[Bedok/Katong/Marine Parade/Siglap] Preschools

[pea]

maisy:

wOw only 17mths old ...very kiasu indeed lei ...hahaha..no offence hor:)

I guess we are all concerned over the well-being of our kids lah ...hehe

My son will be 4 next year and i only recently started scouting for nursery for him next year .. he doesn't attend any Pre-Nursery nor childcare at the moment except a once-a-week Julia Gabriel which i have recently pulled him out too hahaha...

I am not sure if my parenting style is now \"extinct\" but i really don't wish to stress my boy out too much... That said, doesn't mean i \"bo chap\" lah...just wanna let him takes things easy for now.... i think when he reaches Pri 1, there will be \"natural pressure\" from the school, peers, teachers..all over...hence i told myself 1st 3 years will be play play and absolute play for him hahahaha.....

Hi maisy. I wish I was as kiasu as jerejoy. Now my boy is turning 3 soon and he's still on the waiting list for a few preschools. May only get a place next year, when he is N2. Your boy same age? Have you decided on any school?

Hi jerejoy. You asked me in another thread about the preschools in the east that I'm considering. I thought it's more appropriate to discuss it here. As I said, since my boy hasn't attended any school yet, I'm certainly no authority on this. But I can tell you about some schools that I have shortlisted based on recommendations and personal visits.

In the Fort Road area (near where I live), I like the feel of Schoolhouse By The Bay, Pat's Schoolhouse, Brighton Montessori, Montessori For Children, and Odyssey. But note that they have quite different approaches and I still can't decide which approach I like best.

In the Siglap area, my friend recommended Little Sparks Montessori very highly. I have not visited it as it's too far for me, but my friend, whose daughter has been there for about 2 years, really likes it.

Would like to know about your school-hunting experiences too. :celebrate:

[maisy]

pea:

Hi maisy. I wish I was as kiasu as jerejoy. Now my boy is turning 3 soon and he's still on the waiting list for a few preschools. May only get a place next year, when he is N2. Your boy same age? Have you decided on any school?


Hi jerejoy. You asked me in another thread about the preschools in the east that I'm considering. I thought it's more appropriate to discuss it here. As I said, since my boy hasn't attended any school yet, I'm certainly no authority on this. But I can tell you about some schools that I have shortlisted based on recommendations and personal visits.

In the Fort Road area (near where I live), I like the feel of Schoolhouse By The Bay, Pat's Schoolhouse, Brighton Montessori, Montessori For Children, and Odyssey. But note that they have quite different approaches and I still can't decide which approach I like best.

In the Siglap area, my friend recommended Little Sparks Montessori very highly. I have not visited it as it's too far for me, but my friend, whose daughter has been there for about 2 years, really likes it.

Would like to know about your school-hunting experiences too. :celebrate:

Hi Pea
Yes yes i think my boy and your boy same age
He will be 4 next year ....
I have signed him up with Bethesda Katong Kindergarten at Siglap (near where i stay) for next year ... this kindergarten was recommended to me by a few frens staying around Siglap /Bedok area ...and i read that it was highly recommended by mummies in another forum.... so i made an appointment and when i was there, i found the uniform familiar & realised that my neighbours used to send her kids there as well hahaha... cham me quite blur ....

This year my son is just ... hmm ... \"doing nothing\" kekeke... initially he was attending once-a-week Julia Gabriel but we pulled him out due to the distance . besides, both daddy & mummy are tired ...
Believe it or not...end of this year my son will be 3 and he still doesn't know ABC , not to even mention A-Z hahaha... so he is rather \"backward\" compared to some of the kids mentioned here.....

my husband says it is ok he will learn somehow (from school) and don't stress him....
Altho i share the same thoughts, i think i will start to sit him down and teach him a little alphabets, colours.. just before he starts his nursery next year hmmm....see how lah... hehe.

[jerejoy]

Hi Pea,


Thanks for sharing. Here are some of my findings from my friends and cousins. Most of them are in Holy Grace and Bethesda Katong Kindergarten. They have given v good feedbacks on these schools. And their kids are progressing very well in their primary schools now. As for school house by the bay, my cousin liked the one mirror concept where she could monitor her daughter but she told me that the teachers were always changing at her time so she switched her daughter to Bethesda Katong Kindergarten after one term.

I’m trying to look for a non christian kindergarten as both my hubby & I are non christians but I’m willing to compromise if it is a gd academic school with good teachers.

[pea]

Hi maisy. So yours also end of the year baby. Mine also and I can see quite a big difference between him and the beginning of the year babies. At this age, 1 year can be a big gap. Maybe should start a thread on this... :idea:


I was also like that, thought don't stress him lah, so let him start school next year. But him being only child (yours too?), I think the lack of interaction with his peers is a major concern. So suaku and shy. Kids his age at the playground want to play with him but he runs away, scared of them! Talked to my paediatrician who asked me to start preschool for him asap. That's why I started looking for the past few months, but the popular schools near my place are full! Some waiting lists are 6 months to 1 year long! :faint: But some schools have place in afternoon class so bopian, may have to start with that first.

