School Profile

The International School Ho Chi Minh City is a private, non-denominational, international school for expatriate and Vietnamese children. The School was established in 1993 and was the first international school to open in HCMC.  While 16 years is still relatively young, the school has always focused on the provision of quality educational standards. The main Campus School is situated in the An Phu District about twenty minutes form the centre. The curriculum is international in focus and is based on the frame works of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (Preschool – Grade 5), the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (Grade 6 to 10), the International Baccalaureate Diploma (Grade 11 and 12). The school also manages a small bilingual high school, City College Campus, offering Cambridge International Examinations (Grade 9-12).

The school holds dual accreditation by the Council of International School (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleages (NEASC). The school is licensed by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and recognised by the Ministry of Education.  ISHCMC is governed by a Board of Management.

The School Provides:

  • A broad based international education for children 2 years – 18 years, accredited by the Council of International Schools and New England association of school and Colleges.
  • A challenging curriculum to address individual needs.
  • A safe, caring environment for students of transient, mobile families.
  • Specialist teachers for English as an Additional Language, Information Technology, Physical Education, Music, Drama, and Art. 

The IB curriculum was specifically created to meet the needs of an internationally mobile student body, and at its core is the requirement to take into consideration the needs of the whole child. It is a well-rounded course of studies, offering not only a very challenging academic inquiry-based curriculum, but also considers the personal and emotional development of students.

A four year programme (Grades 9-12) leads to the ISHCMC Academic Diploma, which is recognised as having the same equivalency as an American High School Diploma. In terms of external qualifications taught at ISHCMC, the IBMYP Certificate is offered in Grades 9 and 10, and the 2-year IB Diploma and Certificate programme is offered in Grades 11 and 12. 

Student Body:

The school serves families from over 36 different countries. Currently there are 1000 (approx.) students enrolled with the five largest representations coming from Korea, Vietnam, United States, Australia and Japan. Most students are likely to enter higher education in North America, the UK, Asia, Australasia, and Europe.

Teachers:

Teachers come from a varied group of nationalities with over 16 countries represented in our teaching and support staff.  Teachers are all qualified in teaching the IB curriculum and are supported by a programme of professional developments.

School Calendar:

The school year begins in mid-August and ends in mid-June. It is divided into two semesters. There are at least 180 teaching days per year.