Compare French Curriculum International Schools in Singapore

International French School (Singapore)

A view of the school buildings, with the rugby and football pitches in the foreground

The CM2 students on the beach during a class trip to Bintan

Instructs in English, French

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees SGD 23,025 - 33,325

Pupils 2800

Type Co-educational

The International French School (Singapore) offers a bilingual French-English education for students aged 3 to 18. It follows the French National Curriculum, culminating in the French Baccalaureate (Bac) and the French International Baccalaureate (BFI). The school facilities include libraries, performance halls, sports pitches, and arts studios. A distinctive aspect of IFS is its vibrant community events, such as the annual Walkathon, which successfully brings together students, parents, and staff for a day of fun and fundraising. With strong ties to French-speaking communities globally, the school also facilitates cultural exchanges and partnerships for a richer educational experience.

Location

International French School (Singapore) is located at 3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, situated in the northern part of Singapore. The school is well-connected by public transport, with the Ang Mo Kio MRT station and a network of bus services nearby, offering easy access to various parts of Singapore. The surrounding area features a mix of residential neighborhoods and amenities, making it a convenient and family-friendly setting for expatriates.

Stages

The International French School (Singapore) is structured into four main sections: Maternelle (Preschool) for ages 3-6, Élémentaire (Elementary) for ages 6-11, Collège (Middle School) for ages 11-15, and Lycée (High School) for ages 15-18.

Type

International French School (Singapore) is a co-educational institution that caters to students from preschool through high school. The school does not offer boarding facilities. It provides a French-based curriculum, welcoming both local and international students seeking a French education.

Additional learning support

The International French School (Singapore) (IFS) provides dedicated support for students with Additional Learning Needs through a structured and inclusive approach. The Groupe d’Accompagnement et d’Inclusion (GAIN) team, comprising specialized educators and school psychologists, works closely with teachers and families to develop personalized support plans tailored to each student's needs. IFS offers a range of structured programs, including the Personalized Project of Schooling (PPS), Personalized Support Plan (PAP), and Personalized Educational Success Program (PPRE), ensuring that students receive targeted assistance within the classroom setting. Additionally, the school provides access to external specialists, such as speech and occupational therapists, to offer comprehensive support for diverse learning profiles. Through this framework, IFS fosters an environment where every student can thrive academically and personally.

Country affiliation

The International French School (Singapore) is affiliated with France and follows the French national curriculum, offering education from kindergarten through to high school with a focus on French language and culture.

Religious affiliation

International French School (Singapore) is a secular institution with no affiliation to any particular religion.

School day structure

The International French School (IFS) in Singapore has varying school hours by level. Kindergarten runs from 8:35 AM to 3:25 PM (Monday-Thursday) and until 12:00 PM on Friday. Elementary follows the same schedule but ends at 12:15 PM on Friday. Secondary school starts at 7:50 AM daily, with end times depending on the grade and timetable. Fridays generally have shorter hours across levels.

Bus service

International French School (Singapore) facilitates student transportation through an agreement with Woodlands Transport Solutions Pte Ltd (WT). This door-to-door service is available for all students except those in Toute Petite Section (TPS) and the 5:15 PM shuttle bus. Bus routes and schedules are designed to align with the school's timings, with morning pick-ups starting from 7:00 AM for secondary students and 7:30 AM for kindergarten and elementary students. For secondary students, a 5:15 PM shuttle service covers predetermined stops across Singapore. The school publishes a School Bus Handbook annually, detailing rules and guidelines for student transport. 

One-Time Registration Fees:
- Application Fee: SGD 1,090, payable upon submission of the application.
- First-Time Registration Fee: SGD 4,360.
- School Fees Advance (SFA): SGD 5,170, paid upon arrival and rolled over to the following academic year until the student withdraws or graduates. This advance is capped at three students per family. Upon withdrawal, the SFA can either be offset against departing term school fees or refunded.

Tuition Fees for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

- Kindergarten (Toute Petite Section to Grande Section):
- Toute Petite Section (TPS): SGD 12,360 per year.
- Classic Section (PS, MS & GS): SGD 20,245 per year.
- Anglais + Section (MS & GS): SGD 21,930 per year.

- Elementary (CP to CM2):
- Classic Section: SGD 21,835 per year.
- Anglais + Section: SGD 23,525 per year.

- Middle School (6ème to 3ème):
- Classic/Mandarin Section: SGD 24,900 per year.
- International Section: SGD 26,745 per year.
- French Passerelle: SGD 26,745 per year.

- High School (2nde to Terminale):
- All Sections: SGD 31,740 per year.

