EtonHouse Preschool Singapore is known for its Reggio Emilia-inspired, inquiry-based curriculum, emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. With multiple campuses across Singapore, it caters to families looking for a holistic and international approach to early childhood education.
This review provides an in-depth look at its curriculum, facilities, programs, and overall learning environment, helping parents decide whether EtonHouse aligns with their child’s educational needs. While the school’s strengths lie in its child-centered pedagogy, bilingual focus, and nurturing atmosphere, variations between locations mean that parents should visit campuses to assess suitability.
Curriculum and Educational Approach
EtonHouse follows an inquiry-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, encouraging children to explore, experiment, and engage in self-directed learning.
Key Strengths
- Child-Centered Learning: The curriculum promotes critical thinking and problem-solving rather than rote memorization.
- Bilingual Education: A strong focus on English and Mandarin, with bilingual teachers facilitating immersion-based learning.
- Project-Based Learning: Children engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary projects, fostering independent exploration and creativity.
- Holistic Development: The curriculum includes arts, music, and environmental awareness, ensuring well-rounded growth.
One parent from Newton Campus emphasized the importance of fostering curiosity:
“It was important to me as a parent that preschool should be a place where a child can be confident to explore and inquire at leisure so that a love for learning can develop naturally… EtonHouse has been a wonderful introduction to school for our son, who has been eager to go every day and happily comes home with a story to tell.” – Joanna & Damien, Parents of Declan.
Considerations
- Varied Implementation Across Campuses: Since EtonHouse operates multiple campuses, the Reggio Emilia approach may be adapted differently at each center.
- Bilingual Exposure Depends on Location: While Mandarin is a key focus, the level of immersion varies across campuses. Parents should confirm the language balance at their chosen location.
- Inquiry-Based Learning May Differ: Some parents may prefer a more structured academic curriculum, especially if preparing their child for local primary schools.
For families still exploring different preschool models, it’s important to understand how various teaching philosophies impact school fees and curriculum depth.
Facilities and Learning Environment
EtonHouse promotes purpose-built learning spaces designed to inspire curiosity and support interactive, hands-on education.
Key Strengths
- Spacious, Light-Filled Classrooms: The website showcases well-designed, aesthetically pleasing learning environments that encourage exploration.
- Dedicated Outdoor Spaces: Select locations have gardens, water play areas, and nature exploration zones.
- Nature-Based Learning: The Mountbatten 718 campus focuses heavily on outdoor learning, integrating natural elements into the curriculum.
A parent whose child attends the Nature Preschool at Mountbatten 718 shared:
“My daughter Yining joined EtonHouse Nature Pre-School in August 2023, and it has been a pleasant experience for us! The school has a large beautiful outdoor space for children to play and learn about nature, which is quite rare in Singapore.” – Jacqueline, Parent of Yining.
Considerations
- Facilities Vary Across Campuses: Some locations are larger and offer more outdoor spaces, while others may be more urban and compact.
- Outdoor Play Frequency Not Specified: The website does not clearly indicate how much time children spend outdoors at each location.
Programs and Activities
EtonHouse incorporates a holistic range of enrichment programs that go beyond traditional academics. The school’s approach ensures that children receive a well-rounded education, integrating academic learning with creative, physical, and cultural experiences to support their overall development.
Key Strengths
- The “100 Languages of Children” Approach: Learning is integrated through arts, movement, storytelling, and sensory exploration, fostering multiple forms of self-expression.
- Enrichment Programs: Offerings include music, physical education, creative arts, and cultural immersion activities, providing children with varied experiences beyond the classroom.
- Hands-On Learning: Activities include STEM-based projects, collaborative storytelling, and thematic inquiry sessions, encouraging problem-solving and independent thinking.
- Social and Emotional Growth: Through group projects and interactive play, children develop essential communication, teamwork, and emotional regulation skills.
Considerations
- Limited Details on Enrichment Programs: While EtonHouse highlights a variety of activities, specific program schedules and how often they occur are not detailed on the website.
- Extracurriculars Vary by Campus: Some locations may offer more specialized activities, such as sports, performing arts, or outdoor exploration, while others may focus more on language immersion or creative expression.
- Parental Involvement in Activities: While the school encourages family engagement, details on how parents can participate in enrichment programs are not extensively covered online.
Community and Teacher Engagement
EtonHouse emphasizes strong parent-teacher collaboration, creating a close-knit school community.
Key Strengths
- Engaged Teachers: Parents highlight the warm and nurturing environment created by educators.
- Close-Knit Community: Parents appreciate that teachers know children by name and actively foster a sense of belonging.
- Parental Involvement Encouraged: EtonHouse promotes active family participation, encouraging parents to engage in their child’s education.
A parent from Upper Bukit Timah Campus shared their experience:
“James has blossomed from a shy and reserved 18-month-old to a curious and confident 4-year-old… Almost all the teachers remember each child’s name, which creates such a welcoming environment and fosters a strong sense of belonging within the school.” – Teo Family, Parents of James and Grace.
Considerations
- Teacher-Student Ratios Not Specified: While the school emphasizes personalized learning, exact teacher-to-child ratios are not readily available online.
- Teacher Qualifications Not Detailed: More transparency about teacher training and experience levels would help parents make informed decisions.
Administrative and Practical Information
EtonHouse provides detailed information on its philosophy, curriculum, and locations, but some key details require direct inquiry.
Key Strengths
- User-Friendly Website: Parents can easily explore different campuses and inquire about open house events.
- Clear Admissions Process: The school encourages early registration and provides a contact form for inquiries.
Considerations
- Tuition Fees Not Listed: Parents must contact individual campuses for pricing information.
- Subsidy Information Not Provided: Parents may need to check government grants and preschool subsidies separately. Those looking to maximize financial support can explore this comprehensive guide to preschool subsidies in Singapore for available options.
Conclusion
EtonHouse Preschool Singapore stands out for its Reggio Emilia-inspired, inquiry-based learning approach, bilingual curriculum, and well-structured enrichment programs. The school fosters creativity, independence, and community engagement, making it a strong option for families seeking a progressive, child-centered early education.
However, as a multi-campus institution, parents should visit specific locations to assess facilities, curriculum implementation, and teaching quality. Prospective parents should also consider factors such as fees, subsidies, and long-term learning outcomes when choosing a preschool.
