Given Singapore’s status as a global hub for finance and international business, it should come as no surprise to see that the city state is also home to a variety of international schools. These institutions offer a variety of curricula from countries like Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to name a few.
For parents looking to choose the right international school in Singapore, having so many choices can quickly feel overwhelming. While all are private schools in Singapore, they differ in terms of ethos, curriculum, teaching philosophies, facilities, and overall learning environments.
Some schools emphasise rigorous academic programmes such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the Cambridge IGCSE. On the other hand, other schools such as the Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS) aim for a more holistic, student-centered approach that emphasises a balance between extra-curricular activities, sports and academics.
With so many international schools in Singapore to choose from, finding the right one for your child requires careful consideration.
While academic excellence is important, parents should also evaluate other key factors such as teaching methods, school culture, extracurricular opportunities, and diversity.
Below, we break down the essential elements to help parents make an informed decision.
One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing an international school in Singapore is the curriculum. Each school follows a different educational framework, from the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge IGCSE to the American, Australian, and IPC/IMYC curricula. The right curriculum depends on your child’s learning style, future academic aspirations, and your family’s long-term plans.
The Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS) for example, offers a mix of both methodologies, ensuring a balanced and holistic approach to education. SMMIS follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), which blend enquiry-based learning with structured academic progression. These curricula encourage students to explore big themes and real-world connections, making learning more engaging and meaningful.
At the secondary level, SMMIS integrates the iGCSE framework, providing students with a rigorous, internationally recognised qualification that prepares them for higher education. The school places a strong emphasis on STEAM subjects, creative arts, and bilingual learning, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education that nurtures both academic excellence and personal development.
By combining structured assessment with enquiry-driven learning, SMMIS creates an adaptive and student-centered environment, allowing children to thrive academically while developing essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and global awareness. This approach ensures students are well-equipped for future studies and career pathways, whether they choose to pursue further education in Singapore or abroad.
Beyond academics, a school's culture and values significantly influence a child's overall development and well-being. Each international school in Singapore has its own ethos, shaped by its educational philosophy, community, and approach to student welfare.
Some private schools in Singapore place a strong emphasis on academic excellence and competition, fostering a high-achieving environment where students are encouraged to push their limits.
At SMMIS, academic rigour is combined with a holistic, student-centered approach. Our team of dedicated teachers integrate character education, emotional intelligence and community service into all aspects of student life. This is enhanced by a close-knit and supportive school community that provides SMMIS’ students with a support network of teachers, peers and mentors.
All of which is especially important for expats and their children who have relocated to Singapore and are adjusting to a new country, culture and education system.
In addition, being part of such a welcoming community can benefit students in a number of ways. Research has shown that students who receive emotional support from their educators perform better academically and have better psychological health. A positive school environment fosters a sense of security and motivation, allowing students to engage more actively in their learning and take on challenges with confidence.
Many international schools in Singapore offer smaller class sizes to provide students with more personalised attention. Taking this approach allows teachers to closely monitor a student’s progress, adapt lessons to individual learning styles and provide support where needed.
This can be particularly beneficial for younger students who may need additional guidance in foundational subjects or for those requiring extra learning support. With a lower student-teacher ratio, educators can foster stronger relationships with students, creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment where every child feels seen and valued.
Low student-teacher ratios are also essential to keeping students engaged and interested in their lessons. With fewer students in a classroom, teachers have more opportunities to facilitate in-depth discussions, encourage critical thinking, and create interactive, student-led learning experiences.
Rather than simply delivering information, educators can take the time to explore topics in greater detail, ask thought-provoking questions, and provide students with the space to express their ideas and perspectives. This not only makes learning more dynamic but also helps students develop confidence in articulating their thoughts and engaging in meaningful academic discourse.
While academic performance is a key focus for many families, a well-rounded education extends far beyond the classroom.
International schools in Singapore understand the importance of holistic development, which is why many offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and feature state-of-the-art facilities. These opportunities provide a conducive environment for students to explore sports, co-curricular activities, and other pursuits that nurture both their physical and intellectual development. Diverse extracurricular programmes allow students to discover new interests, develop lifelong skills, and build character, all of which are essential for their personal growth and overall well-being.
For example, at the Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS), students are encouraged to participate in a variety of co-curricular activities that enrich them physically and mentally. These include sports such as swimming, rock climbing, soccer, and martial arts, which help develop physical endurance, teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Additionally, SMMIS also offers coding classes and Math Olympiad programmes, which challenge students intellectually and encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation — skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s technology-driven world.
Having access to such a diverse range of programmes benefits students in multiple ways.
Firstly, it enhances their academic performance by fostering creativity, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities, all of which translate into better classroom engagement. Research has found that students who engage in extracurricular activities perform better academically, as these activities help improve time management, focus, and cognitive flexibility.
Moreover, participation in a variety of activities teaches students resilience, leadership, and adaptability — qualities that prepare them for future challenges beyond school. Whether it's competing in a tournament or tackling a complex coding project, these experiences cultivate perseverance and the ability to overcome setbacks.
Singapore is home to a vibrant expatriate community, and its private schools reflect this global mix, with students from a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds. This international exposure not only enhances a student’s educational experience but also shapes them into global citizens who are adaptable, open-minded, and culturally aware.
Being part of a multicultural school community allows students to interact with peers from different cultures, languages, and belief systems, fostering an appreciation for diversity from an early age. This exposure helps them develop strong interpersonal skills, cross-cultural understanding, and the ability to communicate effectively in diverse settings. By learning alongside international classmates, students gain a broader worldview and an awareness of global issues, helping them develop into empathetic, socially responsible individuals.
SMMIS places a strong emphasis on developing global citizens who are not only well-educated but also compassionate and socially conscious. With over 30 nationalities, our diverse student body provides a rich cultural exchange, where children learn to respect different perspectives and embrace inclusivity.
Our approach to international exposure extends beyond the classroom through cross-cultural projects, international collaboration initiatives, and global citizenship programmes. Through participation in community service projects and social action initiatives, students develop a sense of responsibility towards the wider world, learning the value of giving back and making meaningful contributions to society.
With so many institutions offering diverse curricula, teaching methodologies, and extracurricular opportunities, parents should consider factors like school culture, class sizes, international exposure, and student support to ensure the best fit for their child’s educational journey.
A strong learning community that prioritises holistic development and global citizenship can make all the difference in shaping a child’s confidence, adaptability, and success. Whether it's through academic excellence, extracurricular activities, or a values-driven education, the right school should empower students with the skills and mindset needed for the future.
At the Sir Manasseh Meyer International School, we are small by design, offering the personalised attention and close-knit community of a small school, while providing the same breadth of opportunities as a larger institution. With our inclusive community, globally recognised curriculum, and commitment to student success, SMMIS provides a nurturing environment where children can flourish both academically and personally.
Get in touch to learn more about how our unique approach to education can support your child’s growth and potential.
