Introduction
Bilingual preschools in Singapore are common, with almost every preschool offering English and Chinese curriculums. But there’s a growing trend to go above and beyond: a few pioneering schools are now offering a third language.
Why consider a third language or a trilingual preschool in Singapore? For expat families, it helps children stay connected to their mother tongue and cultural roots. For local children, exposure to a third language boosts cognitive flexibility, curiosity, and global awareness — all while their developing brains absorb new languages naturally.
Since there aren’t too many of these schools around, our team at Brainy Child Montessori put together a list to make your search easier. Curious to know which schools made the cut? Read on to learn all about them!
Why Parents Are Choosing
Trilingual Preschools?
Think it’s just something “kiasu” (fear of missing out) parents do? It couldn’t be further from the truth. Introducing a third language isn’t just about adding another subject — it’s about shaping the way children think and interact with the world.
Here are just some benefits
- Enhanced cognitive development: Multilingual children often show stronger problem-solving skills and better executive function
- Cultural awareness: Learning another language exposes children to different cultures, fostering empathy and understanding.
- Confidence and adaptability: Children become comfortable navigating diverse social environments, which helps them both academically and socially.
- Academic edge: Studies suggest that multilingual children tend to perform better in school, especially in literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
For expat families
learning Mandarin is a huge advantage. Growing up in Singapore, where English and Mandarin are already widely used, gives children a natural edge. Adding a third language — whether English or Mandarin alongside their mother tongue — allows children to tap further into global opportunities while staying connected to their roots.
Aside from the last benefit — which is a bit “kiasu,” we admit — all the other benefits contribute to a child’s holistic development, supporting their cognitive, social, and emotional growth. If that’s something you value, consider exploring bilingual preschools in Singapore with an option of a third language for your little one. We have a few options to help you get started.
Bilingual Preschools in Singapore
That Offer a 3rd Language
Third-language programs in preschools are still quite rare in Singapore, but they open exciting opportunities for young learners. These trilingual preschools in Singapore go beyond the usual English-Mandarin setup, giving children early exposure to an additional language while nurturing cognitive, social, and cultural skills.
Chicky & Olive – Serangoon Gardens (Medway Drive & Lichfield Road)
Languages Offered: English, Mandarin and French
More about the Preschool:
- Guided by Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf philosophies
- Play-based learning
- Small class sizes (1: 8 Teacher to Child ratio)
- For toddlers 16 months and above
Lumina International Preschool – Alexandra Road
Languages Offered: English, Mandarin and French
More about the Preschool:
- French core curriculum with trilingual pathway
- Holistic, inquiry-based learning with strong focus on social-emotional education
- Small class sizes
- For ages 2-6
Alpha Green Preschool – Bukit Timah
Languages Offered: English, Mandarin, German or Russian
More about the Preschool:
- Blended curriculum inspired by Reggio Emilia, Waldorf with their International Early Years Curriculum
- Play-based, immersive language program
- For toddlers 18 months and above
La Petite Ecole – Holland Village
Languages Offered: English, Mandarin and French
More about the Preschool:
- Adheres to the French National Education curriculum, combined with humanistic values
- Inquiry-based, co-teaching model fostering knowledge, skills, and personal growth
- For ages 2 years old and above
Brainy Child Montessori – Somerset
More about the Preschool:
- Guided by the Montessori philosophy
- Montessori-inspired program emphasizing independence, hands-on learning, and holistic development
- Small class sizes (1: 8 Teacher to Child ratio)
- For toddlers 18 months and above
SPOTLIGHT: Brainy Child Montessori:
Montessori Trilingual Preschool in Singapore
Trilingual Preschool Program Highlights
- Weekday classes: English, Mandarin, and Japanese; families may choose two or all three languages
- Weekend Japanese classes: Suited for children unable to attend during the weekdays, led by a native Japanese teacher for authentic immersion
- Mandarin Enrichment classes: Chinese enrichment classes are available for preschool and primary levels on both weekdays and weekends. These classes are open even to children not enrolled in our weekday program, providing additional opportunities to strengthen language skills.
Third Language Learning Approach
- Younger children: Focus on listening, understanding, and speaking through i
- Older children: Gradually progress to reading and writing Japanese, complemented by cultural activities to deepen appreciation and connection.
- Parental involvement: Parents of younger children are encouraged to participate, reinforcing language learning at home.
Experienced Native Teachers
See Trilingual Preschool Learning in Action!
Choosing amongst bilingual preschools in Singapore that offers a third language is an investment in your child’s growth, curiosity, and adaptability. The best way to understand its impact? To experience it firsthand.
Our tip: Take the time to visit preschools, observe classes, and meet educators — nothing beats seeing how children naturally pick up and enjoy languages in the right environment.
Curious about how the Montessori approach complements language learning? We’d love to welcome you to Brainy Child Montessori. Book a school tour or join a trial class to watch our little learners engage in English, Mandarin, and Japanese — including during our weekend Japanese sessions. Come and discover how your child can thrive in a nurturing, multilingual setting!
