As the popularity of the Lion City continues to grow, it is important for parents to pick the right international school in Singapore for their kids. In this article, we offer a comprehensive look at private schools in Singapore.
Singapore is home to a large expat community and international families, so many international schools cater to global curricula (IB, British, American, bilingual, etc.), offer strong facilities and diverse student bodies. Costs tend to be high — often among the most expensive in Asia — but many families consider it worth it for global-standard education, multicultural environment, and smooth transitions to universities worldwide. World Schools+2gess.edu.sg+2
Website: xwa.edu.sg xwa.edu.sg+1
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB — PYP, MYP, Diploma), American Standards (AERO), IGCSE also mentioned in some sources. xwa.edu.sg+1
Age / Co-education: Ages ~2–18; co-educational. itseducation.asia+1
Language / Bilingualism: Instruction in English, with a bilingual English–Mandarin programme; daily Mandarin classes, and optional French/Spanish. msmc.global+1
Tuition / Fees (2025/26):
Nursery: ~ SGD 29,000/yr xwa.edu.sg+1
Pre-K to KG2: ~ SGD 30,660 – 38,350/yr depending on grade xwa.edu.sg
Primary (Grades 1–5): ~ SGD 41,290 – 44,000/yr xwa.edu.sg+1
Grades 6–10: ~ SGD 46,460 – 50,140/yr xwa.edu.sg
Grades 11–12 (IB Diploma): ~ SGD 50,380/yr xwa.edu.sg+1
Application Fee: SGD 975; Enrolment Fee: SGD 5,668 (one-time) xwa.edu.sg+1
Additional fees may apply (transport, lunch, EAL support, extra-curriculars, etc.) HoneyKids Asia+1
Religion: None specified — appears secular / non-religious.
Summary: XCL World Academy is a relatively new but rapidly growing international school (PK–12) offering IB and American curricula — plus a bilingual English–Mandarin program. With small class sizes, dual-language support, and a mix of global-standard academics, arts, sports, and “future-ready” programmes (e.g., innovation, AI, leadership), it aims to develop globally-minded, well-rounded students. Rolling admissions are available year-round. xwa.edu.sg+2HoneyKids Asia+2
Website: nordangliaeducation.com/dcis-singapore Nord Anglia Education+1
Curriculum: British National Curriculum (EYFS, Key Stages), IGCSE (middle/secondary), and for Sixth Form (pre-university) either IBDP or BTEC. Also offers STEAM/STEM, EAL (English as Additional Language), SEN (special educational needs) support. itseducation.asia+1
Age / Co-education: 3–18 years old; co-educational. itseducation.asia+1
Tuition / Fees (2025/26):
Application Fee: SGD 850 (non-refundable) Nord Anglia Education+1
Registration (Enrolment) Fee (one-time): SGD 3,230 Nord Anglia Education
Annual tuition: varies by grade. For example: ~ SGD 29,178 for Nursery first year (before building fund), increasing up to ~ SGD 45,609/yr for Year 12–13 (Sixth Form / IBDP). msmc.global+1
Additional annual building / campus development fees may apply (~SGD 3,135) depending on grade. Nord Anglia Education+1
Religion: None specified — secular / non-religious.
Summary: Dover Court International School — founded in 1972 — is one of the more established British-style international schools in Singapore. It caters to a highly international student body (many nationalities), provides a full British/IB education from early years through to pre-university, and offers a broad curriculum including STEAM, EAL, and SEN support. For families looking for a British education with global diversity and a solid track record, DCIS remains a well-known choice. itseducation.asia+1
Website: gess.edu.sg gess.edu.sg+1
Curriculum: Offers multiple streams — English-language international programme (IB) and a German-language stream (for German-speaking expats / families), allowing students to follow either. gess.edu.sg+1
Age / Co-education: Co-educational. Covers early years to secondary (various age ranges depending on stream). gess.edu.sg+1
Tuition / Fees (2025/26): For Preschool (part-time) starting ~ SGD 28,000/yr, up to ~ SGD 41,935/yr for IB Years 11–12. Expat Arrivals+2Expat Arrivals+2
Religion: None specified — secular / non-religious.
