International School Ho Chi Minh City - Secondary Campus vs Saigon South International School (SSIS)

	I International School Ho Chi Minh City - Secondary Campus Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	S Saigon South International School (SSIS) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₫849,400,000 - 959,000,000	Fees / year ₫479,212,000 - 882,200,000
Age range	Age range 11 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,400	Pupils 1,500
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 14
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2017	Opened 1997
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Secondary Campus is located in the Thảo Điền neighbourhood of Thu Đức City (District 2), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It lies in a well-connected area with access to many expatriate housing neighbourhoods and is about 15 minutes from the city centre. Bus routes cover multiple districts and the campus is part of the “one community, two campuses” model with the Primary Campus nearby.	Location SSIS is located at 78 Nguyen Duc Canh, Tân Hưng Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The campus is in the Phú Mỹ Hưng residential zone, a well-planned neighbourhood with lakes, green spaces and local amenities, and is approximately 20 minutes by car from the city centre.
Stages	Stages The school serves students aged approximately 11 to 18 and is structured for Grades 6-12 (Middle Years and High School). The curriculum follows the IB Middle Years Programme and then the IB Diploma Programme.	Stages The school serves Early Childhood (starting at age 3) through to Grade 12. It is organised into divisions encompassing Early Years/Kindergarten, Elementary (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12).
School type	School type It is a co-educational day school.	School type SSIS is a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school offers a Student Support and Enrichment team which includes Learning Support for students with mild-to-moderate learning needs, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and counselling. Individual learning plans (IEPs) are used where required.	Additional learning support The school offers Learning Support services for students with mild to moderate learning differences, working with parents and teachers to develop individual learning plans. It also offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for multilingual learners.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is international with no formal affiliation to a specific national system.	Country affiliation There is no formal affiliation to a particular national government. SSIS operates as a not-for-profit international school based in Vietnam, following an American standards-based curriculum.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure	School day structure While the exact daily times are not detailed on publicly available pages, the school operates a regular day schedule with morning advisory, class blocks, a lunch break and co-curricular activities after lessons.	School day structure Specific published times are not detailed on the school's website.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates a bus service for students aged 4 years and older, covering many districts of Ho Chi Minh City including District 1, District 2, District 3, District 4, District 5, Bình Thạnh, Tân Bình, Gò Vấp and Thu Đức. There is also a complimentary shuttle service between the Primary and Secondary campuses for eligible families.	Bus service details SSIS provides a bus service for students. Each bus has an assigned monitor to ensure students board and alight safely. For after-school activities (ASAs), special bus departures are scheduled (for example at 4:10 pm and 4:40 pm) with an extra charge for ASA-only riders.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Enrolment Fees A non-refundable application fee and registration fee are payable upon admission. These fees cover processing and administrative costs related to enrolment. Tuition Fees For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition fees vary by grade: * Grades 6–8: VND 849,400,000 per year (or VND 437,400,000 per semester / Term 1: 315,100,000 / Term 2: 225,100,000 / Term 3: 225,100,000 / Term 4: 135,100,000). * Grades 9–10: VND 888,200,000 per year (or VND 457,400,000 per semester / Term 1: 329,500,000 / Term 2: 235,400,000 / Term 3: 235,400,000 / Term 4: 141,200,000). * Grades 11–12: VND 959,000,000 per year (or VND 493,900,000 per semester / Term 1: 355,800,000 / Term 2: 254,100,000 / Term 3: 254,100,000 / Term 4: 152,500,000). Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Fees are billed per semester or per term, with due dates typically on 1 July 2025, 1 October 2025, 1 December 2025, and 1 March 2026. Boarding The school does not offer boarding facilities; all students attend as day students. Other Costs Additional costs include school uniforms, technology devices, transport (optional bus service), and some extracurricular activities. Refunds and Payment Options Refunds follow the school’s admissions and withdrawal policy. Payments are accepted via bank transfer; other methods may be arranged upon request through the school’s finance office.	