APU American International School – Middle & High School Campus vs The American School - Ho Chi Minh City

	A APU American International School – Middle & High School Campus Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	T The American School - Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₫470,800,000 - 568,920,000	Fees / year ₫239,800,000 - 532,600,000
Age range	Age range 11 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (PYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 300	Pupils 575
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2004	Opened 2010
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Middle & High School campus is located at 286 Lanh Binh Thang Street, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City. District 11 is an established residential and commercial area with convenient access to central districts and major city roads. It is close to local amenities and public transport routes, making it accessible for families living across the city.	Location 06 Song Hanh Road, Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Freeway, Binh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Stages	Stages This campus serves Grades 6 to 12, covering both middle school and high school. Younger students (Kindergarten to Grade 5) attend the separate Preschool–Elementary campus located elsewhere in District 11.	Stages Pre-Nursery to Grade 12 (Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School, High School)
School type	School type The school is co-educational, enrolling both boys and girls. It offers day schooling as well as boarding (housing and dormitory) options for students who require on-campus residential facilities.	School type International school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides an English Language Development (ELD) program for students who need support developing English proficiency. The school does not publicly outline any specialist Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision or dedicated SEN facilities.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is affiliated with the United States, offering an American curriculum aligned with US educational standards.	Country affiliation Vietnam
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is non-religious and has no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure The school does not publicly provide a detailed daily timetable. It states that the academic year is organized into two semesters (Fall and Spring), but specific start and end times for the school day are not published.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a shuttle/bus service for students. Bus fees vary according to distance from the campus, with several distance-based fee bands available per semester. Families may choose to use the bus service depending on their location.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application Fees A one-time English Proficiency Testing & Application Fee of VND 4,500,000 is required for all new students. A one-time enrollment fee is charged upon acceptance: VND 40,000,000 for Grades 6–8 and VND 45,000,000 for Grades 9–12. A refundable deposit of VND 30,000,000 is required; this deposit is credited against tuition invoices but is non-refundable if the student does not attend. Tuition Fees (Per Year) Middle School (Grades 6–8): VND 470,800,000 High School (Grades 9–10): VND 521,400,000 High School (Grades 11–12): VND 568,920,000 Families may choose the installment plan (two payments per year) with an 8% finance charge added to the total tuition. Tuition must be paid in full by the listed deadlines to avoid penalties. Billing Schedule & Payment Terms Two options are available: Option A (full year): Entire year’s tuition due 15 June 2025. Option B (two installments): Two equal payments due at the start of each semester, including an 8% finance fee. Late payments incur a 10% penalty after 15 days and an additional 10% after 30 days, with possible suspension of student records. Boarding Fees The school offers boarding facilities. The Dormitory Fee is VND 57,500,000 per semester per student. A refundable housing deposit of VND 4,500,000 is required and returned only if no damage or outstanding fees remain. Additional Fees School Lunch: VND 21,850,000 per year School Uniform Set: VND 948,750 per set PE Uniform Set: VND 506,000 per set Material Learning Fee: USD 200 per student Workbooks: