Parents
3
min read

Bouqdib Family Testimonial

Published on
June 28, 2025

Table of contents

For a very long time, we have been searching for a smaller school in Singapore with superb facilities, great art and theatre program, a close-knit but diverse student community, kind and compassionate pastoral care (especially in secondary school), and a flexible yet challenging system that accommodates students with different interests and capabilities. And we found all of that at XCL World Academy (XWA)!

As soon as we entered the door, we were welcomed by a really warm and friendly Admissions Team who worked very closely with our son to see how he could move from the American educational system to the International Baccalaureate Career-related Program (IBCP) that he chose to pursue at XWA.

Adam fell in love with the school from the first day and had a wonderful experience here at XWA (so did we, parents!). His school counselor took the time to really get to know our son before suggesting which course options could be the best for him, considering his interests, strengths and weaknesses. From then on, Adam was quite independent, but whenever I had any questions, they were answered very clearly during our short but extremely helpful parent-teacher calls. Adam’s university guidance counselors were also top-notch, helping explain how he could best prepare for the next phase of his life.

The school helped him to develop a greater understanding of the world and provided a truly international education, while the small school community nurtured strong relationships between students and teachers.

Adam’s passion has always been theatre. His theatre teacher (Ms Manson) has been phenomenal, driving him, encouraging him, and setting the bar extremely high so that he had to work to achieve the very best he could deliver. I cannot commend her more, she is a treasure, and we are so grateful for the work she put in to drive our son to pursue his passion further.

As a parent, I value the team’s warm and genuine welcome of students from all backgrounds, their eclectic community of students with varied interests, passionate teachers and breadth of different graduation pathways (IB Diploma Program, IB Career-related Program, High School Certificates, etc.), as well as their excellent facilities. I just wish they would have had a tennis program when our son was attending, but I hear that’s in the works now!

If you ask me if I would recommend XWA to parents looking for an international school in Singapore, I already have! One friend is already sending their son to Middle School, and another is considering XWA for Secondary School for her son.

Maranda Bouqdib
Mother of Adam (American, French, Moroccan; Graduate of Class of 2022)
June 2022

FAQs

Get answers to the most common questions from prospective parents about our school.

What curriculum does XWA follow?

XCL World Academy is an authorised IB World School offering the IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). Students in Grades 11–12 can also take Advanced Placement courses or complete a WASC-accredited High School Diploma. This pathway flexibility is rare among international schools in Singapore.

What are the fees?

Visit the fees page for a full breakdown by grade.

Does XWA offer English language support?

Yes. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme and Foundational English Programme (FEP) support students who need to build English proficiency alongside their regular studies. Intensive English classes are also available for students at beginner levels.

When can students start?

XCL World Academy offers rolling admissions, so students can join at any point during the year. For the full academic calendar, please click here.

How do I apply?

Start with an online application. XWA then schedules an age-appropriate assessment and invites your family for a campus tour. The admissions team guides you through every step. To know more, reach out to us via email at admissions@xwa.edu.sg, call us at +65 6230 4230 or WhatsApp us here.

What ages does XWA accept?

XWA enrols students from 18 months (Nursery) through age 19 (Grade 12), with all year groups on a single campus.

Where do graduates go to university?

XWA graduates attend leading universities across the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Asia, including Ivy League institutions, as well as UC Berkeley, Boston University, McGill, University of Toronto, UCL, King’s College London, Sciences Po, University of Sydney, NUS, NTU, and SMU. Personalised university counselling begins as early as Grade 8, guiding students towards best-fit pathways and global opportunities.

Still have questions?

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