Guide to Top-Ranked Kindergartens in Singapore, With Rankings, Fee Details and Ratings (2026 Updated)

For many families, researching kindergarten schools in Singapore starts with a simple question: which preschool will help my child feel happy, confident and ready for the next stage of learning? But very quickly, that search becomes more complex. Parents find themselves comparing childcare centres, kindergartens, international schools, private providers, curriculum models, school calendars, teacher quality, and fee structures — often all at once.

Singapore offers one of the most developed early childhood education ecosystems in Asia. Preschool options are broad, standards are closely regulated, and parents can choose from local, government-linked, private and international pathways. The Ministry of Education describes preschool as covering children below age 7, while the Early Childhood Development Agency oversees the early childhood sector across kindergartens and childcare centres.

That variety is a strength, but it can also make decision-making harder. Families comparing the top kindergarten in Singapore are not always looking for the same thing. Some want affordability and a local primary pathway. Some want a nurturing private setting with more flexibility. Others, especially expat families and globally mobile parents, are researching international or private kindergarten schools in Singapore that can lead smoothly into an IB or other international curriculum pathway.

This guide is designed to help parents make that decision with more clarity. It explains how preschool and kindergarten work in Singapore, what “rankings” and “ratings” really mean, how to compare fees properly, which curriculum models matter most, what mistakes to avoid, and how to evaluate long-term fit rather than short-term marketing appeal.

Quick answer: what are kindergarten schools in Singapore?

In Singapore, preschool is the broad umbrella term for early childhood education before primary school. Kindergarten is one type of preschool programme and is usually more education-focused and often half-day, while childcare centres may provide both care and learning across longer hours.

Quick answer: how do parents choose the right option?

The best option is usually the one that fits your child’s needs, your family’s schedule, your preferred curriculum, and your long-term school pathway. Parents should compare programme type, teacher-child interaction, school culture, age progression, and total annual cost — not just popularity or branding. ECDA specifically advises parents to evaluate programme suitability, staff, environment and safety.

Understanding the preschool and kindergarten landscape in Singapore

Singapore’s early years sector is well structured, but parents often hear overlapping terms that can make options feel more confusing than they are.

At the broadest level, preschool refers to programmes for children under the age of 7. Within that umbrella, families will generally come across:

• infant care
• childcare centres
• kindergartens
• private or international early years programmes
• preschool pathways embedded within international schools

MOE’s overview of preschool notes that preschool includes both care programmes and kindergarten education, while ECDA states that licensed preschools provide care and education for children from infancy to below 7 years old.

Kindergarten versus childcare: why parents should know the difference

This distinction matters because it affects your child’s daily routine and your family’s logistics.

A kindergarten in Singapore is often:

• half-day
• more school-like in schedule
• suitable for families that do not need full working-day coverage
• oriented around preparing children for the next academic stage

A childcare centre is often:

• full-day or extended-day
• more care-and-education integrated
• suitable for working parents who need longer coverage
• more practical for families needing year-round support

ECDA’s parent guidance also notes that some kindergartens following international curricula may use a different school calendar, which is especially relevant for foreign families arriving mid-year or transitioning from overseas schooling systems.

Why the Singapore context matters

In many countries, “preschool” and “kindergarten” are used interchangeably. In Singapore, however, the regulatory and structural differences matter. Parents who do not understand those differences can end up comparing schools that are not truly serving the same need.

For example:

• a half-day local kindergarten may not be the right fit for two working parents
• a childcare centre may not provide the academic or pathway continuity an internationally mobile family wants
• an international early years programme may look expensive at first glance but offer better long-term value if it leads directly into primary school

That is why the right starting point is not “Which school is best?” but “Which category of school is best for our family?”

How to think about rankings, ratings and “best” lists

Parents often search for the “best” or “top” options because they want reassurance. That is completely understandable. Early childhood is emotional, and the stakes feel high. But when it comes to kindergartens, rankings should be treated carefully.

Singapore does not have one official preschool ranking table that universally determines quality across all providers. The most useful benchmarks are usually not league tables, but evidence of fit: the environment, teacher quality, child wellbeing, programme design, communication, and continuity. ECDA’s own guidance encourages parents to assess preschools based on suitability, interactions, facilities and programme design rather than popularity alone.

