Compare Specialist-level SEN International Schools in Singapore

Melbourne International School

📚 Learning Specialist 🧩 Behaviour Specialist

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees SGD 27,000 - 36,500

Pupils 55

Type Co-educational

Melbourne International School offers inclusive education for children from Preschool to High School. Following the Australian Curriculum, MIS provides both mainstream and special needs education, integrating visual and performing arts alongside therapy services. A standout initiative is the school's annual arts festival, which showcases student talents in music, drama, and visual arts. The school's serene surroundings and specialized facilities create an optimal environment for all students to thrive.

Location

Melbourne International School is located at 75C Loewen Road, in the Dempsey area near Tanglin. The neighborhood is well-connected by bus and taxi, and Orchard MRT station is a short ride away. Families will find a range of cafes, shops, and green spaces close by, offering convenient amenities and a relaxed atmosphere.

Stages

Melbourne International School groups its students by age and developmental needs, covering Early Years, Primary School, and Secondary School.

Type

Melbourne International School is a co-educational day school serving students across various age groups. It does not offer boarding facilities.

Pupil Nationality Mix

20 nationalities

Additional learning support

Melbourne International School in Singapore focuses on students with a range of learning needs, including autism and other developmental challenges. The curriculum is therapy-based and supported by specialists such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. Students also benefit from specialized facilities like sensory rooms and a life skills area.

Country affiliation

Melbourne International School does not have an affiliation with any particular country.

Religious affiliation

Melbourne International School does not have a religious affiliation.

School day structure

Melbourne International School’s day typically runs from about 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with a brief morning break and a scheduled lunch break.

Bus service

Melbourne International School partners with an external bus company to provide safe and convenient transport for students. The service covers various areas in Singapore and can be tailored to parents’ needs.

Curriculum

Melbourne International School follows an Australian (Victorian) Curriculum from Early Years to Senior Years, tailored for students with additional learning needs. Younger learners follow the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework, focusing on fundamental literacy, numeracy, and creative exploration. Primary and secondary students engage with core subjects aligned to the Australian Curriculum, with attention to life skills and social development. At senior levels, they undertake specialized learning pathways such as the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).

Student Teacher Ratio

Early Years, Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten - 1:4
Foundation 1 & Foundation 2 - 1:4
Pathways 3 & Pathways 4 - 1:4
Transition 5 & Transition 6 - 1:4
Victorian Curriculum Level 1 to 5 - 1:8

Academic calendar

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Melbourne International School provides regular Social and Emotional Learning sessions as part of its core curriculum, guided by trained teachers and specialist support staff. A dedicated pastoral care team monitors student well-being, offering one-on-one counseling and small-group workshops on stress management, empathy, and interpersonal skills. Classroom teachers also integrate SEL principles into daily lessons, encouraging students to practice kindness, self-awareness, and responsible decision-making. The school organizes parent-to-school communication sessions, so families can reinforce SEL strategies at home. In addition, students have access to activities that build teamwork and promote healthy peer relationships across grade levels.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Melbourne International School supports a range of special educational needs, including autism, ADHD, and developmental delays. It employs therapists, special education teachers, and specialist support staff to plan individualized learning programs. The curriculum often incorporates physical, occupational, and speech therapies, alongside arts-based activities that encourage skill development and engagement. The school’s facilities and resources are adapted for various learning styles, helping students practice communication and daily living skills.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Melbourne Specialist International School, sometimes referred to as Melbourne International School, does not appear to offer a dedicated EAL program. Families requiring significant EAL assistance should contact the school directly to discuss their child’s specific needs.

Mental Wellbeing

Melbourne International School integrates mental wellbeing into its daily programmes through a team-based approach. Teachers, therapists, and counsellors collaborate to address each student’s emotional and social needs. Calming spaces, mindfulness activities, and targeted skill-building sessions are woven into the curriculum, fostering self-awareness and resilience. Students also benefit from small group discussions on topics such as stress management and interpersonal communication. Parents are regularly engaged through school-home updates and workshops, ensuring consistent support for each child.

