Top 20 Best International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Top 20 Best International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City

There are 35 international schools in Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding area, with 13 British schools, 11 IB schools in Shangai and 9 American schools.  Most are English-speaking and some are bi and multi-lingual.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city with a population of around 9 million.  The city is famous for the pivotal role it played in the Vietnam War and for its 19th Century colonial French landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral, entirely built from imported, French materials, Central Post Office, designed by French architect Alfred Foulhoux but is often mistakenly credited to Gustave Eiffel, Hotel Continental, City Hall and the Opera House.  Ho Chi Minh City is modern metropolis with some impressive modern design and architecture including the Bitexco Financial Tower and the soon to be constructed Fulbright University and Central Park developments.

In spite of its size and bustling streets, Ho Chi Minh City is a safe and friendly city.  Vietnamese people are very helpful, welcoming and open.  They are happy to become friends with people from other parts of the world and love to practice their English.  The Vietnamese love children and enjoy meeting them, taking pictures and sometimes sniff kissing them.

Language  

Although many Vietnamese people speak English it is very useful to learn a few basics.  Some of the older generation, in particular, do not speak any English so they appreciate any efforts that you have made to learn Vietnamese.

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Before the ranking, check out our Featured Best Schools in Ho Chi Minh City:

Renaissance International School Saigon

 I am consistently impressed with all aspects of the school  

Renaissance International School Saigon logo

Ages
2 to 18

Curriculum
English, IB, IGCSE, PYP, MYP, IBDP

Primary Language
English


Where Ho Chi Minh City international schools are distributed (view our List of International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City to see a live map):

Best international schools in Ho Chi Minh City

Best International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City - Rankings

Note: our rankings are based on parent, pupil and teacher reviews. If you think your Ho Chi Minh City school should be in the top 20, get reviewing - we want to hear from real people with real experiences at schools so parents, teachers and pupils get the real story when they research their next school. You can find your school in the full List of International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City, or search by name here.


British International School Ho Chi Minh City 

5.0 from 6 reviews

Curriculum

English,IB

Primary Language

English

Ages

2 to 18

Description

The British International School Ho Chi Minh City offers a British style education to the international community of Ho Chi Minh City leading to qualifications that are recognised, valued and respected around the world in universities and institutes of further education. Our three campuses all have first class facilities resourced to the highest level and staffed with dedicated, skilled and committed teachers, ensuring that BIS education is amongst the very best available anywhere in the world.

BIS HCMC teachers are typified by their dedication and commitment, and our continuing professional development means that we make the best use of contemporary educational practices. You will find that BIS is a very welcoming community and new students very quickly feel at home here.

The happiness and contentment of our students is of utmost importance to us: the academic success that we have achieved here comes about through rigour, hard work and discipline, but also through a very strong pastoral element that accompanies the emotional development of The British International School Ho Chi Minh City students.

 Read British International School Ho Chi Minh City reviews

La Petite Ecole 

5.0 from 5 reviews

Curriculum

French

Primary Language

French

Ages

1 to 11

Description

La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh is a French international school with a multilingual program based in the family-friendly neighborhood of Thao Dien.

La Petite Ecole welcomes children from 12 months old in the nursery, 3 to 6 years old in our preschool until 11 years old in our elementary school (until Grade 5). La Petite Ecole provides a true multilingual education: the French curriculum is taught in all classes in an equal split between French and English by two native teachers, with in addition Vietnamese classes for every student. La Petite Ecole makes French excellency possible to everyone - an unprecedented offer in Ho Chi Minh City.

With one unique campus in Thao Dien, La Petite Ecole has amazing facilities for the kids to have fun, grow & develop with a football and basketball field, a swimming pool, a large canteen, a dedicated music room, libraries, and physical education rooms.

With more than 25 different nationalities, La Petite Ecole promotes the values of tolerance and caring within its school, with a comprehensive pedagogical approach that fosters the autonomy, curiosity and motivation of each student. In addition to the academic curriculum, the school offers a wide range of optional extra-curricular activities. Children can take part in around 25 different activities after school, including music, football, pottery, cooking class, Vovinam and many others. These activities complement children's overall development and reinforce their commitment to learning. 

 Read La Petite Ecole reviews

Saint Ange French International School 

5.0 from 5 reviews

Curriculum

French

Primary Language

French

Ages

1 to 11

Description

Saint Ange French International School is a private, francophone and secular school. Saint Ange is the only French private school that has received approval in the category International School issued by the Vietnam ministries and administrations, as well as the AEFE homologation. In Saint Ange School, the fulfillment of your children is our priority.

