Special Needs Education Schools In Singapore

Singapore is known for its top-quality education that meets the world’s highest standards. With different types of schools, a variety of school curriculum options, and multiple special programmes, parents can choose the school that fully corresponds to their vision of an ideal education, as well as the requirements and needs of their little one. The government of Singapore pays particular attention to special needs education for kids, which ensures an understanding of all the child’s strengths, weaknesses, and needs – and to complete support for every kid on his or her way, which might be a bit more complicated than for others. Early Intervention Centres, Special Needs Preschools, Inclusive Schools, SPED Schools – there is an inviting institution for little ones of all ages where they can learn, develop, socialize, and acquire vital skills in a welcoming, nurturing environment. The BusyKidd team welcomes you to discuss this important topic today.

Special Education (SPED) Schools

Special Education (SPED) Schools educate children and young people of school age with moderate-to-severe special needs. These kids require more specialised attention and assistance while exploring the world and broadening their horizons. SPED schools cater to kids with different special educational needs and have a SPED customised curriculum, which is tailored to support children with disabilities and help them overcome all challenges.

SPED schools are divided depending on your little one’s primary diagnosed condition:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with no intellectual impairment
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with intellectual impairment
• Mild intellectual disability (MID)
• Moderate to severe intellectual disability (MSID)
• Multiple disabilities (MD)
• Sensory impairment

Let’s check out the list of SPED schools in Singapore.

APSN School

Image Credit: Apsn.org.sg

APSN is a Social Service Agency in Singapore, and special education is one of its areas of activity. Currently, APSN operates four SPED schools for students from 7 to 21 years old: APSN Chaoyang School, APSN Katong School, APSN Tanglin School, and APSN Delta Senior School.

APSN Chaoyang School caters to kids from 7 to 12 years old with mild intellectual disability. The school offers two programmes: the Integrated Programme (IP) and the ASD Structured Programme (ASP). IP is for students with MID and students with both mid and mild ASD. This programme is for kids with low support needs. The teacher-to-student ratio is 1:10. ASP is for children with MID and mild ASD with moderate support needs. The teacher-to-student ratio is 1:4.

APSN Katong School welcomes kids from 7 to 16 years old. You can choose from the following programmes: KS Arts Programme, Sensory Integration Programme, and Work Experience Programme.

APSN Tanglin School calls boys and girls from 13 to 16 years old with MID and ASD to embark on a fascinating learning journey together and master one of the multiple educational programmes. Future artists, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, and IT specialists are born here.

From Life Skills Training and Computer Skills Training to various Vocational Programmes, APSN Delta Senior School calls students from 17 to 21 years old to acquire, train, and develop vital skills that will help them open the door to the bustling adult world.

All APSN schools provide a great range of co-curricular activities in performing arts, sports, visual arts, and other areas.

• Age: 7 to 21 years old
• Specialisation: ASD with intellectual impairment; MID
• Address:
  • APSN Chaoyang School: 10 Ang Mo Kio Street 54, Singapore 569184
  • APSN Katong School: 900 New Upper Changi Road, Singapore 467354
  • APSN Tanglin School: 143 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159924
  • APSN Delta Senior School: 3 Choa Chu Kang Grove, Singapore 688237
• More Details

AWWA School

Image Credit: Awwa.org.sg

AWWA School is a place for students from 7 to 18 years old with ASD with intellectual impairment and MD to receive a high-quality special education that encourages, empowers, and inspires. It has two SPED schools: AWWA School @ Bedok for children with autism and AWWA School @ Napiri for children with autism and multiple disabilities.

The school aims to maximise the potential of its students and improve the quality of their lives. It focuses on providing kids with all the necessary knowledge and skills they need to feel and live comfortably and independently. The school’s academic departments include Art, ICT, Language, Numeracy, Life Skills, PE, and others. The school’s Work Exposure and Work Experience Programme allows students to try themselves in various industries to find their best job match. A great selection of enrichment programmes is also available, with Swimming, Drama, Art Club, Science Club, and many other classes to choose from.

• Age: 7 to 18 years old
• Specialisation: ASD with intellectual impairment; MD
• Address:
  • AWWA School @ Bedok: 50 Bedok Reservoir Crescent, Singapore 479225
  • AWWA School @ Napiri: 11 Lorong Napiri, Singapore 547532
• More Details

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School

At Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School, kids are motivated to become active learners and Live Meaningfully, Learn Continuously, and Work Productively. To achieve this, students gain knowledge and develop skills in areas like Social-Emotional, Academic (Literacy, Numeracy, and Science), Daily Living, Vocational, Physical Education and Sports, and others.

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School caters to children with MD from 7 to 18 years old. Students are divided into two levels: Junior Level (7 to 12 years old) and Senior Level (13 to 18 years old). There are two schools to choose from: East and West. CPASS offers the following programmes: Academic Programme (only at CPASS East), Functional Programme, and High Support Programme. The school also ensures a transdisciplinary approach, which means that the SPED Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, and other specialists work as a team with parents or caregivers to ensure the child’s greatest growth and development.

