[Alexandra/Bukit Merah/Queenstown/Tiong Bahru] Preschools
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Just to share that my DS3 went to Arts Kidz for 3 years. My first two kids were at a Montessori childcare but because DS3 had severe allergic rhinitis, I had to put him in a non-aircon environment. That was my primary criteria initially.
Next year DS3 will go to P1. In the past 3 years with Arts Kidz, I’ve been very pleased with both the nurturing aspects as well as the academic aspects of his development at the school. Beyond these factors, I find that the school management has been open. I’ve always had access to the owner of the place & any teacher I wish to speak to. They are very open about you observing what’s going on - transparency is key. My 2 older kids went to one childcare where the Principal is so secretive about their classrooms and I finally withdrew my kids and put them in a different childcare even when they were at K2 because i found out disturbing things happening later on. Henceforth, I placed a lot of emphasis on school leadership & management.
Academically, Arts Kidz operate very much like an international school environment but I feel that DS3 has been well-prepared for P1. The expat teachers are briefed on the expectations of the local school system and they are active with parent communication. Because of the international children profile, I noticed that DS3’s spoken English is wonderful - hardly any Singlish - compared with my 2 older ones.
The other aspects is Cleanliness & Healthy environment. The high ratio of Japanese families enrolled in the school is actually a good thing because I find that Japanese families are very civic-minded about not sending their kids to school when they are sick. DS3 hardly falls sick at this school and there’s hardly any case of HFMD - maybe only once in my past 3 years there and they contained it very well.
I also find that Arts Kidz organizes interesting excursions frequently throughout the year and the costs are kept low for these outings. Sometimes it’s a simple outing to the Health promotion exhibition or Tiong Bahru neighbourhood or it could be to as far as Hay Dairies. They also organise Parent-child outings and family gatherings where you can take other children along. They also organize trips to the Theatre eg by Act3 performances. Very balanced in the choices.
While the school fees may seem a little steep, but it’s all-inclusive - there’s music, art classes conducted by external teachers at no additional charge. Overall, I find it good value and most important, I find DS3 blossoming in maturity, confidence and is very happy to go to school everyday.
All the best to parents choosing a preschool for their child! -
Hi Beanbear
You wouldn’t know how glad I am to read your post. For the past few months we have been debating if we should place our child in Arts Kidz or Lorna Whiston (LW) There isn’t a lot of feedback on Arts Kidz compare to LW.
Our main concern is that no family member will be at home to take care of our child except our helper.
But we love the curriculum. The principal is such an easy person to talk to. She patiently explained to us on how the school works and how she works on the curriculum etc. We were introduced to the owner by her.
Basically the whole school gives a good vibes and gives us a warm feelings. The major setback is the timing and the closure of schools during school holidays. -
Hi TiggerMummy,
Arts Kidz have holiday programmes during June & December - 2 weeks in June & 2 weeks in Nov-Dec. During school holidays, my helper also looks after my 3 kids, many times by herself. I guess it’s a family decision whether helper is trustworthy or not.
Because Arts Kidz run a very full programme (no nap time in the 6.5 hours), DS3 usually comes home quite tired already and sometimes take a short nap or simply take a light snack and play on his own. I find he does not need further stimulation but just rest time.
I’ve had my fair share of visiting and reviewing many many pre-schools & childcare centres since I’ve got 3 kids already. I also visited LW at Alexandra. Quite impressive in terms of teaching materials and teachers and sprawling grounds. But when I worked out the fees, hour-for-hour, I found that Arts Kidz offered better value. I’ve placed my 2 older kids in full-day childcare before but in terms of teaching time, it probably works out to just 4-5 hours. So much time is taken up for naps, bathing, etc and my kids generally fell sick more often. Alot of issues with HFMD, chicken pox, the list goes on.
All the best for your decision! -
Thank you
If comparing LW afternoon half against Arts Kidz, both about the same. I think before N2, the latter includes sleeping time whereas for LW's halfday session, they only have a short tea break. -
verykiasu:
my son & my neighbr's kid are currently k1 my neighbr's kid is studying at chinese kindy, but i feel the school didn't focus much on phonics, and i can see the difference between our kids' phonics knowledge nevertheless i know the school has a nice indoor playground
Yes in the past Chinese Kindergarten used to have ..... :imconstipated: -
Hi, I would like to know for Arts Kidz-the music class, will they be learning piano/violin or just understand music. And the chinese class is it enough for the child to go into a higher chinese SAP school at Primary one? Or still have to sent to enrichment class?
Thank you. -
From Pre-nursery to N1, it will be more of music appreciation. I believe they start to hold their own violin from N2 onwards.
My son enjoys positive focus a lot but is only once a week for a short 15 mins only. -
Thank you TiggerMummy.
What about for K1 & K2? Music lesson and Chinese class?
Thank you -
Can’t help you much on this. My son is still in Pre-Nursery hehe
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Hi Always21,
You can’t expect alot of improvement in music in preschool. I still sent my son for Yamaha JMC. Tt’s nice that the school has violin and pianica and the kids perform simple pieces for the year end concert. Still dont’ expect the classes to be enough if you really want to see progress. For Chinese classes, I sent DS to berries in K1 as what’s being taught is not enough. But the school gave good exposure to chinese but if you’re talking about P1 readiness especially in our current school environment, Berries or Tien Hsia is the way to go!
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