For international families
Choosing a preschool in Singapore as a foreign family
International school, private preschool or a government-supported centre? The three work very differently for children who are not Singapore citizens, especially on cost and hours. Here is how they compare, including where we are not the right choice.
Three things every foreign family should know first
Subsidies are for citizens
Singapore's preschool subsidies and fee caps apply to Singapore Citizen children. Foreign children pay the full fee everywhere, so the price gap between types of school is smaller than it first looks.
MOE Kindergartens are for citizens and PRs
The government's own kindergartens serve Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. For most foreign families, the real choice is between international schools, private preschools and government-supported centres.
Hours matter as much as fees
Childcare centres usually run full days, 7am to 7pm, all year. International schools follow a school day and a term calendar. If both parents work, that difference is often decisive.
The three types side by side
Typical figures for a foreign child in full-time care. Every school differs, so treat these as ranges to plan with, not quotes.
| International schoolEarly years section | Private preschoolIncluding bilingual schools like ours | Government-supported centreAnchor and partner operators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | Roughly S$24,000 to S$35,000 a year in tuition, plus registration and building fees | Roughly S$1,000 to S$2,500 a month for a full day, depending on the school | Around S$1,100 to S$1,200 a month for foreign children at large operators, before GST |
| Hours | A school day, with after-school care and holiday camps often extra | Usually full day, 7am to 7pm, with half-day options at many | Full day, 7am to 7pm, with half-day options |
| Calendar | School terms with long holidays | Year-round, closed only a few days | Year-round |
| Languages | English, usually with lessons in a second language | English plus another language; varies widely by school | English plus a Mother Tongue language, usually Mandarin |
| Class sizes | Often small, with teaching assistants | Varies; small schools can be very small | Larger centres and groups |
| After age 6 | Continues into the same school's primary years | Children move on to primary school elsewhere | Leads into local primary, where foreign children get places only after citizens and PRs |
| Getting a place | Popular schools have waiting lists; usually August or January starts | Often mid-year starts, depending on space | Citizens get priority; waiting lists are common |
Ranges compiled from published 2026 fee schedules; see sources at the bottom of this page. Always confirm current fees with each school.
Which type suits which family
International school
The strongest choice if you want one school from preschool through to graduation, with a single curriculum and no move at age six. You pay for that continuity, and working parents often need extra care around the school day.
Suits: families staying several years who have already chosen their international school.
Private preschool
The widest category, from large chains to small specialist schools. Look closely at teacher ratios, languages and what the fee includes, because quality and value vary more here than anywhere else.
Suits: families who want full-day care with a particular approach or language.
Government-supported centre
Reliable full-day care, closely regulated, and the best value for citizens. For foreign families the fee advantage is smaller, places can be hard to get, and the second language is usually Mandarin.
Suits: families planning on local primary school, or who want Mandarin for their child.
Where Alpha Green fits
A small bilingual preschool, open all day, all year
We are a private preschool at 1 Jalan Siap in Upper Bukit Timah, a few minutes' walk from Hillview MRT, for children from 18 months to six years. English is the everyday language, and each child also learns German, Russian or Mandarin with a native-speaking teacher.
Most of our families are relocating. They want full-day care with a working parent's hours, a small group where teachers know every child, and a second language from the start, while keeping their options open for primary school.
At a glance
- Open 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, all year round
- Ages 18 months to six years
- English plus German, Russian or Mandarin with native speakers
- Meals cooked on site, music and Capoeira included
- Children can join mid-year
- We can apply for a Student's Pass for your child
- School transport by private-hire car, including a route to Novena
Questions foreign parents ask us
Can my child get preschool subsidies as a foreigner?
No. Government preschool subsidies are for Singapore Citizen children. Permanent Residents pay less than foreigners at many centres, but foreign children pay the full fee wherever they go.
Does my child need a pass to attend preschool?
Your child needs a valid pass to live in Singapore, usually a Dependant's Pass. If that is not possible, a licensed preschool can apply for a Student's Pass for your child. We do this for families, so ask us on your tour.
When should we apply?
International schools usually start in August or January and fill early, so apply as soon as you know your plans. Many private preschools, including ours, take children mid-year when space allows. A video tour before you arrive lets you decide early.
Does my child need to speak English already?
No. Children who are new to English settle in through daily routines and play, and we run an English support programme for children who need it.
Moving soon? See the best areas to live with young children and answers to common relocation questions.