Choosing the right school in Singapore’s crowded private-education market can feel overwhelming. St Francis Methodist School, founded in 1960, stands out by blending Christian values with internationally recognised curricula like Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma. This guide draws on official fee schedules, employee reviews, and student feedback to help you decide if SFMS is the right fit.

Founded: 1960 ·
Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE, IB, WACE ·
Location: Singapore ·
School Type: Private international school

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact current fee structure not publicly available on school website
  • Official ranking data is not published
  • List of notable alumni is not documented
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • 2026 academic year starts 2 January 2026 (SFMS Fee Schedule PDF)
  • Contact school directly for current fee details (SFMS Fee Schedule PDF)
  • No major curriculum or policy changes announced (SFMS Fee Schedule PDF)

Six key facts, one picture: St Francis Methodist School is a private Christian international school in Singapore, established in 1960, offering multiple pre-university pathways.

Label Value Source
Founded 1960 SFMS Instagram
Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, IB Diploma, WACE StudyInternational
Location Singapore (Bukit Timah) StudyInternational
School Type Private international school SFMS official website
Employee Rating (Glassdoor) 3.2 / 5 Glassdoor
Official Website www.sfms.edu.sg SFMS official website

Is St. Francis College a public or private school?

St Francis Methodist School: Private international school in Singapore

  • St Francis Methodist School is a private international school, not a public school. The official website describes it as “an international school in Singapore offering primary, secondary, and pre-tertiary education” (SFMS official website).
  • Gold Star Education similarly categorises SFMS as “a local private school that provides primary, secondary, and pre-tertiary education in Singapore” (Gold Star Education).

Comparison with other St. Francis institutions

  • Other schools named St. Francis (e.g., St. Francis College in New York, St. Francis Preparatory School) are also private institutions, but they are not affiliated with SFMS.
  • St Francis Methodist School operates independently under Methodist governance in Singapore.
Bottom line: St Francis Methodist School is a private, fee-charging school. The implication: families cannot expect government subsidies; they pay full tuition and fees.

How much are school fees at St. Francis?

St Francis Methodist School fees structure

  • SFMS published an official 2026 fee schedule on 30 July 2025. Fees are quoted in SGD inclusive of 9% GST (SFMS 2026 Fee Schedule PDF).
  • WhichSchoolAdvisor reports that for 2024/25, tuition ranged from SGD 20,829 to SGD 34,771 depending on grade (WhichSchoolAdvisor).
  • Gold Star Education lists fees between SGD 20,000 and SGD 29,425 plus an application fee of SGD 972 (Gold Star Education).
  • For precise 2026 figures, families should contact the school directly.

Comparison with most expensive private schools in Singapore

  • The most expensive international schools in Singapore include Singapore American School, Dulwich College, and Tanglin Trust School (WhichSchoolAdvisor).
  • SFMS fees are substantially lower, positioning it as a mid-range option among private schools.
The catch

SFMS does not transparently publish its full fee schedule on the main website. Prospective families must request the PDF or rely on third-party estimates, which may be outdated.

Is St. Francis College a good school?

St Francis Methodist School reviews and ratings

  • International Schools Database rates SFMS 3.0 out of 5 based on 4 reviews. Praise includes “communication is great” and staff are “positive and encouraging,” but the curriculum “could do with more rigor” (International Schools Database).
  • Employee reviews on Glassdoor give a 3.2/5 rating, indicating mixed workplace satisfaction (Glassdoor).

Academic performance and curriculum

  • SFMS offers Cambridge IGCSE (Years 9–10), GCE O-Levels, IB Diploma Programme, and WACE for Senior High (StudyInternational).
  • The school emphasises Christian values as part of its holistic education approach (SFMS official website).
What to watch

Student reviews suggest inconsistent academic rigor. Parents seeking strong university preparation should compare exam results with other international schools.

What famous people went to St Francis Prep?

Notable alumni of St. Francis Preparatory School (New York)

St. Francis Preparatory School in New York counts several athletes and entertainers among its alumni, including NBA players and musicians. However, this institution is unrelated to St Francis Methodist School in Singapore.

Notable alumni of St Francis Methodist School (Singapore)

SFMS does not maintain a publicly available list of notable alumni. The school’s social media and official website do not feature celebrity graduates. The implication: for families seeking a school with a strong alumni network, SFMS may not offer that advantage.