Summary: GESS International School (German European School Singapore) provides a flexible international education for expat families seeking either German-language education or an English-language IB programme. Its dual-stream model, long-standing history, and relatively competitive fee structure (compared with some of the top-tier international schools) make it a strong option for families wanting both European and international education standards. gess.edu.sg+1
Cost & Additional Fees: Tuition is just the starting point. Additional costs — enrollment fees, development/campus fees, EAL support, transport, meals, uniform, extracurriculars — can significantly increase total annual cost. E.g., for XWA the published tuition excludes transport, lunch, EAL, extras. HoneyKids Asia+1
Curriculum Fit & Future Goals: IB vs British vs American — choose based on what you plan after school (local university, returning home, global universities). Bilingual or single-language streams also matter depending on your child’s background.
Class Size & Community: Schools with smaller class sizes and diverse student bodies may offer more individual support, but demand might be higher.
Flexibility & Admissions: Some schools offer rolling admissions (e.g., XWA), others may have waiting lists or limited seats (older, more established schools). xwa.edu.sg+1
Cultural / Language Needs: If the child speaks a language at home (e.g., German, Mandarin), a dual-language or mother-tongue stream may be helpful (like at GESS or bilingual XWA).
Website: uwcsea.edu.sg UWC Singapore+1
Curriculum: International — IB (PYP, MYP), IGCSE for some grades, IB Diploma for pre-university. Expat Arrivals+2CSI+2
Co-ed / Religion: Co-educational; school is secular (no religious affiliation common to UWC model).
Grades / Age Range: Kindergarten (K1) through Grade 12 (K–12). CSI+1
2025/26 Fees (approx.): Tuition for K1–G1: SGD 47,031; G2–G5: ~SGD 48,639; G6–G8: ~SGD 55,038; G9–G10: ~SGD 55,248; G11–G12: ~SGD 57,774. One-time application fee SGD 627, enrolment fee SGD 4,992. MSMC Global+1
Summary: UWCSEA is among the largest international schools in Singapore, with a highly international student body (100+ nationalities) and strong emphasis not only on academic excellence (IB/IGCSE) but also on service, outdoor education, social-emotional learning, and holistic student development. CSI+2UWC Singapore+2 It offers a well-rounded global-citizen education, making it a top choice for families wanting both academic rigour and broad personal growth opportunities.
Website: search for “Tanglin Trust School Singapore” (Portsdown Road campus) Singarouhak+1
Curriculum: British National Curriculum (Early Years Foundation Stage → Key Stages), GCSE / IGCSE (Y10–Y11), then A-Level or IB Diploma (Y12–Y13) depending on pathway. Singarouhak+1
Co-ed / Religion: Co-educational; school is secular (no explicit religious affiliation listed).
Grades / Age Range: From Nursery / Early Years up to Year 13 (pre-university). Singarouhak+1
Fees (older publicly available data): As per one source: Nursery ~ SGD 27,714; Reception ~ SGD 33,945; Years 1–2 ~ SGD 34,485; Years 3–6 ~ SGD 36,294; Years 7–9 ~ SGD 41,874; Years 10–11 ~ SGD 43,827; Sixth Form (Years 12–13) ~ SGD 45,828 (includes a building fund fee) Singarouhak
Summary: Tanglin Trust School brings a more traditional British-style education pathway, with flexibility in pre-university qualifications (A-Levels or IB Diploma). It may appeal to families who prefer British curriculum structure and perhaps plan to return to British-style schooling/universities. The school seems well-established and respected among expats.