Charged separately Transcripts: VND 400,000 per request Transportation Fees Bus service is available with distance-based fees per semester per student: 0–5 km: VND 17,825,000 5–8 km: VND 20,163,950 8–12 km: VND 28,053,100 12–20 km: VND 33,021,100 Over 20 km: VND 45,586,000 Refund Policy Tuition is generally non-refundable. Lunch, bus service, and dormitory fees may be refunded for full unused semesters when cancellation is submitted at least 10 days in advance. Deposits are refundable only under the specific conditions listed in the school’s fee policy. Payment Options The published fee schedule does not specify payment methods; families typically arrange payment directly with the school’s finance office. Payment methods must be confirmed with the school at the time of invoicing.	Fee details Application fee - A non-refundable application fee of VND 5,800,000 is required at the time the application is submitted. Registration fee (one-time, non-refundable on acceptance) - Pre‑Nursery, Nursery, Pre‑Kindergarten: VND 30,000,000. - Kindergarten and Grades 1–5: VND 40,000,000. - Grades 6–12: VND 55,000,000. - The Registration Fee must be paid within five working days of acceptance to guarantee a place. Tuition fees by year group (Standard Tuition Fee 2025–2026; amounts shown as Annual and Semester charges) - Pre‑Nursery: VND 239,800,000 (Annual) / VND 131,600,000 (Semester). - Nursery: VND 239,800,000 (Annual) / VND 131,600,000 (Semester). - Pre‑Kindergarten: VND 295,100,000 (Annual) / VND 162,100,000 (Semester). - Kindergarten: VND 330,400,000 (Annual) / VND 182,200,000 (Semester). - Grade 01: VND 532,600,000 (Annual) / VND 292,300,000 (Semester). - Grade 02: VND 532,600,000 (Annual) / VND 292,300,000 (Semester). - Grade 03: VND 532,600,000 (Annual) / VND 292,300,000 (Semester). - Grade 04: VND 536,500,000 (Annual) / VND 295,000,000 (Semester). - Grade 05: VND 540,500,000 (Annual) / VND 297,600,000 (Semester). - Grade 06: VND 602,400,000 (Annual) / VND 331,800,000 (Semester). - Grade 07: VND 602,400,000 (Annual) / VND 331,800,000 (Semester). - Grade 08: VND 602,400,000 (Annual) / VND 331,800,000 (Semester). - Grade 09: VND 668,200,000 (Annual) / VND 367,400,000 (Semester). - Grade 10: VND 668,200,000 (Annual) / VND 367,400,000 (Semester). - Grade 11: VND 723,500,000 (Annual) / VND 397,700,000 (Semester). - Grade 12: VND 723,500,000 (Annual) / VND 397,700,000 (Semester). English as an Additional Language (EAL) support fees - Primary EAL: VND 37,600,000 (Annual) / VND 21,600,000 (Semester). - Middle/High School EAL: VND 47,800,000 (Annual) / VND 23,900,000 (Semester). Other service fees — Bus (transport) (annual / semester / day and per-route registration fees listed) - Route 01 (Thao Dien, An Phu, Binh An, Binh Khanh, Binh Trung Tay & Thu Thiem): Registration VND 13,900,000; Annual VND 8,200,000; Day VND 255,000. - Route 02 (District 2 other areas; District 9 Phuoc Long B, Binh Trung Dong): Registration VND 24,400,000; Annual VND 15,100,000; Day VND 355,000. - Route 03 (District 9 other areas; Binh Thanh; Thu Duc): Registration VND 33,600,000; Annual VND 18,600,000; Day VND 397,000. - Route 04 (Districts 1,3,4,5,7,8,10,11, Phu Nhuan, Tan Binh): Registration VND 37,100,000; Annual VND 20,900,000; Day VND 414,000. - Route 05 (Districts 6,12, Tan Phu, Binh Tan, Go Vap): Registration VND 41,700,000; Annual VND 23,200,000; Day VND 422,000. - Route 06 (Binh Duong, Bien Hoa, Long Thanh): Registration VND 53,100,000; Annual VND 31,900,000; Day VND 422,000. - Notes: 40% discount on annual bus service for second and subsequent children on the same family; one‑way service charged at 70% of the fee. New registrations or changes require notice to Admissions in advance. Lunch service fees (annual / day / registration where shown) - Early Childhood (Pre‑Nursery, Nursery, Pre‑K): Registration VND 23,900,000; Annual VND 13,200,000; Day VND 145,000. ECC students receive 3 meals per day (1 lunch + 2 snacks). - Primary School (Kindergarten–Grade 5): Registration VND 25,800,000; Annual VND 15,400,000; Day VND 170,000. Primary students receive 3 meals per day. - Middle and High School: Registration VND 15,100,000; Annual VND 8,200,000; Day VND 95,000. Middle/High students receive 1 meal per day. TOP‑UP options are available. - Notice for Bus/Lunch: to terminate Bus or Lunch service, submit written notice at least 5 working days before the last day of use. Textbook deposit and other incidental