What is the most expensive private school in Singapore?

Most expensive international schools in Singapore 2025-2026

  • Singapore American School, Dulwich College (Singapore), and Tanglin Trust School consistently top the fee charts, with annual tuition exceeding SGD 50,000 (WhichSchoolAdvisor).

Where St Francis Methodist School ranks in cost

  • SFMS is not among these most expensive schools. Its 2024/25 fee range (SGD 20,829–34,771) places it in the mid-range category.
The trade-off

Lower fees mean fewer facilities and extracurriculars compared to premium-tier schools. Families must weigh cost savings against resource availability.

School specifications

Eight specs, one pattern: SFMS targets international students seeking a values-based, academically flexible education at a moderate price point.

Specification Details Source
School Name St Francis Methodist School SFMS official website
Established 1960 SFMS Instagram
Curriculum Offered Cambridge IGCSE, GCE O-Level, IB Diploma, WACE StudyInternational
Location 550 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore SFMS official website
Grade Levels Year 1 to 12 (primary to pre-tertiary) SFMS Instagram
Religious Affiliation Christian (Methodist) SFMS official website
Annual Fee Range (2024/25) SGD 20,829 – SGD 34,771 WhichSchoolAdvisor
Application Fee SGD 972 Gold Star Education

Upsides & Downsides

Upsides

  • Multiple internationally recognised curricula (IGCSE, IB, WACE)
  • Affordable tuition relative to premium international schools
  • Christian values-based education
  • Long-established school (since 1960)

Downsides

  • Inconsistent academic rigor according to student reviews
  • Low employee rating (3.2/5 on Glassdoor)
  • No publicly available ranking or notable alumni network
  • Limited fee transparency on main website

Timeline: Key milestones

  • : St Francis Methodist School established in Singapore (SFMS Instagram).
  • : Introduction of Cambridge IGCSE, IB Diploma, and WACE pathways (StudyInternational).
  • : School maintains active social media presence and continues to enroll international students.
  • : Academic year commences 2 January 2026 (SFMS Fee Schedule PDF).

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Private international school in Singapore
  • Offers Cambridge IGCSE, IB, WACE
  • Employee rating on Glassdoor is 3.2/5
  • Founded in 1960
  • Located in Bukit Timah

What’s unclear

  • Exact current fee structure not publicly listed
  • Official ranking data not published
  • List of notable alumni not documented
  • Student-teacher ratio not consistently reported

Voices from the community

“Communication is great, staff are positive and encouraging. However the curriculum could do with more rigor.”

— Review on International Schools Database

“Students are rowdy, lack of discipline. Poor programmes and academic results.”

— Another reviewer on International Schools Database

“Overall rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars based on 22 reviews.”

Glassdoor employee reviews

For families in Singapore, the choice is clear: St Francis Methodist School offers a low-cost, values-driven alternative to elite international schools, but with trade-offs in academic reputation and campus facilities. Prospective parents should visit the campus, request the latest fee schedule, and speak with current students before deciding. For those on a tight budget who value Christian ethos, SFMS is a reasonable option; for those chasing top university admissions, the premium-tier schools may be worth the higher fees.

Related reading: ACS Barker Cut Off Point · Singapore Visa for Indians

Additional sources

ischooladvisor.com

For families exploring other top Singapore international schools, other top Singapore international schools provides a comprehensive fee and curriculum breakdown for the British International School system.

Frequently asked questions

What curriculum does St Francis Methodist School offer?

SFMS offers Cambridge IGCSE, GCE O-Level, IB Diploma Programme, and WACE (Western Australian Certificate of Education).

Is St Francis Methodist School a boarding school?

No, SFMS is a day school. It does not offer boarding facilities.

What is the student-teacher ratio at St Francis Methodist School?

SFMS does not publicly disclose a precise student-teacher ratio. Families should contact the school directly.

Does St Francis Methodist School offer scholarships?

There is no publicly available information about scholarship programmes. The school should be contacted for any financial aid options.

How do I apply to St Francis Methodist School?

Applications are handled directly by the school. Visit the official website at sfms.edu.sg for admissions procedures.

What is the school’s religious affiliation?

St Francis Methodist School is a Christian school affiliated with the Methodist Church in Singapore.

Does St Francis Methodist School have a uniform policy?

Yes, SFMS enforces a school uniform policy for all students. Details are provided upon enrollment.