These fees are inclusive of a 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Should GST increase during the student contract, any resulting difference will automatically be added to the invoice.

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms:
Fees are billed termly, with payments due at the beginning of each term to secure the student’s place. Specific billing dates are provided in the school's financial regulations.

Additional Costs:
- Canteen Fees: These vary by educational level. For example, kindergarten students are charged SGD 1,465 per year, while middle school students are charged SGD 1,620 per year.
- Anglais +, International Section, and French Passerelle Fees: Additional yearly fees apply for these programs, ranging from SGD 1,690 to SGD 1,845, depending on the grade and program.

Refund Information:
No partial payment or refund will be made for partial absence or for students leaving during a school year. Upon withdrawal, the School Fees Advance (SFA) can either be offset against departing term school fees or refunded.

Payments can be made through bank transfers, cheques, and credit cards. The school provides detailed information on acceptable payment methods and any associated transaction fees.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact the school directly or refer to the latest fee schedule provided to incoming families.

Uniform Requirement

The uniform is mandatory for Maternelle (Kindergarten) and Elémentaire (Elementary School). For Collège and Lycée (Middle and High School) there is no uniform; students wear the IFS polo or T-shirt for school trips. The uniform and the sports T-shirt are made with anti-UV fabric.

Food Options

The Canteen is operated by Chartwells, a member of the Compass Group. They provide over 2,500 meals daily, with menus developed by chefs and dietitians in coordination with the school, health services, and the Parents Commission. Peanuts and tree nuts are not used in Chartwells products on campus, though some items may contain traces. For Kindergarten and Elementary, meals include a morning snack, a hot meal with protein, a side dish, a dessert, and a fruit; for Middle School, a protein dish, side, dessert, and fruit, with additional Grab & Go options. Secondary school students have additional services such as the Pop-up Station, Grab & Go, La Fenêtre, and Le Petit Bistro. A Lunchbox option is available as an alternative; a canteen card is used for payments.

Governance and Ownership

The International French School (Singapore) is a private, non-profit organization affiliated with the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) through an institutional agreement (établissement conventionné). Governance is provided by two bodies: the Executive Committee, which oversees operations and long-term strategy, and the Educational Committee, which represents the parent community in educational matters. Elections for the Executive Committee and participation in General Meetings are open to parent and corporate members, who may serve as representatives on the committees.

Curriculum

The school offers a bilingual French-English education for students aged 2 to 18, following the French national curriculum across four stages: Maternelle, Élémentaire, Collège, and Lycée.
Maternelle (Ages 3–5): A plurilingual program with French, English, and Mandarin, with increasing language exposure as students progress. The curriculum focuses on language development, mathematics, physical activity, arts, and world discovery.

Élémentaire (Ages 6–11): Students develop core skills in French, English, Mandarin, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and the arts. Two streams are available: Classic (English as a second language) and Anglais+ (balanced French-English instruction).

Collège (Ages 12–15): The curriculum expands to include at least 12 subjects, with multiple language pathways, including a British International section and a Mandarin section. Studies culminate in the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB).

Lycée (Ages 15–18): Students specialize in subjects while preparing for the French Baccalauréat (Bac) or French International Baccalaureate (BFI). Advanced language options include enhanced English or Mandarin instruction. IFS has a 100% Bac pass rate, with most students earning distinctions.

IFS emphasizes multilingualism, academic excellence, and cultural diversity, preparing students for top universities worldwide.

Academic calendar

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school has established a Counselling Centre dedicated to supporting students' social, emotional, and mental health needs. This centre provides a safe and supportive environment where students can explore their emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and cultivate self-awareness. Services include individual and group sessions tailored to each student's unique needs, and the centre promotes mental health through preventive and awareness-building initiatives. Collaboration with parents and educators ensures a comprehensive support system, helping students navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The International French School (Singapore) provides tailored support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) through its dedicated team of specialized educators and support staff. The school offers specific provisions such as individualized education plans and small group interventions to cater to various needs, including learning disabilities and mild to moderate autism spectrum disorders. While not a specialist SEN institution, the school is committed to inclusivity and works closely with parents and external therapists to create a supportive learning environment. Additional initiatives include workshops and training sessions for both teachers and parents to ensure understanding and consistency in support strategies. This collaborative approach helps in addressing the diverse needs of SEN students, fostering their academic and social development in an inclusive setting.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

IFS supports students with special educational needs (SEN) through its Groupe d’Accompagnement et d’Inclusion (GAIN) structure. A team of five specialized teachers and three school psychologists provides individualized and small-group support for students facing learning difficulties and disabilities. IFS offers tailored programs, including the Personalized Support Plan (PAP) for learning difficulties and the Personalized Project of Schooling (PPS) for special needs, ensuring structured assistance. While not a specialist SEN institution, the school fosters inclusivity by working closely with parents and external therapists to create a supportive learning environment.

