choosing an International School in Singapore - An Expat Family Guide
Location & Accessibility
Photo Credit: The Transport Enthusiast DC on Unsplash (Left) and Euan Cameron on Unsplash (Right)
Singapore has one of the most efficient and affordable public transport systems in the world, with an extensive network of buses and trains covering most of the island. This makes getting around easy and convenient, even without a car. Private hire and taxis are also readily accessible with the local Taxi service, ComfortDelGro, and various ride-sharing platforms like Grab, Gojek and Tada, to name a few.
With that said, choosing an international school in Singapore near your new home is helpful as it will significantly reduce your family’s commute time. Nexus International School (Singapore) is a prime example, with easy access to 2 MRT stations and a bus stop close by. This convenient location minimises travel time, allowing your child to focus on their studies and enjoy a wide range of extracurricular activities.
The school is one of the few international schools near the CBD and in the popular East Coast area, known for East Coast Park’s restaurants, cafés, shaded jogging and cycling paths, and outdoor activities like waterskiing.
You can find more information about public transportation by checking out SMRT and SBS to find out bus and train routes, fares and other details.
A Diverse Community
Moving to a new country offers valuable opportunities to explore different cultures and embrace diversity. It’s a chance for your whole family to learn and grow, broadening your horizons and preparing you for an increasingly interconnected world. Singapore itself is a melting pot of cultures, offering a truly enriching environment with its multi-cultural identity and an expat population making up almost 20% of the total residents.
As the specific cultural makeup of each school can vary greatly, it’s important to choose an international school in Singapore that reflects the diversity you value. For example, Nexus has families from more than 60 nationalities, with no one exceeding 20% of the whole school population. The diverse learner body and faculty create an inclusive and vibrant environment that nurtures learners who appreciate different perspectives and develop a global mindset. At some international schools, you may find a larger concentration of a particular nationality, especially if the school has a country affiliation.
Curriculum and Academic Programmes
Choosing a suitable academic programme that fits your child’s needs is a big step in easing the transition to a new country. Here are some curricula and frameworks that you may come across while browsing international schools:
International Baccalaureate Programme (IB)
The IB is a widely recognised programme that is offered in over 160 countries, making it a great curriculum option for families who may relocate frequently. If you anticipate moving to a different country in the future, the IB’s transferable curriculum provides a consistent foundation for your child’s education. Nexus International School (Singapore) offers the IB programme, including the PYP, MYP, and IBDP, which are known for their rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking. Its problem-solving and inquiry-based learning philosophy aligns perfectly with our school’s holistic approach to education.
The American Curriculum
This curriculum follows US-based standards, offering opportunities for Advanced Placement (AP) courses and preparation for the SAT. The American curriculum is known for its flexibility and emphasis on a broad range of subjects. It typically includes core subjects along with electives for high school learners that allow them to explore their interests in greater depth.
The British Curriculum
International Schools that follow the British curriculum offer internationally recognised qualifications such as the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGSCE) at age 16 and A-Levels at age 18. These academic programmes allow learners to specialise in fewer subjects as they progress through high school. Nexus also offers the IGCSE in Years 10 and Year 11 as it prepares learners for the academic demands of the IBDP.
University Preparation and Future Readiness
If you have older children, you should consider how a school prepares its learners for higher education and future career pathways. This guidance is crucial as discoveries around careers and interests will allow your child to explore relevant courses and subjects during their final years of schooling. To find out more, you can reach out to the school or explore their website to find out more about the university and careers counselling programmes and resources. This will give you a better understanding of the kind of support your child will receive.
At Nexus, careers and university guidance begins in Year 9. Here, learners explore their aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, and likes and dislikes. By engaging in this self-reflection, Nexus learners shape their academic and career paths early on and try different things. When they progress to Years 12 and 13, learners work with the careers and university guidance team as they delve into the details of university destinations and application processes applicable to various university systems from the US to Europe, Asia and beyond. Nexus also brings its learners to various university fairs, campuses and expos, including hosting an on-campus careers fair where industry experts share their experiences and insights. This support has led many Nexus learners to progress to leading institutions in the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia and Asia.
A Nexus International School education opens pathways to top universities worldwide, with learners progressing to leading institutions in the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australasia, and Asia.
Comprehensive Co-Curricular Activities Opportunities
Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) are a great way for your child to continue the hobbies and passions they had before the big move. This can help them feel more at home and make new friends.
Alongside continuing existing hobbies, choosing an international school in Singapore with a wide range of CCAs offers your child more opportunities to explore new interests and gain new skills. If your child is keen on honing a specific passion, finding a school that offers that particular activity at a high standard is a huge win. For example, if they are interested in:
Sports: Look for schools with world-class facilities and participation in competitive leagues.
Art and Music: Consider schools with strong performing arts programmes and modern facilities.
STEM: Find schools with advanced labs and robotic programmes that can nurture interests in science and technology.
Nexus offers over 115 co-curricular activities, catering to diverse interests and passions. The school is furnished with state-of-the-art facilities like an Olympic-sized pool, two sports halls, a double-storey auditorium, a mega lab, and so much more, to support the wide variety of activities it offers. Getting involved in CCAs helps learners create a balanced lifestyle along with academics, improving mental well-being and supporting their personal growth.
How to Choose the Right International School: A Checklist
With over 60 options, choosing an international school in Singapore will be a big decision for the whole family as you consider all the points discussed above. To summarise it into a quick list, here’s the process that an average expat family will go through:
- Research thoroughly using school websites and educational forums.
- Consider logistical and financial preferences, if any
- Evaluate the school’s academic and co-curricular offerings and compare them against your child’s specific needs and interests
- Attend open days and school tours to get a feel of the environment.
- Speak with current parents and learners if possible (School visits are great for this)
- Reach out to the admissions team for any resources or information you need before you make your final decision
By carefully considering these factors and visiting the schools that resonate with your family’s values, you can find the perfect educational fit for your child in Singapore.
To learn more about Nexus, book a tour today or contact our admissions team for more information!
