How to Choose the Right School in Singapore: A Parent’s Guide

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. With so many options available in Singapore, it’s crucial to evaluate schools based on key factors that influence your child’s education, growth, and well-being. Here’s a guide on what to look out for when selecting a school for your child.

1. Check for Official Registration with SSG as an ERF School

   Why It Matters
   In Singapore, private schools must be registered under the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) Enhanced Registration Framework (ERF). This ensures they meet basic regulatory standards on governance, quality of provisions, and information transparency.

   How to Verify
   You can look up the school’s registration status on the SSG School Directory. Simply type the school’s name to confirm if it is a registered Private Education Institution.

2. Look for Quality Assurance (EduTrust Certification)

   Why It Matters
   EduTrust is a certification scheme administered by the Committee for Private Education (CPE). Schools with EduTrust have undergone rigorous checks on academic processes, student welfare, and fiscal health. Having EduTrust signifies a higher level of quality assurance.

   How to Verify
   The SSG website lists current EduTrust-certified schools. You can cross-check there to see if a school’s certification is active and valid.

3. Assess Whether Learning Support Is Available

   Why It Matters
   Children learn differently. If your child needs extra coaching or faces specific learning challenges, a strong learning support department can make all the difference. Look for programs that address reading, writing, or numeracy difficulties, and find out if specialized educators or therapists are on staff.

4. Check for Integrated Therapy Services

   Why It Matters
   Integrated therapy services—such as Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Feeding Therapy, ABA, Educational Therapy, Psychological Counselling, and Social Skills Groups—help students who need additional support to thrive academically and socially. These services are especially crucial for children with diverse learning or developmental needs.

5. Evaluate the Curriculum

   Why It Matters
   A well-recognized curriculum, such as Cambridge or the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), ensures international standards and smoother transitions if your child later moves schools or studies abroad.

6. Focus on Results and Outcomes

   Why It Matters
   While academic results aren’t everything, they do reflect the school’s quality of teaching, curriculum, and support. Look for success stories, testimonials, and data on student progress over time.

7. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for Special Needs

   Why It Matters
   For children with special educational needs, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) outlines specific goals and interventions tailored to them. A school that offers this level of customization is more likely to help every student achieve their fullest potential.

8. Consider Classroom Size

   Why It Matters
   Small class sizes often mean more personalized attention. Teachers can address each student’s needs, track progress closely, and adapt teaching methods accordingly. This can be especially beneficial for children who need additional support.

9. Adaptability to Each Child’s Needs

   Why It Matters
   Beyond just having a standard curriculum or therapy services, the real question is how well the school can adapt these services to suit individual students. Flexibility and willingness to modify teaching strategies can significantly influence a child’s educational journey.

10. Other Factors to Consider

    • Teacher Qualifications & Experience: Look for certified educators experienced in handling diverse learning needs.
    • Facilities & Environment: Check if the school has a conducive learning environment, including well-equipped classrooms and therapy rooms.
    • Location & Accessibility: A convenient location reduces travel fatigue and helps maintain consistent school attendance.
    • Holistic Growth & Extracurriculars: Sports, arts, music, and other extracurricular programs can foster well-rounded development.

How Dynamics International School Meets These Criteria

Below is a quick-reference table showing how Dynamics International School aligns with each of the key considerations: