Categories > Education
5 Best Kindergartens in Singapore Helping Kids Take Little Steps Towards Big Futures
Every child’s learning journey begins with a strong foundation. While some families later explore an art school or private tutoring services to support their child’s interests and academic growth, choosing the right kindergarten is the first important step.
To help you get started, I reviewed the best kindergartens in Singapore, highlighting schools with nurturing environments, engaging learning programmes, and parent-friendly features.
Give your child the best possible start!
How much does kindergarten cost in Singapore?
Kindergarten fees in Singapore typically range from SGD 160 to over SGD 4,000 per month, depending on the type of preschool and your residency status.
Government-supported kindergartens are the most affordable, while private and international schools charge significantly higher tuition.
| Category | Singapore Citizens (SC) | Permanent Residents (PR) | Foreigners |
| Ministry of Education (MOE) Kindergarten | $160 | $320 | $560 |
| Anchor Operators (AOP) | ~$160 | $410 | ~$570 |
| Partner Operators (POP) | $400 – $900 | $700 – $1,200 | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Private / International | $1,200 – $2,500+ | $1,200 – $2,500+ | $2,000 – $4,000+ |
1. Pariposa Preschool
Website: http://pariposapreschool.com/
Address: 31 Toh Tuck Rd.
Contact: 65 6462 2701 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM | Saturday-Sunday, Closed
Pariposa Preschool stands out by shaping lessons around each child’s own curiosity instead of following a strict set plan.
The teachers use an Emergent Curriculum to build learning around what kids enjoy, while building early reading skills through Jolly Phonics.
The school also builds creativity with a Kodály-inspired Jolly Music program and helps kids grow their language skills through a strong English and Mandarin base.
Children learn through hands-on play, open-ended activities, and guided discovery instead of chasing polished results.
This style helps kids grow curious and better at solving problems, while giving each child a chance to join in learning that fits their own likes and pace.
Just be aware that kids may not always bring home finished artwork, since the school values the learning steps over the final piece. Enrollment also requires a non-refundable deposit equal to one month’s non-subsidised school fees.
Customer Reviews
A Nurturing Second Home Full of Great Values
It has been a great journey with you in the nurturing of our child from N1 to K2. A pile of learnings for us as well. The hand that you offer at school has a lot of love, affection, compassion, care and warmth. The textures and colours of the skins of the hand might have changed, but the ‘values’ remained throughout. A second home to our child.
We are so greatful for the efforts of all the teachers. We are also very thankful to the aunty for cooking all scrumptious food.
- Chaitanya Vyakaranam (Chai), Google Review
Deep Personal Care and a Wonderful Community
My daughter absolutely loved Pariposa – she attended the school for her final year of pre-school (K2) and could not have had a better experience. The teachers are kind and nurturing, the principal, Sonia, is personally involved in every little detail and you can see a lot of thought and love goes into ensuring the kids grow socially, emotionally and intellectually. Parents are kept well informed and made to feel very much a part of the Pariposa community. Thanks to the entire team for a great experience!
- Priyanka Iyer, Google Review
2. Rain Trees International Kindergarten & Preschool
Website: http://www.raintreeskindergarten.com/
Address: 255 Holland Rd.
Contact: 65 6474 6181 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday-Sunday, Closed
Rain Trees International Kindergarten & Preschool builds a screen-free space where kids spend more time exploring, creating, and talking with others.
The school follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum while encouraging conversation, creativity, and outdoor play across a big 35,000-square-foot garden. Kids also enjoy regular outdoor time, including weekly water play.
Teachers teach through hands-on activities, small group learning, and daily outdoor time instead of relying on screens.
The smaller class sizes let them give kids more one-on-one attention, while the widely recognised curriculum helps families who move between schools in different countries.
Before you commit, know that kids in the Busy Bees program must attend full-day sessions. Parents should also expect term fees to stay non-refundable once enrollment is confirmed.
Customer Reviews
Happy, Calm, and Excited from Day One
My daughter has been attending Rain Trees Kindergarten for the last year and we are very happy with the school. Since day one, she has been happy and excited to go to nursery every day. The teachers are warm and supportive and best of all, create a calm and stimulating environment for the children. We feel really lucky to have such a great nursery for our daughter.
- Anna C, Google Review
Total Peace of Mind for Working Parents
Finding the right kindergarten is a big deal, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice. What stands out the most is the amazing community of teachers. They work together so seamlessly and create a wonderfully supportive environment for the children to grow and learn. The whole atmosphere of the school is just incredibly friendly and warm from the moment you walk in. My child loves going to school here, and as a working parent, knowing they are in such great hands gives me total peace of mind. Thank you to the wonderful team.
- Jolly Ahuja, Google Review
3. Little Oaks Montessori Kindergarten
Website: https://www.littleoaksmontessorisg.com/
Address: 98 Farrer Rd.
Contact: 65 6463 3720 / 65 8044 5734 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Saturday-Sunday, Closed
Little Oaks Montessori Kindergarten helps kids take charge of their own learning through a true Montessori style of teaching, instead of leaning on grades or standard tests.
