Kindergarten
CIS Kindergarten (aged 18 months - 6 years)
Happy, confident and engaged learners.
CIS’ Kindergarten programme is designed to stimulate imagination, creativity and self discovery in our youngest learners.
In Kindergarten, we believe in fostering a holistic approach to learning where each child’s emotional, social, physical, creative and academic development are nurtured by our highly experienced and caring educators.
Our dedicated teachers respond to the unique learning styles and needs of each individual, creating a community of happy, confident and engaged learners. At the core of our ethos lies an inclusive and vibrant learning community ensuring each student feels a sense of belonging.
Warm and nurturing learning environments support our inquiry and play-based approach, ensuring our children develop the knowledge and skills needed for their future academic and social success.
We also offer two bilingual programmes for kindergarten students, these include:
- French-English bilingual programme
- Chinese-English bilingual programme
The school day runs from 8.30am to 3.30pm, with half-day (12 noon pick-up) options for our Nursery students.
An international curriculum
As one of Singapore's leading private kindergartens (also referred to in some countries as preschool or the early years), we offer an engaging inquiry, play-based teaching approach grounded in research and best practice. Extensive studies show hands-on exploration solidifies concepts and understanding more concretely than rote learning. Reflecting our international context, our curriculum draws from the best early years / kindergarten curricula globally, and is delivered within the Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework.
Why CIS Kindergarten?
Our nursery curriculum focuses on developing children’s fundamental social, literacy and numeracy skills, as well as their fine and gross motor skills.
As children move into Pre-Kindergarten, they engage in topic-based learning and different subject areas are integrated as they explore a particular concept or topic.
Students have dedicated literacy and numeracy lessons, and specialist teachers for Chinese and French. Physical education, art, music and drama are delivered by either a specialist or the homeroom teacher.
Our Kindergarten is a rounded and full experience for your child to give them the best start academically and to be a lifelong learner which includes:
- Play-based learning: Children learn by doing—developing communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong language foundations: phonics and language development with bilingual options
- Safe and nurturing environment: classrooms designed for comfort, safety, and exploration
- Experienced educators: qualified teachers trained in early childhood development.
- Holistic growth: focus on social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
- Field trips - off campus trips mean students experience hands-on exploration, deepen their understanding of the real world and foster a sense of independence.
- After-school activities are offered from Pre Kindergarten - opportunities cover a wide variety of categories including: arts, languages, sports, numeracy and games. Number?
- Junior and Senior Kindergarten students can also learn violin and piano during the school day as part of our Academy of Music programme.
Wellbeing and pastoral care
- Calm and nurturing environment
- Social-emotional guidance
- Smooth transitions from home to school
- Strong family-school partnerships
A day in a life of a CIS Kindergarten
Kindergarten FAQs
What curriculum does CIS Kindergarten follow?
CIS Kindergarten follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), designed to nurture curious, confident and capable learners. Learning is inquiry-based, play-rich and developmentally appropriate, supporting children’s academic, social and emotional growth while laying strong foundations for future learning.
How do you support children to transition from home to school?
We understand that starting school is a big step. CIS supports a gentle and positive transition through staggered start options, consistent routines, warm teacher relationships and close communication with families. Our experienced teachers help children feel safe, known and confident as they settle into school life.
How does CIS support children who are new to English?
Children who are new to English are supported through immersive, language-rich classrooms, visual cues, modelling and small-group support. Our teachers are trained to support multilingual learners and ensure children build confidence in English while continuing to value their home language.
What is the teacher–child ratio?
CIS Kindergarten maintains small class sizes with a low teacher-to-child ratio, ensuring each child receives individual attention, care and support throughout the day.
Exact ratios vary by age group and are available from Admissions.
What does a typical Kindergarten school day look like?
Each day balances learning, play, creativity, movement and rest. Children engage in inquiry-based classroom learning, specialist lessons, outdoor play, and social time with friends.
What are the school day timings?
The Kindergarten day follows a consistent daily routine that supports young children’s wellbeing, independence and sense of security.
8.30am to 3.30pm with a half day option for Nursery children. After school activities begin at 3.45pm and end at 4.45pm.
What is included in a typical week of learning?
A Kindergarten week includes a rich mix of classroom and specialist learning, led by both classroom and specialist teachers. Children experience:
- Literacy & Phonics
- Numeracy
- Art & Music (specialist teachers)
- Physical Education & Swimming (specialist teachers)
- Library time
- Outdoor play and wellbeing time
Link to a timetable showing weekly minutes for PE, swimming, arts and classroom learning.
Outdoor play is a valued part of every Kindergarten day with a morning and afternoon break and a play at lunchtime. Children go outside daily, with opportunities for both structured and unstructured play that support physical development, creativity and social skills.
Does the school provide breakfast or lunch?
CIS provides lunch each school day, prepared with young children’s nutritional needs in mind. We have an onsite caterer that cooks the food fresh everyday. Children may bring snacks from home or order these to eat throughout the day.
Do children need to be out of nappies to attend Kindergarten?
Children are encouraged to be toilet trained, however we understand that every child develops at their own pace. Our team works closely with families to support children respectfully and sensitively during this stage. Children should be toilet trained for Pre-Kindergarten to Senior Kindergarten.
Until what age do children have a nap or rest time?
Children in Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten are offered rest or nap time, while Junior Kindergarten children have quiet rest opportunities as appropriate. The approach is flexible and responsive to each child’s developmental needs.
How often do children go swimming?
Kindergarten children participate in regular swimming lessons, taught by specialist instructors in our purpose-built facilities. Swimming supports water confidence, physical development and safety.
What after-school activities are available for young children?
CIS offers a range of age-appropriate after-school activities, including sports, creative arts and enrichment programmes. Activities vary by term and are designed to be fun, engaging and developmentally suitable.
As a parent, how often can I come into school and be involved?
We value strong home–school partnerships. Parents are welcomed into the school community through classroom activities, celebrations, workshops, special events and regular communication with teachers.
Are there field trips for Kindergarten students?
Yes. Kindergarten children enjoy local, age-appropriate excursions that extend learning beyond the classroom and connect to their units of inquiry, helping them explore the world in safe and meaningful ways.
Canadian International School
