<![CDATA[St James or Nan Yang?]]>Hi everyone!


I have secured a place for my son in St James last month and today my wife received a call from Nan Yang Kindergarten informing us we have gotten a place as well.

I am in a dilemma. Both kindy are popular schools.

I like St James for the natural surrounding, huge play area (Swimming pool, sand bank, outdoor field) and the facts the children get to grow their own plants/fruits. It is also very near to my house.

But it will be moving to a smaller premise in Leedon in 2 years time though.

I have not been to Nan Yang Kindergarten yet but I am 100% for the full Chinese environment which I cannot provide @ home.

It is however slightly further from my house compared to St James.

In addition, I heard that my niece-in-law was not a popular figure among her friends in Nan Yang Kindergarten years back simply becos her mother did not drive a branded continental car! In fact her mother had to resort to \"bribing\" the snobbish kids with frequent candies/cakes treats.

Before I go and tour Nan Yang, can anyone give me some advice pls?

Any input is welcomed.

😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/5348/st-james-or-nan-yangRSS for NodeSun, 03 May 2026 22:15:42 GMTFri, 04 Sep 2009 17:55:29 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:10:55 GMT]]>I think when it comes to famous kindys, big big cars and branded bags are a part of life. Another friend - whose kid is in SJ, told me of mothers toting their Birkins when they drop off their kids.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/57806https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/57806Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:10:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:27:47 GMT]]>Hi caracarn8,


My 3 kids are currently in St James. 1 in Nursery & my twins were in Pre-Nursery. My kids enjoyed their school everyday & also misses school during the school holidays.

Have you gone for the school tour? Maybe you can call & arrange for one & have a look. The Principal, Jacqueline is very warm & friendly. She can remembers most students and call my kids by the names when she sees them. The teachers & staff are also very caring & dedicated, I got no problem sending my kids to school, especially when my twins started school this year Jan when they were only 25 months. And I split my twins in 2 separate classes, it's amazing that they didnt cry or have any separation anxiety. I supposed the teachers did a great job! :lol:

For me, I also dun drive a branded car, but my kids still gets along well with their classmates. Some kids went to school by the school buses, & I also seen grandparents took a bus together with their grandchildren to schools.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/57788https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/57788Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:27:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:06:52 GMT]]>

CheerfulMum:
Some sharings...

Thanks CheerfulMum! Your insight into Nanyang kindy will certainly be useful for people considering it as an option.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/57775https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/57775Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:06:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:04:48 GMT]]>Add ons…


Its true that huge and expensive cars are a common sight at NK. Some plus drivers and needless to say an army of maids too.

There are lots of sensible cars too such as mine and to date, I do not experience any negative comments or remarks from my son or any other persons i come into contact w at NK.

At the international preschool my girl attends, the cars are possibly as huge, if not humongous too…a few w CD plates as well and again we do not come across any unpleasant encounters.

Generally kids that young are nice and sweet… as to when the reach upper primaries…mmm… that "my car is better than yours" issue may crop up then!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/57773https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/57773Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:04:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:55:41 GMT]]>Some sharings…


I queued for NK since we moved to Sin fr Jkt when my elder DD turns 3yo.
Mid of this year, after almost 2 years of waiting, were offered places.

By this time, by DD has spent her N1 and N2 years in an international preschool and my son who is 2+ just started his N1.

I am attracted to NK cos of its 100% Chinese immersion for N1 and N2 levels and its strong chinese emphasis in K1 and K2. Cos we are english speaking family.

Like you, i too had to tour the school during school break and find that the current old campus looks clean and spacious, ample toilet cubicles and wash basins plus koi ponds and rabbit running around is a big plus.

I find that my son’s and daughter’s teachers are caring and committed.

Foodwise. .can be improved.

Lots of enrichment to choose fr after school to free up weekends. Usually run for 45 mins. Act 3 speech and drama, mandarin Speech and Drama, Mandarin Vocabulary, Gym, Chinese Calligaphy, Music together etc.

Fees wise…can get rather hefty after the basic $1400 per term (3 mths) plus all the adds on above.

Final verdict: I placed my DD back to her international school after a term at NK cos she find it hard to adjust from an enquiry and play based learning to the academically vigorous and high Chinese standards found at NK. Most of her classmates started out at N1 and she jumped in at Term 3 K1 so its understandbly her Chinese is nowhere near her classmates. She acutely felt the lack of "play" time and freedom to explore compared to her old school. Told me they are assigned a play corner and not allowed to venture to other play areas. This is vastly different to what she is used to.

