ISS International School vs Singapore American School

	I ISS International School Singapore	Singapore American School Singapore
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year SGD 25,000 - 54,430	Fees / year SGD 26,610 - 42,300
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils	Pupils 250	Pupils 4,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 19	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1981	Opened 1956
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ISS International School is located at 21 Preston Road, Singapore. This central location offers easy access to public transport, including MRT and bus services, making it convenient for commuting throughout the city. Nearby landmarks include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens.	Location Singapore American School is located in the Woodlands area, in the northern part of Singapore . The campus is near Woodlands MRT station and connected by major expressways, making commutes to other parts of the island relatively straightforward. The surrounding neighborhood features shopping malls, parks, and a range of housing options, and is close to the Causeway linking Singapore to Johor Bahru in Malaysia.
Stages	Stages ISS International School in Singapore is structured into two sections: the Primary School for ages 4 to 10, and the High School for ages 11 to 18.	Stages Singapore American School is structured into four divisions: the Early Learning Center for students aged 3 to 5, the Elementary School covering kindergarten to grade 5, the Middle School for grades 6 to 8, and the High School for grades 9 to 12.
School type	School type ISS International School is a co-educational institution offering a day school program.	School type Singapore American School is a co-educational day school serving students ages 3 to 18, with no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support ISS International School provides tailored support for students with Additional Learning Needs through their Learning Support Program. The school offers individualised plans and specialised staff to assist students in accessing the full curriculum. Facilities are equipped to ensure an inclusive and supportive environment for diverse learning needs.	Additional learning support Singapore American School provides support for students with Additional Learning Needs through its experienced Learning Support Team. They offer personalized strategies and resources, such as individualized learning plans, to ensure each student can access and engage with the curriculum effectively. The school also provides facilities like dedicated learning support classrooms to aid students’ development.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation ISS International School does not have an affiliation to any particular country.	Country affiliation Singapore American School is affiliated with the United States, offering an American-based curriculum designed to ease the transition for students coming from or planning to study in the U.S.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation ISS International School does not have an affiliation to any particular religion, offering a diverse and inclusive environment for students from various cultural and religious backgrounds.	Religious affiliation Singapore American School does not have an affiliation with any particular religion, providing a secular and inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
School day structure	School day structure ISS International School starts its school day at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. Students have a morning break and a lunch period.	School day structure Singapore American School's school day typically begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. Students have scheduled breaks, including a lunch period, to recharge and socialize with peers. Exact break and lunch times can vary slightly depending on the grade level.
Bus service details	Bus service details ISS International School provides a convenient bus service for its students, facilitating easy commutes to and from the school. The service is managed internally by the school, focusing on safety and punctuality. The bus routes are designed to accommodate a broad range of residential areas, catering to families relocating from overseas and residing in different neighborhoods. For precise routes and scheduling, parents can contact the school transport department @ schoolbus@iss.edu.sg	Bus service details SAS contracts with Season Bus Services Co Pte Ltd to provide transportation for students. The fleet consists of modern, air-conditioned buses equipped with CCTV and GPS tracking systems. Each bus journey is supervised by an adult bus attendant licensed by the Land Transport Authority and trained by Season Bus.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Enrolment Fee: SGD 3,667 One-time fee payable upon acceptance of offer and non-refundable. Placement Test Fee: SGD 510 One-time fee payable where applicable; non-deductible and non-refundable. Student Support Review Fee: SGD 510 One-time fee payable where applicable; non-deductible and non-refundable. Tuition Fee: Kindergarten to Grade 5: SGD 25,000 annually Grade 6: SGD 43,472 annually Grade 7 - 8: SGD 47,700 annually Grade 9: SGD 49,107 annually Grade 10: SGD 50,516 annually Grade 11: SGD 51,925 annually Grade 12: SGD 54,430 annually Billing Schedule and Payment Terms: Tuition fees are billed in March and August. Payments can be made via bank transfer or credit card, with some bank fees applicable. Other Costs: Additional costs include a technology fee of SGD 108 annually. Uniforms, available through the school's designated vendor, and transportation options incur additional charges. Refund Information: In the case of withdrawal, a written notice is required, and fee refunds are subject to the school's refund policy, which may include a partial refund if notice is given before the start of the term. Fee Payment Options: Fees can be paid through bank transfer directly to the school’s account or via credit card. Ensure arrangements are made well before the due dates to avoid delays.	Fee details Application Fees: A non-refundable application fee of SGD 2,500 is required for each application. This fee does not guarantee admission and remains valid for two years from the submission date. Tuition Fees: Early Childhood (Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten): SGD 46,200 per year (Lane 1: SGD 26,610) Kindergarten – Grade 5: SGD 55,960 per year (Lane 1: SGD 36,370) Middle School (Grades 6–8): SGD 59,740 per year (Lane 1: SGD 40,150) High School (Grades 9–12): SGD 61,890 per year (Lane 1: SGD 42,300) Facility Fee: An annual facility fee of SGD 7,510 – SGD 8,720 is included in the school fees invoice and is non-prorated. Lane 1: Student / parent holding a US passport or Green Card Additional Costs:* English as an Additional Language (EAL) Support: SGD 6,990 per year. Bus Transportation: SGD 1,320 – SGD 3,420 per semester. Extracurricular Activities (EAA): SGD 75 – SGD 1,250 per activity, per season. School Lunch: SGD 6.00 – SGD 9.00 per day. Uniforms: SGD 160 – SGD 215 for three regular sets and one PE set. Interim Semester and Overseas Trips: Costs range from SGD 200 – SGD 4,900. