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UWCSEA East Campus is situated in Tampines, a developing northeastern hub near Changi Airport, Singapore. The campus is well-connected by public transportation, with the nearest MRT station being Tampines, providing convenient access for families.
The school caters to students from Kindergarten 1 (K1) through Grade 12, structured into distinct educational stages:
-Infant School: K1 to Grade 1
-Junior School: Grades 2 to 5
-Middle School: Grades 6 to 8
-High School: Grades 9 to 12
UWCSEA is a co-educational day school offering boarding facilities for students in Grades 9 to 12.
UWCSEA East Campus offers tailored Learning Support services to assist students with mild learning difficulties. The dedicated Learning Support team collaborates with classroom teachers and parents to identify and implement appropriate strategies, ensuring students can fully engage with the curriculum. For more information, please visit their Learning Support page.
As part of the United World Colleges (UWC) movement, UWCSEA East is affiliated with a global network of schools and is not affiliated with a country.
UWCSEA does not have a religious affiliation. The school welcomes students from all faiths and backgrounds, promoting a culture of understanding and respect within its diverse community.
The school day typically begins at 8:00 AM and concludes at 3:00 PM, with specific timings varying by educational stage. Students have scheduled breaks, including a lunch period.
UWCSEA collaborates with Yellow Bus Transport to offer a school bus service, ensuring safe and convenient travel for students. The service covers various locations across Singapore, with fees for a two-way service ranging from approximately $530.26 to $1,711.97 per term, depending on the distance travelled.
Boarding is available for students in Grades 8–12 at East Campus. This option is listed under East Campus as Boarding (G8–12).
Food services on campus are provided by Smorgasbord, offering healthy meals and snacks on site.
The UWCSEA Board of Governors governs the College across both campuses and the UWCSEA Foundation. The Board comprises two parent-elected Governors, two teacher-elected Governors, the Head of College, and between 11 and 16 Board-elected Governors; the UWCSEA Foundation can have up to four Independent Directors. As a nonprofit charity, Board Governors, Foundation Independent Directors, and Board Advisors serve as volunteers.
UWCSEA East Campus offers a bespoke curriculum from Kindergarten 1 through Grade 8 that integrates academics with activities, outdoor education, personal and social education, and service. In Grades 9 and 10, students engage in the UWCSEA Programme, a two-year academic course designed to prepare them for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. At the end of Grade 12, students who meet the graduation criteria are granted a UWCSEA High School Diploma. The majority of students also undertake the IB Diploma and receive their IB Diploma results.
The school places significant emphasis on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through its Personal and Social Education (PSE) programme. This programme helps students understand themselves and their relationships with others, fostering skills like empathy, resilience, and effective communication. In the Middle School, dedicated mentor groups meet multiple times weekly to discuss topics such as emotional regulation and conflict resolution. The Wellness and Counselling Centres also provide confidential support to enhance student well-being.
UWCSEA East Campus supports students with mild to moderate Special Educational Needs (SEN). The Learning Support team works closely with classroom teachers and parents to develop individualized strategies that cater to each student's needs. While the school is not a specialist SEN institution, it strives to provide appropriate support within its resources. For more details on their approach to Learning Support, please refer to their Learning Support page.
UWCSEA East Campus offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students from Kindergarten 1 to Grade 12. This programme supports learners who speak English as a second, third, or even fourth language, aiming to develop their academic English skills for effective communication and learning. Formal EAL instruction is available for students in Grades 1 to 12, delivered by specialist teachers. The goal is for students to transition out of the EAL programme as they progress through the school, with the duration of support varying based on individual needs.
UWCSEA East Campus prioritizes the mental wellbeing of its students through its Wellness and Counselling Centre. The centre provides professional services aimed at supporting personal growth, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Services include confidential individual or group counselling, preventative workshops, information sessions for parents, and collaboration with staff to enhance wellbeing and safeguarding initiatives. This approach ensures that students have access to a network of trusted adults and resources to support their mental health.
UWCSEA East Campus is committed to safeguarding and protecting all members of its community. The school's safeguarding policies and procedures encompass various aspects, including student wellbeing, bullying prevention, harassment and discrimination policies, use of physical intervention, and meeting individual physical, psychological, or medical needs. The primary goal is to prevent and respond to children experiencing or at risk of abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation. The school expects all individuals affiliated with the community to act with integrity and take responsibility for keeping students safe. For more detailed information, the school's safeguarding policies are available on their website.