Fee details * Application Fee: VND 10,000,000 (one-time, non-refundable, per new student). * Registration Fee: VND 60,000,000 (one-time, non-refundable, per new student, also applies to returning students re-enrolling after one or more years). Enrollment Deposit * Deposit: VND 45,000,000. * Payable upon signing the Letter of Acceptance (new students). * Deducted from the tuition invoice (from full payment or Q4 installment). * Refundable if a Departure Notice is given at least 60 days before leaving. Tuition Fees * EC3–4: 509,800,000 / Q1 178,430,000; Q2 127,450,000; Q3 127,450,000; Q4 76,470,000 * Kindergarten: 580,000,000 / Q1 203,000,000; Q2 145,000,000; Q3 145,000,000; Q4 87,000,000 * Grades 1–5: 702,700,000 / Q1 245,945,000; Q2 175,675,000; Q3 175,675,000; Q4 105,405,000 * Grades 6–8: 749,700,000 / Q1 262,395,000; Q2 187,425,000; Q3 187,425,000; Q4 112,455,000 * Grades 9–10: 794,300,000 / Q1 278,005,000; Q2 198,575,000; Q3 198,575,000; Q4 119,145,000 * Grades 11–12: 882,200,000 / Q1 308,770,000; Q2 220,550,000; Q3 220,550,000; Q4 132,330,000 Families choosing full annual payment by June 25 receive a 6% discount. Billing and Payment Schedule * Quarterly Installments: All installments are non-refundable. * Late enrollment: Tuition charged pro-rata (100%, 85%, 60%, 35% depending on entry quarter). * Refunds: Departure > 60 days = partial refund based on quarter (60% in Q1 → 0% in Q4). * Sibling Discount: 20% for third and subsequent children in the same family. Other Costs Families cover uniforms, lunches, personal supplies, AP & IB exam fees, extracurriculars (athletics, VEX Robotics, debate, performing arts), and bus transport. Students in Grades 4–12 must bring a MacBook. Payment Options Payments can be made via Vietcombank (Nam Sai Gon Branch) or Standard Chartered Bank (Vietnam) in VND or USD. All bank charges are borne by the payer, and an exchange rate applies to foreign currency transfers.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school requires wearing the approved SSIS uniform to school each day. Uniform items are purchased at the school store, and uniform details are division-specific as shown in the uniform items guide.
Food options	Food options Lunch options include hot Asian and Western meals, Taco Bowl, and to-go options.	Food options SSIS has a cafeteria with a catering partner (Aden) starting in the 2025–2026 school year. EC and KG receive pre-ordered lunches delivered to classrooms; Grades 1–12 use their SSIS ID card to pay for meals; menus are published by division. During kitchen and cafeteria renovations (February 24–June 4, 2025), meals were prepared offsite and delivered to the school.
House system	House system —	House system SSIS has a four-house system: Hydra, Naga, Shenlong, Wyvern. House shirts are worn for orientation and house-based activities; house colors are red for Hydra, green for Naga, yellow for Shenlong, and purple for Wyvern.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Cognita Family and Global Network.	Governance and ownership SSIS is established as a not-for-profit entity of the Phu My Hung Corporation.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) Secondary Campus follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework across all year levels. Students in Grades 6–10 study the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which integrates subjects such as Language and Literature, Mathematics, Sciences, Individuals and Societies, Design, Arts, and Physical and Health Education. From Grades 11–12, students undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP), which leads to the globally recognized IB Diploma qualification. The DP includes six subject groups and a core component of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Language learning, technology integration, and service are emphasized across all stages, and English is the main language of instruction. The curriculum prepares students for international university entry and supports diverse academic and personal pathways.	Curriculum details Teaching and learning at SSIS follow an American-standards based framework across Early Childhood through Grade 12, emphasising inquiry, student engagement and critical thinking. In the Elementary School, a written curriculum provides integrated “Super Units” that connect subjects such as English, Maths, Science, Social Studies, Arts and Vietnamese, while specialist teachers support subjects like Visual Art, Drama, Music and Physical Education. In Middle School, students move into discipline-based classes, expanding their study of modern world languages, mathematics, science and humanities. In High School (Grades 9-12), students can pursue the high school diploma pathway with a choice of Advanced Placement (AP) courses or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) alongside the SSIS Diploma. The program of studies shows that students earn credits by subject area and can select pathways that match their future study plans.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school runs a “Positive ISHCMC (POSISH)” framework, which includes advisory programmes and Personal, Social, Health & Education (PSHE) lessons to support students’ social-emotional development. It emphasises a teaching structure where homeroom/advisory teachers and counsellors work together to help students reflect on values, relationships and self-awareness. There is a clear intention that each student has access to at least one trusted adult in the school who can be approached about their social or emotional concerns.	Social & emotional learning Saigon South International School integrates social and emotional learning throughout daily school life. The Wellness Program helps students build skills in communication, empathy, responsibility, and community engagement. In the Elementary School, SEL is included through classroom activities such as goal setting and reflection. Middle School students participate in an Advisory Program focused on self-awareness, healthy relationships, and personal growth. In High School, regular advisory sessions and peer activities encourage connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging across the student community.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) A Learning Support team supports students with mild to moderate learning needs through differentiated classroom strategies and Individualised Learning Plans (IEPs). The school explicitly states that it is not a specialist SEN institution and does not undertake to provide for all specialised educational needs. The support services team collaborates with teachers and families when specific needs are identified.