ISS International School, Singapore
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$35K – US$43K
Curriculum: IB
Age Range: 4–18
Students: 450
Location: Singapore
Updated February 2026
In Brief
ISS International School Singapore is one of Singapore's longest-established IB schools, founded in 1981 with a distinctive 'Kampong Spirit' culture. Serving 250 students from preschool through Grade 12 on a heritage hilltop campus, it offers the complete IB continuum alongside personalized learning support.
Founded in 1981 by visionary politician Chan Chee Seng, ISS International School operates from a serene heritage campus at Preston Road in the Alexandra area. The school delivers all three IB programmes - Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme - alongside its own High School Diploma option for students aged 4-19. With only 250 students across all year levels, ISS maintains an intimate educational environment that contrasts sharply with Singapore's larger international schools like Singapore American School's 4,000-student enrollment.
The school's defining characteristic is its 'Kampong Spirit' philosophy, which emphasizes community, togetherness, and respect within a close-knit environment. This cultural approach supports personalized learning through small class sizes and extensive English as an Additional Language programming for international families. The Preston Road campus features two libraries, gymnasiums, art and drama studios, science laboratories, and basketball courts, all designed to support the school's focus on character development and service-learning alongside academic achievement.
What parents value
- –Complete IB continuum from preschool through Grade 12
- –Small school environment with only 250 students enabling personalized attention
- –Strong English as an Additional Language support for international families
- –Heritage campus location in peaceful Alexandra area
- –Distinctive 'Kampong Spirit' community culture
- –One of Singapore's longest-established IB schools since 1981
- –Dual diploma options with IB and school's own High School Diploma
Points of consideration
- –Very small student body may limit extracurricular variety and peer group options
- –Fees range from SGD 25,000 to SGD 54,430 annually
- –Limited public information about specific academic outcomes or university placement rates
- –Smaller facilities compared to Singapore's larger international schools
- –May lack the extensive resources and programs available at larger institutions
What Parents Say
ISS International School Singapore is widely characterised as a small, community-led IB school rather than a large-campus operator. Recent, independent commentary points to a warm culture and close relationships, with recurring caveats about modest facilities and the realities of being a smaller, not-for-profit school.
Read full parent commentary →Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 6 | 11 | 36,382 |
| Grade 7 to 8 | 12 | 39,722 |
| Grade 9 | 14 | 40,832 |
| Grade 10 | 15 | 41,946 |
| Grade 11 | 16 | 43,059 |
| Grade 12 | 17 | 45,038 |
Fees converted from SGD. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Enrolment Fee | 2,879 |
| Placement Test Fee | 400 |
| Student Support Review Fee | 400 |
Photos
Academic Results
For the Class of 2025, ISS reported a highest IB score of 43 points, a 94% IB Diploma pass rate, and an 88% Bilingual Diploma rate. The High School Diploma (HSD) pass rate was 100%. In the May 2025 MYP e-assessments, the school achieved a 100% pass rate with an average score of 38 points and a top score of 45.
Extra Curriculars
Sports offered include basketball, volleyball, football, table tennis, badminton, taekwondo, ultimate frisbee, and dance. Competitive teams participate in the Athletic Conference of Singapore International Schools (ACSIS) league. Arts and music programs include an annual theatrical production, DJ programme, and music showcases.
The campus is located on a hilltop heritage site of approximately 64,000 square feet. Facilities include science labs, libraries, music rooms, art studios, a black box theatre, a multi-purpose room, and a sports court. There is no swimming pool or large playing fields on campus; PE and swim classes are conducted off-campus at nearby complexes.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
- EduTrust Certificate Certificate No. EDU-2-2062, valid 29 Oct 2023 - 28 Oct 2027
- SSG/ERF Registered Private Education Institution Reg. ID: 201316975E, valid 1 Aug 2023 - 31 Jul 2027
Accreditations
- WASC since 1986
- CIS re-accredited 5 Apr 2022
- Lexis Education Certified School
- Not publicly listed.
Memberships
- EARCOS since 1980s
- EAPISA founding member since 2024-2025
- Not publicly listed.
Student Body
Total enrolment is less than 700 students (all-through K-12, ages 4-18). The community represents over 30 countries (other reports indicate up to 59 nationalities) with a 30% cap on any single nationality to maintain diversity. The student-teacher ratio is 1:8, and the average class size ranges from 15 to 20 students.
Leadership
Dr. Dharshini Jeremiah - Head of School
Born in Malaysia and raised in Australia by Sri Lankan parents, Dr. Dharshini Jeremiah has a third-culture upbringing that informs her inclusive approach to education and leadership.
