Post Category - LearnLearn - Post Category - SportsSports - Post Category - TechnologyTechnology - Post Category - EnrichmentEnrichmentWe’ve rounded up the best tuition and enrichment centres in Singapore to foster a love of learning in your little ones!
Did you know tuition is a billion dollar industry in Singapore, mama?! Blame it on kiasu parenting, blame it on an unrelenting academic culture, or blame it on an unparalleled commitment to learning and academic excellence — whatever the reason, there are now more than 600 tuition centres registered with the Ministry of Education — and that doesn’t even include small-scale home tutors.
“Tuition” and “Enrichment” can mean very different things to different people. Perhaps your child is struggling in a particular subject and needs help keeping up. Perhaps you want to make sure your little one is well-prepared for the rigors of primary school. Or perhaps you just want your tiny tot to find learning fun and enjoyable — believe it or not there are plenty of programs out there for toddlers (and even babies) that focus mostly on singing, dancing, arts and creative expression rather than rote learning.
With so much to choose from and a handful of tuition centres in seemingly every shopping mall, we’ve done the heavy lifting to round up the best tuition and enrichment centres in Singapore — at any age. Check out our roundup below – organised by subjects – and good luck, mamas!
Math
Writing & Communication
Language (Mandarin, French, English, etc.)
Multi-Subject
Math
Seriously Addictive Mathematics
This multi-award-winning enrichment program for kids ages 4 to 12 is based on our own little island’s innovative and world-renowned Singapore Mathematics curriculum. With nine different locations across the island, children have convenient access to both personalised classroom teaching and self-learning worksheets to help devleop higher order thinking skills like problem solving, metacognition, critical thinking and logical reasoning. Teachers keep the weekly 60-minute classroom sessions fun and engaging, too, with hands-on activities and games. S.A.M. is so proven and trusted that it’s got centres trusted and recommended by parents in 16 different countries, mama!
Seriously Addictive Mathematics, centres located in 9 locations,
www.facebook.com/pg/seriouslyaddictivemaths, www.seriouslyaddictivemaths.com.sg
This established enrichment programme from Tokyo is renowned for grooming well-rounded preschoolers who ace the entrance tests of the prestigious private primary schools in Japan. Helping children dissect Math and other foundational concepts through a research-based, classroom-tested experiential learning method, every lesson is a fun three-step learning journey where children are stimulated to experience the problem and discover answers, first collaboratively in a group, then on their own. So if preparing your kiddo for primary school with a strong foundation in math and critical thinking skills sounds like the right step, you know where to go mama!
KUNO Method, Northpoint City Mall South Wing #02-183/84 Singapore 768019, www.facebook.com/kunomethod, www.kunomethod.com.sg
Founded in 2007 by math teacher Divesh Shah, Math Vision helps students cover both Math and the Sciences, whether they need a little help in those subjects or are preparing for exams like the IGCSE or IB. They also provide counselling on applying to schools and unis in the UK.
Math Vision, 19 Tanglin Road #08-01 Tanglin Shopping Centre Singapore (247909), www.mathvision.com.sg
Multi-Subject
Does your child aspire to study in the UK? Based solely in the UK until recently, Keystone recently set up shop in Singapore to help advise families on entrance to UK schools and universities. They provide the unique service of giving families in Singapore access to the UK’s leading private tutors through their fantastic online learning platform. Tutors cover all subjects – including English, Humanities, Modern and Classical Languages, Maths and Science – and have extensive experience with both entrance and scholarship exams to the most competitive schools and unis in the UK, along with exams like the IGCSE, A Levels and IB. Online tutoring allows for flexible scheduling (and no schlepping for mamas!) – all kids need is a computer and they’re ready to go. You’ll also get monthly progress reports, and Keystone even offers mock interviews and assessments to help identify strengths and weaknesses to bolster your child’s application against peers in the UK. Geared towards children aged 8 and up.
Diana Stewart-Brown of Keystone Tutors, Level 42, Six Battery Road, Singapore 049909, Tel: (+65) 6817 4975 / 9374 6397, [email protected], www.keystonetutors.com
This leading Singapore-based online platform founded by three parents connects families with dedicated and experienced tutors and teachers who undergo a comprehensive curation process that begins with referrals from other parents and other official certification channels. Smarter Me offers classes across both academic and lifestyle disciplines, including music, dance, languages, science & technology and more. Handily, users can search, book and pay online while seamlessly communicating with instructors – no need to chase them over WhatsApp, mama!
