In Singapore, homeschooling has gained popularity since COVID-19, and online schools that offer K-12 international curriculum are further helping parents teach their children at home. However, there are many factors why online schooling is flourishing in Singapore and why parents are choosing it over regular schools.

Why is Singapore an ideal country for online schooling? 

Studies suggest that there is a rise in online schooling in Singapore 

As per studies by SPER Market Research Report, the online education sector is projected to grow by 13.8 %

Another study by Horizon Grand View Research 

As per a study by the e-learning services market in Singapore is expected to by 2025 to 2030 by 27.2%

These suggest that Singapore is an ideal country for the rise of remote schooling, and there are many reasons why.

Singapore’s Progressive Infrastructure

Singapore has one of the most advanced technological frameworks, which has enabled online schools to mushroom which has further aided parents to homeschool their children.

Government Aid

The Ministry of Education in Singapore has played an important role in the development of the digital ecosystem to enable online schooling through targeted initiatives and policies. For example, the SkillsFuture Credit Program has ensured that citizens receive a chance to be admitted to online skill-based programs.

Affiliation with Institutes worldwide

Online schools in Singapore often collaborate with schools and even universities worldwide. These collaborations allow students to get a touch of international schooling structures and curriculum while continuing in their localized syllabus. 

Entrepreneurial System

Singapore also has an advanced entrepreneurial ecosystem, which has acted as a stimulus for the advancement of virtual schools. There is a growth of startups in the EdTech sector, which has introduced new teaching methods and new fields, and has also seen a rise in the number of subject matter experts.

Shift in Job Market

The job market is now shifting towards different sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Engineering, making traditional jobs archaic. Virtual Schools offer industry-specific training programs, which parents can choose for their children, keeping in mind their child’s aptitude. 

Online schools also develop skills that prepare students for managerial positions, which are currently required across many MNCs and organizations, indicating that comprehensive skill requirements are driving the online schooling market.

Why Do Parents Choose Online Schooling?

There are many reasons why parents have been choosing online schooling for their children: 

Advanced Placement Courses

In Singapore, parents are opting for virtual schools for their children as online schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which prepare ambitious students (aged 14 – 18) to earn college credits and get noticed in university applications.

24/7 Accessibility 

In Singapore, through online schooling, students get 24/7 access to live lessons, which allow them to attend classes remotely and revisit recorded sessions.

Balance schooling and hobbies

Online schooling is highly personalized, where people can select a schedule as per their child’s requirements. Children who have other pursuits like arts and sports, for those children. Online schooling in Singapore has provided a scope high quality education with pursuits of hobbies. 

Interdisciplinary Courses

Traditional schooling is highly compartmentalized despite changes; progress is slow. Whereas online schooling understands the need for interdisciplinary knowledge, it allows parents and children to choose the curriculum, subject, and combinations of disciplines as per the needs of the child. 

Conclusion

Homeschooling in Singapore goes hand in hand, particularly since the shift towards homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has a healthy digital infrastructure, and a proactive government has encouraged this shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Has the government legalized homeschooling and online schooling in Singapore?

Ans. Through the Compulsory Education Act, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has legalized online schooling. Parents are required to submit a planned curriculum and make sure their children sit for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).

Q2 Has Covid-19 played a role in popularising online schooling in Singapore?

Ans. Since COVID-19, Singapore's futuristic and modern digital infrastructure, government aid for technology in schooling, and a shift in the job market towards skills in areas like AI have made online schooling an option for parents who want to teach their children.

Q3. Why are parents choosing online schools over traditional schools

Ans. Parents prefer online schooling over conventional schooling for many reasons, as it allows children to balance their education with hobbies and a customized curriculum to match the child's aptitude and learning pace. 

Q4. How do online schools help students prepare for the future?

Ans. Online schools in Singapore offer training in emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Engineering, and they enroll students in AP courses that help earn college credits in school.

Q5. How do students in Singapore benefit from the collaborations between Global and local online schools

Ans. Many online schools in Singapore have, over the years, collaborated with famous international universities and global schools. This provides students with exposure to the international schooling system and curricula.

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