What parents often mean by “top kindergarten in Singapore”

When families search for a top kindergarten in Singapore, they are usually looking for one or more of the following:

• strong teacher quality
• warm and safe environment
• good parent communication
• balanced early academics
• social and emotional development
• bilingual or international exposure
• smooth progression into primary school
• strong reputation among parents
• transparent fee structure
• good value for the overall experience

That means “top” is often a blend of quality, fit and trust.

A better way to rank your shortlist

Instead of relying on generic lists, parents can build a more meaningful framework.

Factor	Why It Matters	What Parents Should Look For
Curriculum	Shapes how children learn	Play-based, inquiry-led, bilingual, academic, Montessori-inspired or hybrid
Teacher quality	Drives daily experience	Warmth, qualifications, stability, engagement
Wellbeing	Essential in early years	Emotional safety, confidence-building, settling-in support
School pathway	Affects transitions	Standalone preschool or direct progression into primary
Schedule	Practical family fit	Half-day, full-day, after-school, calendar alignment
Cost clarity	Avoids surprises	Full annual cost, deposits, transport, extras
Community	Helps belonging	Parent communication, inclusion, cultural diversity
Facilities	Supports development	Age-appropriate, safe, calm, stimulating spaces
Learning philosophy	Long-term fit	Local readiness, international mindset, IB approach, language focus

This ranking method is more useful than broad online lists because it reflects what families actually live with day to day.

What ratings can tell you — and what they cannot

Online parent ratings may help reveal patterns around:

• communication
• cleanliness
• friendliness of staff
• convenience
• admissions responsiveness
• pastoral culture

But they rarely tell you:

• whether the curriculum is the right fit
• how teachers interact during real lessons
• whether the school suits a shy or neurodiverse child
• whether the school will still be a good fit two years later
• whether it supports your long-term educational goals

Use ratings as clues, not conclusions.

What makes a strong preschool or kindergarten in Singapore?

Good early childhood education is not about pushing children too quickly into formal academics. It is about creating the right conditions for children to feel secure, curious and ready to learn.

MOE’s Nurturing Early Learners Framework emphasises holistic development and supports curriculum development for children aged four to six. MOE also notes that strong preschool education should help children build confidence, social skills and learning dispositions.

Features of a strong preschool experience

A high-quality programme will usually show evidence of:

• purposeful play rather than passive time-filling
• strong spoken language development
• quality interactions between adults and children
• routines that support independence
• visible social and emotional learning
• literacy and numeracy foundations without pressure
• creative exploration\
• safe transitions between activities
• communication with parents that is both regular and meaningful

Signs of a developmentally appropriate environment

A strong classroom for 3- to 6-year-olds should feel:

• calm but lively
• structured but not rigid
• stimulating but not chaotic
• child-centred but well guided

Children should have opportunities to:

• ask questions
• move physically
• create and build
• play collaboratively
• practise language
• make choices
• develop self-help skills
• learn through interaction rather than only instruction

That combination matters more than glossy marketing language.

Curriculum models parents will encounter

One of the biggest differences between schools is not branding, but curriculum approach. Two preschools may appear equally polished, but the daily learning experience can be very different.

1. Play-based learning

This is common across strong early childhood systems for good reason. In a high-quality play-based environment, children build language, problem-solving, motor skills, self-regulation and social confidence through carefully designed activities.

The key phrase here is high-quality. Strong play-based learning is intentional. It is not unstructured babysitting.

2. Inquiry-led learning

Inquiry-led programmes encourage children to explore, ask questions, investigate ideas and make connections across topics. This often appeals to families who want a child-centred but intellectually rich foundation.

This is also why many international schools and IB-oriented schools emphasise inquiry from the early years.

3. Academic-forward early years

Some parents prefer a stronger formal foundation in phonics, handwriting, numeracy and structured tasks. This can be helpful for certain children and family expectations, but parents should ensure that academics remain age-appropriate and do not crowd out movement, play and emotional development.

4. Montessori-inspired programmes

Montessori-inspired approaches often emphasise independence, hands-on materials, practical life skills, concentration and purposeful self-directed learning. This can appeal to families who value order, self-management and calm classroom environments.

5. IB PYP-aligned early years

The International Baccalaureate states that the Primary Years Programme is for students aged 3 to 12 and develops active, self-regulated learners through a transdisciplinary framework. The PYP curriculum is organised around the learner, learning and teaching, and the learning community.