For that, they will learn in an environment perfectly adapted to their ages, supported by a professional pedagogical team listening to them. Indeed, to ensure their success, Ecole Saint Ange offers a team of experienced French teachers, all graduates of the French National Education, and whose mission is to lead your children, step by step, to success, in harmony and security.

Your children will receive a quality French education, in strict compliance with the programs of the French Ministry of National Education, reinforced by a sustained practice of English to which they will be initiated from kindergarten. Thus, your children can easily reintegrate the French educational system as public or private, anywhere in the world.

 Read Saint Ange French International School reviews

International School Saigon Pearl 

4.9 from 6 reviews

Curriculum

American

Primary Language

English

Ages

1 to 11

Description

International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) is a world-class, purpose built Early Years and Elementary international school children 18 months to 11 years old in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Our teaching and learning approaches consists of the ISSP 4 Dimensions; Conceptual Learning, Inquiry Based, Skills Focused and Student Empowerment.

These support the development of the whole-child and provide a balanced education. We are proud to be the only international elementary school in Vietnam offering outstanding opportunities to our students, which include subject specialist classes; Art, Music, World Languages, Physical Education and an Innovation Hub incorporating STEAM, a Green Screen studio, Maker Space and Robotics. It is our firm belief that to deliver personalized learning through a comprehensive academic program, we must continue to provide learning environments that stimulate and engage young learners.

Our international curriculum and dynamic approaches to teaching and learning with American standards compliment our students transitioning to our secondary schools, International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) or ISHCMC American Academy.

 Read International School Saigon Pearl reviews

Saigon South International School 

4.8 from 15 reviews

Curriculum

American, IB

Primary Language

English

Ages

3 to 18

Description

Saigon South International School (SSIS) is one of the oldest international schools in Vietnam and has earned a reputation for its robust college preparatory program, excellence in teaching and innovation, and the infusion of Core Values into the program and the student experience.

These Core Values - the pursuit of Academic Excellence, a grounding in a Sense of Self, a commitment to Dedicated Service, striving for a Balance in Life, and a heartfelt Respect for All unite us as a school and are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to the intellectual and personal development of each student, and we believe that our values will help prepare them for a purpose-driven life as a member of an increasingly globalized and changing society. We believe that a rigorous and challenging academic program is an essential preparation for the top colleges and universities around the world. At the same time, we are just as aware that international communities can be transient and we recognize the importance of offering a program which allows for the successful transition for our students to other elementary and secondary schools around the globe.

 Read Saigon South International School reviews

Aurora International School of the Arts 

4.8 from 8 reviews

Curriculum

Reggio Emilia

Primary Language

English

Ages

1 to 11

Description

Aurora International School Of The Arts is home to children from 1 to 11 years old. As a member of the Common Ground Collaborative, the School's systems have been created to build the capacities of every child and to ensure an Aurora learner is an expert learner. Fostering life-long learning in the Early Years and Primary settings, teachers as co-constructors support children through self-discovery, imagination and creativity. The School's mission is to inspire and develop the potential in each child through child-led investigations and provocations, in an environment that fosters independent exploration, encourages social interactions and invites children to represent their ideas and reflect on their learning through accessible documentation.

 Read Aurora International School of the Arts reviews

Saigon Star International School 

4.8 from 5 reviews

Curriculum

English, International, IB

Primary Language

English

Ages

2 to 14

Description

At Saigon Star International School we provide a safe and supportive learning environment, and every opportunity for children to be successful both as learners and as contributors in a changing world.

We are proud to be the first and only international school that is accredited with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in Vietnam; a curriculum which we believe helps us to achieve our Shared Vision, embrace our community’s wide diversity and foster a love for lifelong learning. At Saigon Star, we supplement the IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), the IPC and the IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum) with the English National Curriculum.

We provide specialist teachers with expertise in Sports and Swimming, Music, Performing Arts and Mandarin. All of our teachers arrive fully qualified or licensed, with at least 3 years experience from their home country. Our aim is to provide all of our teachers with consistent, high quality professional development opportunities that positively impact our learners and ensures longevity in our journey together.

 Read Saigon Star International School reviews

Vietnam Australia International School 

4.8 from 5 reviews

Curriculum

English

Primary Language

English

Ages

2 to 18

Description

Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) is a private school group with the national education system offering K-12 education programmes. At present, VAS is offering educational services to nearly 9,500 students from K through 12 at 7 campuses in Ho Chi Minh City.

