Renaissance International School Saigon vs Saigon South International School (SSIS)

	R Renaissance International School Saigon Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	S Saigon South International School (SSIS) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₫189,500,000 - 805,600,000	Fees / year ₫479,212,000 - 882,200,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 500	Pupils 1,500
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 14
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2007	Opened 1997
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Renaissance International School Saigon is located at 74 Nguyen Thi Thap, Tan Thuan Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The area is a modern, family-friendly district known for its international schools and residential communities. It is well-connected to central Ho Chi Minh City by major roads and bridges, and is close to shopping centres, cafés, and recreational areas.	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 educates students from Early Years (age 2) through to Year 13 (age 18). It is divided into Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, and Sixth Form, offering a continuum from the IB PYP to IGCSE and 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 Renaissance 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 provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and tailored assistance for students who need extra help with academic progress. Learning support is coordinated through classroom teachers and specialist staff to ensure inclusive participation.	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 follows a British-style international curriculum framework combined with IB programmes, but it is not officially affiliated with any single country.	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 The school day typically begins at 8:00 am and finishes around 3:30 pm, with morning and lunch breaks provided. Specific timings vary slightly between Early Years, Primary, and Secondary levels.	School day structure Specific published times are not detailed on the school's website.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a bus service for students, operated through a contracted provider. The service includes multiple routes across District 7 and other nearby districts, with pick-up and drop-off points arranged for convenience and safety.	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 Fee A one-time, non-refundable application fee is VND 2,000,000 (Early Years–Year 2) or VND 4,000,000 (Year 3–Year 13). Registration Fee Payable once upon acceptance: VND 25,000,000 (Early Years), VND 40,000,000 (Primary), and VND 55,000,000 (Secondary). Security Deposit VND 22,000,000 per child, refundable with at least 90 days’ written withdrawal notice before the final school day. Tuition Fees by Year Group (Annual Amounts) EARLY YEARS * Early Years 1 (Half Day): 189,500,000 * Early Years 1 (Full Day): 291,600,000 * Early Years 2 (Full Day): 208,500,000 * Early Years 2 (Full Day, older cohort): 320,700,000 * Early Years 3: 379,800,000 PRIMARY SCHOOL * Year 1: 491,300,000 * Year 2: 556,800,000 * Year 3: 617,400,000 * Year 4: 617,400,000 * Year 5: 617,400,000 * Year 6: 617,400,000 SECONDARY SCHOOL * Year 7: 691,000,000 * Year 8: 691,000,000 * Year 9: 691,000,000 * Year 10: 725,900,000 * Year 11: 725,900,000 * Year 12: 805,600,000 * Year 13: 805,600,000 Other Fees * Meal Fees (annual): Early Years 17,200,000 \| Primary 18,800,000 \| Secondary 20,400,000 * School Bus (annual): VND 28,900,000 – 38,700,000 depending on distance * Uniforms: Three standard and two PE sets plus cap and school bag provided for new Early Years and Primary students Payment Schedule & Terms Tuition is billed in advance, payable annually or by term. Annual full payment saves 15%. Late payments incur a 0.05% daily fee. Payments accepted via bank transfer to Standard Chartered Bank (VND) or Shinhan Bank (USD).	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 The school requires students to wear the Renaissance uniform. Uniform details are published to parents in the Parent Handbooks, and uniforms are included in tuition with additional items at parents' expense.	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 —	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 Renaissance is governed by a Board of Directors that sets the mission, vision and core values, determines strategic direction, appoints and supports the Head of School, and reviews policies and financial matters. The Head of School leads day-to-day operations and is supported by a Senior Leadership Team.	Governance and ownership SSIS is established as a not-for-profit entity of the Phu My Hung Corporation.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Renaissance International School Saigon offers a comprehensive international curriculum from Early Years through to pre-university level. The Early Years programme follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) framework, focusing on inquiry-based learning and the development of essential early skills. The Primary School continues with the IB PYP, building knowledge through transdisciplinary themes across core subjects. In Lower Secondary, students study a combination of the Cambridge curriculum and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which is currently a candidate programme. During Years 10 and 11, students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, and in Years 12 and 13, they undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). This progression offers a clear and internationally recognized pathway leading to university study.	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’s Counselling Department works with Form Tutors and Homeroom Teachers to integrate wellbeing programmes into designated curriculum time. The counsellor provides short-term individual and group sessions, and may refer to external professionals when required. The school states that wellbeing is delivered alongside academic support via a coordinated team of teachers, counsellors, and support staff. As of now, the website does not list specific SEL curricula or staff credentials by name.	