Our History

Founded in 1993, and previously named the “International Grammar School”, ISHCMC was established to provide high quality education to children of expatriate families in Vietnam. From its humble beginnings in District 3, ISHCMC has expanded to two campuses located in Thao Dien with best-in-class learning facilities that serve as the foundation for learning.

At ISHCMC, we are extremely proud to have been the first international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. With a long history of graduating students to high profile universities around the world we are continuously looking forward whilst respecting and embracing our past.

The story so far

  • 1993

    ISHCMC, then known as International Grammar School, opens in District 3.

  • 1997

    International Grammar School is renamed ``International School Ho Chi Minh City`` and moves to its current location in District 2.

  • 1998

    ISHCMC is granted approval to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) Program.

  • 1999

    ISHCMC receives accreditation from the ECIS, now known as the Council of International School (CIS).

  • 2000

    ISHCMC graduates its first class of International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) students.

  • 2001

    ISHCMC's District 3 campus expands to include Early Explorers and Kindergarten students.

  • 2003

    Junior School students move to the An Phu campus.

  • 2008

    ISHCMC receives accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), securing recognition from two of the most renowned international accreditation organizations worldwide.

  • 2009

    A new administration building and a multi-purpose room/gymnasium are completed.

  • 2011

    ISHCMC joins the Cognita Schools Group, a family of over 60 schools worldwide.

  • 2012

    New facilities are added that include: science laboratories, music rooms, a gymnasium, a 25-meter swimming pool and new play areas.

  • 2013

    ISHCMC celebrates its 20th anniversary and its status as the first international school in Vietnam.

  • 2017/18

    ISHCMC officially inaugurates its new Secondary Campus.

  • 2018

    Celebrating 25 Years of Learning as Ho Chi Minh City’s first international school, continuing to serve over 50 nationalities.