At VAS we understand that nothing is more important and valuable to a child than having an opportunity to obtain a sound education that enables him or her to be successful in the future. We are very proud to offer such foundations. We apply some of the most updated teaching methods to provide students with profound cultural and core knowledge alongside practical life skills and life values.

We also aim to create a comfortable and friendly environment where every student can experience and express kindness, love and respect and are supported appropriately to make the most of their natural abilities.

 Read Vietnam Australia International School reviews

EtonHouse E-Maison International Pre-School 

4.8 from 5 reviews

Curriculum

Reggio Emilia

Primary Language

English

Ages

1 to 6

Description

EtonHouse E-Maison International Pre-School Thao Dien is a Reggio-inspired school which holds the Image of the Child at the core of all decision-making. We view children as capable, competent and leaders in their own learning. With us upholding this image of the child, it will lead us to “give them the recognition of their rights and of their strengths” (Malaguzzi). Our children co-construct knowledge and understanding of their world as researchers alongside our teachers. Learning further occurs through collaborative conversations and respectful relationships between our teachers, children, parents and the environment, who all form part of our learning community.

EtonHouse E-Maison International Pre-School was founded in 2016 with the dream of our founder, Ms Ann Low, who believed: “Everything that you can imagine you can do … and whatever you dream will come true!” (Martin Luther King). Her dream is true for our children as they work in an environment that allows them to explore their ideas, thoughts and feelings, and realize their potential as global citizens of the present and future.

Our environment, referred to as the 3rd teacher, is inclusive where children negotiate and interact respectfully and reciprocally. Our Reggio-inspired classrooms create a sense of awe and wonder where children have the freedom to explore their spaces as inquirers, thinkers and learners. Our outdoors environment, designed FOR children, allows a safe space for children to take risks and work with nature.

You are invited to explore our spaces and discover the joy of learning through play. I welcome you to EtonHouse E-Maison International Pre-School.

 Read EtonHouse E-Maison International Pre-School reviews

International School of North America 

4.8 from 8 reviews

Curriculum

American, Vietnamese, IB

Primary Language

English

Ages

5 to 18

Description

International School of North America (SNA) Ho Chi Minh City is committed to achieving high standards in every area of school life. Our campus is very new and boasts an array of labs, music rooms, ICT suites, virtual golf rooms, art rooms and other specialized areas.

We nurture a community spirit at SNA where parents are actively encouraged to become involved in the vision of SNA and we also offer opportunities to everyone to volunteer to help raise funds for many of the local charities that SNA has become involved with over the years.

 Read International School of North America reviews

Lycée Francais International Marguerite Duras 

4.7 from 7 reviews

Curriculum

English, French

Primary Language

French

Ages

3 to 18

Description

Lycée Français International Marguerite Duras of Ho Chi Minh City is a public establishment approved by the French Ministry of National Education. It is part of the AEFE network   which brings together more than 522 schools, colleges and lycées established outside France, in 137 countries, and which offer education in accordance with the requirements of French National Education programs. 

It is the only one approved in Ho Chi Minh City to pass the exams of the National Diploma of the Patent and the Baccalaureate. Since the start of the 2010 academic year, the lycée has had new and equipped buildings over more than 24,000 m²,  specially designed by an architectural firm . 1,200 children are enrolled in school, from the small kindergarten section (from 3 years old) to the Terminale class of the Lycée.

The Lycée Français International gives itself all the means at its disposal to ensure children the best chances of academic success and promote their development.

 Read Lycée Francais International Marguerite Duras reviews

International School Ho Chi Minh City 

4.6 from 15 reviews

Curriculum

IB, PYP, MYP, DP

Primary Language

English

Ages

2 to 18

Description

International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) established in 1993, ISHCMC is the oldest international school in Ho Chi Minh City and the first IB World School in Vietnam. ISHCMC provides the International Baccalaureate with a culturally diverse perspective to students aged 2 - 18 years.

ISHCMC is a vibrant co-educational school of over 1,400 students representing over 59 nationalities and provides a unique learning experience from Early Years through to Grade 12.

As one of the few IB Continuum schools in Vietnam, ISHCMC offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Through the IB curriculum, students construct understandings and knowledge of their world through personalized learning experiences and inquiries that develop a deep understanding of important concepts in global contexts.