Website: sas.edu.sg Wikipedia+1
Curriculum: American-based curriculum; at high school level offers American High School Diploma; many students also take Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Wikipedia+2The American Club+2
Co-ed / Religion: Co-educational; secular, non-religious.
Grades / Age Range: Preschool through High School (Pre-K to Grade 12) Wikipedia+1
Fees (approx historical range): For new students (2017/18) — Pre-kindergarten up to ~SGD 37,370; Grade 12 up to ~SGD 51,748 per year. Expat Arrivals+1
Summary: SAS is one of the oldest and largest international schools in Singapore (founded 1956), with a large campus and wide-ranging facilities including arts, sports, labs, and more. Wikipedia+1 It’s particularly suited for families wanting an American-style education, possibly aiming for US universities, with the flexibility of AP courses.
Website: sais.edu.sg Wikipedia+1
Curriculum: Blended — IB (PYP, MYP, Diploma), American (AERO/Common Core) standards, plus Advanced Placement (AP) and BTEC options. The Best Singapore+2ITS Education Asia+2
Co-ed / Religion: Co-educational; secular. ITS Education Asia+1
Grades / Age Range: Pre-Nursery (as early as 2 months) through Grade 12 (approx age 18) ITS Education Asia+1
Fees (2024–25 approximate): Pre-Nursery & Nursery: ~ SGD 19,680–29,700; Pre-K: ~ SGD 25,100–38,100; Kindergarten 1: ~ SGD 30,480–43,700; Kindergarten 2: ~ SGD 44,650; Elementary: ~ SGD 45,670; Middle School: ~ SGD 49,550; High School: ~ SGD 52,250. The Best Singapore+2theAsianparent+2
Summary: SAIS offers flexibility — multiple curricular pathways (IB, American, AP, BTEC) — which may be attractive for families uncertain about higher education destinations. With modern facilities, many language options, and a strong blend of academic + co-curricular programs (arts, sports, STEAM), it’s a good fit for families wanting a holistic and flexible international education. ITS Education Asia+2The Best Singapore+2
Website: cis.edu.sg The American Club+1
Curriculum: Fully IB — PYP (Primary Years), MYP (Middle Years), Diploma Programme for high school. Also has STEAM focus; trilingual options reported in some sources (though often English-based with language electives) The American Club+2ExpatDen+2
Co-ed / Religion: Co-educational; secular.
Grades / Age Range: From early years (≈ 18 months) to Grade 12 (≈ 18 years) ISSC+1
Fees (broad approximate range): According to a 2025 overview, annual tuition for CIS is roughly SGD 29,000 – SGD 52,000 depending on grade. ExpatDen+1
Summary: CIS appeals to families seeking a full IB education from early years through to Diploma, with a global student body. Its lakeside campus (Jurong West) and emphasis on a future-focused, holistic education — including STEAM and extracurriculars — make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing IB credentials and balanced development. The American Club+1
Website: gess.edu.sg GESS Singapore+1
Curriculum: Offers both a German-language stream and an English-language international programme (inclusive of IB for upper years) — flexible depending on family preference. GESS Singapore+1
Co-ed / Religion: Co-educational; secular.