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides Learning Support for students with mild to moderate learning differences. This support is offered through collaboration between classroom teachers, learning specialists, and parents. Individual Learning Plans are developed to help students meet their academic and personal goals. SSIS clarifies that it is not a specialist SEN institution and cannot accommodate students requiring intensive or full-time therapeutic support.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme. Students whose mother tongue is not English may receive pull-out or in-class support in reading, writing, speaking and listening, and are monitored until they reach the required level of English proficiency. For students in Grades 6–7 there is an “Intensive English Language Program (IELP)” option for those with limited academic English who are preparing for the secondary years.	English as an additional language The school offers an English as an Additional Language program for multilingual learners starting from Kindergarten. EAL teachers work alongside classroom teachers to help students develop their English skills while engaging fully in classroom learning. English language proficiency is assessed during the admissions process to determine placement and support levels.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school runs a dedicated Health / Wellness Centre staffed by qualified nurses, which provides individual health counselling including emotional and physical health needs. The school aims to integrate wellness, mindfulness and student counselling within the advisory programme and broader wellbeing strategy.	Mental wellbeing Student mental wellbeing is supported through access to school counsellors and structured wellness education across divisions. The High School program includes counselling services, advisory sessions, and lessons focused on life skills and resilience. These initiatives aim to help students navigate academic and personal challenges in a supportive environment.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school has a published Safeguarding policy which states that all staff undergo screening, there are designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) for each campus, and referrals may be made to external agencies when appropriate. Access to campus is controlled (with 24-hour security, camera monitoring and visitor sign-in) and all staff have first-aid training and understand the reporting system for concerns.	Safeguarding Saigon South International School (SSIS) maintains a comprehensive Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy approved by its Board of Directors and reviewed every four years. The policy applies to all teaching and non-teaching staff and outlines clear responsibilities for protecting students’ safety and wellbeing. The school fosters a “Culture of Care,” ensuring all community members are aware of their duty to promote child welfare and report any concerns. A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), supported by divisional principals and counsellors, oversees the safeguarding process and coordinates a “Team Around the Child” approach to provide multi-layered support. Staff are required to record concerns using a secure online system (CPOMS), with clear procedures for emergencies, confidentiality, and follow-up actions. The policy also mandates annual safeguarding training, parent education sessions, and compliance with international and Vietnamese child-protection laws, including the 2016 Vietnamese Children’s Law and UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school operates two campuses, the Primary Campus and the Secondary Campus. The Primary Campus features a library, Fab Lab, Makerspace, food tech rooms, a film studio and dedicated art rooms. It also provides collaborative learning areas with wide corridors and break-out spaces, a gym, an adventure playground, a 25-meter pool with six lanes and outdoor courts. The Secondary Campus offers technologically advanced classrooms, collaborative learning spaces and senior study areas, along with specialist facilities to prepare students for the 21st-century world. These include an Information and Media Center, a professional theatre, recording studios, design suites and music practice rooms, plus food tech and science labs, a rooftop sports field and a 25-meter pool with eight lanes.	Facilities overview The SSIS campus spans 6 hectares and serves EC through Grade 12 in three divisions, with bright, modern classrooms and expansive outdoor spaces. Two new buildings were added in 2024 to expand learning spaces. Three libraries hold nearly 30,000 titles across divisions. A state-of-the-art IDEA Center and Design Lab, plus divisional maker spaces including the ES Spark Lab, support hands-on learning and design thinking. The HS IDEA center houses 3D printers, CNC machines, an industrial laser and water cutters, and a 3D scanner; SSIS also supports robotics through VEX and FIRST teams with a dedicated VEX arena for practice.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The Primary Campus provides a gym, an adventure playground, a 25-meter pool with six lanes and outdoor courts. The Secondary Campus provides an NBA-size basketball court and a rooftop sports field, along with a 25-meter pool with eight lanes. These spaces support the athletics and aquatics programs across ISHCMC.	Sports facilities Athletics facilities indoors include two air-conditioned gyms with three full courts for basketball and volleyball, a brand new fitness studio, and a six-lane pool. Outdoors, there are three full soccer fields with stadium lighting.