Do Schools in the Philippines Use Singapore Math?

You’ve probably heard that Singapore consistently ranks first in the world in math, and like a lot of parents, that’s enough to make you wonder: what are they doing differently, and could my child benefit from it too? Maybe you’re weighing school options right now and want to know what to look for. Or maybe you’re simply curious whether an approach that works so well elsewhere has made its way here to the Philippines.

Either way, you’re asking the right question — and I’d love to walk you through it.

---

What Is Singapore Math, Really?

Singapore Math is a teaching approach developed by Singapore’s Ministry of Education. It’s less about memorizing steps and more about making sure a child truly understands what’s happening in a problem.

A few things that make it distinct:

• The Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach (hands-on materials, then pictures, then numbers)
• A focus on understanding before procedure
• Problem-solving at the center of every lesson
• Strong visualization skills
• Mastery of a topic before moving forward
• A spiral curriculum that revisits ideas at a deeper level
• Mental math as an everyday habit, not a separate skill

---

So, Do Philippine Schools Actually Teach Singapore Math?

Yes, some schools in the Philippines teach Singapore Math— though it shows up differently depending on the school.

1. Some schools in the Philippines fully adopt Singapore Math

A number of private schools, international schools, tutorial centers, and enrichment programs use the authentic curriculum, often with textbooks from Singapore publishers.

In these classrooms and centers, children are usually learning through:

• Hands-on manipulatives
• Visual models
• Guided discovery
• Word problems that stretch their thinking
• Systematic progression from simple to complex concepts

2. Many schools in the Philippines bring in Singapore Math strategies

Even schools that don’t call themselves “Singapore Math schools” often have teachers weaving in:

• Number bonds
• Ten frames
• The CPA approach
• Mental math strategies
• Bar models

If your child’s teacher uses any of these, some Singapore Math strategies are already part of their day.

3. Public schools in the Philippines follow the MATATAG curriculum

Philippine public schools follow DepEd’s MATATAG curriculum. That said, plenty of public school teachers still bring in Singapore Math strategies on their own, because they help students:

• Understand concepts more deeply
• Reason through problems instead of guessing
• Work through tricky word problems with more confidence

Singapore Math doesn’t need to replace what a school is already teaching. It works alongside it.

---

How Can You Tell If Your Child’s School Uses It?

Here are a few simple things to look for.

Does the teacher use hands-on materials before jumping to numbers? Children usually explore an idea with real objects first, then move to drawings, then to symbols.

Are students asked to explain how they got their answer? Singapore Math cares just as much about the reasoning as the answer itself.

Do you see visual models in the homework? Look for bar models, number bonds,number lines, fraction strips, base ten blocks, or place value charts. These help children picture what’s happening in a problem.

Is problem-solving a regular part of class, not just an occasional challenge? Children are encouraged to analyze a problem, reason through it, and justify their answer — not just use a formula repeatedly.

Does the school use Singapore-published materials? Some schools use textbooks from Singapore. Others adapt the ideas using local textbooks.

Are teachers trained in the method? Schools that take Singapore Math seriously usually invest in training their teachers on the CPA approach and bar modeling, not just handing them a new textbook.

---

“My Child’s School Teaches It — So I Don’t Need To Learn It, Right?”

I hear this a lot, and I understand why. But here’s what most parents discover: the homework in front of them looks nothing like the math they learned growing up.

Your child might be asked to:

• Draw a bar model
• Explain their reasoning out loud or in writing
• Try more than one way to solve the same problem
• Compare different solution strategies

Without some understanding of the approach, it’s easy to feel lost trying to help — even if you’re good at math yourself. Once you understand the thinking behind it, though, helping with homework gets a lot less stressful. You’re reinforcing the same strategies your child is already learning in school, instead of accidentally teaching something different.

---

Why So Many Teachers Are Learning Singapore Math Too

Teachers across the Philippines are increasingly seeking out Singapore Math training, and it’s not hard to see why. It helps them:

• Teach concepts with more depth
• Strengthen students’ problem-solving skills
• Make lessons feel more engaging
• Differentiate for students at different levels
• Build real confidence in their students

I’ve worked with teachers in public schools, private schools, tutorial centers, and homeschool settings — the strategies adapt well to all of them.

---

Can Singapore Math Work Alongside the Philippine Curriculum?

Yes, and this is one of the most common questions I get.

Singapore Math is a teaching approach, not a separate subject. Teachers can keep teaching the required competencies while using Singapore Math strategies to help students understand them more deeply. Parents can do the same at home.

There are also Singapore Math enrichment centers around the Philippines offering after-school programs and summer classes — a good option whether or not your child’s school already uses the method.

---

Is Singapore Math Only for Kids Who Are Already Good at Math?

Not at all. This is actually one of the most common misconceptions I encounter.

Because Singapore Math introduces ideas through concrete experiences and visuals before moving to abstract symbols, it tends to meet children where they are. Kids who struggle with word problems, number sense, or reasoning often do better with this structured, step-by-step progression.

---

Where to Start

If you want to understand how Singapore Math actually works, the best first step is learning its core principles.

For Parents

Mindset 4 Math’s How to Teach Children Singapore Math On-Demand Webinar walks you through the foundations of the approach in a practical, parent-friendly way. You’ll learn the thinking behind the method and pick up strategies you can start using at home right away.

This is a good fit if you’re:

• A parent of a preschool or elementary-aged child
• Homeschooling

For Teachers and Schools

If you’re looking to bring Singapore Math into your classroom or learning center more effectively, Mindset 4 Math offers Singapore Math Teacher Training Programs built around real classroom application, not just theory.

Training is available for:

• Individual teachers or tutors
• Schools
• Tutorial centers
• Learning organizations

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Final Thoughts

So — do Philippine schools use Singapore Math? Many do, some fully, some through teachers weaving in a few key strategies. How much of it your child experiences in class depends on the school.

Either way, understanding the ideas behind Singapore Math puts you in a better position to help at home.

If you’re ready to build that foundation, enroll in my How to Teach Children Singapore Math On-Demand Webinar and start applying these strategies with your child this week. If you’d rather have more hands-on, personalized support, Mindset 4 Math also offers one-on-one Singapore Math training for parents.

(For teachers and schools: Mindset 4 Math also offers Singapore Math Teacher Training built around your classroom. Schedule a free consultation to explore the best training option for your team.)