Looking to enrol your child in a bilingual school in Singapore? Consult our handy guide to pick the right international school or preschool for your child

One of the perks of living in a multicultural and multilingual country like Singapore is the easy access to bilingual education. Being bilingual has been shown to have massive social and cognitive benefits as well, and studies have shown that people who speak multiple languages have better attention spans and multi-tasking abilities, starting from as young as seven months of age! Some international schools and preschools in Singapore offer bilingual immersion programmes for languages such as French, Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish and more. Others have dual language teachers or co-teachers who provide equal language interaction throughout the day or even dedicated language classes. Want to find the right bilingual school in Singapore for your child? We’ve rounded up a list of bilingual international schools and preschools to help get you started.

            Read more: 2022 Guide to Kindergartens and Preschools in Singapore

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Bilingual International Schools in Singapore
Bilingual Preschools in Singapore

Bilingual International Schools in Singapore

Invictus International School

At Invictus’ Centrium campus, students are enrolled in an English-Chinese bilingual programme from Years 1 to 6, designed to offer consistent exposure to both languages so they can hone their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. While English is the primary medium during Maths and Science lessons, their programme includes Integrated Chinese lessons that cover areas such as speech and drama, cultural elements and reading programmes. Furthermore, components such as art, music and physical education are also taught in Chinese, alongside daily Chinese language and literary lessons. Chinese supplementary lessons are available, too. By according equal exposure to both languages, students steadily progress into confident, bi-literate and bicultural world citizens.
Invictus International School, Centrium campus: 320 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218108, Tel: (+65) 6271 6088, www.invictus.edu.sg/centrium

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Stamford American International School

This international school offers an immersive programme for students from Pre-K to Grade 5 and utilises a unique, research-based, one-bilingual-teacher approach that’s trusted by parents. Teachers (and the teaching assistants) are masters of both languages, with extensive experience in teaching in a bilingual environment. At the same time, a single bilingual teacher model ensures the seamless transition and translanguaging during learning and provides the opportunity to explore content more deeply in both languages. This allows for learning experiences to be more adaptive and supports student-led inquiry. Bilingual learners need to feel a deep sense of belonging to take risks and make mistakes, and their one-bilingual-teacher approach builds trusting relationships between students and teachers. To ensure continuity of curriculum programming, teachers regularly collaborate with their grade level colleagues to design lessons and share in best instructional and assessment practices. While students learn the same content as others in the mainstream classes, 50% of the content in their Math and Unit of Inquiry (UOI) units are taught in Mandarin.
Stamford American International School, Woodleigh Campus: 1 Woodleigh Lane, Singapore 357684 | Early Learning Village: 3 Chuan Lane, Gate 4, Singapore 554350, www.sais.edu.sg

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EtonHouse International School

Bilingual education has always been a key focus and strength of EtonHouse International School, and the school offers different tracks in bilingual education from pre-school to high school to suit different learning styles and goals. Those who want to develop strong language proficiency at a very young age can opt for the 100% Mandarin Immersion Programme in preschool. First offered at the Zhong Hua campus, EtonHouse has expanded its highly popular 100% Mandarin Immersion Programme to more campuses at Vanda, Newton, Robertson Walk and Mountbatten 718. An inquiry curriculum delivered fully in Mandarin, the Zhonghua Mandarin immersion programme exposes children to the language for an extended period in school every day. At primary level, students can opt for the Bilingual Immersion Programme. Mandarin can be taken as a subject for IGCSE and the IB Diploma, too. EtonHouse Broadrick is one of the first international schools in Singapore to offer a bilingual IB PYP programme in the primary years with options for Mandarin as an additional language or in the Bilingual Immersion Programme (BIP). In Year 1, their BIP students are primarily immersed in Mandarin and in Years 2 to 6,  Mandarin and English are divided equally, ensuring fluency in both languages by Year 6.

From now until 6 June 2022, selected EtonHouse schools are offering registration/enrolment fee discounts with savings of up to $2,000. Click here to find out more and book a school tour.
Etonhouse International School, multiple locations, www.etonhouse.edu.sg

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Canadian International School (CIS)

