<![CDATA[St James Church Kindergarten]]>One of my colleagues told me that St. James Church Kindergarten is 'booked' till 2010.


I'm a little perplexed. Can anyone enlighten me why this kindergarten is so popular? :?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/345/st-james-church-kindergartenRSS for NodeSun, 03 May 2026 02:14:20 GMTThu, 12 Jun 2008 05:32:08 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Fri, 13 May 2022 12:31:36 GMT]]>I can say Nanyang St James Pat Are very different schools .

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2067431https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2067431Fri, 13 May 2022 12:31:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Mon, 25 Oct 2021 18:16:01 GMT]]>Here looking for most recent review of SJCK Gilsteas. I read the negative review posted in 2019. Have things improved or not really? Any feedback on teachers, principal, academic learning and the environment?

Thanks in advance.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2043733https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2043733Mon, 25 Oct 2021 18:16:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:00:20 GMT]]>Any recent reviews of this school? It’s difficult to judge a school based on the past. My older kid was in what I thought was a very good preschool. I even recommended it to others. But suddenly during Covid things went downhill. Teachers left with no or lame explanations and they hired people who were not qualified to teach preschool kids. Another famous school that we visited before and that people said was very good, upon checking with my friend with kids in the school, she said things suddenly changed during one term and more than half of the teachers were fired suddenly.


So what’s good in the past may not be good now. What was wrong in the past could have been improved on with change in P and teachers. So if anyone has a current review of how things are like in SJCK Gilstead, please share!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2043715https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2043715Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:00:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Mon, 06 Sep 2021 14:51:10 GMT]]>If you are not bothered with whether your child will be able to read or write by the time she finishes preschool, if you are not bothered about your child being emotionally neglected due to gigantic class sizes, if you are not worried about whether Teachers will be taking note/ care about your child’s allergies/ safety etc… by all means enrol in St James Gilstead. My child is already in primary school and I’m glad I pulled him out of the school early after noticing that things are not right.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2036773https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2036773Mon, 06 Sep 2021 14:51:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Wed, 25 Mar 2020 11:06:10 GMT]]>St James vs Barker Road vs Nanyang


Which one to choose for a Yr2018 girl?

Notes: We are free thinkers.

Please share your experiences. Thank you very much.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1968518https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1968518Wed, 25 Mar 2020 11:06:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Fri, 18 Oct 2019 14:40:26 GMT]]>Yes, you are right. A lot of people enrolled but not many kids eventually graduate from this school.

Patronsaint\" post_id=\"1831991\" time=\"1517554334\" user_id=\"140730:
Hi everyone - enrolling my kiddo in Gilstead for 2019. Heard recently that there were a number of parents who withdrew their kids from SJCK. Don't really know why and if that should be a consideration in enrolment. Please do share your thoughts about Gilstead and any recent happenings that might be helpful in my decision making. I am now also thinking BRMCK or Far Eastern. From the forums/elsewhere I gather the below info/feedback (declaration : I cannot vouch accuracy!)

St James : Happy kids, same food week in week out, less personal attention, parent culture not great(?), nothing said of p1 prep
BRMCK : less happy kids, good prep for P1 with Montessori pre/post school studies, less personal attention, 70% Chinese curriculum (is this true?)
Far eastern : Small kindy, loads of personal attention, bible focused

thanks to all responders in advance.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1942046https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1942046Fri, 18 Oct 2019 14:40:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Fri, 18 Oct 2019 14:06:56 GMT]]>Anyway, I just did a headcount of my pre-N class group chat… more than half were gone… need I say more?


I’m happy that we are now in a better school. Only regret was that we weren’t decisive enough to pull my child out earlier due to our friendships (both me and my child) built over the years.

