Singapore American School vs Canadian International School

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.

The Canadian International School (CIS) is located in Jurong West. The school is well-connected by public transport, located near Lakeside MRT station. The area offers a welcoming environment for families, with a range of amenities and residential options nearby.

The Canadian International School in Singapore is structured into three main sections: the Primary School (Kindergarten to Grade 6), the Middle School (Grades 7 to 8), and the High School (Grades 9 to 12).

Canadian International School in Singapore is a co-educational day school. The school does not offer boarding facilities.

The Canadian International School (CIS) is Canadian at heart but global in outlook with nearly 3000 students from 70 nations. Working together with people from other backgrounds and cultures is an integral part of life at CIS.

The Canadian International School in Singapore offers support for students with Additional Learning Needs through its Learning Support Team. This includes tailored interventions and individualized support plans to help students succeed. The school also provides access to facilities equipped for specialized learning and resources for students requiring extra assistance.

Canadian International School in Singapore is affiliated with Canada, offering a curriculum that incorporates elements of the Canadian educational system.

Canadian International School in Singapore is not affiliated with any particular religion, offering a secular education environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

At the Canadian International School in Singapore, the school day typically begins at 8:30 AM and concludes at 3:30 PM. Students have a morning break, lunch around midday, and a short afternoon break.

The Canadian International School (CIS) in Singapore offers a comprehensive school bus service for its students, accommodating families across the island. This service is managed by Yeap Transport Pte Ltd, a reputable provider known for safety and reliability. The buses are equipped with seat belts and a GPS tracking system, ensuring convenience and peace of mind for parents. Various pick-up and drop-off points are strategically located, making it easier for families residing in different parts of Singapore.

CIS has an arrangement with ACS Oldham Hall in Singapore for boarding. Oldham Hall provides accommodation for students aged 12 years and up with a staff-to-boarder ratio of 1:12 and offers a door-to-door CIS bus service. Pastoral care is provided by residential house masters and mistresses, and on-site facilities include a gym, swimming pool, study rooms and wireless internet.

All students wear a uniform. Uniforms can be purchased at Lim Meng Keng Department Store in Holland Village. The uniform includes polo shirts, Bermuda shorts or skirts and PE shirts, with additional house league shirts as required.

Sodexo operates the CIS canteen; the Red Dot Café serves meals, hot and cold drinks, and breakfast on school days. Two large canteens operate on school days from 11:30am to 1:40pm, and a level-5 café runs for extended hours; the menu includes Asian dishes, curries, pasta, pizza, plant-based meals, and halal-certified meat with no pork or lard. Lunch for Nursery to Senior Kindergarten is included in school fees; Grades 4–12 pay for meals using stored-value cards.

The school uses a house system to build a sense of belonging and pride among students from Grades 1 to 12. House events are regularly held, and house captains lead activities to foster teamwork and leadership.

The school is incorporated as Canadian International School Pte. Ltd., a private limited company in Singapore.

The Canadian International School (CIS) in Singapore offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum across all educational stages. For students aged 3 to 12 years, the Primary Years Programme (PYP) encourages inquiry-based learning. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) follows for ages 11 to 16, focusing on developing interdisciplinary skills and critical thinking. For ages 16 to 18, the Diploma Programme (DP) offers a wide range of subjects, preparing students for university education globally. Additionally, CIS offers language acquisition programs, including French, Mandarin, and English, enhancing language skills from an early age.

All classes are staffed to ensure an optimal learning environment. As in all international school settings, the number of students in a class will fluctuate throughout the academic year - in line with demand and peak periods for admission and withdrawal.

In the kindergarten years, teachers are supported by two full-time instructional assistants in nursery and one full-time instructional assistant in pre-kindergarten, junior and senior kindergarten, allowing teachers to focus on each child’s emotional and social well-being.

Our bilingual classes (pre-kindergarten to grade 6) have two teachers per class. Students will learn in Chinese one day, and in English the next. In addition to the teacher, each class is supported by an instructional assistant.

