Overseas Family School

The Overseas Family School (OFS) is located in Pasir Ris Heights, a well-connected area in the eastern part of Singapore. The school is easily accessible by car and public transportation, with bus stops and MRT stations nearby. It is in close proximity to residential areas, making it a convenient choice for families living in the eastern region of Singapore.

OFS offers education from Kindergarten (Pre-K1) through to Grade 12. The school has four levels; Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School

OFS is a co-educational international school. It offers day school services and does not provide boarding facilities.

OFS is home to around 3,000 students from more than 65 nationalities, creating a genuinely international school community with families from Asia, Europe, North America and beyond.

OFS is committed to providing inclusive education tailored to each student's needs. The Educational Intervention Services (EIS) team offers support for students requiring additional assistance, including Learning Support, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and social-emotional counseling. These services are integrated into the school day, with Learning Support Assistants collaborating closely with classroom teachers to deliver personalized interventions.

OFS follows an international curriculum and is not affiliated with any specific country.

OFS is a non-denominational school and does not have any religious affiliation.

The school day at OFS begins at 9:00 AM and concludes at 3:30 PM. The schedule includes designated breaks and a lunch period.

OFS offers a shuttle bus service connecting the school to Pasir Ris MRT Station.

Buses depart from Pasir Ris MRT Station at intervals starting from 7:50 AM, with the last departure at 9:00 AM. In the afternoon, buses leave the school at 3:15 PM, with the final departure at 6:10 PM.

Island-wide door-to-door bus service is also available.

The school does not offer boarding facilities.

A school uniform is worn every day by all students.

Lunch is available from the school cafeteria; students may bring a packed lunch or purchase a hot lunch. Dietary options are accommodated within the lunch program.

The school operates under a Master Policy to maintain a happy, safe and effective school for overseas families living in Singapore.

OFS offers education from Kindergarten (Pre-K1) through to Grade 12. The school follows an International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) for early years and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for grades 1-5.

OFS follows International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) for Grades 6-8 and offers the Cambridge IGCSEs for Grades 9-10. This is followed by the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) for Grades 11-12.

OFS places a strong emphasis on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), recognizing its importance in student development. The curriculum is designed to support personal, social, and emotional growth through inquiry and play-based approaches. For students facing social-emotional challenges, the school offers support from Nurture Specialists, aiming to enhance overall well-being and learning engagement.

While OFS is not a specialized SEN institution, it actively supports students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) within its inclusive mainstream environment. The EIS team is equipped to assist students with diverse learning needs, including learning difficulties, language delays, and social-emotional challenges. Support is individualized, with services such as Learning Support, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and social-emotional counseling available to ensure all students can access and benefit from the curriculum.

OFS offers a comprehensive Study Preparation Program (SPP) tailored for students whose first language is not English. This program aims to facilitate rapid English language acquisition, enabling students to integrate into mainstream classes without losing academic progress. The SPP is structured across Elementary, Middle, and High School levels, providing specialized support to meet students' evolving language needs. Dedicated ESL teachers deliver targeted instruction, fostering a nurturing environment for language development.

The school offers Learning Support, Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and social-emotional counseling. These services are integrated into the school day, delivered by qualified specialists on a push-in or withdrawal basis, aiming to enhance students' overall well-being and academic success.

OFS upholds a robust Safeguarding Policy to protect students from physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse and neglect. The policy outlines clear definitions and examples of each category of abuse, ensuring a comprehensive understanding within the school community. The school collaborates with parents and guardians to maintain a safe learning environment, adhering to Singapore's legal standards and international best practices in child protection.

The Overseas Family School was established in 1991 and moved into its current Pasir Ris campus in 2015. This move marked a significant milestone, enhancing the school's capacity and facilities to better serve its community.

OFS prides itself on a vibrant, multicultural community, with students from over 70 nationalities. The school actively fosters a sense of global citizenship and cultural appreciation. Engaging events like the annual Global Picnic and various cultural celebrations provide platforms for students and families to share traditions, cuisines, and customs, enriching the OFS experience.

The OFS Parent Association (PA) is a dynamic, volunteer-driven organization that plays a pivotal role in enhancing the school community. Comprising parents from diverse backgrounds, the PA organizes a variety of events, including Coffee Mornings, cultural celebrations, and the much-anticipated Global Picnic.