Safeguarding

Melbourne International School has a clear Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy that details how staff identify, respond to, and report concerns. Designated Child Protection Officers oversee the implementation of these guidelines, ensuring all issues are addressed promptly and confidentially. Mandatory background checks and regular safeguarding trainings for teachers and support staff further reinforce a secure environment. The school also partners with approved external agencies when necessary, promoting accountability and aligned best practices.

History

Founded in 2014 by a group of Australian educators, Melbourne International School was conceived to address specialized learning needs in Singapore. Over the years, it expanded its programs to include creative arts and other tailored approaches to support diverse learners.

Community

Melbourne International School in Singapore fosters a close-knit community through regular social gatherings and workshops for families, staff, and students. It celebrates cultural diversity with events marking festivals like Lunar New Year, Diwali, and Christmas, encouraging everyone to share traditions. Families often actively participate, ensuring a warm, supportive environment for the entire school community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Melbourne International School (MIS) in Singapore does not publicly provide specific information regarding a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) on its official website. However, the school emphasizes strong collaboration between parents and staff. An example is the GUILD Community Club which is an opportunity for parents of MIS and The GUILD International College to get together, meet with the teachers, and other parents on a regular basis.

Gallery

Students from the Drum Prodigy Programme at Melbourne Specialist International School visiting the #SG4Diversity Inclusion event. (credit Drum Prodigy Facebook)

MIS and The Guild Int. hosting a delegation from the Bangladesh Air Force Women's Welfare Association (credit MIS Facebook)

Parents and teachers at a partnership event where they discuss progress and plan strategies for the next six months (credit MIS Facebook)

Parents attend Professor Lasse Lipponen’s session on Inclusive Education from a Finnish Perspective (credit MIS Facebook)

Facilities Overview

The airy and spacious School site at Loewen Gardens provides a quiet, warm and secure environment. The school has spacious, air-conditioned classrooms. It is fully equipped with state-of-the-art PCs and educational software, with ICT labs available for projects at The GUILD. Dedicated Music, Drama and Performing Arts areas support performances and rehearsals. Outdoor Activity Areas offer space for sports and playground activities, and an Indoor Gym provides a safe space for movement. A Life Skills Room and a Therapy Room support practical learning and therapy sessions.

Sports Facilities

Outdoor Activity Areas provide ample space for sports and playground activities. The Indoor Gym offers a safe, climate-controlled space for movement and physical education. The facilities support inclusive education with therapy rooms and spaces for adaptive physical activities as needed.

Academic Facilities

The Victorian Curriculum Foundation to Year 10 forms the core of the academic program. The language of instruction is English. Classrooms and ICT facilities support small-group instruction and cross-curricular projects, with ICT labs available for projects at The GUILD. A Life Skills Room and access to therapy services support learning for students with diverse needs.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The school uses an arts-based programme that draws on dance, drama, music and visual arts to teach functional English, mathematics and daily living skills. The dedicated Music, Drama and Performing Arts spaces support performances, public speaking, school plays, recitals and concerts. The arts-based approach is integrated into classroom activities to support inclusive education and active participation by all students.

Academic & Intellectual

The school follows the Foundation to Year 10 Australian Curriculum (Victorian Curriculum) with a Personalised Learning Plan to tailor education to each student's needs. The eight learning areas are English, Mathematics, Science, Health and Physical Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, The Arts, Technologies and Languages. The school differentiates instruction to accommodate various learning styles and allows students to progress at their own pace. The environment is intimate and supportive, designed to foster individual growth.

Arts & Creative

The Visual and Performing Arts Programme (VPA) is part of the curriculum, with specialist teachers in art, dance, music, and related therapies. The school provides therapy services, including occupational therapy, physical education and speech and language therapy. The arts-based approach uses dance, drama, music and visual arts to teach functional English, Mathematics and daily living skills.

Cultural & Language

Languages is a principal subject area within the Victorian Curriculum. English is the language of instruction. The Personalised Learning Plan supports individualized language development within the curriculum.