Looking back, all fears of changing school were unfounded as we remain in contact after leaving the school and still organize regular play dates.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1942040https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1942040Fri, 18 Oct 2019 14:06:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Fri, 18 Oct 2019 13:56:54 GMT]]>Oh.. it’s rather surprising that a ‘dead’ forum is suddenly revived after my negative review of the school 🙄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1942036https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1942036Fri, 18 Oct 2019 13:56:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Thu, 17 Oct 2019 05:20:40 GMT]]>I have had one child go through four years of education at SJCK Harding and the child has thoroughly enjoyed the time there. The Teachers are very loving and committed to the welfare and learning of the children. This is evident during the parent-teacher conference meetings where the Teachers are able to share details and stories of the child. I have another child about to complete his fourth year at SJCK and I must say that both children are very well prepared for primary 1 at the end of their time there. The large class size also allows for an easy transition to primary school. In the second half of k2, the kids are also prepared for the primary school transition, where the teachers discuss adjustment to primary 1 and what changes the kids should expect. There are also primary school immersion outings organised by the school for the child to experience firsthand a primary school environment. SJCK has been a terrific experience for my children and I could not recommend it more for a balanced approach to preschool education- values based and sufficient coverage of the academics.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1941748https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1941748Thu, 17 Oct 2019 05:20:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Thu, 17 Oct 2019 03:07:16 GMT]]>I agree that you should not send your kid to St James just because of the popularity; but do send them because of the moral values they teach and for the caring teachers.


I do not think the school is playing with psychology (logically what would be in it for them then?) as the truth is, it depends which branch and which school year you want to register your child into. I can site further example like from my friend who managed to register her daughter last month, for next year Nursery year at Gilstead but was told the wait list at Leedon is 28 children.

Class size gets big in K2 year (2 teachers for 30 students) but isn't that the same for P1? Hence they have no issues transiting to primary school. For my child in Nursery year, class is 18 students for 2 teachers.

I am sure there are some teething issues with St. James branching out to Little Seeds preschools but that is exactly the feedbacks getting considered as there has been many parents including myself asking for a full day preschool service.
Also there has been some dissatisfaction in quality of year-end class photos taken this year so the school has taken the feedback quickly and a reshoot is taking place this week.

I have a child who graduated from St. James and is in primary school who is completely fine academically, in self help skills and independence. My other two children currently in St. James are the same.
St. James does not focus on academics as much as say, Brighton Montessori and MindChamps but what they teach I feel is more focused on habits, values and manners. So if those are what parents pursue for their children then St. James would be a great place to go to.

Fijkd\" post_id=\"1940087\" time=\"1570412645\" user_id=\"149146:
Please do not send your kid to St James just because of the popularity of the school. It has grown too big and lacks thinking and human touch. Feedbacks were NEVER considered. Class sizes were enormous. To explain for the teachers lack of control over the children, the school kept using the same old excuse that it is for the kids to learn independence. My kid was there for 3 years. Not only he is far behind academically, he is also bad in self help skills. With such an huge class size, the kids were often left on their own. The kids played with pee and water in the toilets. And conflicts between classmates were unresolved and kids quarrel often. Parents also have their fair share of conflict with the school admin team. The school have simply grown too big and the admin have a take it or leave it attitude. Very often, we heard parents getting anxious after hearing the school has a super long waitlist. However, over the years, we also heard that parents who register in Dec can still get a place in Jan. Don’t be fooled. The school is just playing with psychology to lure more interest.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1941718https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1941718Thu, 17 Oct 2019 03:07:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Tue, 15 Oct 2019 19:52:27 GMT]]>I read with concern about "kids played with pee and water in the toilets". Which St. James are you talking about? I hear that there are three locations. And is this a recent incident or it happened many years ago?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1941392https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1941392Tue, 15 Oct 2019 19:52:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Mon, 07 Oct 2019 01:44:05 GMT]]>Please do not send your kid to St James just because of the popularity of the school. It has grown too big and lacks thinking and human touch. Feedbacks were NEVER considered. Class sizes were enormous. To explain for the teachers lack of control over the children, the school kept using the same old excuse that it is for the kids to learn independence. My kid was there for 3 years. Not only he is far behind academically, he is also bad in self help skills. With such an huge class size, the kids were often left on their own. The kids played with pee and water in the toilets. And conflicts between classmates were unresolved and kids quarrel often. Parents also have their fair share of conflict with the school admin team. The school have simply grown too big and the admin have a take it or leave it attitude. Very often, we heard parents getting anxious after hearing the school has a super long waitlist. However, over the years, we also heard that parents who register in Dec can still get a place in Jan. Don’t be fooled. The school is just playing with psychology to lure more interest.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1940087https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1940087Mon, 07 Oct 2019 01:44:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Wed, 03 Jul 2019 07:19:39 GMT]]>Just want to check if st James has separate little girls and boys bathroom? Or boys and girls use the same bathroom at the same time?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1917154https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1917154Wed, 03 Jul 2019 07:19:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Wed, 20 Feb 2019 14:26:36 GMT]]>Hi. We are moving to Bukit Timah area and upon searching on the internet I found a few preschools which are affordable and with a proper school culture. St. James is one of them.