For parents, this usually translates into:

• inquiry and exploration
• child agency
• communication and collaboration
• social and emotional growth
• global-mindedness
• learning that connects across subjects

This can be especially attractive for internationally mobile families and those seeking continuity into later international schooling.

Singapore-specific context: local, private and international options

When comparing kindergarten schools in Singapore, it helps to think in three broad categories.

Local or government-linked options

MOE Kindergarten provides quality and affordable preschool education for eligible Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident children aged 5 and 6. MOE states that its programmes focus on confidence, social skills and foundations in literacy and numeracy, with purposeful play and quality interactions built into the approach.

This route often suits families who:

• expect to continue into the local system
• prioritise affordability
• want local educational familiarity
• do not require an international school pathway

Private kindergarten schools in Singapore

When parents search for private kindergarten schools in Singapore, they are often seeking greater flexibility, different teaching approaches, stronger parent communication, niche philosophies, or a more tailored experience.

These schools vary widely. Some are very local in character. Others are more boutique. Some are academic. Some are strongly play-based. Some are bilingual. Some are internationally aligned.

This category rewards careful shortlisting.

International school early years pathways

For expat families, relocating professionals and globally minded Singaporean parents, international schools often feel easier to understand from a long-term perspective. The value is not only the kindergarten experience itself, but also the pathway that follows.

International early years settings may offer:

• English-medium learning
• multicultural communities
• smoother transition into international primary
• inquiry-led or IB-aligned teaching
• calendars more compatible with international mobility
• stronger continuity for children who may move countries later

For many parents, that continuity is one of the biggest advantages.

Fee details: how to compare costs properly

Fees are one of the biggest decision factors, but also one of the most misunderstood.

Parents often compare tuition headlines without accounting for the real annual total. That can make a school look more affordable or more expensive than it actually is.

What to include in your fee comparison

Your spreadsheet should include:

• application fee
• registration fee
• deposit or confirmation fee
• tuition fee
• GST
• meal charges
• uniforms
• transport
• activity or event fees
• technology or resource fees
• learning support costs, if relevant
• annual fee revision timing

Why fee comparison is so important

A school can look ideal on pedagogy and environment, but if the full cost stretches the family budget too far, that stress often affects the whole experience. In early years, predictability matters as much as affordability.

A practical fee comparison table

Fee Category	Questions to Ask
Tuition	Annual or term-based? Inclusive of GST?
Registration	One-time or recurring? Refundable?
Deposit	How much is payable upfront?
Meals	Included or separate?
Uniform	Mandatory from which year level?
Transport	Optional? Zone-based pricing?
Activities	Included or charged separately?
Support services	Extra cost for EAL or learning support?
Billing schedule	Monthly, termly or annual?

The smarter question: value, not just price

A more useful question is: what does this fee structure buy us?

For example:

• does the school provide a direct pathway to primary?
• is the day length practical for our family?
• is there strong pastoral care?
• are communication and transitions well managed?
• is the teaching approach well matched to our child?

OWIS publishes its fee structure for Singapore and states that its fees are charged annually in Singapore dollars, which gives parents a clearer starting point for comparison.

GIIS also publishes school fee information for its Singapore campuses and makes clear that it offers different curriculum pathways from Kindergarten onwards, which is helpful for families comparing value across a longer educational journey.

What parents should ask on a school tour

School visits are where your shortlist becomes real. The quality of your questions matters.

Ask about the daily experience

• What does a typical morning look like?
• How much time is spent in free play, guided inquiry and teacher-led work?
• How do children transition into the class if they are shy or new to English?

Ask about the learning model

• What does school readiness mean here?
• How are literacy and numeracy introduced?
• How is curiosity encouraged?

Ask about wellbeing

• How do teachers support emotional regulation?
• How do they handle separation anxiety?
• How are friendships and social confidence supported?

Ask about communication

• How often do parents receive updates?
• Are updates observational, academic, pastoral or all three?
• Who should parents contact with concerns?

Ask about progression

• What happens after K1 or K2?
• Is there continuity into primary school?
• How does the curriculum prepare children for the next stage?

Ask about practical matters

• Are fees fully transparent?
• Are there waitlists?
• How flexible is the admissions timeline for relocating families?

