Searching for the prefect preschool where your little ones can truly thrive?
Montessori preschools might be exactly what you're looking for!
With an emphasis on child-led discovery and hands-on learning experiences, Montessori preschools in Singapore provide a unique approach that respects your child's individual development journey.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of Montessori preschools in Singapore and explore some of the top options so you can make an informed decision for your child.
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For nearly 3 decades, Brighton Montessori has been one of Singapore's premier private preschools.
Embracing the philosophy of Maria Montessori, Brighton Montessori employs a hands-on approach to education, allowing children to explore and understand phonics and mathematics concepts through concrete experiences before transitioning to abstract thinking.
At Brighton Montessori, children learn at their own pace through a curriculum specifically designed to meet each child's individual needs. The school creates an environment where young minds can explore, grow, and reach their full potential under the guidance of Montessori-trained educators dedicated to quality education.
Individualized Learning: Your child will never be rushed or held back. A well-balanced curriculum, specialised Montessori materials, and professionally trained teachers allow children to develop naturally and confidently at their own speed.
Expert Educators: The committed team is attentive to each child's requirements, employing personalized, hands-on teaching methods that foster genuine learning connections.
Strong Parent Partnerships: Educators carefully observe, monitor, and evaluate your child’s progress daily, maintaining open communication with families to ensure comprehensive development.
Thoughtfully Crafted Environment: Learning spaces are intentionally designed to inspire creativity, cooperation, and respect. Children feel safe to explore, make discoveries, and build meaningful friendships that enhance their learning experience.
Low Teacher-Child Ratio: With teacher-child ratios that exceed Singapore’s requirements, Brighton Montessori ensures your child receives the individual support and encouragement they need to feel confident and capable to meet their learning goals.
All nine Brighton Montessori centres hold the prestigious SPARK certification, reflecting their commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and management.
Join Brighton Montessori and watch your child embark on an extraordinary journey of growth and discovery!
Locations: 9 centres located island wide View the full list of locations here.
Contact for enrollment enquiries:
Josiah Montessori takes its name from a memorable biblical character who became king at a young age and was known for his good character and solid upbringing. The school sees every child who steps through its doors as having the same potential as Josiah and is determined to partner with parents to raise outstanding children who can achieve their best potential.
The school is founded on Montessori principles and they encourage children to be independent, giving them the resources and environment for self-directed exploration and basically want to make learning fun and exciting. Josiah also has an in-house musical arts programme that hopes to instil essential modern values in every child, helping them develop into critical thinkers of tomorrow.
Locations: 8 branches across Singapore
Greentree Montessori was founded by a Singaporean mother Charmaine Soh, who wanted to create the best early learning experience for her children but was unable to find the right school, so she decided to create one of her own. At Greentree, children are encouraged to enjoy their childhood fully and are given the freedom to be their uninhibited selves.
The school utilises the Montessori method, the Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) approach, the Pikler approach, as well as the great outdoors, to educate its young charges - its campuses are often located on grounds with sprawling greens or in close vicinity to nature spots. For example, its newest location at Westlake Avenue is right next to MacRitchie Reservoir and offers a “Wilderness programme” where children will have learning opportunities within the nature reserve itself. The school takes in kids as young as 2 months of age up to 6 years old, so anyone can learn!
Locations: 5 branches across Singapore
https://www.greentreemontessori.com/
House on the Hill is a Montessori-based, family-run school that was founded in 2012. It believes in helping children learn by placing them in open and stimulating environments while encouraging them to experiment. They utilise the Montessori framework, as well as intentionally build schools within lush surroundings, to help children learn better and more purposefully.
At House on the Hill, a play-based model is used where educators serve as guides to help children learn and grow at their own speed. Everything within the school’s premises is also purposefully built and designed — whether it is the toys, furniture or materials the children are surrounded with, so as to aid in the child’s sensorial development.
Locations: 5 branches across Singapore
Wharton Preschool prides itself in its multilingual approach towards a Montessori education, providing its young charges with activities in both English and Mandarin daily. Its programmes have a unique mix of Montessori methods, coupled with inquiry-based and play-based thematic learning approaches.
Learning is undoubtedly fun at Wharton, with more than just academics on the cards — children get to also experience exciting activities such as yoga, gardening, painting and sports. Not only will they get to pick up new skills, but they develop confidence, have lots of fun while at it and may even pick up a new hobby — the possibilities are endless!