I have 2 girls, so what do you guys suggest? Or any other schools?
Apart from that, is it possible to buy a spot for st. James gilstead or leedon from someone? I get the idea from this thread. I’m looking for N2 and K2 classes from Jan 2020. Thanks.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899031https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1899031Wed, 20 Feb 2019 14:26:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Wed, 26 Dec 2018 07:27:54 GMT]]>Hi Skyeth, not that I know of but usually the parents will form their own class chat groupwhen sch starts.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1891320https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1891320Wed, 26 Dec 2018 07:27:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Wed, 26 Dec 2018 03:42:09 GMT]]>Does anyone know if there is a parents’ chat group for Gilstead K1 2019?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1891267https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1891267Wed, 26 Dec 2018 03:42:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Sat, 22 Dec 2018 12:13:18 GMT]]>My DS is with St James Gilstead. One thing to note is the traffic around Gilstead is very horrible and the residents are not tolerant of parents slowing down their traffic flow. Hence, the principal keeps on reminding the parents to drop off their kids and not park in the school compound. The reminders get so often, and it can be irritating at times. If u are not sending in by sch bus n choose to pick up ur kid urself it can be a real issue. There’s no nearby public carpark for you and it can be a real far walk in.


Sch bus also has its issues. Even if u don’t stay very far from sch, the driver may pick u up at an earlier time than necessary. For eg if i send my kid to sch, 30 min is enough to beat the morning jam. But a sch bus will come to fetch ur kid at least 1 hour in advance because there r too many kids to pick up along the way. Plus they do not routinely check the students temperature on boarding the bus (my own observation). You can figure out the pros and cons yourself.

Last but not least, they change and update their uniform from pre-nursery to nursery. So after 1 year you need to buy another set of uniforms (because it’s a different style). There are a lot of miscellaneous fees involved. Not a school for the average Joe or low income family - just my humble opinion.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1890679https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1890679Sat, 22 Dec 2018 12:13:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Fri, 26 Oct 2018 10:21:05 GMT]]>Hi guys - does anyone know what PSLE prep is like for St James? thanks

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1880836https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1880836Fri, 26 Oct 2018 10:21:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Wed, 19 Sep 2018 04:12:13 GMT]]>

Smritis:
Hello everyone,

I am considering SJCK for my 4 year old boy to start K1 in 2019 in their Gilstead campus. I am looking for feedback from parents who have their children currently in the school or have recently graduated from this campus. Below are a few queries i have about the school but feel free to share any other feedback you may have.
1) Is the child P1 ready at the end of K2 by just attending regular school program and the enrichment classes? Or as additional classes outside of school required.
2) How experienced are the teachers?
3) Someone mentioned the teachers are usually exhausted and low on energy for the second session. Is this true? As I will be enrolling him for the second session. Is the same teacher teaching both sessions in the same day?
4) If you do send your kids for enrichment classes outside of the school - what subjects or type of classes are sending them to.
5) How is the school holiday programs?
6) If the teachers do not give regular feedback - how do you know how your child is doing especially in K1 and K2.
7) Are the teachers in general warm and friendly and easy to talk to?
😎 Is the Mandarin and English curriculum sufficient or are extra classes required?