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) The school states it supports students with varied learning backgrounds and styles, and that admissions assess language proficiency and may request assessment documents such as IEPs or reports. It explicitly says that this is not a specialist SEN institution, and that support is offered “where feasible and appropriate.” The website does not specify the full range of SEN types it can accommodate, nor detailed staffing or dedicated resource-rooms.	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 describes a dedicated EAL programme offering in-class and small-group support for students who arrive with limited English. Teachers collaborate with parents and faculty to help learners access the mainstream curriculum. Workshops for parents are also noted. This is a clearly defined support structure on the school website.	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 states that students’ physical, emotional and social wellbeing are priorities, and that the welfare team promotes resilience, self-care and strong relationships. It reports that over 95% of parents say their children feel happy, safe and respected according to a recent survey. The website does not however provide a detailed mental-health policy or full description of counselling service capacity.	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 website affirms a commitment to student welfare and states that staff screening is required for employment. However, the school does not publish a publicly accessible detailed child-protection or safeguarding policy document specifying e.g. reporting protocols, named safeguarding leads or governance oversight.	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 has a 25m indoor saltwater swimming pool with five lanes, used for lessons and competitive swimming under a dedicated coach. The library serves as a hub for information, technology, and reading literacy, with a regularly updated collection and a dedicated teacher-librarian who supports learners from Early Years through the IB Diploma Programme, including digital literacy courses. The campus features a 320-seat, sound-proofed theatre for school productions and community events, a dining room served by Skyline offering a range of options including Asian, Korean, Western and vegetarian dishes, and a sports hall central to the extensive sporting programme. The campus also houses an Art Room, a Music Room and a MakerSpace with CAD/CAM, 3D printing, robotics and project-based learning, plus outdoor spaces with shaded seating and pathways. A large 6000m2 grass sports field supports training and events alongside an AstroTurf pitch.	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 Indoor swimming pool: 25m indoor saltwater pool used for lessons and competitive swimming with a dedicated coach. The Sports Hall is the central space for the school's sports programme and community events; it is undergoing renovation for the new academic year. In addition to the pool and sports hall, there is an AstroTurf football pitch and a 6000m2 grass sports field to support wide-ranging sports, training and matches.	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 Academic facilities include a well-equipped library with a teacher-librarian and digital literacy program serving Early Years through IBDP; science laboratories for practical work across subjects; a MakerSpace with CAD/CAM, 3D printing and robotics; dedicated computer resources to support learning; Art Rooms and Music Rooms for the arts; and outdoor learning spaces on campus.	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 Extracurricular offerings include competitive swimming with a dedicated coach and school swim teams; theatre productions in a 320-seat theatre; arts and music programs; a MakerSpace enabling coding, robotics, CAD/CAM and 3D printing; and outdoor events and sports activities on the large grass field and AstroTurf pitch, plus a central sports hall for community events.	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 Renaissance International School Saigon was founded in 2007 and is identified as one of the early international schools in Ho Chi Minh City. Ownership traces to a partnership of Vietnamese founders dedicated to establishing an English-medium international school in Vietnam. Over time the school has grown its authorisations, and it now describes itself as a full-age provision from early years to Year 13.	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 The school community regularly hosts news, events and blog posts under a “News & Events” section, reflecting a calendar of school-wide gatherings, cultural celebrations and community updates. Typical events include sports days, student leadership and service-learning activities, and whole-school initiatives engaging students, parents and staff.	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 website does not publicly disclose a detailed overview of a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) with named committees or specific recurring events.	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 Renaissance offers three IB programmes—the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (IBDP)—alongside the Cambridge IGCSE. The PYP serves students aged 2 to 11 and emphasizes inquiry-based learning and foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and science. The MYP provides a balanced curriculum that includes arts, music, and sports and fosters global-minded, creative, critical, and reflective thinkers. The Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme offer rigorous study pathways that prepare students for higher education and future careers.	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 Arts, music, and sports are integrated within the MYP as part of the school's holistic IB approach. The curriculum emphasises arts-rich learning to develop creativity and problem-solving across subjects. The school fosters creative thinking through project-based learning and opportunities to engage in arts-related activities.	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 Mandarin, Korean, French, and Vietnamese are offered as World Languages. The language environment provides immersive learning with language-rich resources, specialised classes, tutoring, and assessments to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Language learning is supported by a program that addresses individual language needs and builds confidence in communication.	