fees - Refundable Textbook Deposit: VND 21,000,000 per student (applies to Grades 1–12). The deposit is payable with tuition and will be refunded on withdrawal after deduction of any outstanding charges (lost/damaged textbooks, library fines, lunch/bus fees). - Additional charges not included in tuition: lunch, bus, AP exam fees, SAT exam fees, some special after‑school activities, and Week Without Walls program fees. - Additional administrative charges: extra copies of reports/transcripts/diplomas carry small fees (e.g., VND 150,000 for additional report copies; VND 250,000 for transcripts; VND 500,000 per additional diploma). What the tuition covers (items included in the tuition fee) - Tuition fees include uniform (two school uniforms + one PE uniform), hat, backpack, laptop, yearbook, general school supplies, online application services, national health insurance, and accident insurance for on‑campus incidents or school‑organized trips. Billing schedule, payment terms and penalties - Payment options: Annual payment or Semester payment. Annual payment is settled in advance; Semester payments are paid in advance each semester. All fees are invoiced in VND; payments originating from outside Vietnam may be accepted in USD by bank transfer at prevailing bank exchange rates. Bank transfer is the preferred method; cash or credit card payments must be pre‑arranged with the Accounting Department. Documentary proof of bank transfer must be provided. Bank account details (VND and USD accounts) are provided for fee payment. - Semester payment deposit: when choosing Semester payment, a deposit of VND 30,000,000 is required to secure placement for Semester 2; this deposit is deducted from Semester 2 fees if the student continues and is not refundable if the student does not re‑enroll for Semester 2. - Typical semester deadlines (example schedule): Semester 1 payments are due ahead of the start of Semester 1 and Semester 2 payments are due ahead of Semester 2; example dates used previously were mid‑July for Semester 1 and mid‑December for Semester 2. Late payment policy: 10 business‑day grace period; after that, interest at 0.2% per day is applied. Academic records may be withheld and the school may suspend enrolment if fees remain unpaid 20 days after the published deadline. Refund and withdrawal procedure - A written Withdrawal Notification must be submitted to Admissions at least 60 working days before the student's last day. Refunds of tuition apply only to families who paid under the Annual Tuition Payment option; refunds are calculated as a percentage of the Annual Tuition Fee based on the withdrawal date and the school's published refund schedule. The Textbook Deposit refund is handled separately after deduction of any outstanding charges. Boarding (residential) provision - Boarding is not provided. The school operates as a day school and offers bus transportation and lunch services rather than boarding facilities. Accepted payment methods and bank details (summary) - Preferred method: bank transfer (VND accounts are standard; USD accepted for payments originating outside Vietnam). Cash and credit card payments are accepted only if pre‑arranged with the Accounting Department. Parents are responsible for any bank charges and must provide proof of transfer with the payment reference: “Tuition, student name, grade, academic year.” Bank account names, account numbers and SWIFT codes are provided for both VND and USD transfers. Notes on discounts and sibling policy - Sibling discounts: 10% off the annual tuition for the second (younger) child in the same family; 25% off the annual tuition for the third (youngest) child and subsequent children. This applies to both Annual and Semester payment options.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school offers a boarding program for students who do not live in Ho Chi Minh City or wish to board. Dormitories are within five minutes' walking distance from the campus. Senior staff act as dorm parents and a big brother or big sister is appointed to each student; dorm parents provide care around the clock, especially after school hours. Each dorm includes a lounge and kitchen area; bedrooms house one or two borders and are furnished with queen-sized beds, dressers, wardrobes, end tables and desks.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniforms are provided; uniforms include 2 school uniforms and 1 PE uniform.
