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International School of Laos (ISL)

Laos, Vientiane

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 550
Type Co-educational
Opened 2006
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Lao, Mandarin, Korean
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

International School of Laos (ISL) is a private international school with campuses in Vientiane and Pakse. Established in 2006 as the Eastern Star Bilingual School, ISL delivers a blend of Lao national and Cambridge curricula to meet diverse student needs. The bilingual programme merges the Lao National Curriculum with the Cambridge framework, while the international programme runs Cambridge Primary through Secondary to IGCSE and AS/A Level years, all taught in English with additional language options in Chinese and Korean. Cambridge Assessment International Education accreditation confirms its international credential. Facilities across Nongbone, Thongkang, and Pakse campuses include science laboratories, an ICT room, robotics room, library, music and art rooms, and Smart boards, with Pakse offering a swimming pool. ISL supports a global community of 30+ nationalities and offers the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. A broad range of clubs and trips to the UK, China and Australia enrich academic and personal growth.

23 Singha Road, Nongbone Village, Saysettha District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

The Essentials

International School of Laos (ISL) has 550 pupils, instruction in English.

Location

Three ISL campuses: Nongbone Campus, Nongbone Village, Saysettha District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR; Pakse Campus, Unit4, Ban Kang Village, Pakse District, Champasak Province, Lao PDR; Thongkang Campus, Thonkang Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Stages

Early years through secondary levels (Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary).

Type

Private international school

Pupil Nationality Mix

Nationalities 10+; students and teachers from 30+ countries.

Country affiliation

Laos
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership

Private international school. It has three campuses: Nongbone (Vientiane), Thongkang (Vientiane), and Pakse (Champasak). It is certified by the Lao Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports and Cambridge Assessment International Education.
Fees
Application fees

- No application fee amount or schedule is published on the school's public pages.

Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year)

- No published tuition schedule by year group or per-term / per-year breakdown is available on the school's public pages. Specific tuition amounts for Early Years, Primary and Secondary are not listed.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The only contractual billing–related statement published is that enrollment contracts are valid for one academic year and terminate at the end of that year. No public detail is given about invoicing dates, termly versus annual billing, payment deadlines, late-payment penalties or instalment plans.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- No boarding programme or boarding fees are listed in the school's public materials. There is no indication of a boarding facility or boarding fee schedule.

Other costs and fees (uniforms, activity fees, transport, materials, enrolment deposits, capital levies, insurance)

- No uniform fee, enrolment deposit amount, capital levy, mandatory materials fee or published transport fees are available on the public pages.
- The school's primary programme notes that some extracurricular activities run by external providers may carry additional charges, indicating that some activity-specific fees may apply.

Refund information

- No published refund policy or explicit terms for refunds of application, registration or tuition fees is available on the public pages. The only related contractual statement published is that enrollment contracts are valid for one academic year and are terminated at the end of that year.

Fee payment options (credit card, bank transfer, cash)

- No published list of accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, credit card or cash) or banking details is available on the school's public pages. The school provides phone numbers and email addresses for its campuses for direct enquiries.

Brief summary of search and insufficiency

- A review of the school's publicly available pages (general information, admissions/policies, Primary and Secondary pages and campus contacts) shows descriptive information about programmes, campuses and admissions requirements but does not publish a fee schedule, downloadable fee document or numeric fee amounts for the 2026/27 or 2025/26 academic years. Because no numerical fee information is published there, specific figures for application, tuition (per term or per year), boarding, uniforms, refunds or payment-method details cannot be provided here.
Academics

International School of Laos (ISL) teaches Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum

ISL offers a blend of Lao national and Cambridge curricula to meet diverse student needs. The Bilingual programme combines the Lao National Curriculum with the Cambridge framework. The International programme uses the Cambridge curriculum, guiding learners from Cambridge Primary through Secondary to Pre-University years. The National Curriculum is taught through four main subjects—English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies—with Computing, Art, Music and Physical Education as core ancillary subjects, and languages Chinese and Korean. The High School programme includes Cambridge IGCSE subjects such as History, Geography, ICT, Biology, Chemistry, Global Perspectives, Developments Studies, Economics and Business Studies, and AS/A Level subjects including Mathematics and Economics; Cambridge Checkpoint tests are available in English, Mathematics and Science; in Year 9 students choose nine subjects for Years 10–11; in Years 12–13 students may continue with AS/A Levels or select new IGCSE subjects. The school is Cambridge-accredited.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

ISL Pakse prioritizes student wellbeing through programs not found in other schools. Regular home visits strengthen family–school connections. Dedicated character education lessons build integrity and empathy. A comprehensive student support system ensures every child is known, valued, and cared for. This emphasis on wellbeing supports social and emotional development as part of the school's holistic approach.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The primary language of instruction is English. Additional language learning opportunities are offered as part of the school program. ISL delivers an international curriculum taught in English. The school serves local and expatriate families. ISL provides an internationally focused education in a multicultural environment.