Mental Wellbeing

The schools Counselling Centre provides confidential guidance, emotional support, and coping strategies for students. A team of three school psychologists offers individual and group sessions, focusing on stress management, emotional regulation, and academic pressures.

Safeguarding

The school does not provide any public information about its approach to safeguarding, but does maintain various safety protocols (such as controlled access to the campus).

History

The school), also known as Lycée Français de Singapour, was established in 1967, initially set up by a group of expatriate parents to provide a French education for their children in Singapore. Over the years, it has grown significantly both in size and reputation, becoming a part of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) network, which links various French schools globally. The school has maintained a close relationship with the French Embassy in Singapore, reflecting its strong ties to the French community. With its expansion, the school moved to its current campus in Ang Mo Kio in 1999, accommodating a diverse and growing student population. Through its long history, the school has continued to embrace multiculturalism, welcoming families from numerous backgrounds while maintaining its French educational ethos.

Community

The International French School (Singapore) is a vibrant community comprising students from over 50 nationalities, creating a diverse and multicultural environment. The school celebrates this diversity through various events, including the annual International Day and French cultural activities such as Bastille Day celebrations. Additionally, regular community events like school fairs and parent-teacher gatherings foster a strong sense of belonging and engagement among families. This dynamic setting supports a rich exchange of cultures and traditions, benefiting students and their families alike.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parent Committee at the International French School (Singapore) (IFS) plays a pivotal role in fostering a strong community spirit among families, staff, and students. Elected annually, the committee comprises 12 members representing all school levels, from Maternelle (Kindergarten) to Lycée (High School). Their core responsibilities include representing the parent community, facilitating communication between school leadership and parents, coordinating class representatives, and managing projects such as book fairs and school celebration days (fête de l'école). Additionally, they participate in discussions on pedagogical decisions and collaborate with the school's educational leadership through monthly meetings. The committee also provides financial support to families in need, utilizing proceeds from events like the fête de l'école.

Gallery

A delegation from the French embassy visits the school. (credit IFS)

CP students show off their art work to parents as part of an 'urban jungle' exhibition. (credit IFS)

Former students return for the IFS alumni event. (credit IFS)

Parents attend a coffee morning at the school (credit IFS)

IFS teachers run an ultra marathon in Cambodia for charitable causes. (credit IFS)

Facilities Overview

The International French School (Singapore) offers a modern campus with learning spaces designed to foster academic success, creativity, and curiosity. The school evolves with the latest technologies to support innovative teaching and growing student needs. Every building optimizes acoustics, lighting, air quality, and temperature control to create a conducive learning environment. The campus houses 160 classrooms including exam rooms, four libraries, four large performance halls, drama/music and dance studios, state-of-the-art media technology suites, science laboratories, clean canteens, and nap rooms for younger students. It also features extensive sports and outdoor facilities to support a well-rounded education.

Sports Facilities

The campus supports a broad physical education program with two 25-metre swimming pools, two rugby and football pitches, and three gyms including two climbing walls. There are multiple large outdoor playgrounds, a running track, and an outdoor basketball court.

Academic Facilities

The academic facilities support bilingual French-English education and include 160 classrooms including exam rooms, four libraries, four large performance halls, and dedicated drama, music, and dance studios. The campus features state-of-the-art media technology suites and science laboratories for hands-on learning. Clean, modern canteens serve students, and nap rooms support younger learners.

Extra Curricular Facilities

IFS offers over 60 activities supervised by experienced coaches, available in French or English. Activities span sports, arts, language workshops, and cultural programs. Examples include basketball, football, swimming, rugby, climbing, archery, chess, choir, drama, coding and robotics, and Model United Nations (MUN).

Language Provision

Instruction is delivered in English and French as core languages within the bilingual stream. The school also offers Mandarin, Spanish, and German as additional language options. The English International Stream (EIS) is an English-taught programme that follows the structure of the French National Education curriculum and incorporates multilingual exposure, including Mandarin or French. The school serves students aged 3 to 18.

Bilingual Teaching

The school offers a French-English bilingual programme. The bilingual programme integrates both languages across the core curriculum, supporting multilingual proficiency for students aged 3 to 18.

Immersion Programs

The French Passerelle programme provides additional French language support during school hours for non-French-speaking students. It is designed to be immersive, starting in primary and continuing into secondary to ease transition to the French curriculum.