Food options	Food options Dormitory services include breakfast, lunch and dinner.	Food options Lunch is included in tuition; the TAS cafeteria provides meals.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school was started by Dr. Binh Tran, as noted in the history timeline of APU International School.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a School Board; the Chairman of the School Board is Mr. Văn Xuân Thiện, who is also the CEO of TAS.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The Middle & High School campus follows a US-based curriculum aligned with American academic standards. Middle school students (Grades 6–8) study core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies, along with elective courses that prepare them for upper-level coursework. High school students (Grades 9–12) follow a credit-based system using Carnegie units, completing required subjects across English, math, science, social studies, computer science, physical education, and the arts. Students in Grades 11 and 12 may take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and participate in the College Bridge Program, which allows them to earn university credits while still enrolled in high school. Vietnamese nationals also complete compulsory subjects such as Vietnamese History, Geography, and Civics as required by the Ministry of Education and Training. The English Language Development (ELD) program supports students who need additional English preparation before transitioning into the full academic program.	Curriculum details American Curriculum with an international perspective. English is the teaching medium; EAL support is provided for students whose English is not yet strong, though EAL is not offered for Grades 10-12. For English Language Arts and Math, TAS follows Common Core Standards and Benchmarks; Science uses Next Generation Standards (Common Core Linked); Social Studies uses AERO Standards. The Early Childhood Center follows GELDS. The curriculum is organized into Early Childhood, Elementary (grades 1-5), Middle School (grades 6-8), and High School (grades 9-12). TAS is a Candidate School for the IB Primary Years Programme and is pursuing authorization for the IB Diploma Programme; annual Curriculum Guides describe course descriptions.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results 95% college acceptance rate. 30 national awards won. 15 scholarships awarded. 1000+ standardized test scores.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Graduates go on to universities worldwide, including Johns Hopkins University, Cornell University, the University of Southern California, New York University, Harvard University, the University of Melbourne, the University of British Columbia, and UC Irvine.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school integrates social and emotional development through its structured community service programme, which is a graduation requirement and encourages students to develop empathy and responsibility. The Student Council provides a platform for students to express concerns, organise activities, and participate in school decision-making, supporting the development of confidence and leadership skills. The school’s counselling staff also works with students during academic planning, which includes conversations about personal goals and adjustment to school life. Beyond these published elements, the school does not publicly outline a dedicated SEL curriculum or specialist SEL staff.	Social & emotional learning The school integrates social and emotional development across its programs. The Early Childhood Program uses GELDS to develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills and to create a comfortable, secure learning environment. In Elementary School (grades 1–5), educators guide students as engaged inquirers and help them weave thoughts, emotions, and experiences into learning. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their actions, building self-worth and confidence. The approach emphasizes emotional development and relationship-building as a daily part of learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information about specialist SEN programmes, staffing, or specific types of learning needs it can support. There is no published indication that the school provides individualised SEN interventions, diagnostic services, or specialist learning support staff. The school does not describe itself as a specialist SEN institution. Based on publicly available information, only general academic and counselling support is described, and no SEN-specific facilities are mentioned.	Special educational needs (SEN) A Learning Support Department determines English as an Additional Language (EAL) needs and provides EAL support. Students take an English Proficiency test as part of the admissions process. If EAL support is required, it will be billed for this added layer of support. EAL students are assessed at the end of the year to reevaluate their academic progress.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school offers a formal English Language Development (ELD) programme for students who need support before joining the full academic curriculum. Students are placed into one of seven proficiency levels and receive instruction in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The programme also teaches academic skills such as research and presentations to prepare students for mainstream classes. The school states that the goal of ELD is to prepare students to transition into the American curriculum within about one year. No additional EAL programmes beyond ELD are publicly described.	English as an additional language Additional English Language Support is available for students who require it. Students take an English Proficiency test as part of the admissions process. The Learning Support Department determines the need for EAL support and bills for it. EAL progress is reassessed at the end of the year to evaluate academic progress.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school’s Counselling Department provides academic and personal counselling for students, including guidance on course selection, exam preparation, university pathways, and managing school transitions. The founder and counselling team meet with students to support goal-setting and decision-making during their middle and high school years. The school does not publish information about mental-health-specific services such as psychologists, therapists, or wellbeing programmes. Beyond academic and personal counselling, no other structured mental well-being initiatives are publicly detailed.	