The Canadian International School (CIS) is a leading world IB school. with IB results consistently above the global average. in 2025 the CIS IB average score was 35 compared to a global average of 30.6. This score is 38.7 for their 60th percentile. 22 students achieved 40+ points in 2025.

At Canadian International School (CIS), recent IB Diploma results are consistently strong and above global averages: the Class of 2025 achieved an average score of 35 (global average 30.58), with 22 students scoring 40+ points, 35 Bilingual Diplomas, and a selective-intake equivalent average of 38.7 for the top 60% of students; the Class of 2024 also averaged 35 (global 30.32) with a 99% pass rate, 2 students scoring a perfect 45, 25 scoring 40+, 38 scoring 38+, and about 35% earning the Bilingual Diploma; earlier results such as the Class of 2020 showed an average of 37.9 (global 33) with a 100% pass rate, 5 perfect 45s, 9 scores of 44, 37% scoring 40+, and a notably high 74.4% Bilingual Diploma rate compared with about 24% globally, highlighting CIS’s strong academic performance and emphasis on multilingual achievement.

Students from grades 7 to 10 who participated in the 2024 Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad (SASMO) brought home 48 medals: 12 gold, 16 silver and 20 bronze. They also won nine medals in the Singapore Math Olympiad (SMO), a commendable performance in a challenging environment.

In addition, the Class of 2024 achieved two perfect scores of 45 and a school average of 35 for their IB exam. They surpassed the global average by an astounding 4.8 points. 33% of their graduating cohort received the prestigious Bilingual Diploma. Many of them are heading to top universities around the world including Cambridge University, Stanford and Imperial College London.

A testament to continued academic excellence, 50 of their students also participated in the prestigious 3rd Global Chinese Writing Competition and won awards across the global and regional categories. Some of whom won championship titles as well.

CIS places a strong emphasis on students' social and emotional well-being. In primary school, homeroom teachers provide pastoral and emotional support, while in secondary school, advisory teachers deliver a dedicated pastoral care programme. The student support and well-being team, comprising a school psychologist, counsellors, learning support teachers, university advisors, and nurses, offers programmes throughout the year to help students develop skills to manage their well-being. Initiatives include "Sunshine visits" for new students, weekly meetings to monitor individual progress, and educational seminars for students and parents.

CIS supports students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) through its tiered learning support model. The school is not a specialist SEN institution but provides support for various learning needs, including those requiring occupational and speech therapy. The dedicated student support and well-being team collaborates with teachers to ensure that students with SEN receive appropriate interventions and assistance to achieve their academic goals.

At the CIS, students who are non-native English speakers receive tailored support through various programs. The English Language Learner (ELL) program assists students from Senior Kindergarten to Grade 10 in developing their English proficiency. Additionally, the CIS Foundation Programme is designed for students in Grades 3 to 8 who are beginners in English, aiming to equip them with the necessary language skills to integrate into mainstream classes.

The student support and well-being team, which includes counsellors and a school psychologist, offers programs throughout the year to help students develop skills to manage their well-being. Initiatives such as "Sunshine visits" for new students and weekly meetings to monitor individual progress are part of this support system.

CIS is committed to safeguarding and child protection, adhering to strict policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for all students. The school collects and manages personal data, including health and well-being information, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations

Canadian International School (CIS) in Singapore was established in 1990, initially to serve the expatriate Canadian community. Originally starting as a small school, it has grown significantly and now operates under the ownership of the prestigious Nord Anglia Education group.

Canadian International School in Singapore offers a vibrant and diverse community, welcoming families from over 70 countries. The school hosts various community events like the International Fair, which celebrates cultural diversity with food, performances, and activities from around the globe. Students and families can also engage in cultural events such as Lunar New Year and Deepavali celebrations. These events provide excellent opportunities for families new to Singapore to connect and engage with others.

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at the Canadian International School in Singapore plays an active role in fostering a supportive community. It organizes events such as International Day, where families celebrate their diverse cultures through food stalls and performances, and seasonal celebrations like the Winter Fair. In addition to these events, the PTA manages various interest groups and workshops, such as coffee mornings and parenting seminars, which provide valuable networking opportunities for parents. They also facilitate teacher appreciation initiatives, acknowledging the hard work of the school's educators. Volunteering with the PTA can be a great way for new families to connect and engage with the school community.