Awards

HoneyKids Singapore Education Awards 2024: Gold Award for Best Bilingual Programme – Recognized for its excellence in French-English bilingual education, reinforcing its commitment to multilingual learning.

HoneyKids Singapore Education Awards 2024: Gold Award for Best School for Learning Support – Acknowledged for providing exceptional student support services, ensuring inclusive education for all learners.

HoneyKids Singapore Education Awards 2024: Gold Award for Sustainability – Awarded for outstanding environmental initiatives, showcasing the school’s dedication to sustainability and eco-conscious education.

HoneyKids Singapore Education Awards 2024: Editor's Choice for Most Affordable International School – Recognized for offering high-quality education at competitive tuition fees, making international schooling more accessible.

EFE3D Certification 2024: Level 3 – Highest Distinction in Sustainability – Achieved the top level in the Établissement Français à l'Étranger en Démarche de Développement Durable (EFE3D) certification for excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable development.

Accreditations

French Ministry of National Education Accreditation:
- This accreditation ensures that the school adheres to the academic standards set by the French national education system. It signifies the school's authority to deliver the French national curriculum and bear public examinations for its students.

Council of International Schools (CIS) Membership:
- Being a member of the CIS indicates the school's commitment to a comprehensive global education framework. It signifies adherence to international best practices in teaching, learning, and student well-being.

Mission Laïque Française (MLF) Network:
- This network affiliation indicates that the school is part of a global association promoting French language and culture worldwide. It reflects the school’s mission to nurture bilingual and multicultural competencies in students.

Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) Network:
- Accreditation by AEFE guarantees that the school maintains consistent educational standards with other French international schools globally. It allows students smooth transitions to other AEFE schools and confers access to a global alumni network.

Admissions

doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

1. Attend an Open House or School Tour: While not mandatory, visiting IFS in person can be valuable. Booking an open house or school tour provides firsthand insight into the facilities, learning environment, and community, helping you determine if the school is the right fit for your child.

2. Submit an Application: Complete and submit your child's application via the EDUKA platform. Ensure that all required information, including personal details, academic history, and relevant documents, is accurately provided.

3. Pay the Registration Fees and School Fees Advance (SFA): After submitting your application, you will receive invoices for the registration fee and School Fees Advance (SFA). Payment must be completed before the admissions committee can review your child's application.

4. Application Review and Admissions Committee Decision: The admissions committee meets monthly to review applications. To be considered, all documents and payments must be submitted at least seven days before the scheduled meeting.

5. Assessment and Interview (if applicable): Depending on your child's background, an assessment may be required to determine appropriate placement. Non-French speaking students aged six and above must undergo a language assessment as part of the admissions process.

6. Receive an Offer: If your child is accepted, you will receive an official offer confirming their place at IFS. Additional documents may be requested at this stage to finalize enrollment.

8. Acceptance and Enrollment: To secure your child’s spot, complete any remaining paperwork and pay the required fees. If applicable, ensure that your child has the necessary Singapore residency approvals before the school year begins. IFS will assist in obtaining the correct Ministry of Education approvals if needed.

Scholarships

French families paying the school fees of their children on their own can apply for a scholarship with the French Consulate. The scholarships are granted based on household income and under condition of registration with the Consulate.

Waitlist

The school uses a waitlist system when demand for certain grade levels exceeds available places.

The waitlist works in the following way:

Positioning on the List: After submitting a complete application, including necessary documentation and fees, prospective students may be placed on a waitlist if the desired grade is full. Applicants are registered in the order their applications are received.

Notification: Families will be promptly informed about their waitlist status. The Admissions Office communicates regularly regarding any changes or availability of spaces.

Advancement and Offers: As spots become available, offers are made to waitlisted students based on the order of registration. The school endeavors to inform families as soon as a place can be offered.

Priority Considerations:
While the school strives to ensure fairness, certain applicants may receive priority. This often includes siblings of current students, children of staff, and students relocating from other French international schools.

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La Petite Ecole Singapore

Instructs in English, French

Ages 2 - 10 years

Fees SGD 24,530

Pupils 130

Type Co-educational

Le Petite École Singapore offers a unique bilingual education in French and English for children aged 2 to 10, following the French national curriculum. Facilities include a swimming pool, football pitches, and a botanical garden. One standout feature of Le Petite École is its annual Differences Day celebration where students showcase their artistic talents and culinary skills, celebrating the diverse cultures within the school community. The school also promotes environmental awareness through initiatives such as the Green Wall, helping students to learn about sustainability hands-on.