Mental Wellbeing

ISL emphasizes student wellbeing across the school. The Pakse campus has a dedicated wellbeing coordinator. Beyond academics, wellbeing initiatives include regular home visits to strengthen family–school connections. Character education and a comprehensive student support system foster resilience and positive social relationships. Head of Wellbeing emphasizes a commitment to student wellbeing across campuses.

Safeguarding

ISL Pakse has a safe school zone—only students and staff can enter, and visitors require permission. Visitors must obtain permission to access the campus. There is a no-phone policy to protect students. Head of Wellbeing is Mr Elnur Abdullayev. Safeguarding and student wellbeing are central to ISL's approach across campuses.
Parent Experience

History

ISL was established in 2006 as the Eastern Star Bilingual School. It evolved into the International School of Laos, with campuses in Vientiane and Pakse, offering a comprehensive education from early years through secondary. The school is certified by the Lao Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports and by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), blending national and international curricula. It features modern facilities including science laboratories, a library, a computer lab, a music room, and sports facilities, with the Pakse campus featuring a swimming pool. ISL is a diverse community with students and staff representing 30+ nationalities, and it has been a two-time recipient of the Medal of Honor from the President of Lao PDR.

Community

ISL has a culturally diverse community with students and teachers from over 30 nationalities. The school organizes and participates in national and international events to fulfil its mission and values. Culture Day is an annual celebration of global cultures; the 8th Culture Day in 2024 showcased 23 countries with displays, performances and interactive exhibits. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered at ISL, providing opportunities for voluntary service, physical recreation, skills development, and adventurous journeys.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

ISL operates across three campuses: Nongbone, Thongkang, and Pakse. The Cambridge International curriculum is delivered in English as part of its international program, with English as the primary language of instruction and additional language opportunities available. Classrooms are equipped with the latest Smart Boards to enhance learning. Facilities include science laboratories, an ICT room, a robotics room, a library, a computer lab, a music room, and art rooms across campuses. The Pakse Campus features a swimming pool. ISL is certified by the Lao Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports and by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE).

Sports Facilities

Sports facilities include football, basketball, and tennis courts. The Pakse Campus features a swimming pool. Facilities are distributed across the Nongbone, Thongkang, and Pakse campuses. Facilities are described as state-of-the-art.

Academic Facilities

ISL provides dedicated science laboratories, ICT room, robotics room, music room, smart room, and art room across campuses. Classrooms are equipped with the latest Smart Boards. A library and computer lab support learning. The Cambridge International curriculum is delivered in English, with English as the primary language of instruction and additional language learning opportunities. ISL is certified by the Lao Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports and by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE).

Extra Curricular Facilities

A wide range of extracurricular activities is offered, including sports, theatre, arts, and leadership programs. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is available, and ISL is the only school in Laos to offer this award. Clubs include Drama Club, Art Club, Maths Club, Music Club, Mechanics Club, Reading Club, Robotics Club, and Speaking Club. At the Pakse Campus, students can participate in sports, music, and robotics clubs.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school has Robotics Club and Maths Club that support STEM and analytical thinking beyond regular classes. Drama Club, Lao traditional dance, Art Club, and Music Club provide opportunities for intellectual enrichment through creative endeavors. Speaking Club develops communication and debate skills. ISL runs summer schools and school trips to the UK, China, and Australia to broaden learning experiences.

Arts & Creative

Drama Club offers performance opportunities and collaborative theatre projects. Lao traditional dance provides culturally rooted artistic expression. Art Club and Music Club foster creative expression through the visual and performing arts. Reading Club contributes to a broad enrichment slate alongside other clubs.

Cultural & Language

Lao traditional dance is a cultural activity offered through ISL clubs. Speaking Club supports language development and communication skills. Trips to the UK, China, and Australia broaden cross-cultural understanding.

Social & Hobbies

Drama Club, Reading Club, Maths Club, Robotics Club, and Speaking Club provide social and hobby opportunities. These clubs encourage collaboration, teamwork, and personal interests beyond coursework. ISL offers enrichment activities that foster peer learning and friendships.

Community & Service

The school has The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award program with Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. The program includes Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Skills, and Adventurous Journey. ISL students develop leadership, teamwork, and global citizenship. Ten ISL students earned Bronze medals.

Leadership & Professional

Students Council members are chosen through a democratic process. Students help shape the school community and run charity and community initiatives. Council members join teachers and administrative meetings. Students are encouraged to express opinions in surveys, public discussions, or panels.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Physical Recreation is a core component of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award at ISL. The Award's Voluntary Service and Adventurous Journey promote health, fitness, resilience, and wellbeing. Participation supports physical and mental health and teamwork. The program encourages active, outdoor, and wellbeing-oriented experiences.
Languages

Language Provision

The school teaches English as a core subject in the National Curriculum; modern languages offered are Chinese and Korean.

Bilingual Teaching

The school has a bilingual program adopting the Lao National Curriculum and the Cambridge curriculum.
Reputation

Accreditations

Cambridge Assessment International Education accreditation is listed; Lao Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports certification is noted.
School Events
The school has not added events