The Singapore American School Upper School is the senior division of Singapore American School, one of the oldest and largest international schools in Singapore. Founded in 1956, SAS is a non profit American school on a large Woodlands campus organised into elementary, middle and high school divisions. This profile covers the upper years, the high school where students take Advanced Placement courses and work toward the American high school diploma and university entry.
Singapore American School Upper School at a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam pathways | American high school diploma with Advanced Placement, including AP Capstone |
| Stages | High school, broadly Grades 9 to 12 (ages 14 to 18) |
| Founded | 1956; Woodlands campus from 1996 |
| Accreditation | WASC accredited; non profit independent school |
| Fee band | Premium, at the upper end for the high school years |
| Campus area | Woodlands, north Singapore |
Curriculum and academics
The upper school delivers an American high school curriculum leading to the high school diploma. Its defining academic feature is the breadth of Advanced Placement on offer, with a wide range of AP courses and the AP Capstone research and seminar pathway, which gives able students college level study and recognition before they leave. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and runs strong university counselling toward destinations in the United States and worldwide.
Families weighing an American high school against an International Baccalaureate route often compare AP with the IB Diploma Programme offered by other Singapore schools. The practical difference is that AP lets students build a tailored set of advanced subjects rather than the IB's fixed six subject framework with its core, so the better fit depends on a student's strengths and university plans. Alongside academics, the senior years carry a deep programme of activities in athletics, the arts, service and student leadership, supported by the resourcing the premium tier is known for. For the younger years see our profile of the Singapore American School Lower School.
Budgeting a premium high school place?
Our fee calculator helps you map total school costs across Singapore before you commit. Free and independent.
Singapore American School Upper School fees
Singapore American School sits firmly in the premium fee band for Singapore. In our Singapore international school fees guide the premium tier runs roughly SGD 48,000 to 65,000 a year, and SAS is named among the schools in that band. The high school years sit at the upper end of that premium range, reflecting the depth of the AP programme, specialist facilities and university counselling. Treat any single figure as indicative and confirm the current schedule with the school.
Beyond tuition, budget for a non refundable application fee, a registration or enrolment fee, a refundable deposit, and optional extras such as school bus, lunch, uniform and external AP examination entries. As a non profit, SAS reinvests fees in facilities and faculty, but premium schools still raise fees ahead of general inflation, so plan for an annual increase across the senior years.
Admissions
The SAS academic year runs from August to June, and the main intake is at the start of that year. High school places are in demand at a school of this profile, so families relocating to Singapore should apply well ahead. Mid year entry is possible on a rolling basis where a place exists, which suits families arriving outside the August window, though senior entry is more dependent on prior courses.
Admission involves an application with recent school reports and transcripts, an age appropriate assessment, and a conversation with the admissions team. Entry into the upper grades depends on prior subjects and readiness for the AP pathway, so confirm course availability and any prerequisites before committing to a move.
Location and who goes there
The campus sits in Woodlands in the north of Singapore, close to the causeway to Malaysia, and has housed the school since 1996. Families cluster in the northern neighbourhoods of Woodlands, Sembawang and the Yishun and Seletar corridors, drawn by proximity and the larger homes in that part of the island, while others commute from further south. The high school community has a strong American and North American presence reflecting the school's history, alongside families of many nationalities who want a US style pathway to university. For a full view of how SAS fits the wider market, start with the Singapore city hub.
Singapore American School Upper School reviews
We do not yet hold any verified parent reviews for the Singapore American School Upper School. GlobalSchoolGuide is an independent guide and no school pays to be listed, so we publish a rating only once we have collected enough verified first hand accounts to be fair to both the school and to families reading them. We would rather show nothing than show an invented score.
If your family has attended the upper school we would value your account of admissions, teaching, the AP programme and value for money. Share it through our school reviews hub and we will add verified contributions to this page.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Singapore American School Upper School fees?
Singapore American School sits in the premium fee band for Singapore, and the high school years are at the upper end of that premium range. Add a registration fee, a refundable deposit and optional bus and lunch costs, and confirm the current schedule with the school.
What curriculum does Singapore American School Upper School follow?
The upper school follows an American high school curriculum leading to the high school diploma, with a broad Advanced Placement programme including AP Capstone, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Does Singapore American School offer the IB or AP?
Singapore American School offers Advanced Placement rather than the IB Diploma. The high school provides a wide range of AP courses and AP Capstone alongside the American high school diploma.
When do Singapore American School applications open?
The academic year starts in August and the main intake is at the start of that year. High school places are in demand, so apply well ahead of a relocation, with mid year entry where space allows.
Where is Singapore American School located?
Singapore American School occupies a large campus in Woodlands in the north of Singapore, which has housed the school since 1996.
