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Santisouk Montessori Preschool

Laos, Vientiane

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Lao
Fees LAK 4,970 - 5,200
Ages 2 - 6 years
Pupil numbers 75
Type Co-educational
Opened 1993
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Montessori Curriculum
Taught languages Lao, English
Strengths Outdoor Education, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Preschool
Introduction

Santisouk Montessori Preschool in Vientiane, Lao PDR, offers a Montessori program for children aged 2 to 6. The school provides a prepared environment with mixed-age Casa groups and a focus on independent, self-directed learning. For ages 3–6, learning areas are practical life, language, sensorial, and science and math. Children use Montessori materials at their own pace; mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities. The bilingual English and Lao curriculum supports language development and cultural awareness. Established in 1993, it is Lao PDR's oldest Montessori school and welcomes families from 19 countries, with a yearly intake of about 75 students. Governance includes a General Assembly and a School Board of elected parent volunteers. The school is known for experienced teachers and a community-oriented, international atmosphere, with extracurriculars such as music, dance, yoga, swimming, and theme-related activities. A Culture and Science Area and a Social-Emotional Skills program enrich the curriculum for families abroad.

PO Box 5340, Ban Vatnak, Vientiane, Lao PDR

The Essentials

Santisouk Montessori Preschool has 75 pupils, instruction in English, Lao.

Location
Ban Vatnak, Vientiane, Lao PDR. PO Box 5340; Office: 021-316-023. The school location is opposite of In Cafe.

Stages
3 to 6 years old; Montessori preschool

Type
Preschool; Montessori method; bilingual English and Lao

Pupil Nationality Mix
Children enrolled from 19 different countries; Lao students form part of the community.

Country affiliation
Lao PDR (Laos)

School day structure
School hours: Monday–Thursday 7:30 am – 4:30 pm; Friday 7:30 am – 12:15 pm. Daily rhythm includes outdoor garden time, Casa time, Montessori time, snacks, lunch, nap/quiet time, and Lao program.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform. It is cotton and designed for easy self-dressing, including a white or blue t-shirt with the school logo and a choice of shorts, long pants, or a skirt. Uniforms can be purchased at the administration office.

Food Options
Lunch is provided for full-day students from Monday to Thursday by a local caterer. A variety of local and foreign cuisine is offered, with no MSG and vegetarian options available; special diets can be accommodated. Seasonal fruits are served; safe drinking water is available; healthy morning and afternoon snacks are provided; nuts, sweets and candies are not allowed; parents should inform the school of any allergies.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by two bodies: the General Assembly of Members and the School Board. The Board of Directors is elected from volunteer parents and provides governance, while day-to-day management is the responsibility of the School Director.
Fees

Annual tuition at Santisouk Montessori Preschool ranges from LAK 4,970 to LAK 5,200 for 2026/27.

Academic year covered: 2025–2026.

Application / Registration fees
- Registration fee (one-time, new student): USD 400.
- Registration fee for a sibling enrolling in the same or consecutive school year: USD 200.

Tuition fees — annual payment option
- 1 child, half day (pick up by 11:30 am; before lunch; inclusive of learning materials): USD 4,970 per year.
- 1 child, full day (inclusive of learning materials, lunch, morning and afternoon snacks; Monday–Thursday and Friday 12:15 pm): USD 5,200 per year.
- Capital Development Fee (annual): USD 210.
- Total payable (new students, annual): Half day — USD 5,580; Full day — USD 5,810.
- Total payable (current students, annual): Half day — USD 5,180; Full day — USD 5,410.

Tuition fees — semester payment option
- Semester structure: Semester 1 (Sept–Jan); Semester 2 (Feb–June). Payment may be made per semester.
- Per-semester tuition: Half day — USD 2,485 per semester; Full day — USD 2,600 per semester.
- Capital Development Fee (per semester): USD 105.
- Total per semester (new students): Half day — USD 2,990; Full day — USD 3,105.
- Total per semester (current students): Half day — USD 2,590; Full day — USD 2,705.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Two payment plans: annual payment (one payment for the September–June year) or semester payments.
- Standard payment deadlines (documented): first payment (full year or 1st semester) due 15 June; second semester payment due 6 January. (The published document gives dates for payment deadlines for the academic year schedule referenced.)
- Late payment penalty: USD 5 per day for fees paid after the deadline.
- Prorated fees: prorated fees are available for new students enrolling after the start of a semester, subject to availability.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. Santisouk operates as a preschool day program; no boarding fees are listed.