Common mistakes to avoid

Even very thoughtful parents can make rushed decisions in this category.

1. Choosing the school that sounds most prestigious

Prestige is not the same as fit. A wonderful school for one child may be overstimulating, too formal or poorly located for another.

2. Overvaluing early academics

Strong foundations matter, but preschool should also develop confidence, language, social skills, resilience and joy in learning.

3. Ignoring the next step

A standalone preschool may be fine, but parents should understand whether another search will be needed a year or two later.

4. Underestimating commute and schedule

In Singapore, daily logistics matter. Long journeys, awkward pick-up timings and mismatched calendars create strain quickly.

5. Comparing only tuition fees

The real annual cost often includes several additional items.

6. Assuming online reviews reflect classroom reality

Reviews are useful signals, but they do not replace seeing a classroom and asking better questions.

7. Forgetting child temperament

A bold, verbal child may thrive in a very different environment from a cautious, sensitive or multilingual learner.

Parent decision framework: how to narrow the shortlist

If the preschool market feels overwhelming, use this decision framework.

Step 1: Start with your long-term pathway

Do you want:

• a local primary route?
• a private school route?
• an international school pathway?
• an IB-aligned journey?

Step 2: Choose the schedule type

Do you need:

• half-day kindergarten?
• full-day childcare-plus-learning?
• holiday-friendly coverage?
• a school-year calendar that aligns with relocation patterns?

Step 3: Identify the right learning style

Would your child thrive most in:

• play-based learning?
• inquiry-led learning?
• Montessori-inspired learning?
• a structured academic environment?
• bilingual or multilingual exposure?

Step 4: Check practical sustainability

Can your family realistically manage:

• the commute?
• the annual fees?
• the calendar?
• the transition into the next grade band?

Step 5: Visit and compare consistently

Use the same checklist for every school rather than relying on memory or first impressions.

Comparison table: local, private and international kindergarten pathways in Singapore

Category	Typical Strengths	Potential Limitations	Best Fit For
Local / government-linked	Affordability, familiarity, local transition readiness	Less international portability	Families planning for local primary route
Private kindergarten	Flexibility, niche pedagogy, tailored environments	Quality and fee levels vary significantly	Families wanting a specific approach or setting
International school kindergarten	Continuity, international curriculum, multicultural environment	Often higher fees	Expat and globally minded families seeking long-term pathway

 

What this looks like in a future-ready international school

When parents begin comparing international schools for the early years, they are often trying to find a balance: nurturing enough for young children, but structured enough to build confidence and continuity.

That is where it helps to evaluate not just the school’s image, but how its early years philosophy fits into a broader school journey.

Families often look for:

• strong pastoral care
• a warm and inclusive environment
• inquiry and communication skills
• a curriculum that remains coherent as children grow
• a community where parents feel informed and involved

These are not “nice-to-have” features. In kindergarten, they shape how children form their earliest attitudes toward school.

Top Kindergarten Schools in Singapore

The table below provides a structured summary of preschool programmes available across selected international school campuses in Singapore. It outlines important details such as age eligibility, curriculum approach, and approximate annual fees, enabling parents to gain a quick and clear understanding of available early education options.

Most of these preschools follow well-recognised teaching models, including Montessori-inspired methods and inquiry-based frameworks like the IB Primary Years Programme. These approaches focus on building essential skills in early childhood, including cognitive growth, social interaction, and emotional development. Presenting the data at a campus level helps families compare choices based on proximity, preferred learning style, and affordability.

Although the fee ranges serve as a useful reference point, it is important to look beyond tuition. Factors such as programme duration, campus facilities, and additional services can influence overall costs. Parents are advised to verify details directly from official sources to ensure accuracy before making a final decision.