I'd appreciate advise on any of the above queries.

Thank you very much.
Hello Smritis,

My child is in N2 and will be K1 next year at Gilstead. Here are some of my experiences so far - hope it helps. 🙂

2) How experienced are the teachers? - so far in our two years, my child have had both young and experienced (meaning more than 10-15 years of teaching experience)
3) Someone mentioned the teachers are usually exhausted and low on energy for the second session. Is this true? As I will be enrolling him for the second session. Is the same teacher teaching both sessions in the same day? - my child has been in session 2 all along. On the days when I send my child to school, I find the energy of the teachers alright but I can't compare as I have no experience with the AM session.
6) If the teachers do not give regular feedback - how do you know how your child is doing especially in K1 and K2. - you can arrange for the teacher to call you and you can speak with them. Usually if I meet them when dropping off my child, they will just tell my briefly how the kid is doing. Every half a year, there is an app where you can see their progress. So far this for for nursery experience.
7) Are the teachers in general warm and friendly and easy to talk to? - For me, the teachers have all been great and warm. When I engage them, I dont get the impression that they are trying to cut short the conversation.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1874405https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1874405Wed, 19 Sep 2018 04:12:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Tue, 18 Sep 2018 09:18:11 GMT]]>Hello everyone,

I am considering SJCK for my 4 year old boy to start K1 in 2019 in their Gilstead campus. I am looking for feedback from parents who have their children currently in the school or have recently graduated from this campus. Below are a few queries i have about the school but feel free to share any other feedback you may have.
1) Is the child P1 ready at the end of K2 by just attending regular school program and the enrichment classes? Or as additional classes outside of school required.
2) How experienced are the teachers?
3) Someone mentioned the teachers are usually exhausted and low on energy for the second session. Is this true? As I will be enrolling him for the second session. Is the same teacher teaching both sessions in the same day?
4) If you do send your kids for enrichment classes outside of the school - what subjects or type of classes are sending them to.
5) How is the school holiday programs?
6) If the teachers do not give regular feedback - how do you know how your child is doing especially in K1 and K2.
7) Are the teachers in general warm and friendly and easy to talk to?
😎 Is the Mandarin and English curriculum sufficient or are extra classes required?

I’d appreciate advise on any of the above queries.

Thank you very much.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1874290https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1874290Tue, 18 Sep 2018 09:18:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Wed, 25 Jul 2018 07:49:22 GMT]]>Hi mummies with kids in K1 or K2 may i know what their ting xie or spelling is like? My child is in n1 now and if i m not mistaken there is no chinese ting xie in k1 or k2? As I did not send him for outside enrichment i am worried if SJCK prep him well for P1. Any parents children at Leedon? I am also concerned with the petrol smell from petrol station during their outdoor play.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1860620https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1860620Wed, 25 Jul 2018 07:49:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Wed, 28 Mar 2018 15:48:46 GMT]]>I think for Harding, their teachers are good but admin so so…need to see if you are willing to put up with that.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1840494https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1840494Wed, 28 Mar 2018 15:48:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Tue, 27 Mar 2018 01:13:12 GMT]]>I was interested in Harding but had a rough time with the school admin. Registered for school tour then they got the wrong date. Re-registered then they cancelled without informing. It’s a small thing but it kind of shows they are not good administrators. I am losing faith in this branch though I want to like it… please anyone have any recent feedback on this branch?


Maybe the impending move is affecting the school negatively?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1839923https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1839923Tue, 27 Mar 2018 01:13:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James Church Kindergarten on Thu, 15 Mar 2018 02:43:38 GMT]]>Hi Yvaine, are we allowed to do that?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1838141https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1838141Thu, 15 Mar 2018 02:43:38 GMT