Established in 1971 as the Singapore International School, UWCSEA became a member of the United World Colleges (UWC) movement in 1975. The East Campus officially opened in September 2008, initially accommodating 500 students in a temporary location in Ang Mo Kio. In 2010, the campus relocated to its current site in Tampines, providing a purpose-built facility for its growing community.
UWCSEA fosters a vibrant community that embraces diversity, with students and families from over 100 nationalities. The school organizes various events to promote cultural exchange and community bonding, including the annual Family Festival, which features performances, international cuisines, and a vendor bazaar. Additionally, the Parents' Association (PA East) plays a pivotal role in organizing activities such as yoga sessions, cooking classes, and arts and crafts workshops to enrich the parent community.
The Parents' Association (PA East) at UWCSEA East Campus comprises a dedicated committee of 16 volunteers representing diverse backgrounds. Their mission, "Building Community Together," drives them to host various events throughout the year, including the 'Welcome Back' gatherings at the start of each school year and the Family Festival in March, which attracts over 2,000 visitors. The PA East also organizes the High School Careers Fair and the Primary School Uniting Day – Food Festival, providing platforms for students to explore career options and celebrate cultural diversity. Parents are encouraged to participate in these initiatives, fostering a strong sense of community and support within the school.
UWCSEA East Campus provides K1–G12 education on a single campus. The Infant School has dedicated spaces for Music, Languages, Learning Support and PE, including a learn-to-swim pool. The Junior School offers specialist lessons in Art, Physical Education, Music and Languages. The Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12) operate on the same campus with a K-12 learning programme that leads to the IB Diploma Programme in the final years. Boarding is available for students in Grades 8–12. The campus supports a vibrant community and includes sustainability features and a Home Languages Programme to maintain literacy in home languages.
Facilities support Physical Education across the Primary and Middle Schools. The Infant School has a learn-to-swim pool as part of PE facilities.
The main language of instruction is English. The Home Languages Programme provides literacy development in a home language, taught by native-speaking teachers in small groups and is not assessed as an academic subject. The learning programme is K-12, mission-aligned and organized around five interlinked elements: academics, activities, outdoor education, personal and social education, and service. In High School, students study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
An after-school activities programme runs on East Campus, with activities continuing after the core day. Outdoor Education is embedded in the curriculum, and Personal and Social Education and Service are components of the program. The campus also incorporates sustainability initiatives as part of the broader learning programme.
Model United Nations (MUN) is an academic simulation in which students act as delegates to discuss geopolitical issues. East Campus has hosted in-person MUN conferences, including a 2022 event with nearly 300 participants (delegates, chairs and deputy chairs). The conference demonstrates engagement with international affairs at UWCSEA East.
The Music Programme provides opportunities to participate in music across East and Dover Campuses, including traditional classical string ensembles and gamelan ensembles, as well as choirs and brass ensembles. East Campus features performances and cross-campus collaborations. AIDA: Drama, Dance and Music on East Campus is a flagship arts production that showcases collaboration across disciplines.
UWC Day is celebrated at UWCSEA East Campus, with students dressing in cultural attire and taking part in a range of cultural performances that reflect the school's diverse community. East Campus participates in these events to celebrate cultural heritage and global connections. The campus also hosts intercultural events and activities as part of its commitment to international-mindedness.
East Campus offers extensive after-school activities through East Community Programmes, with partner clubs and activities in sport and recreation. Current offerings include Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Netball, Rugby, Swimming and Volleyball, organized with community partners and clubs. These activities take place on weekdays and weekends and are open to the school community.
Service is a core part of UWCSEA East's learning programme. The Service curriculum focuses on Awareness, Systems Thinking for Sustainable Development and Taking Action – Being a Changemaker, with age-appropriate activities from K1 to Grade 12. The programme includes local Singapore service, environmental initiatives and global service, with long-standing NGO partnerships such as MINDS, ACRES and others. Service learning activities link directly to classroom units and involve reflection and action.
The UWCSEA Careers Programme guides students through Company Visits, Internships, Major Events and Mentorships to build professional skills and networks. Internships are coordinated with opportunities for university advising and industry exposure; contacts are available for internships at internships@uwcsea.edu.sg. The programme emphasizes leadership and professional development through real-world experiences.
Outdoor Education provides an age-appropriate, holistic learning journey across K–12 with on-campus and off-campus experiences that build resilience and wellbeing. Four standards guide the programme: Connecting to Nature, Discovery of Self and Others, Building Community and Supporting Wellbeing, and Developing Skills for Life. Grade-level expeditions, overseas trips and high-rope activities develop leadership, teamwork and physical fitness, supporting students' wellbeing.