School Brand	Campus Name	Preschool Program Name	Age Group	Curriculum	Approx Annual Fees (SGD)
GIIS	SMART Campus (Punggol)	Global Montessori Plus (GMP)	2.5 – 6 years	Montessori + Play-based	13,000 – 18,000
GIIS	East Coast Campus	Global Montessori Plus (GMP)	2.5 – 6 years	Montessori + Play-based	12,000 – 16,000
OWIS	Nanyang Campus (Jurong West)	Early Childhood Programme	3 – 6 years	IB PYP (Early Years)	23,000 – 25,000
OWIS	Digital Campus (Punggol)	Early Childhood Programme	3 – 6 years	IB PYP (Tech-enabled)	24,000 – 26,000
OWIS	Newton Campus (Central)	Early Childhood Programme	3 – 6 years	IB PYP	24,000 – 27,000

Best Private Kindergarten Schools in Singapore

School Brand	Campus Name	Approx Student Size	Key Facilities	Google Rating (Approx)	Campus Best Known For
GIIS	SMART Campus (Punggol)	~3,000 – 3,500 students	Smart classrooms, science labs, innovation labs, TV & radio studios, digital lockers, sports analytics tech	4.5 ⭐	Tech-enabled “School of the Future” campus
GIIS	East Coast Campus	~1,000 – 1,500 students	Standard labs, library, sports facilities, classrooms	4.3 ⭐	Affordable international curriculum options
OWIS	Nanyang Campus (Jurong West)	~1,200 – 1,800 students	Nature gardens, large campus spaces, labs, arts & sports facilities	4.6 ⭐	Green campus + strong IB pathway
OWIS	Digital Campus (Punggol)	~800 – 1,200 students	Tech-enabled classrooms, digital learning spaces, performance areas	4.5 ⭐	Modern digital-first learning environment
OWIS	Newton Campus (Central)	~300 – 600 students	Compact classrooms, early learning spaces, indoor facilities	4.4 ⭐	City-based early childhood focus

GIIS and OWIS in Singapore: how parents may view them in context

Since many parents researching international early years options in Singapore eventually compare GIIS and OWIS, it is useful to understand how each may appear from a parent decision-making perspective.

This is not about declaring a winner. It is about understanding which kind of family each school may appeal to, depending on pathway, curriculum preference and budget.

GIIS Singapore in context

Global Indian International School states that it serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Singapore and operates campuses at Punggol and East Coast. Its kindergarten offering highlights the Global Montessori Plus programme, and GIIS also publicly states that it offers multiple curriculum pathways in Singapore, including IB-related pathways at later stages.

From a parent’s perspective, GIIS may stand out for:

• a broad K–12 structure rather than a short preschool-only journey
• a Montessori-inspired early years option through Global Montessori Plus
• a pathway that can appeal to families who want multiple curriculum choices within one school group
• published fee information that helps families compare costs earlier in the process
• appeal to both Indian and international families looking for continuity and familiarity alongside global options

GIIS’s kindergarten page states that children from age 3 can enter the Montessori stage and that Nursery, KG1 and KG2 levels are available for ages 3 to 5, with the programme positioned as a blend of established methodologies and newer learning practices.

That may particularly appeal to parents who:

• value Montessori-inspired foundations
• want a larger K–12 ecosystem
• prefer multiple later-stage curriculum options under one roof
• are looking for a school group with long-term continuity

OWIS Singapore in context

One World International School positions its early childhood offering within an IB PYP-aligned international school framework and states that its Singapore campuses support students from Early Childhood into the primary years, with broader grade continuity available across the group. OWIS’s kindergarten content emphasises play-based and inquiry-driven learning integrated with the IB PYP framework.

From a parent’s perspective, OWIS may stand out for:

• an early years experience strongly framed around inquiry and the IB PYP
• an inclusive and kindness-led school ethos
• transparent fee publishing
• a parent-friendly international school structure
• appeal to families wanting a globally aligned, child-centred environment from the early years onward

OWIS’s fee page also describes its fee positioning as “moderately priced” within the international school segment, which may matter to families comparing premium and mid-premium international school options.

That may particularly appeal to parents who:

• want an international pathway from the early years
• value inquiry-led learning and whole-child development
• are looking for a multicultural and inclusive school culture
• want continuity into primary without a major shift in school philosophy

GIIS vs OWIS: a parent comparison lens

Rather than seeing these schools as interchangeable, parents may compare them along these lines:

Comparison Area	GIIS	OWIS
Early years emphasis	Montessori-inspired plus broader pathway options	Inquiry-led, IB PYP-aligned early years
Broader school journey	K–12 with multiple curriculum options	International pathway with strong early years and primary continuity
Parent appeal	Families wanting flexibility across later curricula	Families wanting an international, inquiry-based pathway
Fee transparency	Published fee information	Published fee information
Likely fit	Families valuing continuity, scale and curriculum variety	Families valuing inclusion, inquiry and globally aligned schooling

This kind of comparison is more useful than trying to force a generic ranking. For one family, GIIS may feel more aligned. For another, OWIS may feel more natural. The decision should come back to child fit, pathway preference, budget and school culture.

