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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.
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.
ISS International School is a co-educational institution offering a day school program.
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.
ISS International School does not have an affiliation to any particular country.
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.
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.
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
Each homeroom is a Kampong, fostering a sense of belonging and respect among students. The Kampong Spirit is central to school life.
ISS International School is registered as a Private Education Institution under the Private Education Act. Registration No. 201316975E. Registration period: 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2027.
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.
At ISS International School, our well-being programme is designed to nurture the holistic well-being of every student, from Primary to High School. We focus on physical, social, and emotional well-being, providing students the support they need to realise their potential. Through tailored learning experiences, we promote self-awareness, connectedness, and healthy balanced lifestyles that adapt with the students as they grow.
ISS International School provides tailored support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) through an inclusive learning environment. The school collects and processes student learning data to ensure appropriate accommodations and personalised strategies. Dedicated learning support staff collaborate with teachers and parents to integrate individualised interventions into daily learning, fostering academic and social growth. While not a specialist SEN institution, ISS prioritises pastoral care and progress monitoring, ensuring students receive the necessary resources and support to thrive.
ISS takes pride in its robust English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme, consistently guiding students from low WIDA scores to success in IBDP and HSD exams. The success is attributed to individualised support, a dedicated team of educators, and a caring culture that cultivates English proficiency, laying the foundation for student success and future pathways.
At ISS, our Counselling Services are dedicated to fostering our school community’s personal growth, resilience, and overall well-being.
We provide a confidential and compassionate space where students are empowered to navigate challenges and thrive. Through both proactive and responsive approaches, we nurture social-emotional development and collaborate closely with families to address individual and community needs.
ISS International School fully recognises its responsibilities regarding child protection, and the welfare of all students is of paramount importance to our community. We aim to create a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for all members of the community. We believe that all students have a right to be protected from neglect and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
Visit our Safeguarding page: https://www.iss.edu.sg/safeguarding-and-child-protection/ for more information on guidelines and procedures.
ISS International School was founded in 1981 by the late visionary politician, Mr Chan Chee Seng.
Central to ISS is "Our Kampong Spirit," embodying a commitment to community togetherness. With intentionally maintained small class sizes, academic excellence is not merely a goal but a journey facilitated by a personalised approach to learning and a nurturing environment.
ISS International School has a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) that facilitates communication and collaboration between parents, teachers, and students. The PTA organises various events and activities throughout the academic year to enhance the educational experience and foster community spirit. These initiatives include cultural festivals celebrating the school's diversity, family fun days that encourage parental involvement, workshops and informational sessions on topics relevant to children's education and well-being, regular coffee mornings providing a relaxed setting for parents to connect and discuss school-related matters, and fundraising activities supporting school initiatives and student-led projects.
The school sits on a heritage hilltop campus surrounded by nature at 21 Preston Road, Singapore 109355. The campus includes a school canteen for lunch with Asian, Western or sandwich options, and Primary School classrooms include fridges for refrigerated food. The school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. for all grade levels. Students in Grades 6–12 are required to have their own MacBook for learning. Two-way bus transport is available for students.
All Primary School ECAs are held during school hours on Mondays and Fridays; High School ECAs are held either after school or during lunch.
ISS offers a diverse range of activities, including clubs and societies that cater to a variety of interests. Students can start their own ECAs, and new ECAs are introduced each semester to align with evolving passions. The ECA program provides opportunities for social interaction, teamwork, and pursuing personal hobbies within a holistic, student-centered framework. The program emphasizes leadership development and the social-emotional skills needed to contribute to the school community.
Service as Action and Service Learning are integral parts of ISS's curriculum across the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The annual Week Without Walls trips focus on service as action, enabling students to engage with regional social or environmental issues and with local projects in Singapore. In MYP, students maintain long-term relationships with international organizations to develop service learning and intercultural competence and global citizenship, including support for the Sok Sobay Orphanage in Cambodia. In DP, Creativity, Action and Service is a compulsory component guiding self-initiated projects that connect learning with real-world impact.
The school provides a platform for leadership development and the development of social-emotional skills. Students are encouraged to participate in student-led ECAs and school life activities, with new ECAs introduced each semester to empower student ownership of learning outside the classroom.
The ECA program fosters sports, the arts, and service learning to support a balanced lifestyle. Students participate in physical activities and artistic pursuits, while developing well-being through collaboration, teamwork, and reflection as part of a holistic education. The program emphasizes opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and community contribution.
English is the language of literacy and instruction in most curriculum areas. Mandarin is taught as a language option in the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. In the Diploma Programme, languages include English A and Chinese A for Language and Literature, and English B and Chinese B for Language Acquisition. The High School Diploma includes Mother Tongue or a foreign language, with courses such as Chinese A/B, Japanese A, and other language options (including language A School Supported Self-Taught and ab initio options like Chinese/French/Spanish). EAL support is provided to assist learners developing English proficiency.
ISS offers a Bilingual Diploma pathway within the IB Diploma Programme. Language options include English and Mandarin across the MYP and DP, with English A and Chinese A available in the Diploma Programme and English B and Chinese B as language acquisition options. Mother Tongue language courses are available (Chinese A/B, Japanese A, and other languages) and EAL support helps learners access the curriculum.
Asia's Best Education Institute Award ISS was honoured with this award by the World Consulting and Research Corporation, ranking among the top 100 educational institutes in Asia.
International Baccalaureate (IB) World School
ISS International School is an authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World School that offers a multicultural environment for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. ISS provides a broad based education for students through the full IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. The three programmes were authorised (and re-authorised) in stages: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP).
Council of International Schools (CIS) Accreditation
ISS was fully accredited by the Committee of International Schools (CIS) in 2011.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
ISS International School has been fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 1986. This allows our students increased access to American schools and universities.
EduTrust Certification
ISS International School is pleased to receive the 4-year EduTrust Certificate, valid from 29 October 2023 to 28 October 2027. EduTrust is a quality certification scheme introduced by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) as part of the Private Education Act to strengthen the existing registration framework and enforcement provision to regulate the private education sector in Singapore. ISS International School is registered with SkillsFuture Singapore.
East Asian Region Council Overseas Schools (EARCOS)
ISS International School is an East Asian Region Council Overseas Schools (EARCOS) member since the 1980s. Our administrators attend annual conferences around Asia Pacific where the latest in leadership and educational research is explored. Teachers are also given the opportunity to attend as well as present at the annual Teachers’ Conference.
doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps. 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/
ISS International School does offer scholarships occassionally.
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.
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.
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.
Singapore American School is a co-educational day school serving students ages 3 to 18, with no boarding facilities.
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.
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.
Singapore American School does not have an affiliation with any particular religion, providing a secular and inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
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.
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.
The school requires students to live full-time with at least one parent or court-appointed legal guardian while enrolled.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps. 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.
Singapore American School does not appear to offer any formal scholarship or financial aid programs in the information available.
Singapore American School does not publicly describe any specific waitlist or pool system.