Mental wellbeing A School Counselor provides ongoing mental health support for students. In cases of acute mental health issues, referrals to outside professionals are made. The safeguarding framework supports safety and wellbeing through policies and procedures. The National Child Protection Hotline is 111. Safety procedures guide staff and families in addressing concerns.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose a safeguarding or child-protection policy on its website. There is no published information about designated safeguarding staff, child-protection procedures, or reporting protocols. While information is available regarding housing supervision and transport arrangements, these do not constitute formal safeguarding policies. Therefore, only limited operational safety information is publicly available, and detailed safeguarding procedures are not provided.	Safeguarding The school has adopted a Child Protection Policy to safeguard the health, safety, and protection of children. Educators identify children in need of help and take steps to connect them with services. Staff must report concerns to the appropriate administrator and the school counselor. The School Counselor assesses cases and implements safety plans, including involvement of outside authorities when needed. Safety procedures provide step-by-step responses to concerns and emergencies. The National Child Protection Hotline is 111.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Middle & High School Campus is located at 286 Lanh Binh Thang Street, Phu Tho Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, and serves Middle School–High School (Grades 6–12). The campus offers a boarding program with dormitories located within five minutes' walk of the campus. Dorms include lounges and kitchens, and each dorm bedroom houses one or two borders and is furnished with queen-sized beds, dressers, wardrobes, end tables and desks. Dormitory services include round-the-clock security, meals, tutoring support and after-school guidance, a Big Brother and Big Sister Program, room cleaning and laundry, and extensive after-school and weekend activities plus early morning exercise. Academic lessons run 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with after-school activities extending beyond the day (3:30 PM–4:30 PM for Elementary and 3:35 PM–4:45 PM for High School).	Facilities overview The new TAS campus was completed in 2020 and serves Pre-Nursery to Grade 12 with a capacity for over 2,000 students. There are more than 100 classrooms on a 25,000 m2 campus. The nearly 3-hectare grounds are green, secure, and open. Academic blocks are organized by grade levels and connected to sports facilities, swimming pools, playgrounds, and a large indoor gym. Inside, students have access to interactive classrooms, science labs, robotics rooms, music studios, and creative arts facilities, with open learning zones and outdoor spaces.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The School Life program includes sports-oriented clubs, such as Football Club and Badminton Club. After-school activities include opportunities for sports, as listed under the School Life offerings. These clubs provide students with ongoing athletic engagement beyond the standard classroom schedule.	Sports facilities Academic blocks are connected to sports facilities, a large indoor gym, and swimming pools.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities APU offers International, Bilingual, and Integrated Bilingual Programs, along with an ELD Program and AP & CBP Courses. University Acceptance support is part of the academic program. A 5th-grade science lab is featured in campus activities, illustrating the presence of science facilities on site. (Academic program details are available under International Program, Bilingual Program, Integrated Bilingual Program, Summer Program, ELD Program, AP & CBP Course, and University Acceptance.)	Academic facilities Inside, students benefit from interactive classrooms, science labs, robotics rooms, music studios, and creative arts facilities.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Community Service is a graduation requirement, with service learning forming a core part of student development. Examples of service initiatives include clothing collections for orphanages, fundraising for flood victims, and Christmas toy drives. The Student Council supports student governance, leadership, and school life activities. Clubs include Football Club, English Club, Music Club, Math & Science Club, Charity Club, Badminton Club, and Photography & Movie Club, with guidance from a faculty member and information available at reception.	Extra curricular facilities Students have opportunities for neighborhood field trips, industry visits, technology events, and international exchange activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History APU American International School was founded in 2004 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, by Dr. Thy Nguyen Truong, who continues to oversee its development. The school was established with the goal of offering an American-style education for both local and international students. In 2015, APU expanded to include a second campus in Da Nang, extending its reach across Vietnam. The Preschool and Elementary division of the Ho Chi Minh City campus was later introduced in 2017 to provide early childhood and primary education aligned with the American curriculum. APU remains part of the larger APU Educational Development Group, which manages all academic programs and partnerships.	History The American School (TAS) was granted the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training international school operating license on September 12, 2014. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS). It is an IB World School with Primary Years Programme (PYP) authorization and Diploma Programme (DP) candidacy. The new TAS campus was completed in 2020, increasing capacity to serve over 2,000 students.