Locations: 3 locations around Singapore
First founded in Hong Kong in 1986, Montessori for Children, which has schools in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Canada, has been educating young minds for the past three decades using the Montessori approach. It takes in children aged 18 months to 6 years and has a team of well-equipped, caring educators who are committed to delivering the best education for your children.
Parents who are keen to find out more are encouraged to visit the school to observe classes, while those who are based overseas can also do so by taking a virtual tour of the campus and speaking virtually with the school.
Locations: 2 locations in Singapore
Priding itself as the only school in Singapore officially recognised by the American Montessori Society, Inno Montessori delivers a high-quality Montessori programme for its young charges. Previously known as Little Ocean Montessori when it first began in 2012, it later relaunched as Inno Montessori in 2017.
Its Montessori programmes start from as young as 1.5 years old, and go up to 12 years old, for its Elementary programme. Whichever level you enrol your child in, they’ll be guaranteed a high-quality, authentic, and dedicated Montessori education with well-trained educators.
Locations: 3 branches across Singapore
Situated across two campuses in Singapore, the Global Indian International School prides itself in being a place where children are equipped to be future-ready and ready to tackle challenges, on top of a good education.
The school offers the Global Montessori Plus (GMP) programme at its Singapore schools, which blends the Montessori teaching method with a tech-enabled environment. Parents can opt to enrol their kids into the school’s programme from 3 to 6 years old and can choose between a “regular programme” from 9am to 12.15pm daily, or an extended programme that includes an afternoon session. The afternoon session comprises lesson elements that will help your child further their social, communication, and collaboration skills.
Locations:
Raintree Montessori Schoolhouse is a Montessori school located in the east, that prides itself in providing your child with a nurturing, caring and exciting environment so they can best learn, grow and develop into well-adjusted adults.
The school believes that every child has a “sensitive period” for learning, which differs across children — every child has their own unique time, style and pace. And so Raintree ensures every class is tailored to every child, letting them learn and explore in a way that’s best suited for them.
Locations: 2 locations in Singapore
Lodestar Montessori is a school that instils in your child a love for learning through its Montessori approach. Both of Lodestar’s campuses are in quiet neighbourhoods and have spacious greenery nearby, ensuring your child doesn’t just stay within the confines of a four-walled classroom.
The school takes in children from 3 years old and is happy to organise school visits to help you better understand their programme and school before you commit to anything.
Locations: 2 locations in Singapore
Masterminds Montessori was founded by Carol Cheng and Yeo Ek Kian, both of whom held corporate careers before deciding to pursue their interest in working in early childhood. Both founders strongly believe in letting children play and explore purposefully and want to provide avenues for children to do so, resulting in the birth of Masterminds.
The highly qualified and well-trained educators at Mastermind are more than just teachers, they are your child’s guide, mentor and friend in their learning journey. Mastermind’s vision is that the children that go through Mastermind’s doors will emerge loving learning, think in an out-of-the-box manner and become strong, confident leaders. Its classes provide equal weightage on both work and play elements, ensuring your child doesn’t get bored and stays engaged.
Locations: 2 locations in Singapore
The Montessori Place of Learning has been around since 1997 and is committed to helping children learn social, emotional and academic skills through the Montessori approach. The school doesn’t just conventionally teach things — it injects plenty of fun along the way, ensuring your child enjoys learning and feels seen and safe to voice their thoughts at the same time.
If you’re an expat who frequently moves around or a parent who might only be based in Singapore for a short time, Montessori Place of Learning also offers a short-term drop-off programme where you can drop your child off for just one to two weeks. This is great for those who are not in Singapore for the long term but don’t want to sacrifice their child’s education in the meantime, or for those who just urgently require help to take care of their children.
Location: 299 River Valley Road, Singapore 238340
Founded in 2007, Brainy Child Montessori has more than two decades of experience educating children using the Montessori method. It has a robust team of certified Montessori educators who are well-equipped to teach kids from 18 months to 7 years old, on topics such as Montessori Maths and Montessori Phonics.
Parents who wish to join their children for the learning experience can even participate in its parent-and-child Montessori sessions known as Montessori Mum/Dad & Tot. It also has other programmes such as Chinese, Japanese, piano, violin, and even speech and drama classes in English and Chinese.
