In Singapore, there are several differences between public and private schools. Even among the many private international schools available to students, no two are exactly alike. There are many factors to be aware of and take into consideration when choosing a school. Also, it’s common for parents to assume that the higher the school fees, the better their child’s education. But this isn’t necessarily true. Knowing what the school’s priorities and values are and understanding their pricing structure and allocation of school fees will help you understand where your money is going. Researching these factors can help you make a better decision with regard to the choice of school for your child.

Differences Between Public and Private Schools

Public Schools

Public schools in Singapore have an excellent reputation; an example of this are the OECD studies conducted yearly, where Singapore ranks among the top countries surveyed. In the 2016 OECD study, Singapore was deemed “home to the world’s best educational system”. The public school curriculum is highly rigorous, especially in Maths and Science. Schools emphasise bilingualism, with a focus on mother-tongue languages, which are Mandarin, Tamil or Malay. Teachers who are assigned to schools by Singapore’s MOE (Ministry of Education) must follow strict guidelines, and their approach is especially results-driven. The average class size is about 40, which translates to large student-to-teacher ratios. Tuition fees for Singapore’s public schools are heavily subsidised by the government, with Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) naturally receiving the largest discounts, while the subsidy is less for expat students. Admission priority is also given to citizens and PRs, with about 4% of the student population in public schools made up by the expat community.

Private International Schools

The types of curricula at private international schools in Singapore vary. Some international schools in Singapore, such as OWIS, align with globally recognised curricula, such as the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. These programmes are especially well-known for preparing students to gain admission to prestigious universities around the globe. Following world-renowned curricula also enables students to transition to another school in a different country easily should there be a need. Families who aren’t sure where their next move will take them often opt to enrol their children in international schools that use these curricula.

Other schools follow country-specific frameworks. For example, at the German European School Singapore (GESS), German is the primary language of instruction, and students use curricula regularly taught in that country. Similarly, many Indian schools in Singapore align with India’s Central Board of Secondary Education. Country-specific curricula are a popular choice for families who plan to return to their home countries while their children are still school-aged, as they can continue using a framework they’re already familiar with.

International schools in Singapore usually offer a more comprehensive selection of second and third languages for students to study. School communities also tend to be more diverse than those in public schools. Parents can choose international schools that only offer Early childhood and primary classes or all-through schools that cater to students from 3 to 18. The average class size is 25, so student-teacher ratios are much smaller. International schools in Singapore have more autonomy than public schools, giving them more leeway to follow their preferred curricula but international schools in Singapore also charge higher tuition fees than public schools.

Factors that Impact the Cost of International Education

• Pricing Structure. Every school has its own way of collecting tuition fees and allocating resources. A school that uses its funds strategically can offer world-class education for a moderate cost. Look for a school that is affiliated with a partner organisation. Such a school is likely part of a network, which allows it to outsource administrative tasks. This cuts costs, so the schools have more resources to use for school improvements.
• Campus Facilities. Some schools offer sophisticated amenities, which drives up costs. Parents should ask about building plans and facility upgrades, which may be reflected in higher fees.
• Languages and Elective Courses. Some schools offer so many elective and language courses that they have to hire more staff. In some cases, parents have to pay for classes their children aren’t involved in to ensure that teachers can be compensated. Look for a school that only requires you to pay for the activities your child participates in and makes extracurricular activities optional, so you’re not required to pay for them.
• Hidden Costs. Find out about potential hidden costs — technology fees, registration fees, language fees and the like — ahead of time, as they can add up quickly. Ask what’s already built into the fee structure and whether you have to pay for “extras” such as sports and field trips.

Programmes at One World International School

At One World International School, we provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere, which is especially important for expat students new to Singapore. We emphasise kindness and respect and encourage our students to model these core values. Our educators promote self-esteem, resilience, open-mindedness, humility and international mindedness in our students.

Your child will have access to globally recognised curricula, including the:

• International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for our Early childhood students and primary students from Grades 1 to 5
• The Cambridge curriculum for our students in Grade 6 to 8 and the Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) for our students in Grades 9 and 10
• The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for Grade 11 and 12 students

Your child will also benefit from specialist classes in Music, Art, Physical Education and foreign languages at OWIS. Our teachers hold advanced degrees and certifications in the subjects they teach and come from all over the world. Your child can access all of these benefits at a reasonable fee.

We can offer a holistic education for an equitable cost by strategically managing and allocating our resources. We outsource or streamline non-core functions through the Global Schools Foundation, so we don’t need a sizable non-academic staff. We also direct resources appropriately, prioritising teachers, technology and other educational tools. Most importantly, we’re up-front about costs. Compared to other moderate-fee schools in Singapore, OWIS offers a host of benefits — small class sizes, internationally recognised inquiry-based curricula and modern facilities, to name a few.

Although it may seem that you get the most educational value with the highest cost, that doesn’t have to be the case. At OWIS, we offer an exceptional international education with top-notch facilities, resources and curricula. At the same time, we’re able to make these amenities accessible to a range of families. To learn more, schedule a virtual campus visit.