Other costs and fees
- Summer camp (optional): full-day program USD 150 per week; half-day program USD 130 per week.
- Capital Development Fee (listed above) is charged in addition to tuition.
- Tuition inclusions: learning materials are included for both half-day and full-day programs; lunch and snacks are included for full-day program.
- No uniform fee or additional regular miscellaneous fees are listed in the published fee schedule for the covered academic year. (One-off and program-specific fees listed above are the primary additional costs shown.)

Refund information
- Fees paid are generally non-refundable. A refund may be exceptionally agreed if the school is full, the spot is immediately replaced, and the money is secured.

Fee payment options
- Accepted method: bank transfer or bank deposit in USD. Proof of payment must be provided to confirm enrollment; a QR code is used on invoices for transfers.
- Bank details (as provided for payments in USD): Banque pour le Commerce Extérieur Lao Public (BCEL) — account name SANTISOUK MONTESSORI PRE-SCHOOL; account currency USD; SWIFT: COEBLALA. Proof of payment should be sent to the school administration.

Summary
- Registration and capital development fees are charged in addition to tuition. Tuition is offered as an annual or semester plan with clearly stated per-year and per-semester amounts for half-day and full-day programs. Payments are required by the published deadlines; a daily late fee applies. Payments are accepted by bank transfer or deposit in USD. Refunds are generally not granted except in exceptional circumstances.
Academics

Santisouk Montessori Preschool teaches Montessori Curriculum for students aged 2 to 6.

Curriculum
The Montessori curriculum centers on helping children become confident and independent, with a focus on self-directed learning that respects each child. It uses a prepared, inviting environment and mixed-age groups to support social development and collaboration. Children work with Montessori materials that promote concentration, problem-solving, and responsibility, with mistakes used as learning opportunities. The curriculum for children from 3 to 6 years old is organized into four learning areas: practical life, language, sensorial, and science and math. Classes are arranged into four Casa groups by age: Casa Spring (2–3 years), Casa Rainbow (2.5–4 years), Casa Sunshine (3.5–5 years), and Casa Forest (4.5–6 years).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-emotional development is a daily focus at Santisouk. The school teaches children to make and play with friends, to make decisions, and to express emotions such as happiness, anger, sadness and frustration, with the aim of building confidence, trust and respect for themselves, others and the environment. The Social-Emotional Skills for Early Learning program is implemented at school, drawing on SecondStep resources to provide teaching guides and activities. The program helps students develop empathy and compassion, manage their emotions, make friends, solve problems, and build skills for learning. It also supports self-regulation and the development of social-emotional competencies.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school is bilingual in English and Lao and offers a bilingual curriculum. In the language area or in Casa, children focus first on the phonetic sounds of letters and learn to connect sounds to their shapes and to familiar objects. Teachers prepare activities to develop language and vocabulary and to improve hand-eye coordination and fine-motor skills for writing. Writing precedes reading and starts with tracing a letter's shape in sandpaper while saying the sound. When children link sounds and letters, they begin to compose words with the Movable Alphabet, which marks the beginning of reading.

Mental Wellbeing
Santisouk provides a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment. We strive to provide children with a positive school experience while meeting the unique social, emotional, physical and cognitive developmental needs of each child. The entire team is dedicated to a happy, nurturing atmosphere where children can develop a positive self-image and a love of learning. The school values diversity and fosters a sense of community and active family involvement. By supporting emotional, social and cognitive growth, Santisouk builds resilience and confidence in every child.