Location: 150 Orchard Rd, #05-38/43 Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841
Started more than two decades ago, Little Woods Montessori Pre-School boasts a decorated alumni of students who have gone on to top-ranked schools around the world. The school prides itself on offering a preschool education that is tailored, high-quality, and in a unique setting filled with heritage — it has not changed locations since it was founded!
Utilising the Montessori approach, Little Woods hopes that every child who passes through its doors will become curious, confident and accomplished learners. It does so by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and environment to grow, and spurs them to develop a lifelong love for learning. All of its programmes are conducted in a gentle, natural and highly interactive manner, encouraging freedom on the child’s end to learn and explore.
Location: 45 Gentle Road, Singapore 309166
Les Oliviers French Montessori is the only Montessori school locally that conducts classes in French and English and takes in children from 18 months to 6 years old. Aside from having drop-off programmes, the school also has a programme for parents and caregivers known as “Montessori, You & Me”, which it conducts weekly.
The school is a great option for French-speaking families as the school offers an authentic Montessori experience with elements of French and French culture. At Les Oliviers, educators give space and time for the children to learn and experiment at their own pace, and provide them with materials and resources to further stimulate their curiosity.
Location: 66 Namly Place, Singapore 267211
www.oliviers-french-montessori.com
Started in 2000, Little Oaks Montessori Kindergarten is known for being a Montessori programme school that provides a high standard of education that is both nurturing and encouraging.
Similar to other schools that provide the Montessori programme, Little Oaks believes in letting children take charge of their own learning experience and provides them with opportunities to explore and make choices, so they can become confident and independent individuals.
More than just Montessori, Little Oaks also has a mindfulness programme where children practice mindfulness through soothing breathing movements and mimicking animal movements, eventually improving their emotional well-being.
Location: 98 Farrer Road, Singapore 259226
www.littleoaksmontessorisg.com/
Montessori Children’s House has been around for more than three decades, and believes in serving as your child’s inner guide to help them become confident and ready individuals to take on the world of tomorrow.
Though Montessori Children’s House only has one branch, its programmes are by no means any less stellar. Its educators are passionate individuals who not only have a good grasp of the Montessori programme but truly want to help your child become the best that they can be — every child that leaves Montessori Children’s House is well-equipped, caring, responsible and excited to keep learning.
Location: 886 Old Holland Rd, Singapore 278685
While its name might hint at a small school, its presence is anything but — The Little House Montessori has been around for the past three decades and has built up a solid reputation for having dedicated teachers who love children.
Any child that enters its doors will experience an education where they’re encouraged to explore the world with curiosity and will be equipped to grow into confident and outspoken individuals. Beyond just adopting the Montessori approach, The Little House also incorporates modern resources, equipment and methods of play that are aligned with Maria Montessori’s learning approach.
Location: 6 Jalan Keria, Singapore 588534
Founded in 2003, Raffles Montessori is a small and cosy school, conveniently located just a stone’s throw from Aljunied MRT, making it an accessible choice for parents who utilise public transport frequently.
The school is well-staffed with highly qualified graduates from top overseas colleges who believe in providing your child with a comprehensive, well-rounded Montessori education. Besides having more than ample experience, the educators are also all passionate, and nurturing and have your child’s best interest at heart.
Location: 46C Lorong 23 Geylang, Singapore 388375
www.rafflesmontessorikindergarten.com
Pink Tower Montessori is a small school that prides itself on its cosy environment, small class sizes, and low teacher-to-student ratio. It is in this tight-knit setting where children feel safe to ask, learn and take risks, especially when its educators are encouraging, nurturing and well-equipped to handle all learning styles.
Going to Pink Tower for classes will feel just like going to a second home to your child — it’ll be nothing short of fun.
Location: 252 Tembeling Rd, Singapore 423731
Located in the east, Little Sparks Montessori is a small, tight-knit school that prides itself in its personalised approach towards your child’s education. Its educators are well-equipped and passionate about guiding young minds and aim to always provide an encouraging and warm environment for them to grow and learn.
Aside from applying Dr Maria Montessori’s approach, Little Sparks also has a low teacher-to-student ratio, allowing every teacher the bandwidth to quickly spot if a child requires more attention or to expediently identify their strengths to help them develop further. The school also closely partners with parents by providing regular updates as well as having one-to-one teacher-parent dialogues frequently.
Location: 20 Siglap Drive, Singapore 456192
P&J Montessori Kindergarten has been around for more than three decades and is well-recognised for being an innovative school that is dedicated to nurturing children in the best possible way. The school is situated in Upper Thomson, amid lush greenery, providing a conducive environment for children to learn.