The OFS campus area is 110,000 square meters. The campus features three adventure playgrounds and air-conditioning with fresh air injection in classrooms. The auditorium seats up to 3,000 with multimedia facilities, and there is a Drama Center with a Black Box and three studios. There are four modern libraries and eleven music studios with soundproof practice rooms. The campus includes two swimming pools (a 50-meter indoor pool and a junior pool), five basketball and sports courts, sixteen science laboratories, and five computer labs with Apple Mac computers.

Five basketball and sports courts are weather-protected. Sport fields include a senior field and a junior field with artificial turf and organic infill. Two swimming pools include a 50-meter indoor pool with 10 lanes and a junior pool. School bus services are available with seat belts and two afternoon departure options at 3:45 pm or 5:15 pm.

Four modern libraries serve Kindergarten through High School. Eleven music studios include soundproof practice rooms. Sixteen science laboratories support science instruction across Elementary, Middle and High Schools. Five computer labs are equipped with Apple Mac computers. The Auditorium seats up to 3,000 and the Drama Center includes a Black Box and three studios.

The Chess Program is available to OFS students. The Sports Program offers competitive team sports and broader athletic involvement. The Model United Nations program engages students with international affairs. An Enrichment Program is available to broaden learning beyond core academics. Mother Tongue Program is offered for students from Pre K2 to Grade 8 for four hours per week.

The OFS curriculum combines IEYC (Pre-K1 to K2), IPC (Grades 1–5) and IB (Grades 6–12), with IGCSE as an option and a WASC-accredited High School Diploma. The Model United Nations is embedded in the core curriculum, supporting research, debate and global perspectives across Elementary to High School. A Study Preparation Program provides English-language development to enable entry into mainstream classes, and coding is taught for all students.

The school provides weekly specialist lessons in Art, Music, PE, Coding, Chess and ICT/Library. This structure supports creative expression and cross-disciplinary learning across Primary and Secondary levels.

Mother Tongue support is available in 14 languages at no extra fee, with four hours per week in the timetable. Retention and development of Mother Tongue is essential for students learning in English.

After School Program supports participation in sports, ECAs and enrichment activities. Chess Program is offered to develop strategic thinking. Model United Nations is embedded in the curriculum, providing opportunities for debate and collaboration.

Model United Nations develops leadership, public speaking, negotiation and teamwork.

Sports Program provides physical activity and fitness opportunities for students across age groups. The After School Program supports well-being through sports, ECAs and enrichment activities.

English is the language of instruction. A Mother Tongue Program supports retention and development of students' home languages. The curriculum comprises IEYC for Pre-K1 to K2, IPC for Grades 1–5, and IB for Grades 6–12. The Study Preparation Program enables students to join mainstream classes.

The school teaches in English. A Mother Tongue Program retains and develops students' home languages; the program is provided at no additional fee.

Highly Commended: Best Schools Award (Singapore) 2024: Recognizes OFS's exceptional performance and reputation among schools in Singapore.

FIDE Gold School Award: Recognizes OFS's excellence in promoting chess education and fostering a strong chess culture within the school community.

BCA Construction Excellence Award (2017): Acknowledges outstanding construction quality and project management in the development of the OFS campus.

RoSPA Occupational Safety Awards Gold (2014-2016): Honors OFS's commitment to maintaining high standards of health and safety within the school environment.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): Accredits the OFS High School Diploma, ensuring it meets rigorous academic standards recognized globally.

International Baccalaureate (IB): Recognizes OFS as an authorized IB World School, validating its commitment to high-quality international education.

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE): Certifies OFS's adherence to global standards in delivering IGCSE programs.

SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG): Registers OFS as a Private Education Institution, indicating compliance with Singapore's educational regulations.

doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

Complete the online registration form. Fill out the necessary details about your child and your family. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.

Submit required documents. Prepare and upload necessary documents such as your child's birth certificate, passport, recent academic records, and any other documents specified by the admissions team.

Pay the registration fee. Upon acceptance, a one-time non-refundable registration fee of S$2,000 is required to secure your child's place.

Review and sign the Student Contract. Carefully read the terms and conditions outlined in the Student Contract. Sign and submit the contract as part of the enrollment process.

Attend orientation (if applicable). Participate in any orientation sessions or meetings scheduled by the school to help you and your child become familiar with the school environment and community.

Prepare for the school year. Purchase uniforms, school supplies, and any other materials required. Ensure your child is ready for the start of the academic year.

Overseas Family School does not offer direct scholarships or financial aid programs.

Overseas Family School operates on an open-entry admission policy and does not maintain a waitlist or pool system. Admissions are open year-round, and there are no entrance examinations. Proficiency in English is not a requirement for admission. Tuition fees are pro-rated based on the student's start date.