pioneer international schools in Ho Chi Minh City

List of pioneer international schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The long history of a school may be the best proof of its reliability. If you are seeking the most pioneering international schools in Ho Chi Minh city, this article is for you. So let’s check them out and quickly start the application process for your children.



1. International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)

International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is a leading international school located in District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Founded in 1993, it was the first international school in the city and has since established itself as one of the best in Vietnam. It is also a member of the Cognita group of schools in Vietnam, along with ISSP and ISHCMC-AA.

Top best international school in HCMC Vietnam

Students at International School Ho Chi Minh City

ISHCMC has two modern and spacious campuses, which are easily accessible for students aged 4 and above via the school’s safe and regulated bus transportation. The school is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering a range of IB programs that integrate the ‘Approaches to Learning’ (ATL) skills. These skills, which include social, communication, thinking, research, and self-management, help students develop their Learner Profile qualities and empower them to learn effectively both individually and in a collaborative environment.

In addition to the academic program, ISHCMC also offers a range of extracurricular activities that allow students to develop physically, such as claymation, kungfu, violin, skating, taekwondo, string ensemble, yoga, and cooking. Overall, ISHCMC provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in the future.

Comparison of International School Ho Chi Minh City and ISHCMC-AA

Extracurricular activities at ISHCMC


2. The ABC International School

The ABC International School HCMC is also on the list of pioneer international schools in HCMC. Founded in 1995, The ABC International School is proud of its student-centered focus and outstanding academic achievements. Currently, this international school has approximately 800 students from preschool to high school. Students at ABCIS come from more than 20 different countries creating a multicultural educational environment.

The ABC International School owns three campuses with three levels of education: Early Years, Primary and Secondary. The school is acknowledged and accepted as a member of the Council of British International Schools. ABCIS also has experienced and qualified lecturers from many countries such as the UK, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, China, France, and so on. From age 2 to 14, students at ABCIS study the National Curriculum of England. From age 15 to 19, students follow in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the Advanced Placement (AP) examinations.

Summer Camp in ISHCMC details (2022)

The ABC International School - one of pioneer international schools in HCMC


3. Saigon South International School (SSIS)

Opened in 1997, Saigon South International School (SSIS) is one of the first international schools in Vietnam. SSIS is well-known for its excellent education that prepares students for college in the US as well as its leadership in technology and innovation.

There are more than 1,000 pupils from over 35 nations attending the school, and the most popular nationalities are American, Vietnamese, Korean, and Taiwanese. The majority of teachers are from North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom, and the teacher-to-student ratio is 1:10. The teachers have an average of 17 years of experience, and more than 70% of them have advanced degrees.

Saigon South International School (SSIS) provides a curriculum based on American standards for grades EC (Early Childhood) through grade 12. The school also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and AP (Advanced Placement) Courses, as well as their college preparatory-level courses, allowing students to attend their desired university anywhere in the world.

List of international schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

SSIS - one of pioneer international schools in HCMC


4. British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC)

British International School Ho Chi Minh City was founded in 1997. The mission of BIS is to strive for a holistic education that promotes a passion of learning while balancing academic performance, character development, and overall well-being.

BIS HCMC provides education from the Early Years Foundation Stage (age 2) through Year 13 (age 19). Students in primary school study the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) based on the National Curriculum of England. With secondary students, BIS HCMC offers both the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Top International School near district 7 in Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam

BIS HCMC - one of pioneer international schools in HCMC


5. FOSCO International School

Established in 1997, FOSCO International School (FIS) is one of the earliest international schools in Vietnam. This school has always affirmed its reputation on the quality of care and education for students from 18 months to 11 years old. FIS aims to help children develop their best academically and physically.

For educational purposes, each classroom has a modern projection system. In addition, teachers often use smart interactive whiteboards for teaching. The classrooms are fully air-conditioned, spacious, and airy, suitable for growing children. Classrooms with bright colors and enough light ensure a healthy learning and playing environment for the children.

Besides using the US curriculum (Common Core State Standards), FIS also provides a variety of educational software to broaden students’ learning experiences such as Raz-kids, Mathletics, NAT-GEO, SAVVAS Social Studies, etc. This international school uses only English in teaching, so they offer the English Enhancement Program (EEP) to assist the English improvement of students throughout their education.

Furthermore, the school conducts overseas programmes twice a year (winter and summer) in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. These programmes provide students the opportunity to experience a professional learning environment, approach new cultures, and meet friends from everywhere. All of which encourage their independence and development after each trip.

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FOSCO International School - one of pioneer international schools in HCMC

In this blog, we have provided a general view of pioneer international schools in HCMC, Vietnam. Hope that those are useful for parents to make better decisions for your children. If parents need more details about international schools, you can visit our International School Ho Chi Minh City website to learn more.