[Ang Mo Kio/Bishan/Thomson/Toa Payoh] Preschools

[georgewong22]

Hi Buds,


Where's my coffee?!

Called both centres, they do not accept 3 - 4hours kinder students. They are strictly child care centres.

I am trying to find a good kinder nearest to my house at Bishan St. 11 so even if my daughter needs to commute on the bus, the journey would not be stressing.

Appreciate your help ... as always.

[TassieDevil]

hi george, i’m staying in bishan too. can i know what u dun like abt zion kindergarten? i intended to send my son to zion but was full hence my son is now in pcf nursery. have registered him for k1 in pcf next year. however i just heard from a neighbour that pcf may not prepare the kids well for p1 as compared to zion’s kindergarten. heard that the kids at zion learn more. now wondering if i shd switch next year. i guess there’s not many schools around this area huh?

[georgewong22]

Hi Tassie, this is my experience with the school … quality of education low - my girl learned more when she was in Pre-K. Teachers I spoke to (3 so far), were rude and not courteous. Go visit the school during the children’s assembly time, either before or after school, look and listen, I am sure you will notice the teachers lack passion and enthusiasm. Teachers like to shout. The teacher ignored my daughter’s request to teach her how to write her chinese name. There goes Chinese education. My daughter was crying in class. It took her a week to learn from her brother how to write her name. I raised issue with Mrs. Jasmine Tan, the principal, she was surprised but helpless. My daughter wanted to pray for her health because she was down with the flu and the teacher told her not to. The teachers do not like interacting with the parents, no updates, no news … no nothing. It is however very punctual … start 8:30am and finish on time, not a minute more. Extremely disappointed since Zion isn’t cheap. Lost money as I paid for the term.


Unfortunately besides PCF and Zion, there isn’t any other 3 or 4 hour kinder program around the area. I have heard many good things about PCF but I conclude it depends on the dedication of the teachers of the centre. Block 197 seems like a popular choice. The teachers are more friendly and open. PCF I understand, has a better chinese curriculum.

I cannot do PCF at Block 197 because it’s in the afternoons. I like to do mornings so that my son can be home with his sister. They help each other staying safe. Maids cannot be trusted to be alone with one child.

I just enrolled my daughter into Marymount Kinder at Thomson Road. Very nice schools. Teachers polite and well mannered. Has a small pool and 2 playgrounds. However it’s a class of 30 pupils. They offer IT classes too. So far so good, Monday is going to my daughter’s 1st. day, wish me luck. The school bus will cost me $75 per month and I have to pay even for the holidays & breaks.

Good luck.

[TassieDevil]

oh dear. i went to zion before last year but unfortunately the children were out on an excursion. my hubby went on another occassion but he ultimately decided on pcf becos of this teacher (my son's current form teacher who is really good). for next year, i don't know if my son will get back this teacher. now that i heard from a neighbour abt her experience with the education & teachers in k1 & k2, i'm just not too sure if i shd switch. & yes, heard that in the past the teacher's turnover rate was quite high too. but now with a new principal, i'm not sure if it's good & i shd let my son continue... :?

[georgewong22]

Tassie, I was in the same predicament but concluded, after weighing the afternoon classes at Blk 197 PCF, morning classes at Blk 231, 219 Bishan St. 22 but centre not as well maintained as Blk 197 and personal experience with Zion, I was totally confused.


Then explored surroundings, shortlisted two, Agape and Marymount. Marymount nearest to us and had high ratings here at KiasuParents.com. Was there, impressed with the school, the welcome reception and courtesy of the school teachers who were not expecting me as I did not have an appointment. The admin staff who attended to me was efficient and had me processed in a jiffy.

Like you said, much depends on the teachers … most important … the child has to be happy and my daughter was most enthusiastic about Marymount.

Just my two cents … OK? All the best …

[buds]

All my best and love to your girl on first day @ Marymount!

Glad you got her schooling issues settled quickly. :love:
Hope it works out fine her for her, cos it'll mean
its happy news for you too!

I totally dig you when you talk about rude and
shouting teachers... I had experience with such
colleagues. Spoil my passion.

[luspen]

hi george


i went to look at marymount kindergarten, was told a class of K1 has 40 students!!!? it is way too populated. the admin lady was also very unfriendly.

may i know your girl now still in Zion? are all their teachers always shouting?

i am deciding between Zion and PCF for my boy next year nursery. dont know how to compare…sigh. any comments on PCF nursery in bishan?

[georgewong22]

thanks buds, to be honest, i am really tired … it’s been a rough school year for both my children … i really want things to work out. many a times, i ask myself if i am too demanding, sigh.

[buds]

All parents want nothing but the best for our children.

And besides… customer always right, mah… Hehehe…

[georgewong22]

thanks buds, you are a doll. coffee ... remember ... sms me 8382 4283 or email [email protected]