English is the main language of instruction. A Home Languages Programme (HLP) is available on both campuses to help students maintain literacy in a home language not studied in the academic curriculum. On East Campus, the home languages offered in the past school year were Bengali, Cantonese, Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Thai. HLP classes are taught by qualified native‑speaking teachers in small groups; some home languages are offered until they become part of the academic programme, and the Home Languages Programme can support access to bilingual IB Diploma options by enabling progression to relevant courses.
Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy Campus Certification (2023): Both UWCSEA campuses were re-awarded this certification, placing them among the few international schools in Singapore with such recognition. The certification acknowledges the campuses' efforts in maximizing sustainable design features and reducing energy consumption.
Healthier Dining Programme Accreditation (2023): UWCSEA received this accreditation from Singapore's Health Promotion Board, recognizing its commitment to providing nutritious and balanced meal options. The school is the first international school in Singapore to achieve this certification.
Community in Bloom Platinum (Diamond) Award (2021): Awarded by the National Parks Board (NParks), this highest-level award acknowledges UWCSEA East Campus's excellence in gardening and landscape standards, reflecting the school's dedication to creating a green and nurturing environment.
BCA Green Mark Platinum Award: Both campuses have achieved this prestigious award, Singapore's highest recognition for environmentally-conscious design, underscoring the school's commitment to sustainability and green building practices.
Top 10 Lifetime Partner Award (2012): Presented by the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS), this award recognized UWCSEA's outstanding contributions to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, highlighting the school's community engagement and social responsibility initiatives.
BCA Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy Campus Certification: This award recognizes buildings that achieve high standards in environmental design and performance, including energy efficiency and sustainability. Both UWCSEA campuses have received this certification, highlighting their commitment to reducing energy consumption and promoting environmental stewardship.
Healthier Dining Programme Accreditation: Awarded by Singapore's Health Promotion Board, this accreditation acknowledges food service providers that meet nutritional standards and promote healthy eating habits. UWCSEA is the first international school in Singapore to receive this certification, reflecting its dedication to providing nutritious meal options for its community.
National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Operating Authority: As an operating authority for the NYAA, UWCSEA offers programs that encourage youth development through community service, personal development, and outdoor activities. This affiliation underscores the school's commitment to fostering leadership and social responsibility among its students.
Council of International Schools (CIS) Accreditation: CIS accreditation signifies that a school meets rigorous international standards in areas such as governance, teaching, and learning, ensuring a high-quality education.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accreditation: WASC accreditation is a mark of excellence, indicating that a school undergoes continuous improvement and meets established criteria for educational quality and effectiveness.
Singapore Ministry of Education Registration: Registered by the Private Education Institution (PEI), part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), UWCSEA complies with local educational regulations and standards, ensuring that its programs are recognized and adhere to national educational guidelines.
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 Day or Webinar: Participate in an Open Day or webinar to gain a deeper understanding of UWCSEA's ethos, learning environment, and community. These events offer insights into the school's culture and provide opportunities to ask questions.
Application Review: The admissions team will evaluate your application, considering factors such as academic records, residency status, and alignment with the school's values. They may contact you for additional information or clarification during this stage.
Assessments and Interviews: Depending on the grade level, applicants may be invited to participate in assessments or interviews. For instance, Middle School applicants might undergo English language proficiency assessments, while High School applicants may attend a Virtual Immersion Programme, which includes interviews and assessments.
Offer Notification: Successful applicants will receive an offer of admission. It's important to note that offers are extended based on available spaces and the holistic review of each applicant's profile.
Acceptance and Enrollment: Upon receiving an offer, families must confirm acceptance by the specified deadline, complete any remaining enrollment procedures, and prepare for the student's transition into the UWCSEA community.
UWCSEA offers both full and partial scholarships to students entering the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. These scholarships are awarded through national committees in over 130 countries, including Singapore. Interested applicants should contact the UWC national committee in their home country for information on available scholarships and the application process.
UWCSEA East Campus does not operate a traditional waitlist or pool system. Instead, the school follows an annual application cycle, with applications typically opening on 1 September of the preceding year. Offers are extended in rounds, with the first round occurring in December or January, and subsequent rounds in March. Applicants not offered a place in earlier rounds are welcome to reapply in the following academic year.
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.