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms: Fees for new students are due within 30 days of invoicing. Refund Policy: Application, confirmation, and re-enrollment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees are refundable based on the withdrawal date, with 100% refunds before June 1, 2025, and decreasing amounts thereafter. Payment Options: Payments can be made via bank transfer to DBS Bank. A payment plan may be available for certain circumstances, with an administration fee of SGD 250 per child.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school requires students to live full-time with at least one parent or court-appointed legal guardian while enrolled.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The SAS uniform consists of navy blue bottoms with an SAS logo and a white SAS polo shirt. A separate PE uniform is used, and on certain days non-SAS attire may be worn while adhering to dress codes.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Food options include Preschool menus, Elementary School menus, Middle School menus, and High School menus. Hoe Brothers Catering serves Elementary and Middle School meals; Sodexo serves High School meals.
House system	House system —	House system The school has a house system with Andor, Aquila, and Ethon. The high school House Program was sunset after the 2023-24 school year, while the middle school house programming continues.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school is a non-profit institution governed by a 12-member, all-volunteer board. The board hires the superintendent and provides strategic oversight; day-to-day operations are led by the superintendent and administrative team. The SAS Foundation supports advancement activities.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details As an authorised K-12 International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, ISS offers the complete IB curriculum, including the IB Certificate and an American-styled High School Diploma for G11 and G12 students. Our school's personalised learning programme, supported by a robust student achievement database, tailors education to diverse student needs and backgrounds.	Curriculum details Singapore American School follows an American-based curriculum from preschool through Grade 12. In the Elementary School (Preschool–Grade 5), students build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies. In the Middle School (Grades 6–8), they broaden their academic exploration through core subjects and elective offerings. By High School (Grades 9–12), students may choose from various Advanced Placement (AP) courses and work toward an American High School Diploma. World languages, technology, and arts feature prominently across all age groups. Graduates often undertake AP exams for potential college credit or advanced placement in universities.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning Singapore American School integrates elements of the Reggio Emilia Approach in its early education years, which encourages strong social and emotional development through student-led inquiry and reflection . Trained counselors and faculty collaborate with families to address individual student needs and promote mental well-being. The school also incorporates advisory sessions and pastoral care structures aimed at building empathy, resilience, and healthy peer relationships. Classroom activities often feature collaborative group work that helps students practice communication and conflict-resolution skills. Additionally, teachers receive ongoing professional development in cultivating a supportive learning environment. This framework ensures that students’ social and emotional growth is prioritized alongside academic objectives.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Singapore American School follows an American curriculum with a Reggio Emilia approach in the early years and does not publicly describe itself as a specialist SEN institution. While the school’s inclusive ethos suggests it can support students with mild to moderate learning difficulties, the available information does not detail specific SEN programs or specialized staff. Families should contact the admissions team directly to explore any in-class support, accommodations, or individualized interventions that may be offered. The school’s general focus areas include sports, visual and creative arts, and languages, rather than intensive SEN services. Prospective parents whose children require higher levels of specialized care may wish to seek further clarification to ensure that their child’s needs can be met.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language Singapore American School does not specifically list an English as an Additional Language program in its published information . It follows an American curriculum, offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and incorporates Reggio Emilia influences . Families requiring EAL support are encouraged to contact the school directly to discuss possible language resources or accommodations. The school highlights languages as one of its strengths, alongside sport and the creative arts, suggesting it values multilingual engagement . Prospective parents can also explore how individual teachers and staff might support English language development within regular classes.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Singapore American School provides a specialized counseling team at each school division, ensuring students have easy access to emotional support from trained professionals. These counselors collaborate with teachers and families to address individual needs, including stress management and social-emotional development. Regular well-being events and workshops help students develop coping strategies and resilience in a supportive environment. Advisory sessions offer a smaller group setting, where students can discuss concerns and build relationships with peers and staff. Transition support is available for new students and families, easing the move into a new academic and cultural setting.