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Primary Campus has a library, Fab Lab, Makerspace, food tech rooms, a film studio and dedicated art rooms to support inquiry-based learning. The Secondary Campus has an Information and Media Center, a professional theatre, recording studios, design suites and music practice rooms, plus food tech and science labs. Technologically advanced classrooms and senior study areas support independent and collaborative learning.	Academic facilities Bright, modern classrooms support instruction across EC through Grade 12. A state-of-the-art IDEA Center and Design Lab, with divisional maker spaces, support STEAM learning. The HS IDEA center houses 3D printers, CNC machines, an industrial laser and water cutters, and a 3D scanner. The MS design lab provides coding and construction, and the Spark Lab covers robotics, circuitry, physical computing, AR/VR, and multimedia. The libraries offer more than 25,000 physical books and more than 4,500 online titles across three divisions. The campus features a 360-seat auditorium and a Blackbox Theatre for performing arts.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Robotics and maker activities are supported by the ES Spark Lab, the MS design lab, and the HS IDEA center, with VEX and FIRST robotics teams and a VEX arena for practice. The performing arts spaces include a 360-seat auditorium and a Blackbox Theatre for after-school productions. Athletic facilities enable participation in citywide and regional leagues with two indoor gyms, a six-lane pool, a fitness studio, and three outdoor soccer fields with stadium lighting. Outdoor learning spaces and learning gardens provide environments for clubs and project-based activities. The libraries and arts spaces support a range of clubs, study groups, and performances.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) was founded in 1993 as the “International Grammar School” in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. It was renamed and relocated to what is now the Primary Campus in District 2 in 1997, and in 2011 the school became part of the Cognita Schools Group. In the 2017/18 academic year the school inaugurated its Secondary Campus. In 2023 the school marked its 30th anniversary.	History The school was founded in 1997 by the Phu My Hung Corporation as a non-profit international school. Lawrence S. Ting and Ferdinand P. Tsien are noted as the visionary founders behind the establishment of the school. Over time the school has expanded its campus, added new facilities and grown its student body to serve a broad international community. The governance is non-profit and linked to the Phu My Hung development.
Community	Community ISHCMC serves a community of families from 60+ countries, representing a wide-ranging cultural mix. The school hosts numerous cultural and community events, including celebrations such as the World Food Fest, Flag Parade and family-oriented social evenings. Parent workshops in multiple languages (for example Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese liaison groups) are offered to help families engage with school life.	Community The community at the school is multicultural, with students and families from a wide range of nationalities. Regular events include International Day, Family Fun Day, Elementary Sports Day and Christmas Tree Lighting which bring together students, parents and staff. The school emphasises parent-and-community involvement in planning and running these events, fostering active participation across the community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school’s Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) includes elected parent and faculty representatives who collaborate to support teachers, students and families. The PTO sponsors and supports major whole-school events such as “Family Fun Night”, the “International Festival” and the “Celebration of Cultures”. It also coordinates social gatherings for new families and runs the “Rhino Booster Club” that supports athletics and extra-curricular programmes. Communication channels and class-group liaison networks are supported via dedicated parent-led WhatsApp groups and family workshops.	Parent teacher association The PTA at the school comprises parents, teachers and staff working together to support the school community. It organises coffee mornings for new and returning parents to connect and receive updates, as well as large events such as the Family Fun Day and International Day. The PTA also runs “Parent Clubs” including Art Club, Book Club, Coffee Club, Spanish Language Class, Pilates Club and Sports Club. Country Ambassadors are part of the PTA network, assisting families from specific nationalities to connect within the school community. Volunteers are encouraged to join event committees and support initiatives throughout the school year.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual ISHCMC offers 95+ after-school activities for students from KG to Grade 12. Academic and intellectual ASAs include Model United Nations, Economics & Business Club, Maths Competition Club, Homework Club, and Writing Club. Primary ASAs include Claymation, Kungfu, Violin, Mad Scientist, Skating, Graffiti, Sewing, Chess, Taekwondo, String Ensemble, Choir, Calligraphy, Mindfulness, and Primary Production. Secondary ASAs include Band, Orchestra, String Ensemble, Choir, Theatre Productions, Maths competitions, Homework Club, Writing Club, and Yoga.	Academic & intellectual SSIS follows an American standards-based curriculum. The high school program includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). SSIS is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). SSIS is the only international school in Ho Chi Minh City offering both AP and IB in high school.