I think it's okay to teach him some basic stuff before he attends nursery. Some threads in this forum have lots of information on how to home-school your child, in fun ways without stressing the child. You can also incorporate teaching into your daily activities, eg when you're on the road with him, just point out the colours of the cars around him and there, you're teaching him about colours already!

Just wondering also how your child occupies his time since he's not at school. Who looks after him?

Hi jerejoy. Thanks for the feedback about schoolhouse by the bay. These are the honest tips that are useful as you won't get such information from the school principal! Any other feedback about the other schools that I listed? :lol:

I'm also non-christian so I understand your concerns. For your information, I studied in a convent primary school, was even taught by nuns! My class consisted of students from diverse religious backgrounds. It was okay for me. I haven't checked out Bethesda, as it's not so close to my place. But if you're keen, you should have a frank talk with the school principle and mention your concerns and see how they reply to you.

Just something to share here. I've been told by many experienced mums that despite all the homework that you do, you never really know if the school is suitable for your child until he is actually attending it. So many things may change, the teachers, even the principal, management and location! And what works for another child may not work for yours. But still, this homework is important because at least it narrows down the variables, right? And the search is part of the learning for us parents. :celebrate:

[maisy]

Hi Jerejoy

Yeah i agree w Pea...if u r keen but still unsure, you can give the Principal of Bethesda Katong a call, make an appointment, visit the school and ask her questions....

I'm also not a Christian, neither is my husband. Like yourself, i initially started out not wanting any kindergarten that is guided by any religious beliefs ... but soon, we decided to change our mindset hahaha.... like wat u said, if it is a good kindy with gd foundation, then perhaps worth a try ... I guess plus that fact that i managed to gather pretty good reviews and have a good feel after i visitied the premises, it kinda helped in the decision-making process

Yeah Holy Grace is also another popular kindergarten... it was also in my shortlist choice of kindys hehe.... as i heard they are very strong in Chinese...but i decided not to go for it as i wasn't sure if 80% Chinese 20% English component is a bit of \"overkill\" for my son. But if u r ok with 80% chinese, then i think u should go for Holy Grace. Personally i would prefer the environment of Holy Grace over to say, St Hilda's? Again, just sharing a personal opinion

Well, good thing for u is that you have plenty of time to research & decide since your child is only 17months old btw where do u stay?


Hi Pea,
Yes my boy is yearend baby but not in dec tho .... hehe... november child. yes his development is slow being a yearend child. very slow in fact.

Hmm sad to say he \"wilds\" away his time with his maids + grannys ...:p
On certain days he would spend it with my MIL and her maid, on certain day, he spends it w my mom & maid... i guess he does the most \"undesirable thing\" at home - ie Watching TV ! ! ! .. hahaha.... yes he spends a large part of his \"awake time\" watching TV but not every min lah... he watched about 30-45 mins in the morning ....another 30-45 mins in the afternoon... and another 30 mins while having his dinner ... hehehe ... as he is not yet 3, i m a firm believer in adequate sleep...hence i ensure he sleeps for 1 hour in the morning....and another 2-3 hours in the afternoon... on certain days, my mom will bring him down for morning walk....and certain days, my MIL will bring him down in the early evening to play w kids in the playground...

As for his \"learning\", he learns a bit from Barney, Hi-5 and also through the picture books i bought (my maid goes through the pictures w him at random, depending on when he wants it....altho most of the time he just have \"free play\" w the maid) hehehe .. actually i feel \"pai say\" to broadcast his \"timetable\" here.....i m sure he is clearly not doing enough compared to kids his age in today's era, but i really believe kids his age should just play, sleep & eat.... besides, by the time i come home, i m too tired to teach him anything ... so usually i just play w him, bring him to fren's house, let him play w other kids, while i chill out .... hahaha...

w.r.t. teaching him some alphabets & colours before he starts school ...hehe ..that's something i hope to do lah....but i can't guarantee i will do it...hahahaha....honestly when i have time (eg on weekends & when i m on leave) , i'd rather bring him swimming, roam parkway, bring him to playground, bring him to MacDonald's, let him play w fren's kids..... then to sit down & teach him alphabets ..... i myself find it boring...hahaha...those picture books i bought...i never really did go thru w him...it is my maid who did the honour! hahaha .. ooops... i better not say too much lest i give the wrong impression.... yeah by this november, i will try to squeeze some alphabets time ...just for him ...else he won;t be able to catch up at Bethesda .. cos i saw some of their worksheets, looked a bit tough lei ....

oh btw i stay near siglap/opera estate area....

u were saying u r starting your son in the afternoon session of a kindy already ??? which kindy is that ? should be somewhere near Fort road bah... since u say u stay ard there

[pea]

Hi maisy.


Sounds like your kid is having a very healthy childhood! Free play very important...

