Guardianship

Students Living Away From Parents

Stamford American International School is committed to providing support for students who are studying and living in Singapore without a parent. Our top priority is ensuring all students reside in safe and well-supported living conditions that promote academic success and well-being. We work closely with families to ensure that all students live in safe, supportive environments that promote their well-being, health and overall success.

Please note that students under 12 years old must live with a parent to enroll at Stamford American.

For students aged 12 and older who will not live with a parent, there are three main options for Guardianship. In all cases, parents must appoint a guardian who meets the criteria outlined below and ensure the school is informed. Completion of the Guardianship Agreement Form is required.

Living With Extended Family

A student living with their maternal or parental grandparents, blood relatives, or adult siblings over the age of 21 who are permanently residing in Singapore.

Boarding

Students above the age of 12 may choose to stay with our preferred boarding partner, Oldham Hall. For more details, please visit the ACS Oldham Hall website.

Homestay

This option is for students whose parents reside permanently out of Singapore. It may involve a paid guardian or a close family friend. Parents may select a guardian who offers professional guardianship services.

Homestays are arranged by agents or guardians themselves, with different locations, services, and arrangements. We encourage parents to visit several homestays before making a decision on where to place your child.

For more information, please refer to our Guardianship FAQs.

Parents Working Away from Singapore

For parents who spend more than 10% of the school year outside of Singapore, parents must assign a live-in guardian during their absence. Students should not be left alone or in the sole care of a domestic helper.

**We recognize that there are exceptional circumstances where your family situation does not fit clearly into these categories, please contact the Guardianship Team at guardianship@sais.edu.sg to discuss further.

Guardian Criteria

Guardians must meet the following requirements:

Be over 25 years of age.
- 21 years of age if an immediate family member.
Be a Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident.
- For immediate family members, Employment Pass and Long Term Visit Pass holders will be considered.
Resides at the same address (legal domicile) as the student.
Be able to communicate effectively in English, both spoken and written.
Adhere to a limit of 6 live-in students under their care (from any school), with an additional cap of 6 boarding students.
Must be willing to work in partnership with Stamford American and comply with the school’s expectations.

We recommend families conduct background checks on guardians, to ensure there is no history of criminal records related to violence, or offenses against children and vulnerable adults.

For additional details, please refer to our Guardianship FAQs.

Temporary Absence of Parents/Guardians

When parents or guardians are temporarily absent from Singapore. Please complete and submit an in-loco parentis form to the relevant divisional office to nominate an adult to whom parental responsibility will be delegated to.

For Prospective Families

Please indicate on your application form if your child will live without a parent in Singapore.

Complete and sign a Guardianship Agreement Form during the application and enrolment process.

For Current Families

Inform the Guardianship Team via email (guardianship@sais.edu.sg) when considering a change in your child’s living arrangements, or guardian.
Basic information, living situation and guardian details will be collected. A meeting with the Guardianship Team may also be scheduled.
Complete and sign the Guardianship Agreement Form provided by the Guardianship Team.