The Lakeside Campus serves students aged 2 to 18 years and uses a schools-within-a-school design with distinct age-appropriate learning communities. The campus is described as having state-of-the-art facilities to support teaching and learning. CIS is an IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. In 2025, the Class of 2025 IB Diploma results were published, showing strong university destinations and bilingual diploma achievements. The school teaches in English and offers two bilingual language pathways (Chinese-English and French-English), along with an English language learner programme.

Outdoor learning is integrated into the CIS programme, with Open Minds in Primary, field trips, Secondary DP field investigations and Excursion Week for Grades 4–11. These activities promote independence, collaboration, resilience and real-world connections as part of the school's approach to experiential learning.

CIS follows a three-programme IB structure: IB Primary Years Programme (Pre-K to Grade 6), IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 7–10) and IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). Language of instruction is English. Bilingual programmes are available: Chinese-English (Pre-K to Grade 6) and French-English (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6), with two teachers per bilingual class. English Language Learner support is provided for non-native speakers, and after-school language activities are offered.

The Arts programme includes music, dance, drama and visual arts, with curricular and co-curricular offerings and performance opportunities. The Academy of Music provides instrumental and vocal lessons, ensembles and performance spaces such as the David Foster Theatre and Black Box Theatre. CIS also runs STEAM education with interdisciplinary maker spaces and project work, and promotes outdoor learning, field trips and service/leadership activities.

CIS offers extra curricular activities (ECAs), co-curricular activities (CCAs) and competitive sports across three terms for students from Pre-K to Grade 12. After-school language classes, including mother tongue and other language acquisition, are offered as paid services and run by independent providers. Media and design activities use film and recording studios and STEAM facilities, and dramatic or musical productions are staged in the David Foster Theatre. Students participate in arts ensembles and choirs, including Symphonic, Concert and rock bands, as well as junior and senior choirs.

Arts opportunities include a range of musical ensembles and bands, choirs, drama productions and visual art exhibits. Performances and showcases occur across divisions and may be conducted in languages other than English. Dramatic or musical productions are staged in the David Foster Theatre.

Mother tongue language classes and other language acquisition courses run after school as paid services. The school runs two bilingual programmes: Chinese-English for Pre-K to Grade 6, and French-English for Grade 1 to 5. Some performances are conducted in languages other than English, such as Chinese or French.

CIS offers a broad range of after-school clubs and activities. There are 38 secondary student clubs, including sustainability groups and Model United Nations. Clubs operate across three terms each school year, with registrations via My.CIS. Recreational and hobby groups provide opportunities for social interaction and personal interest development.

CIS offers community service programs and volunteering opportunities through service-oriented clubs. The Memory Project is an example of a service-focused club. Some clubs provide opportunities for MYP and Diploma Programme students to meet CAS or Service as Action requirements.

CIS provides leadership opportunities through student government and leadership programs. The school includes clubs and activities such as Model United Nations to develop leadership and global awareness. Other clubs focus on entrepreneurship, career development and professional skills.

Sports and fitness are offered in recreational and competitive formats across three terms. Each campus has representative ACSIS teams that compete with other international schools. Swimming is year-round at Lakeside with two annual trials. Outdoor learning and experiential programs such as Excursion Week and Open Minds support wellbeing.

Languages taught include English, Chinese, and French, with additional languages highlighted as part of CIS's programme. Chinese-English bilingual programme provides Chinese language instruction and literacy development through five weekly classes and a 36-level reading programme. French-English bilingual programme runs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 and is IB PYP-aligned. The IB programmes include PYP (Pre-K–6), MYP (7–10), and DP (Diploma Programme).