Community	Community APU promotes an active and diverse school community with events that bring together students, teachers, and families. Annual activities such as International Arts Week, Music Club performances, and service-learning projects encourage creativity and teamwork among students. Cultural celebrations, including Vietnamese Teachers’ Day and international holiday observances, help build a sense of connection and respect for cultural diversity within the community.	Community The American School fosters the growth of the whole child in a multicultural environment aligned with American educational models. There is a strong partnership among motivated students, caring faculty, and parents. The leadership team is described as dynamic and dedicated to supporting student growth and innovation. TAS maintains international accreditations and partnerships, including WASC and CIS, and offers IB PYP programming.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school’s website does not publicly provide information about a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or its specific activities. While parent engagement is encouraged through school events and communication channels, there is no dedicated PTA body, leadership structure, or published calendar of meetings and events. Parents appear to participate mainly through school-organized community events, parent–teacher conferences, and orientation sessions.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual Over 20 clubs and activities are available to Middle School students. The clubs span arts, academics, sports, music, cooking, and leadership. Notable examples include debate, Model United Nations (MUN), STEM and robotics, and cross-disciplinary projects that connect science and the humanities. These experiences strengthen perseverance, collaboration, time management, and creative problem-solving.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts are a core part of TAS Life, with clubs in visual art, theatre, and filmmaking. Students create and showcase work through performances and exhibitions. These activities foster creativity, storytelling, and artistic expression.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Middle School students learn a second language—French, Chinese, or Korean—alongside strong English. The language program is immersive and integrated into weekly schedules, with learning through interactive activities, group projects, films, and cultural events. This multilingual exposure supports global citizenship and prepares students for IB, AP, and international universities.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Over 20 clubs cover hobbies including cooking. Clubs provide opportunities to pursue personal interests and socialize with peers. Extracurricular time is treated as essential for well-rounded development.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Beyond clubs, TAS organizes Environment Week, Global Citizenship Days, charity programs, and interdisciplinary field trips. These activities foster responsibility, global awareness, and a sense of belonging to something larger than oneself. They also help build a strong personal portfolio for future studies.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Middle School students have leadership opportunities: running their own interest-based clubs, participating in the Student Council, representing the school in Model United Nations (MUN), and debating in internal and international competitions. Teachers act as mentors, helping each student shape a leadership style grounded in empathy, collaboration, and accountability. These experiences build leadership credentials for High School and beyond.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports are a core part of TAS life. The school competes in the Saigon International Schools Athletic Conference (SISAC) across six sports: basketball, volleyball, soccer, table tennis, cross country, and swimming. Mustangs sport events and activities foster teamwork, discipline, and physical wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English language development is part of the International Program, with ESL included at the High School level. The Bilingual Program provides extensive English exposure—12-18 periods per week with 90% of instruction from foreign teachers—and uses CALLA to integrate English with other subjects. The Integrated Bilingual Program combines Vietnamese and American education and emphasizes English instruction across levels. Vietnamese nationals follow MOET requirements for Vietnamese History, Geography, and Civics.	Language provision English is the teaching medium at The American School. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is provided; elementary EAL is integrated into classroom lessons with an Assistant Teacher, and a dedicated EAL Coordinator oversees the program. All new students whose mother tongue is not English take a WIDA English Language Proficiency assessment before starting, with placement determined by the EAL team and counselors; EAL support is provided for Grades 6–9, and TAS does not provide EAL programs for Grades 10–12. Vietnamese classes are available as tutoring with associated fees.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Yes. The Middle School and High School campuses offer a Bilingual Program and an Integrated Bilingual Program. The Integrated Bilingual Program combines Vietnamese and American education and was launched for Early Childhood through High School in the 2023-2024 academic year. The Middle School and High School components emphasize English instruction, with 12-18 periods of English per week and about 90% of instructional time taught by foreign teachers, and they use the CALLA model to integrate English with other subjects.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs English immersion is provided through the Bilingual Program and Integrated Bilingual Program. The Bilingual Program emphasizes English language instruction, with 12-18 periods of English per week and about 90% of instructional time taught by foreign teachers, and it uses the Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA). The Integrated Bilingual Program combines Vietnamese and American education and features English instruction as part of its framework.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school’s website does not list any institutional awards received.	Awards National Awards Won — TAS has earned 30 national awards.