You're lucky to have both grannies helping out. As both my mil and mother, due to various reasons, can't help out, I had to quit my job. But I've grown used to being SAHM, won't have it any other way... But still sometimes wish I had more support, so that I can at least have a break now and then.

My boy also watches TV, especially during mealtimes. :oops: But I let him watch children's DVD's only. No tv channels, because less control plus too many advertisements. Actually I do find that he learns quite a bit from the DVD's. I like Sesame Street - fun and catchy and educational.

My friend who is working also relies on her maid to teach her daughter. Says that the girl is learning more from her maid than from her kindy! Problem is, the girl is starting to speak with a Filipino accent now. :roll:

And haha, I'm a parkway fan too.

I'm having second thoughts about putting him in afternoon session as it clashes with his naptime. The schools I'm considering are Brighton Montessori and Pat's Schoolhouse at Fort Road area. ( I think these schools also have branches in Siglap). Any feedback about these schools?

It's great that you've confirmed your boy's school. Don't worry, think your boy will catch up. Just need a little coaching from you, as I think that young children learn most from the one that they love most, and that's their mommies!

[Joseph27]

Hi I went down to Bethesda and I liked the Kinder and the Principal was very nice but I can only put my older daughter there next term in the morning but my younger daughter can only enter next year… but next year the only thing available is the afternoon class. I don’t like afternoon classes so am still looking around. I like that Bethesda is church based so its not simply about justifying a business model to please investors. Are there any suggestions around East Coast?

[maisy]

Joseph27:

Hi I went down to Bethesda and I liked the Kinder and the Principal was very nice but I can only put my older daughter there next term in the morning but my younger daughter can only enter next year.... but next year the only thing available is the afternoon class. I don't like afternoon classes so am still looking around. I like that Bethesda is church based so its not simply about justifying a business model to please investors. Are there any suggestions around East Coast?

Hi
If u are really keen on Bethesda, i'm sure u can speak to the Principal abt it.... she's pretty understanding.. tell her logistically it doesn't sound right to hv 1 child in the morning ; while the other in the afternoon ... I'm sure if your older girl starts in Bethesda next term , surely next year she can squeeze your younger girl in the morning so both sisters can go to school together

thats the thing abt bestheda & holy grace... their places get filled up very quickly.... when i signed up in early July, i was told i secured the last few remaining slots of the morning session my fren tried to sign her kid up for holy grace but was told morning session is full, in the end signed her kid up for afternoon session...

Or maybe hv both girls in the afternoon ? Actually afternoon slot also ok lah....depending on how u see it...their afternoon is not really \"afternoon\"... it is 11.30am - 2.30pm.... i know of some frens who prefer this slot cos their young kids do not wake up til 930... and some like to take a relaxed breakfast and needs a bit of coaxing in the morning.... hence 11am slot sounds more appropriate ... my frens' with kids in this session, comes home, hv a quick shower, have their milk , then it is off to their nap .... its quite ok....plus lunch is provided at this time slot....hahaha means u don't hv to cook separately ....kekekeke....actually i signed up for morning but might switch to afternoon....i have not decided...cos my boy also wakes up at 9am-930am...will see how it goes....

Speak to the principal abt your logistic issues. I'm sure u can reach a resolution If not, then how abt Christ Methodist Church kindergarten ... btw where do u stay ... which part of East ? I didn't recommend u Holy Grace cos i know their morning is full .... they only hv afternoon

[maisy]

Hi Pea

Yes Brighton Montessori is very reputable..... i heard it is a good school but very expensive fees

Hehe i'm not sure if my son is having a healthy childhood ...but i do know that he is enjoying his personal space He is doing a lot of \"free play \" at the moment .... but i hope he knows that one fine day he will have to just sit down & learn ...

[OctopusMama]

newM:

Hi mummies,


After reading all that posting i can understand hw it like when u r looking 4 a gd child care centre. Me myself work in a childcare centre and that y i m very fussy. I kw hw its like in the school. few of the sch that was mention earlier ( the expensive one i mean) wasnt as gd as u think like Pxx, Etxxhse, schhse xxx etc etc.

When i look around for my son tat time i almost comb all pre-sch in e east. I was like e rest of the mumies dun mind paying but wanted a centre that is clean and with staff that has passion in teaching. Hv curriculum preparing them for P1 and food that is health.

Finally i found this one. \"Tot n kids\" behind katong shopping centre. A small chilcare centre.

Nw my son is in K2 and my girl in N1. They are even giving away disc for sibling. Fees not expensive too.They belong to e middle range. $700 for fullday. The only thing that i m not too happy with is the class no is abit high. Like my girl who is in N1 there r 18 kids in her class. So for those who is looking for pre-sch can go n take a look

Hi NewM,

I have visited this sch and is considering to send my kids there next yr. Any feedback on whether ur kids r enjoying the classes and its impact on their development e.g. become more outspoken, jovial, confident, etc?? Or any comments on the teachers or principal? Comments fr other mommies with experience from this childcare r most welcomed!