Kids pick activities on their own, learn at their own speed, and build reading skills through a colour-coded phonics program.
The curriculum also covers Practical Life activities and Cultural Studies, touching on subjects like biology, geography, and history.
The teachers guide kids with hands-on materials and one-on-one support instead of leading every lesson. This style helps kids grow more independent and build problem-solving skills while exploring different subjects in meaningful ways.
However, the school day ends at 3:30 PM, which may not suit parents with longer work hours. Kids’ progress is also measured through Montessori methods instead of standard grades or report cards.
Customer Reviews
Building Confidence and Curiosity in a Safe Space
We’re so grateful for the wonderful experience our children had at Little Oaks, their very first school. The teachers created such a warm, nurturing and safe environment that made the transition easy for us.
What truly stands out is the genuine care and attention given to each child. We’ve seen our kids grow in confidence, curiosity and happiness, and they genuinely looked forward to going to school every day.
Thank you for building such a strong and positive foundation in their early years. We will always cherish this experience.
- Swati Bhardwaj, Google Review
A Caring Haven with a Solid Educational Foundation
Our son found Little Oaks to be a true haven. He learned so much in a caring and supportive environment, and we are grateful to the dedicated teachers who helped him grow. Much so that he’s now thriving in his primary school having had the solid foundation at Little Oaks. The diverse community provided a truly international learning experience that broadened his horizons.
- Bhamini Sarin, Google Review
4. Brainy Child Montessori Learning Centre
Website: https://www.brainychildmontessori.sg/
Address: 150 Orchard Rd.
Contact: 65 6733 7669 / 65 8980 8091
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Saturday, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Sunday, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Brainy Child Montessori Learning Centre stands out by mixing Montessori-style learning with a trilingual plan that brings in English, Mandarin, and Japanese from an early age.
Families can pick weekday or weekend language classes to fit their schedule, while kids also get extras like one-on-one piano and violin lessons plus hands-on science activities on topics like physics and astronomy.
The teachers push active learning through interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and age-appropriate extras instead of just classroom teaching. There are also themed holiday programs that keep kids busy during school breaks.
However, the regular weekday schedule ends at 3:30 PM, which may not suit parents needing longer childcare hours. Families should also expect a non-refundable one-month enrollment deposit.
Another thing is that lunch isn’t part of full-day holiday program fees.
Customer Reviews
Compassionate Teachers Who Truly Saved the Day
This is the best preschool in all Singapore. The most loving kind and compassionate teachers. My son was bullied and treated really poorly in his previous preschool and I honestly think the kind and caring teachers of this school saved him 🥰 I will never forget the kindness and care that they showed my boy. …
- Huu Minh Tran, Google Review
Flexible, Perfectly Paced, and Beyond Expectations
My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her time at Brainy Child Montessori Learning Centre. The educators made sure she progressed at a speed she was comfortable with and knew when she needed a break. She has exceeded our academic expectations and life skills. They have been very flexible allowing me to schedule her days that suited our calendar. I highly recommend this centre for those who are looking for somewhere more than a playgroup, but don’t need the hours of a child care centre. Brainy Child was the perfect option for us
- Molli Wallace, Google Review
5. Little Skittles International Preschool
Website: http://www.littleskittles.com.sg/
Address: 11 Margate Rd.
Contact: 65 8313 9555 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Saturday-Sunday, Closed
Little Skittles International Preschool sparks curiosity through play by mixing the International Preschool Curriculum with a Pedagogy of Play style.
Kids learn in a full English and Mandarin setting, while the roomy black-and-white campus and big outdoor lawn give plenty of space for exploring and active learning all day.
The teachers teach through hands-on activities, guided play, and interactive fun instead of just standard classroom lessons.
Plus, a low 1:10 teacher-to-child ratio in older classes lets teachers give kids more one-on-one time, helping them build creativity and problem-solving skills as they learn.
Keep in mind that the school only takes kids up to six years old, so families will need to move to a primary school later. The 3:30 PM pickup time may also mean arranging extra after-school care.
Customer Reviews
Thriving in a Wonderfully Organised Space
My daughter has been going to Little skittles since 18 months from half day a few times a week to full time. She absolutely loves it there and so do I. It’s such a lovely environment, teachers and all staff are wonderful. My daughter has thrived there.
The whole team are so organised and wonderful- with a nice amount of outdoor, shaded outdoor also and indoor space. I can’t praise Little skittles enough.
- Sarah Holt, Google Review
By Far the Best for Happiness, Care, and Value
My two children 5.5 and 3.5 attended Little Skittles for 18 months. It is a fantastic school and they have both been extremely happy. It was the 3rd school for my eldest and of the 3 schools that he attended Little Skittles was by far the best. In terms of value for money and term dates but also the children’s enjoyment, happiness and care. I cannot recommend the school enough. We are very sad to leave. The teachers do a great job.
- Laura Davis, Google Review
