Popular Choice Award 2025
Check out the most searched enrichment and childcare center brands by parents!
Serious About School Popular Choice Award 2025
Which schools and enrichment centres have stood out the most this year? Explore our Popular Choice Award 2025 to see the top names that parents have been searching and inquiring about on www.SeriousAboutSchool.com.
This curated list highlights the most in-demand centres based on real traffic and inquiries from parents. Do note that the list is not ranked in any particular order. Discover who earned a spot on this year’s Wall of Fame!
Serious About School Popular Choice Award 2025
ENRICHMENT CENTRES CATEGORY
Speech & Drama Programme
Julia Gabriel Centre is a leading provider of quality enrichment programmes, specialising in speech and drama, communication skills, and language development. Established almost four decades ago with a mission to nurture confident, articulate, and creative individuals, Singapore’s original Speech & Drama Centre offers a range of programmes designed to support children’s holistic growth.
Through a unique and engaging approach, Julia Gabriel Centre combines drama-based activities with the latest pedagogical research to create dynamic learning environments. From Early Learning, to Drama & Communication, Debate, and Reading & Writing, each group of programmes is thoughtfully structured to inspire learners to think critically, communicate expressively, and enjoy the process!
Qualified educators, trained in Julia Gabriel's signature EduDrama® teaching methodology, guide children as they develop essential communication and language skills. A nurturing environment fosters creativity, confidence, and a lifelong curiosity for learning.
Julia Gabriel Centre caters to a diverse community of learners, offering programmes for children as young as six months to teenagers, as well as workshops and training courses for adults. With a reputation for excellence, Julia Gabriel Centre is a trusted choice for families seeking an inspiring and supportive environment for their child’s all round development.
Whether infants exploring language through the rhythm of songs and music, or primary students preparing for their PSLEs, at Julia Gabriel Centre, every child is encouraged to reach their full potential, boosted by the power of language, creativity, and confident self-expression.
My Junior Maths
Holistic Training and Learning of Mathematics
Mathematics is as a routine that requires monotonous repetition without often explaining how a specific process works and how to apply formulas. Clearly, there is a gap between what students are taught and what they should be learning. Given this, My Junior Maths (MJM) helps to bridge this gap. The small group coaching experience at MJM, with their well-crafted programs, is designed to stimulate students’ interests and expand their mathematical horizon by enhancing their critical thinking, reasoning, communication and connection skills that are important in solving complex problems.
MPM Math
Creative and Analytical Math Programme
MPM Math aims to improve confidence and inspire independent problem-solving. Our program trains children in mathematical concepts and calculation skills while exploring TRUE problem-solving skills. Children will be able to solve sophisticated math problems using basic skills they have learned. The MPM program develops a positive self-learning attitude in children.
JELIC Brain Power Engine
Whole Brain Training Program
The JELIC program facilitates development of the child's Multiple Intelligences emphasizing on:
J Judgment Quotient makes sure that children can distinguish right from wrong.
E Emotion Quotient encourages and develops children's positive emotion management.
L Logic Quotient trains children's logic thinking.
I Intelligence Quotient indicates the intelligence and skills in problem-solving.
C Creative Quotient explores the creativity in life.
Chengzhu Mandarin Centre
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Immersive Mandarin Programmes
Chengzhu Mandarin Centre is a leading enrichment environment dedicated to nurturing a love for Mandarin in children. With a focus on holistic language acquisition, Chengzhu offers a wide range of programmes designed to cater to various age groups and proficiency levels. From interactive, play-based sessions for infants to advanced language and culture programmes for primary school students, every learner at Chengzhu benefits from a curriculum that emphasises complete language immersion and practical use.
Chengzhu’s qualified, specialist educators deliver programmes through EduDrama®, a highly engaging methodology that focuses on each child’s individual strengths, allowing them to develop essential communication skills in Mandarin through positive interactions, while also fostering cultural understanding and appreciation. The curriculum includes several dynamic adult-accompanied programmes, the unique Chinese Cultural Arts programme (N1–K2), and a Creative Writing programme for primary students. Meanwhile, Mandarin Expressions is an outstanding programme for upper primary students, designed to ensure they not only excel in language proficiency but also build confidence and creativity.