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Singapore American School has established guidelines that outline staff responsibilities in keeping students safe and well. Teachers and other personnel typically undergo thorough background checks and receive ongoing training to recognize and address potential concerns. The school employs clear internal protocols for reporting issues, with designated teams that act quickly if any concerns arise. It also collaborates with local authorities and international safeguarding bodies to ensure compliance with relevant standards. For detailed information on policies, prospective parents can request the school’s official child protection documents or speak directly with an admissions representative to learn more.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The SAS campus spans 36 acres in Woodlands and is one of the largest single-campus K-12 schools in the world. The campus generates about 1 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually from solar panels. It features an indoor air-conditioned rock climbing gym and a 2-acre rainforest used as a living laboratory for science classes. The auditorium uses a Meyer Sound Constellation acoustic system with a canopy of microphones and more than 200 speakers to support high-quality performances.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The athletics program includes intramural and varsity teams coordinated across all divisions, with competition through IASAS. The Eagles Activities and Athletics (EAA) office oversees athletics and activities across the three divisions. There is an indoor, air-conditioned full-size climbing wall for student climbers. Eagle Club offerings include Swim School, Baseball, Softball, Touch Rugby, Dance, Badminton, Basketball, Climbing, Cricket, Rugby, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, and more. IASAS membership and events feature prominently in SAS athletic and arts competitions.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The school operates specialized academic facilities across divisions, including libraries and learning spaces. The Khoo Teck Puat Library serves SAS High School with print and digital resources, archives, and study areas across two floors. The high school library also hosts the Math Center for tutoring, located on the library's second floor. The Elementary School Library is on the second floor of the elementary building and houses thousands of print materials with digital resources as well. The Middle School Library provides a dynamic learning environment to support cross-disciplinary inquiry and is complemented by a MakerSpace with hands-on project resources. English is the primary instruction language, with an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program and a Chinese Immersion option exists for certain grade levels.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities SAS offers a broad co-curricular program across all divisions. High School students have access to over 100 after-school clubs and activities, including service and cultural opportunities. Middle School lists 50+ clubs, with more than 100 items built in the middle school Makerspace each year and an indoor climbing wall for clubs and activities. Eagle Club provides parent-supported after-school athletics and activities, including various sport and performance offerings. IASAS and other inter-school events provide opportunities for competition in sports, arts, and cultural activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Singapore American School was founded in 1956 by a small group of American families seeking a U.S.-style education in Singapore. As a nonprofit entity, it is overseen by a board of governors who guide its strategic direction.
Community	Community —	Community The school community brings together families from around the world, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers. Throughout the year, the school hosts cultural observances and festive gatherings that highlight its international diversity and encourage meaningful connections among parents, students, and staff. Regular family-oriented events, such as volunteer days and on-campus activities, help newcomers feel supported and engaged.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at SAS plays a pivotal role in fostering community spirit and enhancing the educational experience for students and their families. The PTA operates as a separate legal entity with an elected board, and membership is automatic for all school families and faculty members. The PTA organizes various events to strengthen community bonds, such as the Open House Ice Cream Social, the International Fair, and informative parent coffees. The PTA Store and Café is on campus and operated by volunteers, providing school uniforms, spirit items, and supplies. The PTA office also serves as a welcoming space for parents to socialize, enjoy a coffee, and access resources like used books and merchandise. Through various fundraising efforts, the PTA supports initiatives such as hosting visiting authors and artists, enhancing library collections, and providing scholarships. Notably, the PTA awards four need-based scholarships of SGD $5,000 each to exceptional seniors who have demonstrated remarkable accomplishments.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual SAS offers over 85 after-school activities. Middle School has 50+ clubs sponsored by faculty, including intramurals and competitions. High School provides 25+ AP courses, AP Capstone, and the Catalyst/Quest programs. Quest enables flexible scheduling for student-driven interdisciplinary projects, with off-campus experiences and community engagement.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The arts are an essential part of SAS, with visual and performing arts programs among the strongest in the region. High School productions include major shows such as Narnia and Fiddler on the Roof. Facilities support the arts with an auditorium, drama theater, and related performance spaces.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Model United Nations is a popular SAS club; SAS attends MUN conferences in Singapore and IASAS. SAS offers Chinese immersion classes from preschool through fifth grade, with two classes per grade, and pathways in middle and high school. The program focuses on developing bilingual and biliteracy skills to engage with diverse cultures and foster cultural competence.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies There are over 50 middle school clubs, including intramurals and competitions, and facilities such as a climbing wall and makerspace. Clubs are sponsored by faculty to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. Eagle Club offerings include baseball, swimming, and touch programs, run by SAS coaches or partner vendors, with registration through SchoolsBuddy.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Service Learning is a component of SAS's co-curricular program. Quest provides off-campus experiences, industry partnerships, and community engagement as part of learning. National History Day finals have been reached by SAS students in the US finals.