Conclusion: how to make the right preschool decision with confidence

Choosing among kindergarten schools in Singapore can feel overwhelming because there are so many strong options serving different needs. The most helpful mindset is to stop looking for one universal “best” school and start looking for the school that best fits your child, your family routine, and your longer-term educational plans.

For some parents, that will mean a local or government-linked route with affordability and local continuity. For others, it will mean exploring private kindergarten schools in Singapore that offer a more specific pedagogy or learning environment. For many international and globally mobile families, the focus will be on finding a top kindergarten in Singapore that combines wellbeing, curriculum continuity, multicultural exposure and a clear path into primary school.

The strongest decisions are usually made when parents compare schools across the same criteria: learning approach, teacher quality, schedule, pastoral care, full fee structure, pathway continuity and community fit. Once those pieces are clear, the shortlist often becomes much easier to navigate.

The next best step is simple: narrow your list to three to five schools, visit each one with the same questions, and judge them not only by what they promise, but by how they make your child’s next few years feel possible, stable and exciting.

Infographic Suggestions

• How Preschool Works in Singapore: Preschool vs childcare vs kindergarten vs international early years
• What Parents Should Compare First: Curriculum, schedule, fees, location, pathway, wellbeing
• How to Read Kindergarten Rankings Properly: Reputation vs fit vs teacher quality vs value
• GIIS and OWIS in Context: Montessori-inspired vs inquiry-led pathway comparison

FAQ Section

1. What are kindergarten schools in Singapore?

Kindergarten schools in Singapore are part of the wider preschool sector for children below primary school age. They are usually education-focused programmes, often half-day, and differ from childcare centres that may offer longer care hours.

2. What is the difference between preschool and kindergarten in Singapore?

Preschool is the umbrella term, while kindergarten is one type of preschool programme. Childcare centres usually combine care and education across longer hours, while kindergartens are often more school-style and shorter in duration.

3. How can parents identify a top kindergarten in Singapore?

A top kindergarten in Singapore is usually one that fits the child’s needs, family schedule and long-term school pathway. Parents should compare curriculum, teacher-child interaction, wellbeing support, fee transparency and transition planning.

4. Are private kindergarten schools in Singapore better than local options?

Not necessarily. Private schools may offer more flexibility or a specific pedagogy, while local options may be more affordable and align better with the Singapore primary route. The better choice depends on family priorities.

5. Is IB PYP suitable for kindergarten-aged children?

Yes. The IB states that the Primary Years Programme is designed for children aged 3 to 12. In early childhood settings, that often means inquiry-led, play-rich learning focused on the whole child.

6. Do international kindergartens help with primary school transition?

Often, yes. One of the biggest advantages of international school kindergartens is continuity. Children may transition more smoothly into primary when the philosophy, environment and expectations remain aligned.

7. What should parents ask during a kindergarten visit?

Parents should ask about daily routine, settling-in support, literacy and numeracy approach, teacher qualifications, parent communication, school culture, full-year costs and the transition into primary school.

8. How should parents compare fees?

Parents should compare full annual cost, not just tuition. Registration fees, deposits, uniforms, transport, activities and support services should all be included in the calculation.

9. Is GIIS a good option for kindergarten in Singapore?

GIIS may be a strong option for families seeking a Montessori-inspired early years programme, long-term K–12 continuity, and curriculum flexibility later on. Its Singapore materials highlight the Global Montessori Plus programme and published fee structures.

10. Is OWIS a good option for kindergarten in Singapore?

OWIS may be a strong option for families seeking an inquiry-led, IB PYP-aligned early years pathway in an inclusive international school environment. Its Singapore materials emphasise play-based inquiry and published fees.

11. What matters more: ratings or school visits?

School visits usually matter more. Ratings can help identify patterns, but classroom atmosphere, teacher interaction, child fit and pathway continuity are easier to judge in person.

12. Should expat families choose local or international preschool options?

That depends on duration of stay, language preferences and intended primary pathway. Families planning for international continuity often prefer international kindergartens, while families expecting to enter the local system may prefer local routes.