One of the key benefits of attending Chengzhu is the personalised learning experience, where each child's unique needs and abilities are recognised and supported. This approach helps students establish a strong foundation in Mandarin while enhancing their cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence.
With a commitment to delivering excellence in Mandarin education, Chengzhu Mandarin Centre equips students with the skills to excel academically and communicate effectively in an increasingly globalised world.
Chattering Kids
Oral & Compo Writing Programmes
Introducing the New Way of Learning Oral and Communication Skills! Attend Oral and Chinese Compo lessons in the comfort of your home! Chattering Kids offers 1 to 1 English and Chinese Oral and Communication online classes for primary and secondary school students. Their curriculum is carefully crafted and designed by experienced teachers in Singapore, incorporating the integral part of the Oral Exam components based on the MOE syllabus. Classes are run by native teachers experienced in teaching communications and Oral in fun and engaging ways! Your child is not only tackling the Oral Exams alone but emerges as an effective communicator too!
Sign up for classes now!
Thrive After-school Sanctuary
Holistic After-school Care
Thrive After-school Sanctuary offers a unique, holistic approach to after-school care, designed to support children’s academic, emotional, and social development. More than just a place to complete homework, Thrive provides a nurturing environment where children will flourish. What’s more, students will benefit from a range of carefully crafted enrichment programmes incuding Julia Gabriel Speech Communication Arts (P4-P6), Julia Gabriel Think N’Ink (P1-P6), Chengzhu Mandarin Language Skills (P1-P4), a mathematics programme licensed by Acer Academy, plus a weekly physical development programme curated by KIDSmoov Singapore.
Drawing on more than 30 years of Jullia Gabriel’s education philosophy, Thrive stands out due to its focus on community and personal well-being. Students are encouraged to engage in activities that foster teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience, all while building meaningful connections with their peers. Thrive’s emphasis on mindfulness ensures children can manage stress, develop emotional intelligence, and cultivate a positive mindset - skills that are invaluable both inside and outside the classroom.
With experienced educators and a supportive environment, Thrive delivers personalised care that caters to each child's individual needs. Its innovative curriculum, combined with a focus on Mandarin language development, ensures students not only excel academically but also gain a broader cultural perspective.
Located in East Coast, New Bahru, and Rochester Mall, Thrive After-school Sanctuary is a place where children thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually, preparing them for a bright future.
The Music Scientist
Music, Movement and Playgroup Classes
Where Music Meets Learning!
Discover a world where music meets learning at The Music Scientist. Our innovative programmes are designed to spark curiosity and boost essential skills in your little ones—starting as early as 4 months old! Through a unique blend of music, movement, and sensory activities, we nurture memory, focus, motor skills, and early literacy, all while engaging various learning styles from logical to kinesthetic.
“Little Einsteins”
For the budding "little Einsteins" (ages 3 to 6), our exclusive Groover and Scout programmes seamlessly combine music with science. These sessions encourage hands-on exploration, letting children observe, experiment, and learn through fun, interactive activities that build their musicality and scientific inquiry.
Preschool-Ready Curriculum
Meanwhile, our Smart-Start programme for toddlers (18 to 47 months) offers a preschool-ready curriculum in both English and Chinese. Aligned with Singapore’s renowned Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) framework, it’s the ideal choice for parents seeking an enriching, well-rounded experience to set the stage for lifelong learning.
PRESCHOOLS
Bilingual Preschool Programme
At Julia Gabriel Preschool, we focus on nurturing independence, positive self-esteem, and a lifelong love of learning in every child. Our programmes, from Pre-Nursery to Kindergarten, offer a well-rounded bilingual curriculum that includes Language and Literacy, Maths, Speech & Drama, Mindfulness, Physical Education, Music, and Science and Technology. Engaging activities such as Cookery, Coding, and Content Creation inspire curiosity and creativity, contributing to building vital 21st Century skills. Known for their effective Chinese curriculum, Mandarin is taught using an immersive, whole-group method that caters to different learning styles, helping children develop linguistic and cultural understanding.
In addition to core subjects, our unique programmes - KidsPreneurship (I Can!), Give & Grow (Sustainability & Gardening), Harmony Heroes (Collaboration & Care for the Community), and Project! Project! - encourage children to develop essential life skills and a sense of social responsibility. Furthermore, Learning Journeys, an important part of the Julia Gabriel Preschool experience, take children out of the classroom to a variety of venues, combining wider learning with opportunities for parent involvement.