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Booster Club supports school spirit and high school leadership through events. PTA offers parent-volunteer leadership opportunities and hosts events throughout the year. SAS maintains a Leadership Team that coordinates school leadership initiatives.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Athletics program includes rep and varsity teams, intramurals, Eagle Pathway, Eagle Club, and IASAS competition. Counseling and a Health Clinic support student wellbeing across divisions. Eagle Club offerings provide after-school physical activities with SAS coaches and external partners.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The World Language program offers Mandarin Chinese and Spanish for daily instruction in elementary school, with French available starting in middle school. Elementary students may choose between daily classes in Chinese and Spanish and may join the Chinese immersion program; in middle school, French becomes an option and language classes may occur in other subjects taught in the target language (e.g., Spanish language Dual Language Immersion in social studies). The Seal of Biliteracy is offered in Mandarin Chinese, French, and Spanish. English as an Additional Language (EAL) provides structured English-language support for multilingual learners from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school has a Chinese Immersion program offering bilingual instruction in Chinese and English from preschool through fifth grade, with two immersion classes per grade. The program integrates Chinese language and culture into the curriculum and mirrors English‑medium classes aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Math and English Language Arts. It emphasizes bilingual and biliteracy development.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs The Chinese Immersion program integrates Chinese language and culture into the curriculum and runs from preschool to fifth grade with two classes per grade. It mirrors English‑medium classes and follows the Common Core standards for Math and English Language Arts. The program focuses on developing language skills in Chinese and English and supports ongoing language development.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards Green Mark Gold Award (2013): The Building and Construction Authority of Singapore honored SAS with this award, acknowledging the school's sustainable building practices and environmental stewardship.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)This it confirms that the school provides a curriculum and learning environment that align with well-recognized standards in the U.S. education system.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions We understand that starting or switching school can be a challenging and stressful time. We aim to make the application process a pleasant and straightforward experience. When considering applicants, we take into account factors which include personal and social development, educational history and milestones, academic profile and English language proficiency to determine if applicants will benefit from their learning experience at ISS. All applications are diligently processed, evaluated for acceptance and grade-level placement, and submitted to the respective Academic Director for approval. For detailed admission and application process please refer to the admissions overview page on our website: https://www.iss.edu.sg/admissions/overview/	Admissions Attend an Open House or Schedule a School Tour: Once you’ve made initial contact, consider visiting the campus. SAS offers school tours and open houses, which are excellent opportunities to explore the facilities, observe classes, and meet faculty members. You’ll get a feel for the school’s atmosphere, community, and teaching philosophy—key factors in determining if SAS is the right fit for your child. Submit an Application: After your visit (or if you’re ready to move forward), the next step is completing the formal application. Singapore American School has an online application form that will ask for your child’s personal details, academic history, and relevant background information. Provide Supporting Documents: Along with the online application, SAS typically requires you to submit supporting documents. These may include: Standardized test scores (if applicable); Copies of your child’s passport or birth certificate Immunization records; Any psychological or educational assessments, if relevant. Application Review and Interview: Once your application and documents are in order, the admissions team will review them. In some cases, an interview with the prospective student (and possibly parents) may be scheduled. This interview helps both the school and your family assess whether SAS’s academic and community environment aligns with your child’s educational needs and aspirations. Assessment Process: Depending on the grade level, your child may be asked to complete an assessment. Younger children might have a more informal evaluation (such as classroom observations), while older students could be required to take tests in subjects like English and Mathematics. These assessments help SAS determine appropriate class placement and ensure the school can meet your child’s learning needs. Receive an Offer: If the admissions committee finds that your child is a strong match for Singapore American School, you will receive a formal offer of admission. The offer letter will outline the acceptance deadline and any terms or conditions tied to enrollment. Take the time to review the offer thoroughly to confirm it meets your family’s expectations and requirements. Acceptance and Enrollment: To finalize your child’s enrollment, you’ll need to formally accept the offer by submitting the required acceptance forms and paying any relevant enrollment fees. Once completed, your child’s place at SAS is secured, and the school will guide you through any additional steps—such as orientation activities—leading up to the first day of class.
Scholarships	Scholarships ISS International School does offer scholarships occassionally.	Scholarships Singapore American School does not appear to offer any formal scholarship or financial aid programs in the information available.
Waitlist	Waitlist If a particular grade level reaches capacity, applicants may be placed on a waitlist. The admissions team closely monitors enrolment numbers and will notify families if a spot becomes availableAs places open up, the admissions team contacts families in the order applications were received. Once notified of an available spot, families need to confirm their acceptance promptly to secure enrolment.	Waitlist Singapore American School does not publicly describe any specific waitlist or pool system.
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