Take $10 off any class on Smarter Me with the promo code SMSASSY. Valid through 31 July 2017.
Smarter Me, 1093, Lower Delta Road, #05-07/08 Singapore 169204, [email protected], www.smarter.me
This enrichment centre with two cosy locations in the East and West is all about growing inquisitive, independent and informed learners, starting at preschool right on up through secondary. Conducting enrichment classes in English, Mathematics, Science and Chinese, The Think Tank weaves key tenets of learning like language arts, cognitive development, structured play and social development throughout each and every course to form a strong foundation of learning. Children enjoy a nurturing environment filled with dedicated teachers and state-of-the-art technology and equipment that caters to all learning styles. The curriculum approach is holistic, structured, and child-centred.
78 Namly Place, Singapore 267229, Tel: (+65) 6469 6585
69 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458197, Tel: (+65) 6636 3685
www.thethinktank.sg
With classes for Kindergarten through Secondary covering English, Maths, Chinese and even coding, Adam Khoo is one of the most popular tuition centres in Singapore – it’s especially a hit with parents looking for PSLE tuition. The centres are based on the philosophy of “Happy Children, Happy Results” and the belief that empowerment and encouragement are the cornerstones to academic success.
Adam Khoo Learning Centre, centres in various locations, www.aklc.com.sg
Covering English, Math and Science, JustEdu philosophy is all about fun learning from nurturing, dedicated teachers. It’s grown to 13 centres across the island based on positive word of mouth from happy parents and students – many of whom have returned to be teachers, themselves! Classes start from Pre-Primary, with additional Robotics classes for kids aged 5 to 14.
JustEdu, centres in various locations, www.justedu.com.sg
Want to get your kiddo ready for the rigors of primary school? This popular tuition centre will have you covered, mama. Of course they also have all sorts of other fun classes for children aged 3 and up, including Phonics, Abacus & Arithmetic, Arts & Crafts, Chinese, Speech & Drama, Baking & Cooking, Music & Singing, LEGO Robotics, and even Financial Literacy! Kentridge Tutors has 23 centres located across the island.
Kentridge Tutors, centres in various locations, www.kentridgetutors.com
A Japanese company with decades of experience and a proven, global track record, Kumon is among the most popular math, English and Mandarin tuition centres in Singapore, with programs for preschool-aged kids and up. It’s particularly known for its small-step worksheets that kiddos do at home to reinforce concepts and skills.
Kumon, sg.kumonglobal.com
With the motto “Nurturing the Love of Learning”, the Learning Lab offers programs at the Preschool, Primary, Secondary and Junior College levels, starting with storytelling sessions and special library visits to cultivate a love of reading, and fun games, manipulatives and interactive whiteboard sessions (Math) at the Nursery 1 level. The Learning Lab is also a fave for cool school holiday camps!
The Learning Lab, centres in various locations, www.thelearninglab.com.sg
Founded way back in 1986, this results-oriented centre’s track record speaks for itself, with a specialised in-house curriculum and topnotch tutors, many of whom are full-time teachers. The curriculum begins with a playgroup at 18 months, along with Phonics & Learn-to-Read classes for little ones aged 3 to 6 years old, while older classes also cover Math, Chinese and Science.
Mavis Tutorial, centres in various locations, www.mavistutorial.com
It’s no surprise that this well-known preschool also provides all sorts of enrichment options for littlies, starting with Reading programs from the age of 3, and progressing to Writing and all-around “Thinking Skills” programs in the primary years. Mindchamps also helps kiddos prepare for the PSLE.
Mindchamps, centres in various locations, www.mindchamps.org
Covering English, Math, Chinese and Science, these popular tuition centres go right up through Secondary school, though their strong Preschool programs emphasize the four important pillars of critical thinking, public speaking, moral education and literacy – all important life skills for our little ones to build upon!
Mind Stretcher, centres in various locations, www.mindstretcher.com
Writing & Communication
Get your kiddo to hone his/her English language skills at The Alternative Story’s creative writing classes! Adopting new teaching methodologies while still being in line with the PSLE syllabus, teachers encourage curiosity in their students in order to develop a love for learning and in turn allowing good composition skills to flourish in a supportive learning environment.