Chinese-English bilingual programme is available to pre-kindergarten to grade 6 with two teachers per class: one native English speaker and one native Chinese speaker; classes alternate between English and Chinese for equal exposure. Chinese literacy development is supported by a 36-level guided reading programme, and Chinese language classes are taught five times per week by native-speaking teachers. A bilingual pathway continues into Secondary School and the Middle Years Programme, with Senior Kindergarten entry requiring language-specific criteria. French-English bilingual programme runs Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 and is IB PYP-aligned, with entry requiring language requirements from Junior Kindergarten onward.

The immersion programmes at CIS are a distinctive part of its Primary School, offering students the option to learn through full bilingual pathways rather than traditional language classes. In addition to an English-immersion track, CIS provides Chinese–English and French–English bilingual programmes in which students receive roughly 50% of instruction in each language from native-speaking teachers, learning core subjects such as maths, science, and social studies in both languages. Based on the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), the approach is inquiry-driven and designed to develop fluency, literacy, and cultural understanding simultaneously, aiming to produce confident bilingual learners rather than students with basic conversational skills.

HoneyKids Education Awards CIS has been awarded Gold for Best in Bilingual Education at the HoneyKids Singapore Education Awards 2025! This achievement is a testament to our School’s dedication, our families continued trust, and the remarkable growth and success of every child in our bilingual programme.

International Baccalaureate (IB) World School Accreditation: CIS is authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). .

Council of International Schools (CIS) Accreditation: This accreditation recognizes schools that maintain high international education standards and demonstrate a commitment to continually improving the educational experience.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accreditation: CIS holds accreditation from WASC, a regional accrediting agency in the United States. This accreditation confirms that the school meets rigorous standards of educational quality, ongoing improvement, and organizational health.

Edutrust Certification: Awarded by the Singapore Committee for Private Education (CPE), this certification ensures that CIS adheres to statutory requirements aimed at improving the quality and accountability of education providers.

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.

Book an Open House
After you've received a response from the admissions team, consider booking an open house visit. This is a valuable opportunity to explore the school's campus, facilities, and learning environment firsthand. During the visit, you will also get a chance to meet some of the faculty and ask any additional questions you may have about curriculum, extra-curricular offerings, or the school's philosophy and values.

Submit Your Application
With a sense of familiarity with the school, proceed to submit a formal application. Ensure you have all necessary documentation ready, which typically includes previous school records, a copy of your child’s passport, and any relevant assessment reports.

Attend an Interview or Assessment
If your application moves forward, your child may be invited for an interview or assessment. This step aims to understand your child’s academic capabilities, interests, and social readiness. The school will inform you about the format and what to expect during the session, ensuring both you and your child are well-prepared.

Receive an Admissions Decision
Following the evaluation, you will receive an admissions decision. The school commits to communicating the outcome promptly. If your application is successful, you'll be given details about the enrollment process. If not, the admissions team is usually available to discuss any next steps or alternative options.

Complete Enrollment Requirements
Once your child is offered a place, you’ll need to complete the enrollment process by signing the acceptance documents and paying the necessary fees by the given deadline. The admissions team will provide assistance with logistical details like visa applications, uniform purchasing, and start dates, ensuring a seamless transition for your family.

Read more about our secondary school scholarship programme here:
www.cis.edu.sg/admissions/scholarships

Waitpool System: Unlike a traditional waitlist where students are lined up on a first-come, first-served basis, a waitpool approach allows the school to consider each applicant's unique profile and the balance and diversity of the existing student body. When a place becomes available, the admissions team evaluates all candidates in the pool to select the student who best fits the school’s current needs and objectives.

Evaluation Criteria: Several factors are taken into account when assessing students in the waitpool. These can include the student's academic background, English language proficiency, citizenship to maintain a diverse international environment, and any particular skills or talents that might contribute to school life.

Notification Process: Families in the waitpool are kept informed about their application status and are notified once a decision has been made. As soon as a suitable place becomes available that matches a student’s profile, the admissions team promptly contacts the family to discuss placement.

Flexibility and Timing: While it’s challenging to predict the availability of places due to various factors such as student turnover and the dynamic nature of school populations, the admission team at CIS makes every effort to accommodate families and maintain transparent communication.