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For many expatriate families moving to Singapore, choosing the right international school is about more than academics. It is about finding a place where children feel happy, confident, and prepared for the future.
For Prasanna and Poornima, originally from Chennai, India, that search led them to XCL World Academy (XWA) nearly seven years ago; a decision that continues to shape their children’s growth today.
Their daughter, Ananya, joined XWA in Pre-Kindergarten and is now in Grade 4, while younger brother Aadhav started in Nursery and is currently in KG1.
Searching for More Than Academic Excellence
“When we were searching for schools, we wanted a school where the kids grow together — academically as well as holistically,” says Prasanna.
Like many parents exploring international schools in Singapore, the family wanted an environment that balanced strong academics with emotional wellbeing, communication skills and personal development.
That balance became clear from their very first visit to the campus.
“The classroom setup itself was super impressive,” Prasanna recalls. “There was no traditional row-based seating. Everything was designed for collaboration.”
The family was particularly drawn to the school’s modern learning spaces, technology-enabled classrooms, and extensive campus facilities.
“The football playground was massive, something I had never seen in a school before,” he says.
Beyond the facilities, however, it was the school’s learning philosophy and supportive atmosphere that made the biggest impact.
Building Confidence Through Holistic Education
At XWA, learning extends beyond textbooks and examinations. The school’s holistic approach encourages students to grow socially, emotionally, and creatively alongside their academic development.
“This is the school where you can see the child grow as a holistic kid,” says Prasanna. “Emotional skills, social skills, communication, they really build confidence from a very young age.”
For the family, confidence and kindness are just as important as academic achievement.
“How holistic they are matters to us,” he explains. “Are they becoming kind-hearted? Both my children are very caring and helpful towards others, and I feel the school has played a strong role in that.”
Poornima also values how XWA creates opportunities for children to explore their interests beyond the classroom.
“The school focuses not only on academics, but also on arts, music, languages and everything else,” she says. “The children get opportunities to learn from every experience.”
A Global Community That Feels Like Home
Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming for both children and parents. For Poornima, joining a new school community initially came with uncertainty.
“When I first came, I was nervous,” she shares.
But over time, the family found a strong sense of belonging within XWA’s diverse international community.
“It has a global community here which helps children interact with everyone and learn from each other,” she says.
With students representing more than 50 nationalities, XWA provides an internationally minded environment where children learn to appreciate different cultures, perspectives and ideas, an important aspect of international education in Singapore.
Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Future
As a Data Science Manager, Prasanna believes future-ready skills are essential for today’s students.
“Having knowledge about AI at this young age is really important,” he says.
One aspect of XWA that particularly impressed the family is the school’s XCLerate Future Skills Programme, which introduces students to innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and artificial intelligence through hands-on learning.
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During a holiday project, Ananya developed an idea for a wearable device that could support students during lessons.
“She created a concept for a wristband watch that records what the teacher says and can repeat instructions when needed,” Prasanna explains.
Experiences like these encourage students to think creatively, solve problems independently and apply technology in meaningful ways, skills that are increasingly valuable in a rapidly changing world.
Encouraging a Love for Learning
The family has also seen significant growth in their children’s love for reading and learning.
“The school has encouraged them to read and build a strong foundation in reading,” says Poornima. “I can definitely see the improvement in my kids.”
For Aadhav herself, some of the happiest moments come from the friendships he has built at school.
“My favourite part is playing with my friends,” he says with a smile.
It is these everyday experiences, feeling supported, making friends and enjoying learning, that have made XWA feel like home for the family over the years.
A Recommendation for Families Relocating to Singapore
After seven years at XWA, Prasanna and Poornima remain confident in their decision.
“I would 100% recommend XCL World Academy,” says Prasanna.
For expatriate families seeking a future-focused international school in Singapore that values academic excellence, wellbeing, innovation and holistic development, XWA offers an environment where children can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Explore more parent stories to learn why families from around the world choose XWA, and book a personalised campus tour to discover the difference for your family.