The premises are also calm and quiet — none of the busyness that Singapore is known for — ensuring that your child can have an uninterrupted learning experience. Some parents have also been known to choose the school for these aspects, too. However, beyond that, P&J’s educators are also known to be patient, calm and nurturing, and are dedicated to ensuring your child learns at a pace and in a way that’s best for them.
Every child that goes through its doors emerges independent, empathetic and excited to take on the challenges of tomorrow.
Location: 35 Windsor Park Road, Singapore 574141
The Montessori method, developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori, is a child-centred educational approach that emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child's natural psychological, physical, and social development.
In Montessori classrooms, children learn through hands-on experiences with specially designed materials that promote exploration and self-directed learning.
Teachers act as guides who observe each child's interests and readiness for new challenges rather than directing whole-group instruction.
The classroom environment is carefully prepared with mixed-age groupings that foster peer learning, and children are free to choose their activities and work at their own pace.
This educational philosophy values the development of the whole child - physical, social, emotional, and cognitive, and aims to cultivate intrinsic motivation, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong love of learning.
The Montessori curriculum covers five main areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Cultural Studies. These areas help children develop a wide range of skills beyond academic knowledge.
Montessori differs from traditional education in several key ways: it offers self-directed learning rather than teacher-directed instruction, mixed-age classrooms instead of same-age groupings, hands-on learning with specialized materials rather than primarily textbook-based learning, and individualized learning plans instead of standardized curriculum pacing.
Yes, children from Montessori backgrounds often adapt well to traditional school settings due to their developed self-discipline and adaptability.
The individualised and inclusive nature of Montessori education can be beneficial for children with special needs, allowing for adaptations to meet diverse learning requirement.
Montessori schools in Singapore are regulated through various mechanisms:
However, there is no specific Montessori accreditation board in Singapore, so it's important to research each school's credentials..
Fees vary widely depending on the school and program. Generally, expect to pay between SGD $1,500 to $3,000 per month for full-day programs, with additional costs for registration, materials, and meals.
Some schools offer half-day options at lower rates.
Financial assistance and subsidies for preschools, including Montessori schools, are primarily available through government schemes. Here's how they apply:
To access these subsidies, parents must enroll their children in ECDA-licensed centers. Many Montessori schools in Singapore are licensed by ECDA, making them eligible for these subsidies.
However, private Montessori schools not part of the Anchor Operator or MOE schemes may not offer the same level of subsidized fees as government-supported institutions.
Find out more about subsidies for preschools in Singapore on these websites:
Most Montessori schools in Singapore operate as private institutions and do not follow the MOE curriculum. However, some may incorporate elements of the Singapore curriculum or prepare students for eventual transition to local schools.
Montessori education builds a strong foundation in both academic and life skills, such as independence, problem-solving, and a love for learning. These skills help children adapt well to primary school environments.
Montessori preschool teachers in Singapore typically hold qualifications that align with the Montessori method and early childhood education standards.
Teacher-child ration: Look for Montessori schools with a low teacher-child ratio, providing highly personalised attention for each child.
Parent partnership: Consider schools with a strong parent partnership, with educators observing, monitoring, and evaluating your child’s progress daily.
Learning environment: A well-prepared Montessori classroom should have open spaces, natural lighting, and a variety of hands-on learning materials. These elements stimulate curiosity and encourage independent exploration.
Additional programmes and services: Some Montessori preschools may offer additional programs like bilingual immersion or extracurricular activities. Consider whether these align with your child's needs and interests.
A low student-teacher ratio is a cornerstone of Montessori schools, as it allows for individualized attention and support for each child. In a Montessori classroom, the teacher acts more as a facilitator or guide rather than a traditional lecturer. This approach is only effective with a low student-teacher ratio, enabling personalized support and guidance tailored to each child’s unique needs.
With fewer students per teacher, children have more opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and discovery, which are vital for building their confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, a low student-teacher ratio allows educators to observe and assess each child’s progress more effectively, identifying areas where they may need additional support or enrichment.
Montessori schools typically maintain a lower student-teacher ratio than industry standards, ensuring highly personalized attention. This approach helps guarantee that each child is meeting their learning goals and developing a strong foundation in both academic subjects and essential life skills.
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Feature image courtesy of Brighton Montessori
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