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 Enrichment programmes include a wide range of after-school clubs and activities that extend learning beyond the classroom. The enrichment program covers life skills, leadership/service, and personal interests. Participation in these activities broadens social connections and supports personal development.	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 Service Learning is integrated into the curriculum and engages students from the youngest age to the CAS projects of the IB Diploma. Through thoughtful investigation, planning, and participation in community service action, students become empowered agents of positive change. The Pastoral Care Programme supports a safe, inclusive environment that values every child and fosters belonging.	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 Enrichment includes leadership opportunities within after-school programmes, including leadership/service activities. Service-learning and CAS projects provide pathways to developing professional and civic skills. Students gain experience in collaboration, planning, and responsibility through these activities.	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 Physical Education and Sports are central to school life; all students participate in two PE lessons per week and may take part in after-school coaching, teams, and interschool competitions. House-based activities and events foster belonging and school spirit. Pastoral Care and a safe, inclusive environment support student well-being and personal growth.	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 English is the language of instruction. Mother-tongue study is offered in English, Vietnamese, and Korean. From Year 2, French and Chinese are available as additional World Languages. Mandarin Chinese is offered as a World Language alongside Korean, French, and Vietnamese.	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 The school uses English as the language of instruction. It supports mother-tongue study in English, Vietnamese, and Korean. From Year 2, French and Chinese (Mandarin) are offered as additional World Languages. The language provision is integrated across the curriculum to support international-minded learners.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs The language environment is immersive and language-rich, with resources and activities designed to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The school provides language supports through specialised classes, tutoring, and assessments to address individual needs. World Languages include Mandarin Chinese, Korean, French, and Vietnamese.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations * Council of International Schools (CIS): An accreditation body for international schools that evaluates institutions against global standards of governance, student learning, and safeguarding; the school was re-accredited in May 2023. * International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO): The school is authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme and is part of the IB’s continuum accreditation, meaning all three IB programmes are offered. * Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE): The school is approved to offer Cambridge IGCSE and other Cambridge international qualifications, which are recognised globally. * Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA): A network membership for British-style international schools in Asia, offering collaboration and activities across schools. * East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS): A regional membership that connects schools in East Asia for professional development, student exchanges and educational cooperation.	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. Inquiry and Initial Contact Families begin by contacting the Admissions Office or submitting an online inquiry form. The Admissions team provides detailed information about the school, programmes, and available year levels. 2. Campus Visit and Consultation Parents are invited to visit the school for a campus tour and consultation. During this visit, the Admissions Officer discusses the curriculum, facilities, and placement options suited to the student’s age and background. 3. Application Submission Applicants complete the official application form and submit required documents, including recent school reports, a copy of the student’s passport, and a birth certificate. A non-refundable application fee of VND 2,000,000 (Early Years–Year 2) or VND 4,000,000 (Year 3–Year 13) is payable at this stage. 4. Assessment and Interview Students undergo placement testing and/or an interview depending on their year group. The school uses the results to determine academic readiness and English language support requirements. 5. Offer and Registration Successful applicants receive an offer letter. Once parents accept, they must pay a registration fee (VND 25–55 million depending on level) and a security deposit (VND 22 million) to confirm the place. 6. Orientation and Start The school provides orientation for new students and parents before the term begins to help families integrate smoothly.	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 offers Merit Scholarships for Secondary students, covering partial tuition for high-achieving applicants. Awards are based on academic performance, personal achievements, and an interview process. Students must submit additional scholarship application materials, including school transcripts and references. Scholarships are reviewed annually and may be renewed based on continued academic achievement and positive school engagement.	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 Renaissance International School Saigon does not publicly mention a waitlist or pool system on its admissions pages. Admissions are processed on a first-come, first-served basis once applications and assessments are complete, subject to space availability.	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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