• Age: 7 to 18 years old
• Specialisation: MD
• Address:
  • Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School (East): 65 Pasir Ris Drive 1, Singapore 519529
  • Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School (West): 6A Jurong West Street 52, Singapore 649297
• More Details

Eden School

Image Credit: Edenschool.edu.sg

Eden School welcomes students on the autism spectrum aged 7 to 18. Its mission is to ensure that the lives of kids with special needs are positively transferred through the adapted curriculum, highly dedicated personnel, and supportive atmosphere. Students learn and practice essential skills that will make them more independent and help significantly improve the quality of their lives.

Eden School’s students are divided into Junior Years (7-12 years old) and Senior Years (13-18 years old). In the Junior Years, the curriculum focuses on the teaching of core foundational skills. In the Senior Years, kids learn to apply foundational skills and develop vocational skills.

To make the kids’ educational journey even more exciting and meaningful, the Eden School offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including Music, Soccer, Dance, Athletics, Visual Arts, and many others.

• Age: 7 to 18 years old
• Specialisation: ASD with intellectual impairment
• Address:
  • Eden School: 101 Bukit Batok West Avenue 3, Singapore 659168
  • Eden School Campus 2: 1 Bukit Batok West Avenue 2, Singapore 659203
• More Details

Grace Orchard School

Image Credit: Grace Orchard School via Facebook

Grace Orchard School intends to ensure the highest quality education and support for children from 7 to 18 years old with ASD with intellectual impairment and MID. Curriculum programmes include English, Science, PE, Math, ICT, CCE, DL, Aesthetics, and VOC ED. On their educational path, all students are supported by psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and other specialists. Students’ development, co-curricular activities, and pastoral guidance are also provided.

• Age: 7 to 18 years old
• Specialisation: ASD with intellectual impairment; MID
• Address: 170 West Coast Road, Singapore 127443
• More Details

Lighthouse School

Lighthouse School caters to students with Visual Impairment (VI) and students with Hearing Loss (HL) – aged 7 to 18. The school ensures a caring, nurturing, and enriching environment for every child and values iSHINE – Sincerity, Humility, Integrity, Never Give Up, and Empathy.

The school’s academic programmes include the National Curriculum Programme for students in the Primary/Junior level and the Customised Curriculum Programme for students in the Junior, Middle, and Upper levels. Special support for students is provided on all levels of learning. Besides, the Lighthouse School offers the Swimming Programme, Student Leadership Programme, and CCA Programme that help kids discover and develop their interests and talents, acquire new skills, and socialize. School Camps, Games Days, Horse Riding, Learning Journeys, and other activities will make kids’ school life even brighter.

• Age: 7 to 18 years old
• Specialisation: Sensory impairment
• Address: 51 Toa Payoh Rise, Singapore 298106
• More Details

Maitri School

Image Credit: Maitrischool.edu.sg

Every child is unique. Every little one is a real hero who bravely overcomes his or her own challenges. At Maitri School, students with moderate to severe ASD from 7 to 18 years old learn to overcome their ones. The school’s programme includes Communication and Language, Social-Emotional Learning, Daily Living Skills, Physical Education, Numeracy, and Arts.

As soon as children step into the Maitri School, they find themselves in a friendly, supportive environment with an integrated system of care around each child.

• Age: 7 to 18 years old
• Specialisation: ASD with intellectual impairment
• Address: 95 Jalan Eunos, Singapore 419529
• More Details

Metta School

The highly professional and dedicated staff at Metta School aims to help all its students flourish and reach their full potential. It welcomes learners from 7 to 21 years old with ASD with intellectual impairment and MID and empowers them to lead meaningful lives. At this school, academics are perfectly combined with arts, vocational training, daily living skills training, social-emotional learning, and adapted physical education. 

Metta School offers four programmes: the Autism Programme (7 to 18 years old), the Basic Programme (7 to 12 years old), the Career Programme (13 to 16 years old), and the Vocational Programme (aged 17 and above). Co-curricular activities include Athletics, Bocce, Scouts, the Lion Dance, and many others.

• Age: 7 to 21 years old
• Specialisation: ASD with intellectual impairment; MID
• Address: 30 Simei Street 1, Singapore 529949
• More Details

MINDS School

Image Credit: Minds.org.sg

MINDS has four SPED schools that offer a holistic curriculum combining academic disciplines and independent living skills. Kids from 7 to 18 years old with ASD with intellectual impairment and MSID are provided experiential and practical learning that helps them acquire vital knowledge and develop essential skills to make confident steps into adult life.

MINDS Schools offer the Junior Programme (7-12 years old), the Senior Programme (13-18 years old), and the Special Programme (7-18 years old). The School-2-Work Programme bridges the school’s students from education to the workplace.