Social & Hobbies

Think Equal social-emotional programme is implemented in Early Years to foster self-awareness, empathy and positive relationships. The curriculum includes English and The Arts as core areas, supporting holistic development. The school emphasizes inclusive education and social-emotional growth as part of its approach.

Community & Service

Community initiatives include Phuket outreach, where MIS founders contributed to Laguna Phuket Kindergarten to support inclusive education beyond the campus.

Leadership & Professional

The teaching staff are carefully selected for their qualifications and experience in inclusive education and tailor instruction to individual learners. Teachers collaborate with parents and other support professionals to ensure a holistic approach to education. Ongoing professional development keeps staff up to date with inclusive education practices.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Therapy services are provided, including occupational therapy, physical education and speech and language therapy. The Transition 6 programme offers life-skills and vocational training, including work experience opportunities in areas such as teaching assistant roles, hospitality, digital office, gardening and culinary skills, to prepare older students for life after school.

Awards

2023 Diversity and Inclusive Community Award (Gold):This award acknowledges MIS's dedication to fostering an inclusive community that embraces diversity among students and staff.

2023 Best School for Learning Support (Gold): This recognition highlights MIS's exceptional programs and resources tailored to support students with diverse learning needs.

Enabling Mark Silver:A national-level accreditation framework by SG Enable that benchmarks and recognises organisations for their best practices and outcomes in disability-inclusive employment.

Accreditations

Committee for Private Education (CPE) Registration
• Explanation: The CPE is part of SkillsFuture Singapore, which regulates all private education institutions in Singapore. Registration ensures that the school complies with basic requirements for administration, academic standards, and student welfare.

WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges)
• Explanation: Melbourne International School has been fully accredited by Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

4 years EduTrust certification from 31 May 2025 till 30 May 2029.
• Explanation: The EduTrust Certification Scheme (EduTrust) is a quality assurance scheme administered and governed by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) for Private Education Institutions (PEIs) in Singapore.

Admissions

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.

Documentation Review: The school reviews submitted documents, including previous school reports, medical diagnoses, psychological reports, and therapist evaluations.

Trial Session Observation: Prospective students participate in a trial session where staff observe their social interactions, communication skills, cognitive abilities, and behavior to assess compatibility with the school's environment.

Parent Discussions: MIS engages in discussions with parents to understand their child's short- and long-term objectives, ensuring alignment with the school's offerings.

Collaborative Evaluation: The school collaborates with professional therapists and psychologists to gather additional insights into the student's needs, facilitating a comprehensive support plan.

Application Submission: Parents complete the application form and submit it along with required documents, including identification papers, medical records, and previous educational reports. A non-refundable application fee of S$1,500.00 is required at this stage.

Scholarships

Information regarding scholarship offerings at MIS is not publicly available. Parents interested in potential financial aid or scholarship opportunities should reach out to the school's admissions team for detailed information.

Waitlist

MIS does not publicly specify whether it operates a waitlist or pool system for admissions. Prospective parents are advised to contact the school's admissions office directly to inquire about current enrollment availability and any waiting procedures.

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The GUILD International College

📚 Learning Specialist 🧩 Behaviour Specialist

A front view of the Guild International College building

Students backstage after a drama production at the Extra Ordinary Celebration, an event co-hosted with sister school Melbourne International School

Instructs in English

Ages 7 - 35 years

Fees SGD 37,100

Pupils 50

Type Co-educational

The GUILD International College in Singapore is an inclusive institution dedicated to serving neurodiverse learners aged 7 to 35. Following the Foundation to Year 10 Australian curriculum, the college places a strong emphasis on visual and performing arts, integrating disciplines such as dance, music, art, and drama to engage students along with functional academics. The campus boasts specialized facilities, including an Art and Design Studio, Sensory Gym, DJ studio, Music Room and a Multipurpose Hall, all designed to support diverse learning experiences. A distinctive feature of the college is its Career Pathways Programme, which offers students internship opportunities to facilitate the transition to the workforce. This program underscores the institution's commitment to equipping students with practical skills for independent living and employment.