Best International Schools In Singapore, & Why

Singapore American School

Type: All-through
Curriculum: US (AP)
Student body: 4,000
Tuition fees (KG-Grade 12): $23,416-37,262 (returning students); $42,301–55,724 (new students, non-US citizens)
Key facilities: Performing arts centre, two-acre natural rainforest that is used as a living laboratory, an indoor rock-climbing wall, and high adventure ropes course, 1,000-seat stadium, five gyms and art wings with in-house kilns, and photography, film and graphic art studios
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Location: North, Woodlands

One of the largest American international schools in the world, Singapore American School (SAS) delivers a rigorous US curriculum to nearly 4,000 students. The school has more than 50 different nationalities but it is predominantly an American school, with around 61% coming from the US.

SAS has the one of the largest Advanced Placement (AP) programmes outside of the US; it currently offers 25 AP courses, the AP Capstone Diploma programme, and advanced topic courses for students who wish to pursue college-level study.. It is also one of the few schools in Singapore to offer a Chinese bilingual programme from elementary level until Grade 5. Designed for native English speakers, teaching here starts with a 75/25 model in kindergarten, and moves towards a 50/50 model by Grade 4.

There’s a high quality of teaching – from the early learning centre, which uses a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to learning, to the middle and high schools, where there’s a strong focus on project-based learning and real-world experiences, as well as innovative programmes in the arts and technology. A standout feature in the middle school experience is TRi-Time; similar to Google 20% Time or Genius Hour, this part of the school day is dedicated to independently working on a project of the student’s choice.

It is interesting that SAS does not offer the IB programme as this is a framework adopted by many US schools looking for a more international orientation. In the AP, however, it offers a gateway to the best schools in the US. 

SAS is upgrading its 36-acre Woodlands site to include a new athletics facility and two new swimming pools, new elementary and middle schools, and upgraded facilities for the arts, science, technology and robotics. Around 60% of the campus will be completely rebuilt as part of the $400 million campus upgrade, which is due to be completed by 2026. 

An education here does come at a cost though and tuition fees are among the highest in Singapore.

Everything is on a grand scale here at one of South East Asia’s largest school campuses, and sport is no exception. there are dedicated facilities within each part of the school (from early years and kindergarten to high school), as well as shared facilities.

Click here to read the review of Singapore American School.

Next: Sir Manasseh Meyer International School (SMMIS)