MINDS Schools’ facilities include autism-focused classrooms, multiple training rooms, first-class sports facilities, physiotherapy rooms, playrooms, well-equipped outdoor spaces, and others. Co-curricular activities include the Gardening Club, Art & Craft Club, Scouts, Science & Technology Club, Sports Club, and more.

• Age: 7 to 18 years old
• Specialisation: ASD with intellectual impairment; MSID
• Address:
  • MINDS Towner Gardens School: 1B Lengkong Lima, Singapore 417557
  • MINDS Lee Kong Chian Gardens School: 802 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149311
  • MINDS Fernvale Gardens School: 7 Fernvale Road, Singapore 797635
  • MINDS Woodlands Gardens School: 30 Woodlands Ring Road, #01-01, Singapore 737883
• More Details

Pathlight School

Pathlight School is an autism-focused school that boasts a unique combination of mainstream academic learning and the development of life-readiness skills. It caters to kids from 7 to 18 years old with ASD with intellectual impairment. The school has three campuses and provides the following programmes: Primary School, Secondary School, and Vocational Track.

The school’s facilities include a Computer Lab, Science Room, Art Room, Food and Nutrition Studio, Design & Technology Room, and many others. Great attention is paid to outdoor learning – the school’s Science Garden and Organic Farm help bring kids closer to nature.

• Age: 7 to 21 years old
• Specialisation: ASD with no intellectual impairment
• Address:
  • Pathlight School (Ang Mo Kio) Campus 1: 5 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, Singapore 569739
  • Pathlight School (Ang Mo Kio) Campus 2: 2 Ang Mo Kio Street 44, Singapore 569250
  • Pathlight School (Tampines): 4 Tampines Street 91, Singapore 528907
• More Details

Rainbow Centre School

Rainbow Centre Schools help kids with special needs enjoy learning, become as independent as possible, and strengthen ties with their communities. You can choose from three schools: Rainbow Centre Yishun Park School and Rainbow Centre Admiral Hill School cater to kids with autism spectrum disorder, and Rainbow Centre Margaret Drive School welcomes kids with multiple disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. The school’s students are from 7 to 18 years old.

Rainbow Centre School’s programme is divided into three stages: Junior Programme (7–10 years old), Middle Programme (11–14 years old), and Senior Programme (15–18 years old). Learning goals are focused on six domains: Daily Living, Social-Emotional Learning, Language and Communication, Numeracy, Physical Development, and Vocational Development.

Each student of the Rainbow Centre School has an Individualised Education Plan with various co-curricular activities, therapy services, citizenship education, and other programmes included.

• Age: 7 to 18 years old
• Specialisation: ASD with intellectual impairment; MD
• Address:
  • Rainbow Centre Margaret Drive School: 501 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149306
  • Rainbow Centre Yishun Park School: 15 Yishun Street 61, Singapore 768548
  • Rainbow Centre Admiral Hill School: 21 Admiralty Lane, Singapore 756944
• More Details

St. Andrew’s Autism School

St. Andrew’s Autism School has an important and noble mission to help kids with autism learn how to live an active, full, and meaningful life. It provides high-quality, person-centered education for students aged 7 to 18. A personilised curriculum covers social-emotional learning, communication, functional literacy, numeracy, daily living, and vocational skills. Kids participate in various community events and volunteer. Multiple co-curricular activities support the holistic development of St. Andrew’s Autism School’s students. Every child is supported by psychologists, occupational, speech and language therapists, and social workers at all stages of their school life.

• Age: 7 to 18 years old
• Specialisation: ASD with intellectual impairment
• Address: 1 Elliot Road, Singapore 458686
• More Details

St. Andrew’s Mission School

St. Andrew’s Mission School caters to kids from 7 to 21 years old with ASD with no intellectual impairment. It intends to prepare children with special needs for independent adult life and help them develop as active members of society. For this purpose, the school uses a holistic education based on the mainstream academic curriculum and enhanced by life and vocational skills training. The school’s programmes include English Language, Mathematics, Science, PE, Music & Art, Social-Emotional Learning, Daily Living Skills, and Information & Communication Technology. Various co-curricular activities are also available, such as Rugby, Cub Scouts, STEM Club, Art Club, and more.

• Age: 7 to 21 years old
• Specialisation: ASD with no intellectual impairment
• Address: 11 Bukit Batok Street 25, Singapore 658712
• More Details

For parents, it is important to realise and recognise that their child needs additional help with education – and properly identify the right educational path for their boy or girl. The government of Singapore, in turn, ensures every child’s fundamental right to proper education. All little ones deserve to explore this beautiful world around them and make their openings, regardless of their needs and abilities – and special needs education schools in Singapore are institutions that will turn the school journey into a breathtaking adventure for every child with special needs.

Featured Image Credit: Edenschool.edu.sg