A new chapter in special needs education began on 5 January 2026 with the first day of school at ACS (Academy), a newly opened Methodist school in Singapore serving students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).1 The school, part of the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) family renowned for its rich Christian heritage and commitment to holistic education, welcomed its inaugural cohort with enthusiasm, prayer and community support.
Located at a holding site on Teck Whye Crescent, ACS (Academy) opened its doors to about 40 boys and girls distributed into three Lower Primary classes tailored to their individual learning support needs. Class sizes vary to ensure that each pupil receives the attention and structure they require, with academic stages categorised as lower, middle and upper primary to reflect different learning rhythms without stigma.
At many schools in Singapore, the presence of parents is common on the first day of school. But at ACS (Academy), there were no parents in sight, as the school had conducted an orientation for parents and pupils a week prior on 29 December 2025. Only one or two teary eyes were seen, quickly soothed by friendly faces of teachers and volunteers.
Ms Esther Kwan, the school’s principal, warmly greeted pupils who arrived by school bus, car or on foot, engaging them with questions like, “Do you like your new school uniforms?” and “Who has new school shoes and school bags?” Conversations bubbled with excitement as pupils sat together to wait for assembly to begin.
Ms Kwan, who was formerly principal of Grace Orchard School, said, “I am overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude for those who paved the way, those who are labouring beside me and for the immense privilege to be part of this work. My prayer is that ACS (Academy) will truly be a beacon of truth and light, and that it will stand from year to year an emblem of grand endeavour—a gift from above as ACS celebrates 140 years!”
Ms Kwan was joined by the other staff of the school. There are about 20 staff, of which eight are MOE-trained teachers (including Vice-Principals Dr Morgan Zhou and Mr Neo Beng Seng), ensuring that the school is well-equipped to support its learners both academically and socially.
Leadership and community presence
The significance of the day was marked by the presence of several members of the School Management Committee, such as Dr Eunice Tan and Mr Richard Seow. Mr Seow shared his sentiments on the milestone, which has been more than 10 years in the making: “I’m grateful. It’s all happened in God’s timing.”
The school’s partner, Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), the social outreach arm of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), was represented by Mr Ho Kah-Choy, COO of MWS, and former MWS Board of Governance member Mr Terence Wee, underscoring the collaboration between education and welfare sectors in fulfilling the school’s mission.
Bukit Panjang Methodist Church, the church that will plant a preaching point at the school, was represented by its Pastor-in-Charge, Rev Christopher Kong, and pastor Rev Jason Lee, who will serve as the school’s chaplains. As with other Methodist schools, the school Chaplain-in Charge, Principal and Christian Ministry Staff will be part of the Chaplaincy Committee, overseeing the Christian ministry in the school.2
The first assembly
Calmness and respect set the tone during the assembly, guided by a behavioural cue, “Calm hands and quiet feet.” The familiar Malay command of “Sekolah, sedia!” was taught before everyone stood at attention to sing the National Anthem, say the pledge and then sing the ACS school anthem. The voice of a young ACSian was heard at the end, “Did I sing the school song good?”
Daily devotions are practised in the Methodist schools. Rev Kong led the first devotion, offering reassurance to students adjusting to their new surroundings. “If you have big feelings, remember that our God in the Bible says that we can be strong and brave because God is always with us.” His message was followed by a heartfelt prayer and final encouragement: “Remember, children, the best is yet to be!”—echoing the longstanding ACS motto that inspires generations within the Methodist educational tradition.
1 ACS (Academy) supports children and youth on the autism spectrum, without intellectual impairment, in accessing the National Curriculum across primary, secondary and pre-vocational pathways. For more information about the school, visit https://acsacademy.edu.sg/.
2 The Book of Discipline of The Methodist Church in Singapore, 2025 Temporary Edition.
Lianne Ong is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy of Richard Seow and Hwee Yong Loi