ELFA marks its 25th anniversary, celebrating 25 years of commitment to quality bilingual education.
Founded in Singapore in 2000, ELFA was built on the conviction that quality bilingual education nurtures confident, future-ready learners. Its strong Mandarin–English, story-based bilingual approach has since become a defining hallmark of the brand.
The first ELFA Preschool in Pari Burong, Singapore opened in 2000
Within a year of its inception, ELFA opened its first preschool in Binzhou, Shandong – an early milestone that marked the start of a meaningful and growing presence across major Chinese cities. The brand’s success in China, where Mandarin is natively spoken, reflects the strength and authenticity of ELFA’s bilingual programme, shaped by its expertise in both languages. By 2003, ELFA established its China headquarters in Shanghai, laying strong foundations for sustainable growth.
ELFA opened its first preschool in China in 2001, in Binzhou, Shandong
As the brand grew, quality remained paramount. Today, ELFA is recognised as the most awarded Singapore preschool brand in China. Nearly 70% of its China preschools have received Grade 1 certification for quality by the local authorities. Of these, 12 have been conferred the converted Provincial Model Preschool award which represents attainment of the highest standard in school management and education quality within their respective provinces.
In 2004, ELFA became the first Singapore early childhood education brand to enter Northeast China, opening its first preschool in Dalian. The inauguration plaque was unveiled by then Singapore’s Minister for Education Tharman Shanmugaratnam and then Mayor of Dalian Xia Deren
From 2026, there is further recognition in the quality of our ELFA Preschools in Singapore, with our centres in Hougang and Tampines having been appointed as an operator under the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)’s Partner Operator (POP) scheme.
Partner operators under the POP scheme requires preschools to meet high standards in curriculum design and teacher training, with a proven track record in delivering quality services and fulfilling established criteria. This milestone reflects ELFA’s ongoing commitment to delivering quality early childhood education in Singapore, and to continually raising the bar for excellence.
ELFA Preschools provide a vibrant learning environment where children thrive with confidence and care
As ELFA celebrates 25 meaningful years, it remains committed to shaping young learners with strong roots, resilient minds, and the confidence to thrive in an evolving world.