Choosing the right school for your child can be a significant decision, especially when relocating to a new country and navigating the options available in international education. In Singapore, you can feel confident in the exceptional quality of education provided across its many outstanding international schools.
As you begin your search, it’s essential to reflect on your child’s unique strengths and potential, along with your family’s values and financial considerations. With these factors in mind, you can evaluate schools based on their educational offerings, teaching styles, and how well they align with your child’s needs and aspirations.
By taking the time to select the right school, you help your child settle in smoothly, allowing them to focus on adapting to their new environment and thriving in their learning journey. Use this checklist to guide your assessment of international schools in Singapore or any other location you may be considering.
1. Check the School’s Curriculum and Programs
When choosing the right school for your child, consider how your culture, their academic interests, and the duration of your stay in Singapore can influence your decision. If language learning and multilingual education are important to your family, look for schools that provide a multilingual education. For students aiming to attend prestigious universities, consider institutions that offer a robust college counseling program and internationally recognized curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and Business and Technical Education Council (BTEC) frameworks.
By thoughtfully evaluating these factors, you can find a school that not only meets your child’s educational needs but also supports their aspirations.
2. Consider the Location and Accessibility
Singapore boasts an excellent public transportation system, but like any city, it can experience traffic congestion during peak hours. Choosing a school that is easily accessible by public transport can greatly ease the stress of commuting. This consideration allows your child to spend less time on the road and more time and energy focusing on their academics and extracurricular activities.
3. Look at the School’s Accreditation
Accreditation is a key factor in assessing a school’s credibility and recognition. When considering international schools in Singapore, it’s important to check for relevant accreditations from reputable organizations, such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), the Council of International Schools (CIS), and EduTrust Singapore.
Additionally, you may want to ensure that your child has access to opportunities for admission to colleges and universities worldwide, including those in your home country, if you plan to return. For example, if you’re from the United States, choosing a school that offers a US-accredited High School Diploma and aligns with frameworks like the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) and the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) could be beneficial.
4. Probe the Educator’s Profiles
In addition to the school’s accreditation, it’s important to consider the backgrounds of the educators. The quality of the teaching staff will influence your child’s academic and personal growth. Take the time to explore the teaching staff’s qualifications and experience. Schools that prioritize hiring highly qualified and experienced educators are better equipped to provide an enriching learning environment.
Moreover, schools that emphasize ongoing professional development help their educators stay current with the latest teaching practices. Knowing that your child will be taught by dedicated teachers with strong credentials and a commitment to lifelong learning can give you peace of mind that they will receive exceptional instruction and support.
5. Look into the Student-Teacher Ratio
The student-teacher ratio is an important factor that can greatly influence the quality of education your child receives. A lower ratio allows teachers to spend more time with each student, providing personalized support and guidance. To ensure your child benefits from this environment, it’s essential to ask about class sizes and classroom management across different grade levels at the schools you are considering.
Look for a school that prioritizes small class sizes, as this helps to foster strong relationships between students and their teachers. An ideal student-teacher ratio is typically 24:1 or lower, ensuring that your child receives the attention they deserve.
6. See What are the Languages that the School Supports
The language of instruction in school is crucial for educational success, personal growth, and social integration. It lays the foundation for your child’s learning and is vital for effective communication. Language significantly influences academic performance, cognitive development, and future opportunities, making it a key part of your child’s educational journey.
If language education is important to you, take the time to learn about the languages offered at the school. Inquire about the language curricula and whether bilingual programs are available to support your child’s learning needs.
7. See if the Learning Philosophy Aligns with your Values
Educational philosophies can differ greatly among schools, often shaped by the specific curricula they offer. For instance, a school that follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme emphasizes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, global awareness, and holistic development across all grade levels.
Other schools may embrace unique instructional approaches that influence the education children receive and the activities they engage in. Some might focus on fostering social-emotional skills through social programs, while others may provide experiential learning opportunities or service-learning initiatives that enhance practical skills and real-world understanding.
Each educational approach has its strengths, and not every philosophy will suit your child’s needs perfectly. The good news is that Singapore’s diverse educational landscape offers several options that can align closely with your family’s values.
8. Look Through the Extracurriculars
Extracurricular activities play a vital role in your child’s holistic development. Choosing a school that offers a diverse range of activities allows your child to explore their interests and connect with like-minded peers, which can be especially beneficial in adapting to a new environment.
Look for schools with facilities that support various activities and opportunities to participate in local and regional competitions or exchange programs. Understanding the range of extracurricular options available will help you see how your child can thrive and engage outside the classroom.
9. Check the Student Body’s Diversity
Exploring the diversity of a school’s community can help you determine if it’s the right fit for your child. A multicultural environment fosters appreciation for different perspectives, encourages open-mindedness, and nurtures empathy. By engaging in a diverse learning atmosphere, your child can develop a broader worldview that may open up exciting opportunities in the future.
10. Consider the Value Offered by the School
The character of an international school and its appeal as a vibrant learning environment go beyond just the curriculum and diversity. A school’s faculty, facilities, and commitment to non-academic areas such as music, arts, co-curricular activities, and sports all contribute significantly to shaping the educational experience. Schools with outstanding facilities can inspire students and enhance their overall learning journey.
Additionally, schools that provide a variety of non-classroom programs, including field studies and advanced extracurricular activities, create enriching environments where students can thrive. The range of amenities, programs, and student support services available can lead to variations in school fees. While cost is an important consideration, it is equally essential to evaluate the comprehensive educational experience a school provides.
11. Visit Your Prospective Schools and Assess Their Facilities
If possible, consider visiting the schools you’ve shortlisted before the school season begins. Attending open house events is a great way to explore the facilities and get a feel for the school community. For parents or guardians who cannot be in the country or whose schedules don’t allow for a personal visit, many schools offer virtual tours. These tours provide a comprehensive overview of the school’s facilities, programs, and community, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Set Your Child Up for Success By Picking the Right International School
Choosing the right international school can empower your child with the academic skills and personal growth they need to shape their future. By following this checklist, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the international schools you’ve shortlisted for your child. Since the school will play a central role in your child’s life in Singapore, it’s important to select an institution that nurtures academic growth and aligns with your family’s values and educational philosophy.
Stamford American International School stands out as a strong choice for your child’s future. With its rigorous academic programs, modern facilities, and commitment to diversity and inclusivity, Stamford American provides an environment that fosters academic excellence, holistic development, and global citizenship. By choosing Stamford American, you are laying a solid foundation for your child to thrive in an ever-changing world, making it an ideal option for international education in Singapore.
At Stamford American International School (SAIS), we are dedicated to fostering international values and maintaining high standards of academic excellence, making us a top choice for families who value global citizenship. If you’d like to learn more about what Stamford American can offer, we invite you to reach out to our admissions team. They are eager to answer your questions and share insights about the benefits of a Stamford American education. We also encourage you to schedule a tour of our campuses, allowing you and your child to explore our vibrant community and discover all that we provide.
