[Alexandra/Bukit Merah/Queenstown/Tiong Bahru] Preschools

[shandee]

Hi Beanbear!


Glad to noe someone whose kid graduated fr ArtKidz.

DD3 currently in ArtKidz.... I like ArtKidz but am concern how their graduates cope with local sch....How is your DS3 coping with P1... guess it may be a bit early to tell since primary sch just started the academic year....but anything you can share pls....thks

I totally agree with you on the \"Singlish\" part....DH just mentioned that DD3 hardly speak any Singlish!

[Yi.03882cloud]

Hi Tiggermum,

Thx for replied. But I really dun have a helper right now, and currently looking for new job after settle down my lovely boy in the desire school. I already visit Outram Etonhouse, it's very expensive! Nearly $5,000 a term, 10 weeks. OMG! So, until cannot settle after 3:30pm issue.and my husband felt dun like Artskidz, because seeming as very crowded on that day we revisit and show him around the class. But it still my first choice, if can have proper arrangement. Anybody have anymore comments about it? BTW, I already visit MMI at Bkt Merah, 4th floor at centre, but thinking the place not enough for kids. Learning vision, kinderland, totally not happy with the meal arrangement and programme offered, its look borring for me and maybe my boy. Cambridge CC, is fine, Star learner Montessori also not bad. But still dun understand why the Artskidz cannot offer the perfect timing until 7pm? :? Anybody have any comments? And one thing I think I like ti check for Newton kindergarden that someone preferred good, but looks like open above for three years old children.

[stardust25]

Hi Yi@cloud,


Am new to the forum. I'm also interested in enroling my girl at Arts Kidz. I have been to the school twice but did not see any foreign teachers nor any music appreciation taking place, which I'm interested to find out more. However, I did see the kids doing art and craft and they look happy and engaged. What are your observations?

How was the admin staff's attitude? Noticed you had a tour? I couldn't quite step in as lessons were going on. I have read in some forums that the admin staff are not very friendly and transparent....

May I also check with parents who have had kids who have graduated from Arts Kidz. Did they transit well to P1?

I am also looking at Agape Little Uni@Orange Grove and Lorna Whiston. Grateful for any inputs on these 3 preschools. Tks.

[Yi.03882cloud]

Hi, my husband and I also like LW, but it’s full enrollment for this year. There’s basically more focus on reading and writing method. Seldom in art side. That’s my second choice of CCC. But Artskidz just let me felt more comfortable to my boy. I went there three times. Some issues would be a bit crowd theses day. Maybe it’s already getting some good mouth on it’s name. E teachers looks good, I saw e children’s very enjoy to their classes, they smiles and looks interested in what e teacher taught. For me, e passion of teaching is very vital. Some centre just looks bored for me due to environment, teachers attitudes, and curriculum. I strongly think that for kids below 6years old, each lesson less that half or 15mins, they will more likely to accept which based on the psychological research, it’s enough for them to fully absorb. That’s why I checked Artskids have won my heart. Only issue is e time. But I think their water play area just not a interesting place. Haha!

[TiggerMummy]

@Yi@Cloud: did you feedback to the owner regarding about the class getting crowded?


I think there are pros and cons with shorter timing. The teachers are able to get more rest so that they can start the next day fresh. I think the nap time given to the preschoolers are shorter than childcare. I like the idea of not taking the shower in the school as you do not know how the teachers handle the kids while showering.

The place is well ventilated without air conditioner which would help to reduce the spread of viruses etc.

Nonetheless, I do agree that the timing is short which makes it harder for working mums like us. How I wish I can knock off at 3pm!!! Or even 5pm!!

[verykiasu]

i was in such dilemna like you all when my boy is in N1.

after one term in one church kindy i swopped him to JHS Montessori
at RV, as my boy is those who is quiet, a smaller ratio class &
caring teachers are impt for him to get settled. So far JHS is good in terms of academically prepare the kids as well as the teachers are caring & envt is good
bt the only thing is that the school fees aren’t cheap
just for sharing…

[Yi.03882cloud]

Hi Tiggermummy,

Your kids currently studying at Artskidz right, any special issues? How e teachers in there? Any extra comments?

[Yi.03882cloud]

Hi I knew the fees of JHS Montri is around $1,800 inclusive GSt right? I also checking the Montessori school fees, which I think e Halifax Montri quite good, is around $1,300. Have a US consultant. Just share w you.

[TiggerMummy]

1. I don't really like the food they served for lunch. Feels that it is not nutritious enough.

2. Owner of the school is quite visible. You can always see her around. Good also. Cause she will definitely wants to see things run smoothly.

Teachers wise, for the pre-nursery, we quite like one of the teachers, Carolina, as we find her the most attentive and caring. We also like the Chinese teacher, Miss Zhang.

[stardust25]

Hi Yi@cloud,


Thanks. I went down to LW @ Winchester and really love the sprawling grounds. The teachers also engaged the students very well. They looked spirited. And the sch has weekly themes so students explore geography, social studies along these themes. I didnt like the East Coast premises as much maybe becos it's more enclosed.

For Arts Kidz, the selling point for me is the native speaking as well as expat teachers (curriculum aside, I think teachers make alot of difference) but so far I've only seen Singaporean teachers the 2 times I went down. Tiggermummy and mummies who have kids in Art Kidz put my mind at ease that the native speaking and expat teachers in Art Kidz really exist as the sch claims? Can I also know do the kids really learn how to play the violin eventually or they are just holding?

Yi@cloud, for preschs at Halifax Road, heard that the lease for the entire row of hses is up end of this year...so gd to confirm with the sch and ascertain their new add...if u are interested to send your kid there.