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Arts program uses dedicated facilities including a 350-seat theater, Black Box theaters, a recording studio, music practice rooms, and art studios. The ISHCMC Performing Arts Academy provides music instruction aligned with ABRSM and RockSchool syllabi, with performances by individuals or ensembles. Students can participate in theatre and music performances and recitals throughout the year.	Arts & creative SSIS supports arts across visual and performing arts. The STEAM Design Center is 7,100 square meters and includes a makerspace, a robotics lab, an art exhibition space, visual art studios, and science labs. The high school offers AP Art and Design courses.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Japanese for Beginners, Chinese Calligraphy, and Vietnamese Cooking are among the cultural and language activities offered. Model United Nations provides cross-cultural academic engagement. CAS includes diverse cultural experiences such as language-related and global-awareness projects.	Cultural & language SSIS serves an international student body. SSIS provides an English-language curriculum with English-language support through its EAL program. During admissions, linguistic needs are comprehensively assessed to determine English-proficiency services. SSIS is a member of MRISA and SEASAC.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Secondary ASAs include Model United Nations, Economics & Business Club, Band/Orchestra/String Ensemble/Choir, Theatre Productions, Maths competition Club, Homework Club, Writing Club, and Yoga. Other activities include Graffiti art, anime drawing, Scuba diving, Cooking, and Jewellery making. Public Speaking, Debate Club, and Campus TV are also part of CAS activities.	Social & hobbies SSIS offers After-School Activities, athletics, and clubs. Students can pursue interests beyond class through ASAs and sports. Campus life includes a range of social and recreational opportunities.
Community & service	Community & service Leadership & Service supports Service in Action (PYP) and Service as Action (MYP) across Primary, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes. The Diploma Programme CAS area includes a wide range of creativity, activity and service projects, with examples such as Diversity, Global Issues Network, Go Green Go Clean, and other community initiatives. There is a broad list of service-oriented activities including Animal Rescue Center, Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, and other charitable groups.	Community & service Service in Action connects SSIS students with local partners to perform service. These experiences foster empathy and real-world understanding. The program is integrated across school life.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership and Service provides student leadership opportunities across IB levels through Service as Action and the DP CAS framework. CAS activities foster leadership and communication skills through activities such as Model United Nations, Debate Club, Public Speaking, and Campus TV. ISHCMC also offers College and University Counseling to support post-secondary planning.	Leadership & professional The Head of School is Dr. Catriona Moran. SSIS has a leadership team and a faculty recruited from around the world. Four high school guidance counselors support college and career planning. SSIS operates as a not-for-profit entity.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing ISHCMC participates in SISAC athletic competition with inter-school opportunities in Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Badminton, Gymnastics, Track & Field, and Cross Country. The ISHCMC Stingrays Swim Team has five levels and competes locally and internationally. Mindfulness and wellbeing are supported through a mindfulness program and safeguarding policies, with on-site clinic nurses available for student health needs.	Lifestyle & wellbeing SSIS provides well-being support through weekly advisory lessons in high school. Dedicated counselors support students' social and emotional growth. SSIS offers health and wellness initiatives and a broad program of student-life activities.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision ISHCMC Secondary delivers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for Grades 6–10 and the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12. Graduation pathways include the ISHCMC High School Diploma, IB Courses, and the IB Diploma Programme (with CAS, TOK, and EE) or a combination of IB and ISHCMC subjects. The school serves ages 11–18, with typical class sizes of 20–23 and a teacher–student ratio of 1:9. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided across the school, and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) for Grades 6–7 offers 20-week or 40-week options with six hours of daily study, following the MYP framework to prepare students for the mainstream IB curriculum. Within language study, Korean Language and Literature and Mandarin are taught. In 2025, 53% of graduates earned bilingual IB Diplomas, and 1,187 university offers were received with more than $56 million USD in scholarships.	Language provision The school uses an English-language curriculum. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for multilingual learners. During admissions, linguistic needs are comprehensively assessed to determine the level of English proficiency. EAL specialists collaborate with classroom teachers to support language development and ensure access to the English-language curriculum.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards * Cognita Holistic Education Award (2024): Presented by the Cognita Group in recognition of ISHCMC’s “Positive ISHCMC” wellbeing framework, which supports students’ personal and emotional growth.