In the sea of different and increasingly progressive curricula to choose from when enrolling your kiddos in international schools, the American curriculum is among the most widely used ones, along with the English National Curriculum and the IB curriculum.
Unlike the British, the US educational system is characterized by a lack of uniformity, so it is often unclear what the term “American curriculum” exactly implies. Before we present you with our scoop on the best places to get that premium American education, let’s clear up the muddy waters and explain what sets it apart first!
American international schools offer a core curriculum designed to prepare students for enrolment at schools and universities in the US, as well as at universities across the globe. The approach is less focused on the strict and boring academic side and more on the open and engaging holistic side, yet excellence is continuously achieved. This westernmost approach is student-centered, inquiry-based, and hands-on, and prepares our humans aged 5 to 18 for the most significant test of all—the unpredictability of the future.
Each of these schools in Singapore gives the American curriculum its own special twist. Still, all prepare their students for studies in the US or simply taking on the world with the help of a beautifully developed personal toolbox. Here we go!
Want More? Check out these other handy educational guides:
Primary/Secondary Curriculum Guides – Selecting Schools By Curriculum Type:
Special Needs / Inclusive Schools In Singapore:
Tuition fees for American schools in Singapore typically range from SG$20,000 to SG$40,000 per year, depending on the institution and grade level. Additional costs may include registration fees, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Families are encouraged to check individual schools for specific fee structures.
Singapore American School has grown along with Singapore since its doors opened in 1956. Today, they are one of the leading American international schools in the world, but this is not where the superlatives stop.
They are one of the largest single-campus K-12 schools in the world, offer over 90 after-school activities, and continue to have a substantial, sustainable impact on the local community and environment. Unsurprisingly, even though most continue their education far away, students feel deeply connected to their SAS roots for life.
Singapore American School, 40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738547, +65 6363 3403, sasinfo@sas.edu.sg, www.sas.edu.sg
RD American School (RDAS) in Singapore offers a robust American curriculum designed for children aged 6 - 12. The school focuses on developing confident, resilient learners who are prepared to thrive globally. Through its partnership with the renowned Riverdale Country School, RDAS emphasizes a philosophy of "High Challenge, High Support," encouraging students to take ownership of their education.
With personalized learning pathways, RDAS caters to each child's unique gifts and interests, fostering both academic growth and character development. The dynamic learning spaces, designed by award-winning architect Trung Lê, inspire collaboration and creativity, making learning engaging and interactive.
RD American School, 3 Changi Business Park Vista, Singapore 486051, Elementary School- Level 4,+65 9781 9688, admissions@rdas.edu.sg, www.rdas.edu.sg
Stamford American International School Singapore is part of Cognita, a global leader in independent education with over 68 schools worldwide. Offering a holistic education, Stamford students graduate with a US-accredited High School Diploma and either the IB Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP) credits, a BTEC Diploma, or a combination. It is the first and only school in Singapore to offer such an option.
Students eventually leave the campus as fully-formed, globally aware individuals with a love of learning and an understanding of how to approach the unpredictability of adult life.
Stamford American International School, 1 Woodleigh Lane (Off Upper Serangoon Road), Singapore 357684, +65 6602 7247, admissions@sais.edu.sg, www.sais.edu.sg
International Community School offers an American curriculum that provides students with academic prowess (80% of their graduates attend American universities and, according to their surveys, do so confidently), but also puts Christ at the center of all academics and activities, which makes them feel like part of a large family and aims to instils in them a Christ-like spirit, even though they fully respect the religious preference of their students and their parents. They approach each student as an individual created by God to be unique and have a wiring of their own.
International Community School (Singapore), 27a Jubilee Road, Singapore 128575, +65 6776 7435, info@ics.edu.sg, www.ics.edu.sg
5 Steps Academy provides a comprehensive American curriculum for students aged 14 to 18, combining both academic rigor and personal growth. This K-12 school, accredited by Cambridge and the College Board, allows students to pursue SAT, AP, and IGCSE qualifications right on campus.
With a focus on interactive learning, the curriculum includes a wide range of subjects, from AP Calculus to Cambridge A-levels. The passionate faculty ensures students receive personalized attention, helping them thrive in their studies and prepare for future endeavors. Extracurricular activities such as coding, performing arts, and chess enhance the overall student experience, promoting teamwork and creativity.
5 Steps Academy, 143 East Coast Road, Singapore 428833, +65 8655 0005, info@5steps.academy, www.5steps.academy
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