As one of the early pioneers in bilingual education in Singapore, CIS offers two bilingual programmes. Their Chinese-English bilingual programme is available in nursery at Lakeside and at both CIS campuses for students in pre-kindergarten to Grade 6. Their French-English bilingual programme is available at Lakeside campus only for students from Senior Kindergarten to Grade 6. CIS’s aim is for students to become fluent communicators and understand the culture behind those languages, so kids become bilingual, bi-literate and bicultural. The programme is truly immersive, as each class has two qualified teachers – one native English speaker and one native Chinese/French speaker – and instruction is fully aligned to the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). Students will have equal exposure to both languages with classes in English one day and Chinese/French the next. Plus, this bilingual school in Singapore ensures that students are taught in both languages with no translation or repetition in topics. In August 2021, CIS extended the Chinese-English bilingual pathway into subjects such as Maths (Grades 7 – 8), Chinese Language & Literature (Grades 7 – 12) and Theory of Knowledge in Chinese (Grades 11 – 12). But come August 2022, their Chinese-English bilingual programme will be offered in an age-appropriate way to children in the nursery at the Lakeside campus, while the French-English bilingual programme will be extended to senior kindergarten and Grade 6.
Canadian International School, Lakeside campus: 7 Jurong West Street 41 Singapore 649414 | Tanjong Katong campus: 371 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437128, www.cis.edu.sg

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International French School (Singapore) (IFS)

This bilingual school in Singapore is open to all nationalities and puts the success of children in all their academic, social and personal development at the centre of its teaching philosophy. The school fosters students’ sensory, motor, cognitive and social development, awakening students’ personalities. Students also enjoy world-class sports facilities and motor skills equipment to aid physical development. IFS Maternelle provides a warm, safe, nurturing, multilingual environment for children aged 2 to 5, while IFS Élémentaire combines practical skills (observation, manipulation, experimentation, real-life activities) with abstract skills, gradually leading to more complex knowledge acquisition. In order to develop bilingualism in French and English, IFS has implemented language support programmes that are included in the school fees and tailor-made to each student’s needs. Keen to see how IFS’ bilingual education programmes help students in real time? Book a tour to visit their campus, or sign up for any of their virtual Open Houses to speak with the Pedagogical team.
International French School (Singapore), 3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, Singapore 569928, Tel: (+65) 6805 0000, www.ifs.edu.sg

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St. Joseph’s Institution International (SJI International)

SJI International takes pride in having a culturally and linguistically diverse community. All classes in elementary school have daily Mandarin language and Chinese culture lessons, and Early Years pupils have a full-time Mandarin-speaking teaching partner who can support and continue the children’s language development. Another language choice for Grades 5 and 6 is beginner-level Spanish. Teachers at SJI International immerse the children in the target language and engage them in various interactive activities that cover not just the language but also cultural and literary aspects. This bilingual school in Singapore also conducts a parent-funded Home Language Programme in the High School for students whose languages aren’t part of the mainstream curriculum, such as Japanese, Korean, French, Thai, Vietnamese, German, Russian, and Italian. Students who have a strong cultural connection to another language or are studying a MOE Mother Tongue-in-Lieu language will benefit from this programme, as it aims to give students a path to the IB Diploma and, in most circumstances, the opportunity to study two first languages to earn a Bilingual Diploma. These classes are integrated into the curriculum day for two lessons per week, rather than as a co-curricular activity.
St. Joseph’s Institution International, 490 Thomson Road, Singapore 298191, www.sji-international.com.sg

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One World International School (OWIS)

OWIS’ immersive programme for students in Grades 1 to 5 is aligned with the IB-PYP, and leverages all the best things about the IB learning approach: inquiry-based learning, transdisciplinary themes, collaborative project work, creative activities and more. In a small class size, your child will receive equal instructions in both Chinese and English from an experienced bilingual teacher with the support of a bilingual teaching assistant. Students will deepen their knowledge of PE, Music, Art and more by learning concepts in both languages.
One World International School (OWIS), www.owis.org/learning/bilingual-programme

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Dulwich College (Singapore)

This bilingual school in Singapore caters to students at all levels from complete beginners to native speakers, tailoring classes accordingly. From the age of two, children in DUCKS (Dulwich College Kindergarten School) benefit from being exposed to Mandarin throughout the day, courtesy of the Chinese co-teacher who works in partnership with the class teacher to deliver a dual-language programme. The programme exposes young learners to English and Mandarin in their natural learning context throughout the day, rather than just through formal language opportunities. By providing an environment rich in learning opportunities, with one teacher focusing on English and another on Mandarin, kids gain the confidence to use language with meaning.
Dulwich College (Singapore), singapore.dulwich.org/holistic-curriculum/mandarin

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Other bilingual international schools in Singapore:

– GESS – International School: Not-for-profit international school offering an English-speaking IB programme and the German Curriculum.
– GIIS: Bilingual education in English and Mandarin.
– Hillside World Academy: Chinese-English immersion programme and added support for students’ mother tongues.
– Singapore American School: Bilingual Chinese immersion programme from kindergarten through to fifth grade.
– Swiss School Singapore: This boutique international school offers bilingual education in either German and English or French and English.