Accreditations	Accreditations APU American International School states that it has received accreditation and membership certification from leading international educational organizations, aligning its programs with recognized U.S. education standards. However, the school’s website does not specify the names of accrediting bodies for the Preschool & Elementary campus or the full school system.	Accreditations WASC Accredited School — The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits TAS from Early Childhood through High School. CIS — The Council of International Schools (CIS) is a global membership community TAS participates in. IB PYP Authorized — The American School is an IB Primary Years Programme Authorized School. IB DP Candidate — The American School is an IB Diploma Programme Candidate School. DOET License — The American School was granted the official operating license as an international school by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training on September 12, 2014.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Online Application Submission Families begin by completing the school’s online application form. At this stage, parents provide basic student information and contact details. After submitting the form, the Admissions Office reviews the application and contacts families to explain the next steps. Applicants are also informed about the required English Proficiency Testing & Application Fee. 2. Campus Visit and Consultation Parents are encouraged to book a school tour through the “Book an APU Experience” form. During the visit, families can see the campus, meet staff, and discuss programme choices such as the English Language Development (ELD) pathway or boarding options. Admissions staff also explain tuition fees, enrollment fees, and required documentation. 3. Placement Assessments and Documentation Students complete an English proficiency test, which is required for placement into either the mainstream American curriculum or the ELD programme. Families also submit academic records and any additional documents requested by the admissions team. The school then reviews these materials to determine appropriate grade placement. 4. Offer of Placement and Enrollment Fees If the student is accepted, the school issues an official offer. Parents must pay the one-time enrollment fee and the refundable deposit to secure the place. Only after these payments are completed is the placement confirmed. 5. Final Enrollment and Service Selection Families finalize their choices for optional services such as school lunch, bus transport, and boarding. The school guides uniforms, learning materials, and the start-of-year schedule. Students entering the ELD programme receive placement level information before beginning classes.	Admissions 1. Consultation. Schedule a meeting to discuss programs and suitability for prospective students. The consultation may include a campus visit to learn about the program options and admission requirements, helping determine fit with TAS offerings and your child's needs. 2. Required Application Documentation. Submit all necessary forms and records for the application. The required documents include the application form, the application fee, a scan of the child's passport or birth certificate or ID, a recent digital passport photo, two years of previous school records and transcripts with notarized English translations where applicable, the TAS Recommendation Form, and a completed TAS Medical Report. 3. Placement Assessment (If Applicable). A placement assessment may be required to determine the appropriate academic level based on the application materials. If living in Ho Chi Minh City, it will be conducted on campus; if living overseas, it can be arranged as a remote assessment. Assessments may include the WIDA English Language assessment and the MAP for language and math, as applicable. 4. Admission Decision. The Head of Section will provide an admissions decision based on all submitted documentation and any necessary assessments, within 3 working days provided the application fee has been submitted. 5. Enrollment. The Admissions Team will issue an official Acceptance Letter with information and links for Fee Options, Meal Plans, and Bus Registration. 6. Registration Fee. After acceptance, parents must deposit the registration fee within one week (5 working days) from receipt of the invoice to secure the place; the registration fee is non-refundable.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school states that it offers scholarships for eligible students, including merit-based opportunities linked to academic achievement. Scholarship information is presented broadly, focusing on students’ successes in receiving university scholarships and related support from the school’s guidance team. However, the school does not publish detailed criteria, application procedures, award amounts, or eligibility requirements for its internal scholarships. Families are encouraged to discuss specific scholarship options directly with the Admissions or Counseling Office.	Scholarships TAS provides scholarship counseling through dedicated teachers who guide students in portfolio development and application preparation. TAS students have earned over USD 200,000 in scholarships from top universities worldwide. AP courses and a U.S.-standard curriculum support scholarship applications and real-world experiences are integrated to strengthen university scholarship opportunities. Graduates have been accepted to leading universities including UC Berkeley, NYU, University of Toronto, Penn State, and the University of Sydney.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not publicly disclose the use of a waitlist or pool-based admissions system.	Waitlist —
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