Raising Global Citizens in Singapore: An American Family’s Experience at XCL World Academy
Choosing the right international school in Singapore is one of the most important decisions expat parents will make, especially for American families seeking a globally minded education without recreating an American bubble overseas.
For Glenn and Kat van Zutphen, long-time expatriates and parents of two children at XCL World Academy (XWA), that decision was shaped by more than academic results. It was about finding a school that reflected the world their children were growing up in: diverse, forward-looking, and deeply human.
Over seven years at XWA, they’ve experienced the full impact of international education abroad. One that nurtures not just knowledge, but perspective, confidence, and a readiness to engage with the world.
From the United States to Singapore: A Truly Global Beginning
Before settling in Singapore, Glenn and Kat had already lived and worked across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Drawn by global career opportunities, they chose Singapore not just as a professional move, but as a place to build a family.
“Once we had children, we realized there was no better place to raise them”, they say, citing the city’s safety, diversity, and world-class infrastructure as the perfect environment for expat life.
Starting in the Local System and Knowing When to Change
Like many expatriate families in Singapore, their children began their education in the local MOE system, where they built strong social skills, thrived in sports, and took on leadership roles. As their learning journeys evolved, their paths naturally diverged.
Their son transitioned to an international school in Grade 6, where a more personalised and flexible classroom approach suited his learning style. Their daughter, having flourished in the MOE system, moved to an international school at a natural transition point, between secondary school and junior college, allowing her to complete her final two years of high school while benefiting from expert global university guidance.
This flexibility was one of the defining advantages of choosing an international school in Singapore.
For many parents, moving from a national system to the IB curriculum can raise concerns. For Glenn and Kat, it did not.
They trusted that Singapore’s rigorous academic foundations had prepared their children well. Their focus was on classroom experience, wellbeing, and continuity.
A shared academic calendar, smaller class sizes, and a learning environment that prioritised inquiry and critical thinking made the transition seamless.
Looking Beyond the “Typical” American School Abroad
As Americans raising children overseas, Glenn and Kat were intentional about avoiding a school that felt too American.
“We never wanted to move across the world only to recreate an American bubble.”
Instead, they sought:
• A genuinely diverse student body
• An internationally experienced teaching faculty
• Strong arts, design, music, and drama programmes
• A school unafraid to innovate
They found this balance at XCL World Academy, aptly named as ‘The Academy of the World’, which combined strong academic foundations with a truly global identity, helping students embrace diverse perspectives and prepare for a connected world.
Academic Excellence with Personalised Support
What ultimately set XWA apart for the Van Zutphens, was the overall philosophy.
The classrooms reflect a true mix of cultures, languages, and perspectives, where difference is normalised and celebrated. Teaching draws on global best practices, while continually evolving to meet the demands of a changing world.
In just two years at XWA, their daughter achieved an outstanding IB result, an achievement the family attributes not only to hard work, but to the ecosystem around her.
Key factors included:
• Dedicated teachers who supported both academic growth and emotional wellbeing
• Highly personalised university guidance from experienced counsellors
• A peer environment that encouraged healthy motivation and aspiration
Equally transformative was their son’s growth since joining in Grade 6.
He developed stronger organisation, independence, and confidence, both in and out of the classroom. His involvement in sports and music played a significant role in shaping resilience, teamwork, and performance confidence.
Teachers Who Truly Know Their Students and Build Confidence for Life
A defining aspect of the XWA experience for this family has been the depth of teacher-student relationships. At XWA, educators know students not just in the classroom, but on the sports field, on stage, and across the wider school community. This holistic visibility fosters accountability, connection, and commitment.
Over the years, both children have formed lasting relationships with teachers who guided their academic growth and personal development. These connections extend into XWA’s vibrant arts and performance culture, through music, school productions, and stage opportunities, that help students build confidence, presence, and communication skills. Subtle yet powerful, these experiences leave a lasting impact, well beyond school.
Preparing for University and beyond
University guidance at XWA stood out as a clear differentiator.
Counsellors empower students to own their journey, helping them understand global options, refine target lists, balance ambition with strategy, and navigate complex application processes.
For families navigating other aspects of living in Singapore such as the National Service, the school’s proactive support and specialised guidance offer reassurance and clarity.
Leadership That Sets the Tone
Across their seven-year journey, the family highlights the importance of strong, empathetic leadership.
From bold campus developments to future-facing programmes, XWA’s leadership reflects a school that is confident in its vision and unafraid to evolve.
“Great institutions are built by visionary leaders, and that culture filters down to every level.”
A Message to American Families Considering an International School in Singapore
For American families seeking an international school in Singapore that balances academic excellence, global perspective, and future-ready learning, Glenn and Kat’s message is clear:
“As Americans raising third-culture global citizens, we found a true partner in XCL World Academy, one that helped our children become confident, caring, critical thinkers, ready to engage with the world.”
XCL World Academy isn’t about choosing one type of education over another, it’s about delivering the very best of any path you take, all within a truly global, internationally minded environment.
Interested in experiencing XCL World Academy for yourself?
Experience firsthand how XWA nurtures global-minded, confident learners. Book a personalised campus tour and see the community, classrooms, and opportunities that shape their journey.