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Bilingual Preschools in Singapore

Shaws Preschool

With more than 30 years of experience, every day at Shaws Preschool is a brand new adventure – just one of the many things parents love about this preschool! Their unique, play-based bilingual Mandarin-English curriculum is taught by experienced, nurturing teachers, and this makes it easy for kids to love learning. With lots of outdoor space, butterfly and herb gardens, students from Pre-Nursery (18 months old) to Kindergarten Two (6 years+) are provided with a rich, stimulating, active and vibrant learning environment that builds the foundation for an adventurous and successful life! This bilingual preschool in Singapore also ensures kids stay active by having sports coaches visit twice a week to conduct fun sports lessons. There are also a host of spaces inside and out from Messy play, Mud Kitchens, Splash Zones to cosy and bright classrooms, tinkering corners and art spaces where experiential learning takes place. What better place for little ones to learn confidence, communication, teamwork, empathy, adaptability, resilience and grit?
Shaws Preschool, Braddell Heights campus: 24 Lynwood Grove, Singapore 358666 | Lorong Chuan campus: 5 Mei Hwan Drive, Singapore 568346, Tel: (+65) 9789 2255, www.shaws.com.sg

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Blue Lion Preschool

Blue Lion Preschool is a sustainable and contemplative preschool – the first of its kind in Singapore – with an exemplary programme rooted in a Buddhist approach to education. They offer a strong bilingual preschool programme in English and Chinese, all within a cosy setting. Visual arts are a big deal here and teachers turn to Asian heroes, stories and wisdom values within to offer an informed and analytical perspective while being contemplative, respectful, and considerate of the collective. On top of this alternative approach, Blue Lion Preschool excels at both structured and interdisciplinary project styles across subjects like English, Chinese and Maths alongside arts and natural sciences so kids can embrace whole learning.

Identify yourself as a Sassy Mama reader on first contact to enjoy an exclusive registration fee waiver plus 15% off school fees for the first three months.
Blue Lion Preschool, 10 Palm Avenue #02-01, Siglap Post Office, Singapore 456532, Tel: (+65) 6242 2781, www.bluelionpreschool.org

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Primus Schoolhouse

At this bilingual school in Singapore, native full-time lead Chinese and lead English teachers collaborate and co-teach to build every child’s natural ability to explore, discover, and create. In their bilingual and multicultural classrooms, students aged between 18 months and 6 years are supported in a unique and bilingual environment, and this early exposure supports success in your child’s bilingual journey. From stories to songs, routine care, and the development of foundational skills, both languages share equal importance at Primus Schoolhouse.
Primus Schoolhouse, multiple locations, www.primus.edu.sg

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Blue House International

At Blue House International, bilingual education begins from their childcare sessions and goes right up to Nursery (18 months to 6 years). Mandarin and English educators work concurrently to provide children with immersive bilingual learning and exposure to Chinese culture. Children absorb the languages through music, art, scripts, identifying symbols and culinary arts, often driven along a common line of enquiry led by the children’s interest. Mandarin is used throughout the day contextually, and proficiency is built through daily exposure and use; this allows for a more holistic exposure to Chinese culture.

Get $300 off registration fees for Blue House Childcare and $750 off for Blue House International Nursery & Preschool!
Blue House International, multiple locations, www.bluehouseinternational.com

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Children’s Cove Preschool

Children’s Cove Preschool provides a well-rounded curriculum that’s effective in helping children acquire both English and Chinese languages concurrently. Both English and Chinese language teachers co-teach children, leading them in different experiences through play. Children gain the opportunities to achieve cognitive flexibility to switch between the two languages seamlessly. The integrated curriculum means children learn through loads of hands-on experiential lessons in both languages, including art, music and movement, cookery, and more. This bilingual preschool in Singapore also has a well-curated selection of bilingual books and beautifully illustrated wordless books that are used with children throughout the year to expose them to rich literature in both languages. Their signature, in-house Chinese Cultural Appreciation programme also exposes learners to meaningful Chinese traditional culture through short catchy Tang poem recitals and writing exercises. Additionally, they promote cultural inclusionary through the in-house signature programme, Character Cornerstone, which exposes children to different social matters. This creates awareness about diversity and helps build an inclusionary mind through social and character-building books in a mix of both English and Chinese titles.

From now until 30 June 2022, get two free uniform sets and a registration fee waiver!
Children’s Cove Preschool, multiple locations, www.childrenscove.sg

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The Growing Academy

An ABA-focused therapy centre for children with autism, ADHD, speech delays, global developmental delays and behaviour issues, The Growing Academy helps little ones aged 18 months to 12 years bridge the gap between delays and mainstream curriculums. This bilingual therapy centre also offers therapies in Japanese, conducted by native Japanese therapists. Using a 1:4 teacher-child ratio, the curriculum focuses on writing, listening and reading. hiragana, katakana and kanji – all of which are gradually introduced as a child progresses along the way. Teachers also make it a point to celebrate various Japanese festivals with students, allowing for plenty of cultural exploration. Additionally, the curriculum there also is curated to ensure that Japanese students will be ready to enter Japanese primary schools upon completion of the academy’s programmes.