The Alternative Story, centres located in 7 locations
www.facebook.com/TheAlternativeStorySg, thealternativestory.com
We’re huge fans of British Council here at Sassy Mama, as they’ve been teaching and promoting the merits of the English Language here in Singapore for 70 years now! British Council provides a wealth of high-quality courses for preschool, primary and secondary students (as well as adults!), including one-to-one tuition, fun phonics and literacy classes, exam preparation (including PSLE, O-Levels, A-Levels, and IB), university and entrance exam prep, and much more. They also organise study camps during school holiday periods to help students hone their presentation and communications skills, report and email writing, and pronunciation. British Council even offers tailored courses for general, business- or industry-specific English.
British Council, various locations, [email protected], www.britishcouncil.sg
Providing personalised home tuition that suits every child’s unique learning needs, The Language Boutique’s highly qualified teachers keep young minds active and engaged en route to reaching their full academic potential. Personalised programs are designed to suit each child’s varied interests, learning needs and academic goals. With expertise catering to children at the preschool, primary school, high school and special needs levels, The Language Boutique is there to help every kiddo reach their potential.
The Language Boutique, 75 High Street, The Co, Singapore 179435, (+65) 6837 3202, [email protected], www.thelanguageboutique.com
Helmed by an ex-government scholar with a University of Cambridge Master’s degree with almost twenty years’ teaching experience in top schools and sound mastery in English teaching, Master Class is a well-trusted learning centre at East Coast Road. Their track records for national examinations are stellar: 100% As and A*s for PSLE English and 100% As and Bs for ‘O’ Level English. Teachers with degrees and NIE qualifications boast an accumulated 50 years’ teaching experience and their curriculum is systematic and engaging. They do classes for Primary 4 to 6 and Secondary 1 to 4 English and Junior College General Paper in a conducive and supportive learning environment.
Master Class Learning Centre, 79 East Coast Road, #02-01, Singapore 428748, (+65) 6344 4991, [email protected], www.mclass.com.sg
With English Language and Communications programs at affordable rates, Words Worth caters to kiddos from Primary School through through Secondary, Junior College, IGCSE, IB Programme and even English as a Second Language. Their “blended approach” provides a cumulative curriculum that gives kids who stick with the program a deep well of knowledge and skills that they can build upon each academic year. Words Worth’s goal is to ensure students think artistically and independently, while also stating their thoughts succinctly and in a logical manner. With these important tools, students are apt to discover a true love for the English language – including reading, writing, and even grammar!
Words Worth, 30 East Coast Road, #02-17, Katong V, Singapore 428751, Tel: (+65) 9739 4519 / 6440 0374, [email protected] / [email protected], www.wordsworth.sg
Whether your children enjoy writing or are looking to discover it in a fun and exciting way, the classes at The Writer’s Place are a great option to pursue! As specialists in English creative writing, their teaching methodologies are proven to help children learn effectively and most importantly, while having fun. From using games and movement (no wonder they have fun!) to engaging children through a step-by-step learning process, they foster a love of reading in kids while they are still young.
The Writer’s Place, located in Woodlands, Choa Chu Kang and Pasir Ris. All locations here, www.thewritersplace.com.sg
Specializing in Early Years education, G.U.G. provides specially-designed activities for children from 8 months of age up to 8 years-old, covering skills including language, literacy, logical thinking, math, social, and problem-solving skills. It all begins with parent-accompanied playgroups for kiddos 8 months to 4 years of age.
Growing Up Gifted, 101 Thomson Road #01-20/27, Singapore 307591, www.gugifted.com
This popular enrichment centre that’s taught more than 170,000 students around the world is all about helping children overcome the challenges and difficulties of reading to ensure they become confident, independent readers. Programmes start from 2.5 years of age and go up through age 12. There are two dozen I Can Read centres located across the island.
I Can Read, centres located in multiple locations, www.icanread.asia/singapore/english
With a renowned “Readers & Writers” program along with Speech & Drama courses that kiddos find tons of fun, Julia Gabriel is all about bringing the exceptional student out in every child and helping them find their voice (sometimes literally!). Starting with the “I Love Reading” course for 2-year-olds, little ones build up their vocabulary, phonics, social, communications, and fine motor skills.