Grades / Age Range: Early years / Preschool through to high school (varies by stream) — typically 2–18 years old. GESS+1
Fees (2025/26): Preschool (part-time) from ~ SGD 28,000/yr; full-time Kindergarten & Pre-primary ~ SGD 32,275; for upper years (IB Years 11–12) ~ SGD 41,935/yr. One-time entrance fee SGD 3,950. GESS Singapore+1
Summary: GESS is attractive for families who either come from German-speaking backgrounds or want a bilingual European-international education. Its dual-stream model provides flexibility and a European flavour, while being fully international — which can help with reintegration into European schooling if family moves again. As a non-profit school, fees are reportedly re-invested into learning and facilities. GESS Singapore+1
Website: xwa.edu.sg XCL World Academy+1
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) for most years; also adopts American standards (AERO) in some early years; bilingual English–Mandarin programme available for younger students. XCL World Academy+1
Co-ed / Religion: Co-educational; secular / non-religious. XCL World Academy+1
Grades / Age Range: Early Years (18-mo) through to Grade 12 (~ age 18) XCL World Academy+1
Fees (2025/26): Nursery ~ SGD 29,000/yr; Kindergarten up to KG2 ~ SGD 38,350/yr; Primary ~ SGD 41,000–44,000; Middle/Secondary ~ SGD 46,460–50,140; Grades 11–12 ~ SGD 50,380/yr. One-time application fee ~ SGD 975; enrolment fee ~ SGD 5,668. XCL World Academy+1
Summary: XWA is relatively younger compared with traditional schools, but growing fast and popular among expat families. Its bilingual English-Mandarin programme adds value for families interested in Mandarin, and the IB + American standards give flexibility. Rolling admissions is a plus for families arriving mid-year. XCL World Academy+1
Here’s a rough comparison across the above schools, focusing on major deciding factors:
School
Curriculum Strength / Academic Pathways
Typical Annual Tuition (SGD)
Best For / Notes
UWCSEA
Full IB, IGCSE, holistic global education, strong non-academic programmes (service, outdoor, social-emotional)
~ 47,000–58,000 (varies by grade)
Families wanting both academic excellence and well-rounded global citizenship
Tanglin Trust School
British GCSE / A-Level / IB hybrid
~ 28,000–46,000 (varies by grade)
Families used to British system or planning UK universities
SAS
American curriculum + AP; large campus and strong facilities
~ 35,000–52,000 (historical)
Families aiming for US-style high school + US/university pathway
SAIS
Flexible — IB, American, AP, BTEC all options
~ 20,000–52,000 (depending on age)
Families wanting curricular flexibility, multilingual environment, strong extracurriculars
CIS
Full IB (PYP–DP), globally recognized
~ 29,000–52,000
Families prioritizing IB for global university readiness
GESS
Bilingual / European-style + IB (for international stream)
~ 28,000–42,000
Families wanting a European-style education — especially for German-speaking backgrounds or lateral moves to Europe
XCL World Academy
IB + American standards; bilingual English–Mandarin option
~ 29,000–50,000
Families arriving mid-year, need flexibility, value bilingualism
Things to watch out / consider:
Total cost vs. base tuition: Published tuition often excludes extra costs — e.g., enrolment/application fees, transport, meals, uniforms, EAL support, extracurriculars, building fund, materials, trips, boarding (if applicable) etc. For instance, for some schools additional fees like building levy, excursions, EAL fees can add up substantially.
Curriculum & future plans: The best curriculum depends on where the child might go for university or which education system the family is comfortable with (British A-Level, IB, American, etc.).
Cultural / language environment: Schools with bilingual or multilingual programmes might give advantage if family wants to maintain mother-tongue or learn new languages.
Flexibility and admissions: Some schools allow rolling admission, some have waiting lists; moving year-to-year between countries may make flexible admission and curriculum helpful.
Extra-academic offerings: Sports, arts, extracurriculars, well-being programmes (service learning, outdoor, social-emotional) — these can make a big difference beyond academics, especially for global-minded upbringing.
If you prioritize global outlook + diversity + holistic development (academics + character + service + outdoor) → UWCSEA stands out.
If you prefer a British-style curriculum (or potentially plan for UK universities) → Tanglin Trust School is a strong bet.
If you want an American-style education / AP / US-university path, or are US expats — SAS or SAIS make sense.
If you value IB diploma / global university flexibility → CIS, SAIS (with IB option), XCL World Academy or GESS (international stream) are good.
If your family might move between Europe and Asia (or German-speaking country) — GESS offers a European-language stream which helps with continuity.
If your family needs flexibility (rolling admissions, bilingual, diverse options) — XCL World Academy is a younger, flexible school that may suit transitional families.