Get a free school bag worth $30 upon signing up!
The Growing Academy, multiple locations, Tel: (+65) 9424 1961, www.thegrowingacademy.sg

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My Learning Haven

This bilingual school in Singapore promotes developing a love for language before one is able to gain the confidence to speak, read and write in it. That’s exactly why they’ve employed the Hei Curriculum – an example of Finnish-style education – which allows for children to learn through play. In their Language Playroom, children are given positive and welcoming English and Mandarin classes, allowing them to learn the language, effectively communicate their feelings, concentrate and succeed in group situations. The bilingual lessons are delivered through the Jolly Phonics system for English and the NTU Confucius Institute for Mandarin. Your child will embark on a specially curated theme that is relevant and interesting to them, and which involves both group and individual learning, so every learning moment is filled with joy, happiness and fulfilment.
My Learning Haven, Suntec campus: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-374 to 378, Singapore 038983 | Mediapolis campus: 29 Media Circle, #02-02, Singapore 138565, mylearninghaven.com

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House on the Hill Montessori Pre-school

House on the Hill is a family-run group of preschools in Singapore. Founded in 2012, they are passionate advocates for the educational excellence of the Montessori Method. Expect lots of hands-on learning and a personalized curriculum designed for each individual child. Their bespoke Mandarin programme is taught by a team of highly qualified and dedicated teachers, and they focus on the key skills of listening, speaking and communicating clearly, and writing, through a variety of games, activities, and cultural experiences. Educational tools such as flashcards, storybooks, sandpaper strokes, drama, games, rhymes, music and movement help make learning fun and educational. Parents can opt to enrol their child in the 天天向上 afternoon programme, a dedicated, full immersion curriculum designed to deepen their fluency and love of the language.
House on the Hill, multiple locations, www.houseonthehill.com.sg

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Invictus International Preschool

This bilingual school in Singapore has a five-year Chinese curriculum that’s designed to ensure children learn systematically to build a strong foundation in their listening, speaking reading and writing skills. This preps them for their next stage of learning, either in a local or international school. The programme is closely aligned with the Ministry of Education’s learning goals (LG) in the Nurturing Early Learners Framework for Mother Tongue Languages, whereby children have an interest in learning a Mother Tongue Language, develop a foundation in language and literacy skills and are aware of local ethnic culture. Invictus’ dynamic curriculum allows for personalised learning that considers children’s age, needs, interests, learning styles and prior knowledge. Their immersion programme is an integrated approach, which enables children to make connections between what they learn in Chinese and Units of Inquiry, creating interest and meaning for them.

Enjoy five complimentary trial classes and a waiver on the $750 enrolment fee
Invictus International Preschool, multiple locations, invictus.preschool.edu.sg

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BrainFit School House

BrainFit School House is a bilingual brain-based preschool that uses a proven science-based, personalised approach, including immersive English and Mandarin brain-based curriculums to develop bilingualism in a fun way. Every student will get a personalised brain profiling and development of essential pre-academic cognitive skills including memory, attention span and processing speed. This way, students can accelerate their academic results by strengthening the roots of learning.
BrainFit School House, www.brainfit.com.sg

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Preschool for Multiple Intelligences

Parents rave about this cosy bilingual preschool in Singapore! PMI follows the theory of Multiple Intelligences, striving to nurture and develop all eight of a child’s intelligences (such as music, math, verbal or interpersonal) to the next level. Individual strengths are celebrated, as every child is seen as intelligent in his or her own area. With an approximate 50/50 split between local and international kids, there’s a strong Reggio-inspired bilingual programme that incorporates Mandarin into activities throughout the day.
Preschool for Multiple Intelligences, www.pmi.com.sg

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Other Bilingual Preschools in Singapore:

– British Council Preschool: Bilingual curriculum with English- and Mandarin-speaking teachers in class at all times.
– ChildFirst Preschool: English and Chinese are each used in half a day’s instruction.
– Little Paddington Preschool: Mandarin immersion programme exposes children to the language, culture and values.
– Lorna Whiston Preschool: Bilingual immersion programme where English and Mandarin teachers co-teach a class.
– MapleBear Preschool: Bilingual immersion methodology teaches children to speak, read and write Mandarin.
– Pat’s Schoolhouse: Bilingual Immersion Core curriculum sees English- and Mandarin-speaking teachers co-teaching in the classroom.
– Odyssey – The Global Preschool: The Chinese Immersion programme sees children learning Mandarin via project work, story-based exploration and multisensory experiences.
– Trehaus School: Strong language and literacy focus in their bilingual and Mandarin immersion programme options.

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