Julia Gabriel, centres located in multiple locations, www.juliagabriel.com
Founded in 2009 and having grown to seven centres across Singapore (plus more in China and Indonesia), LEAP has everything from parent-accompanied playgroups (for children aged 8-36 months) to enrichment and movement classes for kiddos aged 2.5 to 7 years old – all with the focus of boosting English and Chinese skills through listening, speaking, reading and writing.
LEAP Schoolhouse Enrichment, www.leapeducation.sg/leap-schoolhouse-enrichment
Language
Having been around since 1949, AF is one of Singapore’s longest-standing language schools, and offers a wide range of classes, camps and activities for both children and adults looking to learn French (everything from storytime to French cinema nights!).
Alliance Française de Singapour, 1 Sarkies Road, Singapore 258130, (+65) 6737 8422, www.alliancefrancaise.org.sg
Started in 1993 and having grown to 19 locations all over the island, Berries is a popular Mandarin centre catering to children in nursery through primary school. It’s got an MOE-approved syllabus and believes in learning through social interaction, instilment of values and curriculum understanding.
Berries, various locations, (+65) 6715 9591, www.berriesworld.com
Actually an offshoot of Julia Gabriel, Chengzhu employs the same fun, “Edu-Drama” approach to expose little ones to both Chinese language and culture. Little ones start with a focus on cultural arts through songs, traditional brush painting, Chinese fairy tales and more, while primary schoolers can focus on language or creative writing. Programs start from 2.5 years of age.
Chengzhu, 35 Rochester Dr, Singapore 138639, Tel: (+65) 6737 5348, www.chengzhu.edu.sg
Mandarin specialist EduGrove aims to provide a fun alternative to more traditional classes emphasising rote memorisation; its playgroups and classes are interactive and creative, with an eye toward building confidence in both oral and written skills.
Edugrove Mandarin Enrichment Centre, Pasir Ris Sports Centre, #01-01/02 120 Pasir Ris Central, Singapore 519640, (+65) 6584 8489, [email protected], www.edugrove.com.sg
One of the pioneer language centres in Singapore (they were actually established in 1992!) and registered with the MOE, Hua Language Centre teaches little ones from 18 months up to 16 years old. It’s a fave among parents who have gone for Chinese classes at Hua themselves and then sent their own kiddos because of the interesting and effective curriculum. Their no-franchise policy ensures all teachers are trained and genuinely care for their pupils, and it shows – they’ve got a stellar track record of more than 90% of their Primary 6 students achieving A / A* in their PSLE Chinese exam for over 20 consecutive years.
101 Thomson Road, United Square #03-25/26, Singapore 307591, Tel: (+65) 6255 5060, [email protected]
1 Seletar Road, Greenwich V #02-09, Singapore 807011, Tel: (+65) 6555 5780, [email protected]
1 Woodlands Square, Causeway Point #05-03, Singapore 738099, Tel: (+65) 6894 7183, [email protected]
Las Lilas is exclusively focused on teaching the Spanish language and culture in Singapore. It offers both summer camps and weekly classes (split up for native and non-native speakers) for children from the age of 3 up to age 16. They offer plenty of adult courses too, mamacitas!
Las Lilas School, 180B Bencoolen St, Singapore 189648, Tel: (+65) 6333 3484, www.laslilasschool.com
Besides their absolutely gorgeous indoor-outdoor learning space at Loewen by Dempsey Hill, Little Mandarins takes a fun, play-based approach with its five core principles: Play, Grow, Make, Care and Share. Led by passionate, native Mandarin speakers, learning is hands-on and interactive. There’s a real focus on Mandarin as a communication tool, not an examination subject!
Little Mandarins @ Loewen, Block 71, Loewen Road, #01-03/04, Singapore 248847, (+65) 6473 8377, [email protected], www.little-mandarins.com
Hero courtesy of Seriously Addictive Mathematics. Brought to you in partnership with Seriously Addictive Mathematics, KUNO Method, Smarter Me, The Language Boutique, Little Mandarins, Words Worth, The Think Tank, Keystone, The British Council, The Writer’s Place
Hi Sassy Mama,
Thanks for the insightful details of each centre. I was wondering if you have any recommendations for Korean classes for kids as the ones i found are mainly for adults.
There is another one which is also very good. Nanyang Educational Consultancy. My younger boy improve form C in his Primary 5 to A* for PSLE. My lao da was failing his Chemistry at mid year and he doesn’t want to go tuition. I force him to go to Nanyang and in the end, he got an A2 for his Pure Chemistry.