 Read International School Ho Chi Minh City reviews

Vietnam Finland International School 

4.6 from 6 reviews

Curriculum

Finnish,International,Vietnamese

Primary Language

English

Ages

6 to 16

Description

Vietnam Finland International School (VFIS)’s educational programmes are designed to prepare pupils for lifetime success, not only equipping them with foundation knowledge, but also nourishing essential skills for future working life and nurturing good human characteristics. The school’s curriculum adopts the quintessence of Finnish education adapted to Vietnam while reflecting globally recognised trends and practices.

Finnish education has been recognized as one of the best education systems in the world. Besides being the best performing students, Finns are also one of the happiest students among all. 

 Read Vietnam Finland International School reviews

EMASI Nam Long - EMASI International Bilingual Schools 

4.6 from 5 reviews

Curriculum

Bilingual, English, IGCSE, A-Level, International, Vietnamese

Primary Language

English

Ages

3 to 18

Max Class Size

24

Description

EMASI Nam Long School EMASI group, a group of private schools with international-standard facilities that delivers Vietnamese national curriculum program using modern teaching methods from developed countries. EMASI stands for the strengths that the schools focus on: English, Mathematics, Art, Science, and Information Technology.

The schools offer intensive Cambridge English program in addition to Vietnamese MoET curriculum in order to provide dual language proficiency to students from age of 3 to 18. Nam Long is our new world-class campus, designed by one of the leading architectural companies. The facilities of the school demonstrate our strong commitment to creating exciting, vibrant, modern learning environment for our students that encourages their lifelong love for learning. EMASI Nam Long campus is located in the heart of Nam Long Resident Area in Tan Thuan Dong, District 7.

The convenient location of the campus allows resident parents and parents in the surrounding areas to avoid heavy traffic when going to and from the school. The school was designed with environmental concerns in mind, to provide a safe, secure and environmentally-friendly, natural place to learn and explore for its students and teachers.

 Read EMASI Nam Long - EMASI International Bilingual Schools reviews

Renaissance International School Saigon logo Renaissance International School Saigon 

4.5 from 9 reviews

Curriculum

English, IB, IGCSE, PYP, MYP, IBDP

Primary Language

English

Ages

2 to 18

Max Class Size

18

Description

Renaissance International School Saigon Renaissance International School Saigon is a medium sized family school with a close-knit community, experienced fully qualified teachers and great academic results.

We are a school that places the student at the heart of the learning process, we have an outstanding faculty recruited locally and internationally, we offer an excellent programme across the range of Early Years (from 2 years old) to Year 13 (up to 18 years old), our facility is first class and continually improved to enhance student learning.

Our students graduate to outstanding universities and colleges around the world.

 Read Renaissance International School Saigon reviews

British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City 

4.5 from 5 reviews

Curriculum

English, EYFS, International Primary, IGCSE, A-level

Primary Language

English

Ages

0 to 18

Max Class Size

20

Description

The British Vietnamese International School (BVIS) is one of the leading international schools in Vietnam. We are the only bilingual school in Vietnam that is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools and with a licence to teach an international curriculum. BVIS has in its very short life already established itself as one of the leading international schools in Vietnam, and the only bilingual school in Vietnam that is fully accredited by CIS (Council of International Schools). The school’s fifth set of examination results this year prove that the school is delivering an excellent educational platform for our young people.

With our world class facilities and well qualified, experienced staff, we are well placed to ensure that students who join the school have the support and the expertise to help them reach their educational ambitions. We take great pride in the care and support we offer children at the school. This care extends right across the campus from Early Years Foundation Stage provision through to IGCSE and A Level studies. Our staff are committed to ensuring the best outcomes for your child and ensuring they are able to access the university and jobs of choice when graduating from BVIS. The internationally recognised British style curriculum coupled with traditional Vietnamese learning styles makes our school unique and a very special learning environment.

Only at British Vietnamese International School will your child experience a unique bilingual international curriculum, enhanced by collaborations with world-leading organisations such as MIT, Juilliard and UNICEF.

 Read British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City reviews

Australian International School Saigon 

4.3 from 10 reviews

Curriculum

IB, English

Primary Language

English

Ages

2 to 18

Description

At the Australian International School (AIS) Saigon we want our students to listen to the world around them, to hear it hum, and to grow into young people who are curious, reflective and want to make a positive difference to their world. AIS emphasises the development of each student’s academic ability and encourages well-rounded, confident individuals who aspire to achieve their potential.

No matter their cultural background and capabilities, students at AIS have access to a contemporary and comprehensive curriculum. By combining a rigorous curriculum, high expectations and an inquiry-based approach to teaching, students are encouraged and supported both to build their knowledge and, just as importantly, develop their critical thinking skills.

