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Ranking Singapore’s Top 2 Preschools For Education

Want the best education? There’s only 2 choices.

They’re MindChamps and Lorna Whiston. From a preschool teacher’s point of view, YES. That’s it.

But wait, you’re asking “Huh? I paid so much to send to $2000 preschools, what you mean education isn’t the best!?”

$2000 schools aren’t really charging you for education. You’re paying for a better teacher:child ratio, the fancy renovations and the big campus with outdoor space, and there’s nothing wrong with that! It is a personal choice. BUT $2000 is NOT for curriculum or better teachers. It will be even more expensive if you want everything. Highly qualified subject teachers (or even MOE primary school teachers) can earn 50% to 100% more than the average ECDA preschool teacher!

In fact, parents from $2000 schools often send their kids to multiple enrichments (this happens far less at MindChamps and Lorna Whiston), so that says a lot about the education there.

If you’re still not convinced about the EDUCATION part, take a look at the curriculum pages of these 2 schools Vs other expensive names.

MindChamps

Lorna Whiston

Brighton Montessori

The Schoolhouse

Little Paddington

Notice how vague everyone else is about the education? That’s because many parents love paying for big spaces and nice renovations, so the preschools focus those instead. But if you really want to just pay for space, it’s worth considering PCF Sparkletots. Government schools often have the biggest and best spaces, and offer very similar experience to many expensive private preschools.

Sparkletots at Joo Chiat offers the same as many $2000 schools, for a fraction of the fees

How to tell if a preschool focuses on education

First, preschools that focus on education do not offer any extra payable enrichment lessons. Enrichment lessons are only possible in schools that don’t teach much, so there are extra timeslots in the afternoon. One of my previous schools puffed up the timetable by adding things like “Songs and dance”, “Creative building”, “Chef’s playhouse”, “Book adventure”, “World exploration” etc. NONE OF THESE WERE REAL LESSONS OR SUBJECTS. We mostly just did activities with the kids so it’d be easier to manage the whole group. This also makes the timetable look less empty, so parents won’t question it. Hence, if your school offers many extra payable enrichment lessons, it’s a sign that education is not their main focus.

Second, because all preschools only hire ECDA-certified teachers, and don’t hire any subject experts, teachers like us end up teaching English, Math, Science, Art, PE, Music etc. It is just not possible for 1 teacher to be trained in so many subjects. Imagine if a JC lecturer teaches 6 subjects! It’s unthinkable!!! So why do we accept this in preschools and expect the education to be good!? At MindChamps, there’s a math teacher for math, a music teacher for music, and so on. If subjects like Art, Music, PE are all taught by the same teachers, it’s another sign your preschool does not focus on education.

MindChamps vs Lorna Whiston Comparison

Disclaimer: Although I was a former MindChamps teacher, and thoroughly enjoyed my time there, this article is based on facts and my knowledge of preschools.

I will compare them in 6 different areas – Curriculum, Teacher Quality, English, Chinese, Math, Science.

CURRICULUM – Both schools have curriculums that put the typical preschool to shame. MindChamps has Theatre, Food, Movement and Music built into the curriculum. Lorna Whiston has Speech & Drama, Music, Art, Sports and Taekwondo. All lessons are taught by subject experts and specialist teachers, which is what sets these 2 schools apart from everyone else. Winner: DRAW

ENGLISH – Objectively, I have to give this to Lorna Whiston. Lessons are taught by native speakers who naturally just speak better than I do. Their teaching style is also something I find quite hard to replicate as a teacher. When even kids from branded $2000 preschools go for Lorna Whiston enrichment classes on weekends, I guess I’d have to give this win to them. 

Winner: Lorna Whiston

CHINESE – While Lorna Whiston has double Chinese class (a basic Chinese class + an extra Chinese Cultural Studies), I would say that MindChamps is on par because our Chinese curriculum is very extensive and already includes all the extras. In terms of teacher quality, both schools hire native speaking teachers so they’re even here. Winner: DRAW

MATH – MindChamps students go through a very rigorous curriculum and often, we hear of our students being the top of their Math class in Primary 1. I think for this category, MindChamps is the clear cut winner. Winner: MindChamps

SCIENCE – Compared to other schools,MindChamps does a lot more worksheets and advanced learning in the topic. Students are drilled and practice very advanced work for their level. I believe this is another area in which MindChamps is unbeatable. Winner: MindChamps

TEACHER QUALITY – While a normal preschool hires only ECDA teachers, MindChamps and Lorna Whiston are the only 2 preschools that SPEND MORE to hire subject experts and specialist teachers. All MindChamps enrichment teachers are experienced in their field, and can even teach things like violin! Lorna Whiston doesn’t fall behind either, being the only preschool in Singapore with native speaker English teachers, and crazily qualified enrichment teachers. (Just look at their teacher list!) Winner: Lorna Whiston

Conclusion

Final results – Mindchamps 2: Lorna Whiston 2: DRAW 2

MindChamps if you want your child to have a lot of subject knowledge by the time they’re in Primary 1. MindChamps students are known to excel at the academics. It is a more structured approach to education, similar to A-level exams.

Lorna Whiston if you want your child to develop active learning skills and broader knowledge. Students are also more likely to be outspoken and confident. This is a more holistic approach to education, similar to International Baccalaureate (IB programmes). Ultimately, these 2 schools are the ONLY OPTIONS for parents serious about education, and it really comes down to your personal preference on the style.

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