On the other hand, my son has adjusted well and is doing his Pre-Nursery. Even tho at times he look rather forlorn with the limited play time! I attribute it to his young age and thus able to adapt better. A huge plus point cos he is not resistant to learn and speak Chinese vs my girl who always ask me to stop speaking chinese when i attempt to utilise my very limited chinese ability!
I also met a fellow parent who trf their kids fr St James to Nk and seems satisfied w their decision.

Tho i had to do two diff school runs, i am glad that i made the decision based on each child’s needs and differences. My girl has blossomed back to her usual bubbly and cheery self and my son is singing Chinese songs at home…ohh…what music to my ears!

They will move to their new premise next year and I certainly look forward to improved facilities and better environment.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/57772https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/57772Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:55:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:59:12 GMT]]>$1400 per term (3 mths)

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56889https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56889Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:59:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:07:39 GMT]]>I heard good things about NY Kindy from my fren. Teachers caring, not stressful (no tingxie/spelling until K2), loads of after school enrichment (it’s positive for me cos parents can free up their weekends) to choose from.


I would have considered if it weren’t for the distance. Moneywise it’s definitely not cheap - but consider that you pay peanuts, you get …

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56758https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56758Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:07:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:02:03 GMT]]>Cornucopia,

1400 school fees is for a mth or a term?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56748https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56748Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:02:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:07:08 GMT]]>Thank you, dear Cornucopia!


😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56722https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56722Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:07:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:19:49 GMT]]>I feel the only attraction for Nanyang Kindergarten is 100% Chinese during the first two years. When K1 onwards, u may consider to transfer yr child to another school. 😢


It's the curriculum that matters most. New Building is a bonus. Not forgetting the school fees increased from $560- $780. And this year incresed to $1400 before GST! About 100% increase because of new building. 😛

U may try to request if u are able to see their worksheets.

Good Luck. :celebrate:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56717https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56717Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:19:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:11:10 GMT]]>Hi,


My wife and I finally decided to send my son to Nan Yang Kindergarten after much consideration. So off we went to NYK this afternoon to register my son for next year intake.

While my wife was busy filling up the forms and what nots, my son and I help ourselves to a quick tour to the school. Although I know he will be attending NYK in its new premise along King’s road next year, it is still informative to go through the works of students such as arts & craft, calligraphy and short compositions along the corridor.

We also took delight in a beautifully constructed Koi pond in the compound and even found a rabbit sleeping under an aircon compressor.

Despite the absence of students in premise due to school holidays and lack of a guide, I am still impressed with what I have seen. However what counts is whether my son will take to the school and not my gut feel.

All said, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Cheers!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56700https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56700Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:11:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:04:25 GMT]]>

honeybee35:
Hi,


I'm also in the midst of deciding whether to put my son in K1 next year at NY.

Can anyone please provide some feedback on Nanyang kindergarten, based on their personal experience with the school and its curriculum. Thanks!
If you use the search function at this forum, you can find your answers faster, and easier. 🙂 Here you go: http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1570&highlight=nanyang+kindergartern

EDIT: Oh good! You found your way there.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56688https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56688Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:04:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:51:25 GMT]]>Hi,


I’m also in the midst of deciding whether to put my son in K1 next year at NY.

Can anyone please provide some feedback on Nanyang kindergarten, based on their personal experience with the school and its curriculum. Thanks!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56664https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56664Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:51:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:01:16 GMT]]>Dear Buds,


Thank you so much for your reply! 😄

But like I mentioned, I have not gone to Nan Yang Kindergarten yet so there is no strong reason (except for the fact that it has a long long waiting list) for me to put my son there.

I have (of cos) read thru other posts with regards to SJ & NY and was quite surprised to find out that the Principal and VP left NY recently in a hurry (yet to be confirmed) and has a high turnover with the teachers. :shock:

I spoke to one of the mother whose daughters are in NY and was told the Principal left due to health reason, in particularly due to thyroidism.

And when I mentioned to my wife that I would like to tour NY to have a feel of the place and the ambiance, she told me that it is holiday week and I won't be able to see the students in action, much less any ambiance...

But guess I would still make my way down to NY on Tuesday before I make a decision. Wednesday is the last day for registering in NY!

PS: For those who are interested, I have 2 sons, one is 29 mth old and the other one is 7 mth old. I am a lucky father to these 2 gems! Cheers! 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56043https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/56043Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:01:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:42:00 GMT]]>No experience with both schools but just

wanted to give you a boost. So i'll simply
share that based on your sharings, it is
clear St James will be a nice choice. 😉

Get your good 2 years at St James first.
Decide on another when the 2yrs are up.

Fantastic environment.
Proximity to residence.
Go for it!

PS : Have you introduced yourself to us @
the Newbies thread yet?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/55937https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/55937Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:42:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to St James or Nan Yang? on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:09:57 GMT]]>Anyone… pls?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/55926https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/55926Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:09:57 GMT