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations * Council of International Schools (CIS): An international organisation that evaluates schools worldwide to ensure they meet high standards in teaching, learning, and student wellbeing. * New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC): A US-based accrediting body that recognises educational institutions committed to continuous improvement and quality assurance. * International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: Authorised to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), ensuring globally recognised academic standards. * East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS): A network of international schools in East Asia that promotes collaboration and professional development among educators. * South East Asia Student Activities Conference (SEASAC): A regional association that provides opportunities for student participation in inter-school sports, arts, and cultural events.	Accreditations * Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based regional accreditor recognised for validating school quality and continuous improvement for schools in East Asia and the Pacific. * International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO / IB Diploma Programme authorisation): Authorisation that allows SSIS to offer the IB Diploma Programme, demonstrating it meets the standards and practices of the IB organisation. * College Board (AP Programme authorisation): Recognition that SSIS is authorised to offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, enabling students to take rigorous college-level subjects while in high school. * Council of International Schools (CIS) Membership: SSIS is a member of CIS which supports international school quality through benchmarked peer review and professional development. * Association of International Schools in South East Asia (AISA) or similar regional associations: SSIS holds membership in regional international-school networks (such as SEASAC and MRISA) which link the school to peer institutions for activities and standards.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Submit Your Application Families begin the process by completing the school’s online application form. Required documents include the student’s personal information, recent school reports, and relevant academic or health records. Supporting documents help the admissions team understand the applicant’s background and readiness. 2. Assessment and Interview Applicants complete an age-appropriate academic assessment and take part in an interview. This step helps the school understand each child’s learning style, English proficiency, and overall suitability for the IB curriculum. Assessments are designed to ensure students can access the school’s programmes successfully. 3. Receive an Offer Once assessments and interviews are reviewed, the school notifies families of the admission decision. Successful applicants receive an offer letter outlining placement details, conditions (if applicable), and fee payment information. The admissions office remains available to guide families through the following administrative steps. 4. Confirm Enrolment Families confirm acceptance by submitting the required documents and arranging fee payments by the specified deadlines. This step secures the student’s place and allows preparation for orientation and the start of school.	Admissions 1. Inquiry and Application Submission Families begin by completing the online application form and uploading all required documents. An application fee of VND 10,000,000 is payable at this stage. Applicants in Early Childhood to Kindergarten complete a developmental observation, while Grades 1–12 complete written assessments in English and mathematics. 2. Assessment and Interview Following the initial review, students may be invited for additional testing or an interview to determine English proficiency and overall readiness. The Admissions Office evaluates prior school records, assessment results, and whether the school can meet the student’s learning needs. 3. Decision and Offer After review, applicants may receive an offer of admission, be placed on the waiting list, or be declined. Accepted families receive a formal Letter of Acceptance, which must be signed and returned along with a completed health form. 4. Payment and Enrollment To secure a place, families must pay the required enrollment deposit and tuition (or first installment) by the due dates listed in the fee schedule. All payments must be completed before the student’s first day of class. 5. Orientation and Start New students and parents are invited to attend orientation sessions before the start of the academic year in August. Middle and High School students also meet with a counselor to confirm course selections and discuss academic planning. 6. Rolling Admissions Applications are accepted year-round, although placement is based on space availability. Families seeking entry in August are encouraged to begin the process by January of the same calendar year.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not publicly disclose any scholarship or bursary programme on its website. All students are subject to the standard admissions and tuition fee policies.	Scholarships SSIS offers the annual Lawrence S. Ting Scholarship for one Vietnamese student entering Grade 10 who has only attended local Vietnamese schools. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years, is awarded on the basis of academic excellence, English proficiency, interest in global/international affairs and service to others. The application timeline begins in December and features a written test, group discussion and interview rounds, with winners announced in May.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not publicly state that it operates a waitlist or pool system.	Waitlist SSIS operates a wait-pool (waiting list) system. Qualified applicants whose grade level is full are placed on the waiting list until space becomes available. Admission thereafter depends on space and on the candidate meeting requirements.
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