Through using real-world experiences, our approach helps children demonstrate their understanding, thus ensuring learning is deeper and more sustained.

 Read Australian International School Saigon reviews

European International School Ho Chi Minh City 

4.3 from 11 reviews

Curriculum

IB

Primary Language

English

Ages

2 to 18

Description

With possibly the most convenient location for Thao Dien families, European International School Ho Chi Minh City (EIS) is the only tropical boutique international school in the area, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum of studies for children aged 2-18.

Our vibrant, unified campus is a place where students, teachers and parents of all grade levels and different backgrounds interact freely with each other within a home-from-home, tranquil village atmosphere. EIS offers a truly diverse ‘melting pot’ of 40+ nationalities and global cultures, where students are encouraged to find their unique voice, to pursue languages, and to contribute to all aspects of school life.

Our passionate EIS teachers, with over 13 years’ average experience, are well-practiced in individualised learning methods. With a very low student-to-teacher ratio, particularly in the middle-high school sections of the school, students benefit directly from more frequent access to teachers.

Graduating IB Diploma students consistently achieve well-above the world averages, and have achieved acceptances into prestigious universities worldwide, often with significant merit-based scholarships. For the first time, all of our Class of 2020 achieved the IB Diploma, with 85% obtaining the challenging bilingual diploma.

EIS provides an outstanding world-class education for students, evidenced by our full accreditation status with the Council of International Schools (CIS), while also providing outstanding value for money.

Being a medium-sized school, we are large enough to offer a wide range of educational opportunities, while also being intimate enough to provide the unique personal attention and care that each child deserves.

If you would like to explore our school and discover how EIS can be an exceptional fit for your family, please contact Admissions Office via (+84 28) 7300 7257 or [email protected].

 Read European International School Ho Chi Minh City reviews

The Montessori International School of Vietnam - Thao Dien Campus 

4.2 from 8 reviews

Curriculum

Montessori

Primary Language

English

Ages

1 to 12

Description

The Montessori International School of Vietnam (MIS) takes great pride in providing care and education to children in their formative years. Parents expect different things from their child’s first schooling experience.

Some parents come to me and say that they would like their child just to be happy. Others expect their child to be academically advanced when leaving our programme. At MIS, happy experiences and academics are not mutually exclusive. They are components of our curriculum and programme, but they are neither the end nor the beginning of the child’s education.

We strive to bring out the whole and best human being in each child.

 Read The Montessori International School of Vietnam - Thao Dien Campus reviews

Lavele Academy 

4.2 from 5 reviews

Curriculum

English

Primary Language

English

Ages

2 to 6

Description

At Lavelle Academy, we have proudly been offering the Early Childhood Program from the Ministry of Education and Training Vietnam, combined with New Zealand's Early Childhood Curriculum Te Whariki. Focused on nurturing children's social and emotional development, our philosophy and facilities’ design create a unique learning environment for each child.

Children experience and make sense of the world through their own play-based discoveries, fuelled by their natural curiosity. Bringing genuine working life practices and processes into learning situations means children engage in a meaningful way with genuine interest. The development of the whole child is encouraged.

 Read Lavele Academy reviews

Other International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City

There are 15 other international schools in Ho Chi Minh City that didn't make it into our Top 20, either because they didn't have enough reviews or its review rating was too low. If your school is one of those and you think it should make the Top 20, make sure you add your review and tell your story via the school links below.

School Curriculum Rating
APU International School American 5.0 / 5
Montessori International School of Vietnam Montessori 4.5 / 5
American International School of Vietnam American, IB 4.2 / 5
International German School Ho Chi Minh City German 4.1 / 5
Western Australia International School System Australian, IB 3.7 / 5
The ABC International School English 3.5 / 5
The American School American 3.5 / 5
International School Ho Chi Minh City - American Academy American 3.5 / 5
Canadian International School Vietnam Canadian, IB 3.3 / 5
Wellspring Saigon International Bilingual School American, Vietnamese 3.0 / 5
FOSCO International School American 3.0 / 5
The River House Montessori Montessori 3.0 / 5
Horizon International Bilingual School - Ho Chi Minh Campus English, Vietnamese 2.9 / 5
EMASI Van Phuc - EMASI International Bilingual Schools Bilingual, English, IGCSE, A-Level, International, Vietnamese 2.8 / 5
Singapore International School @ Saigon South English, Singaporean n/a

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Juliet Ryder

My family and I are originally from the UK but have also lived in Australia and Spain. We have always wanted to make sure that our 3 boys have the best possible experience living abroad and that our travels have a positive impact on their education.


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