With a blend of structured learning and play-based exploration, our small group settings allow educators to tailor lessons to each child’s needs. This individualised approach helps children build confidence, make informed decisions, and stay motivated. By fostering these essential skills, Julia Gabriel Preschool prepares children to adapt confidently to a variety of primary school environments while cultivating a love for learning and exploration.
Julia Gabriel Preschool has locations at Mountabatten, Thomson Road and Keppel Bay.
Kinderland Academy & Preschool
Music-infused Curriculum
Established in 1978, Kinderland Academy & Preschools is a pioneering homegrown brand in early childhood care and education in Singapore. Music has always been the heartbeat of Kinderland’s unique music-infused curriculum. Originating as Yamaha Kindergarten to meet parents’ desire for a preschool that integrates both music and academic learning, Kinderland has since set the rhythm for Singapore’s early childhood landscape and led in many “firsts” innovations in the industry. Kinderland’s programmes are developed by an in-house team of early childhood professionals, backed by nearly five decades of research and proven methodology. In addition, Kinderland also works in close collaboration with affiliates from renowned preschools and institutions of higher learning in Japan, the United States, China, and other countries, to strengthen our programmes and ensure our educators are kept abreast with the global best practices and standards.
Kinderland’s renowned music-infused curriculum has proven to boost children’s early brain development, particularly before the age of five. Through instrumental musical training, the parts of the brain responsible for visual-spatial skills, vital for learning maths and science, are activated, sharpening memory and improving verbal intelligence and literacy. Beyond music, Kinderland music-infused curriculum is also attentive to the holistic development of young children, and its programmes reinforce brain development and boost your child’s rapid brain growth in the first five years of their life.
At the heart of Kinderland’s music-infused curriculum are the K.I.N.D.E.R. multidisciplinary lands, designed through a thematic approach to engage children in well-rounded learning:
Kineticland - Strengthen motor skills, build sharper minds and advocate overall wellness with KinderFit Cardio Wellness
Intelliland - Hone language and literacy skills through a specially curated multi-sensory programme, fostering confidence in reading and writing with Literacy through I.T.
Natureland - Inspire curiosity and inquiry through Discovery of the World, outdoor learning and nature-based exploration.
Digiland - Build logical thinking and numeracy for real-life applications, while exploring the fundamentals of coding and *S.T.R.E.A.M. learning.
EQland - Cultivate character, empathy and emotional intelligence with Character Development A-Z and community engagement.
cReativeland - Encourage creative expression through various forms of music and arts, refining children’s sense of aesthetics, rhythm, and coordination with the Children’s Music Programme
Through the thematic approach of the K.I.N.D.E.R. multidisciplinary lands, Kinderland children embrace diversity to learn about the world. This helps to develop the mindset of global citizens with a heart in every child. Kinderland is committed to boosting every child’s curiosity, creativity, capability, confidence, compassion, and communication skills.
Today, Kinderland has established an extensive regional preschool network of over 80 centres in Singapore, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, Cambodia, and Bangladesh. Register for a personalised centre tour to learn how our signature music-infused curriculum will benefit your child.
*S.T.R.E.A.M. refers to Science, Technology, Reading & wRiting, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics.
Star Learners Child Care
Star Learners Literature-based Curriculum
With 20 years of experience in the child care space, you can count on Star Learners to support your child’s early years. Their unique literature-based curriculum immerses every child in rich and exciting worlds, and opens up a world of opportunities for them to tackle concepts in multiple learning areas. Through its integration with a robust activity-based approach, children learn a multitude of essential skills such as problem-solving, creative and critical thinking, and communication.
Under the ECDA partner operator (POP) scheme, Star Learners is the largest appointed partner and is committed to accessibility, affordability and quality. This preschool prides itself on developing a generation of young children with strength of Character, Confidence and Creativity.
Their curriculum features the distinct and proprietary Starbeam™ Framework, designed to develop Happy learners, Empathic thinkers, Respectful, confident communicators and Open collaborators. Stories in its Literature-based curriculum are thoughtfully curated from children’s literature around the globe, while children tackle multiple concepts and skills presented via story elements. Together with an activity-based approach, children engage in active learning, where they play with purpose!
Register your interest at any of their 43 centres island-wide.