Safeguarding
Drop-off and pick-up times are structured: drop-off between 7:30 and 8:30; pick-up is by 11:30/12:00 for half-day and 3:30-4:30 for full day, Monday to Thursday. On Friday, pick-up is by 12:15 for all students. Only parents or other carers designated on the enrollment form may pick up a child; if someone else will collect, inform the school in advance by email, message or phone. Parking is outside the premises and you should follow signs and guard instructions. These procedures help protect children during arrival and departure.
Parent Experience

History
Established in September 1993, Santisouk Montessori Preschool was the first Montessori school in Lao PDR. Since opening, Santisouk has welcomed hundreds of preschoolers from around the world and currently enrolls children from 19 countries. The school has operated for 28 years. The governance comprises two bodies: the General Assembly of Members and the School Board, with the Board consisting of elected parent volunteers; any parent may join the Board, and it meets every 6–8 weeks to provide governance and direction.

Community
Santisouk Montessori Preschool is a responsive, active, community-led school where each child is accepted and appreciated for their uniqueness. The school provides a warm, welcoming, nurturing environment and supports children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. It is an international school that values diversity and involves families through active participation, working with the School Board and Management to ensure smooth operation and mission delivery.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Upon registration, every parent becomes a member of the Parent Association. Parents are encouraged to participate in school activities, such as read-aloud sessions, theme-related activities, or organizing field trips. Parent Working Groups are organized each year to coordinate parent-led activities and events, and two Parent General Meetings are held annually. The Parent Association is overseen by an elected Board representing all parents; the Board meets every 6–8 weeks with the Director, and the school constitution can be consulted in the administration office. Parent/teacher conferences occur twice per year, with written reports provided at the end of the school year or when the child leaves. Newsletters and curriculum updates are sent monthly to inform parents about activities and events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Santisouk Montessori Preschool provides a nurturing Montessori environment to support each child and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. The school celebrates each child's natural desire to learn, supports moving at their own pace, and embraces each child's unique learning style. The school celebrated its 30th anniversary last year and is the oldest Montessori school in Lao PDR, welcoming up to 75 children aged between 2 and 6 years old each year. In our school, we help students develop their academic, social, and emotional skills as they grow into responsible independence. Santisouk is known for its experienced, nurturing teachers, strong community involvement, and diverse, international atmosphere.

Academic Facilities
The Montessori approach forms the core of academic learning at Santisouk and is implemented in a prepared environment that supports each child at their own pace. The program emphasizes independence and accommodates diverse learning styles. Students develop academic, social, and emotional skills to become confident, responsible individuals. The school is known for experienced, nurturing teachers and a community-oriented approach with active family involvement; it is described as an international school that values diversity.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Extracurricular Activities include music, dance, yoga, swimming, and artistic and physical theme-related activities. These activities reinforce developmental needs beyond the Montessori learning areas and support creativity, movement, and social engagement. Monthly themes guide hands-on activities across Casa and Montessori learning areas.

Arts & Creative
Music and dance are included in the extracurricular program. Artistic activities are offered to foster creativity. Yoga and swimming are included as physical-themed activities.

Cultural & Language
Santisouk is bilingual English and Lao and offers a bilingual curriculum. The Culture and Science Area covers geography, science, botany, zoology, and history. Every month a specific topic is selected by teachers and linked to learning activities.

Social & Hobbies
Monthly themes guide hands-on activities across Casa and Montessori learning areas. The outdoor garden and playground support social play and gross motor development. A Social-Emotional Skills for Early Learning program is implemented to help children develop empathy, regulate emotions, make friends, and solve problems.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Outdoor playground time in the Santisouk garden supports gross motor development and social interaction. Yoga and swimming are included as movement-based wellbeing activities. The Social-Emotional Skills for Early Learning program fosters emotional regulation, empathy, and positive relationships.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught are English and Lao. The language work is integrated into the Montessori curriculum, with a Language Area for children aged 3 to 6. Language learning emphasizes phonics and letter-sound relationships, progressing to writing and reading with the Movable Alphabet.

Bilingual Teaching
Santisouk is a bilingual English and Lao school and offers a bilingual curriculum. In the language area, children start with the phonetic sounds of letters and connect sounds to their shapes and to familiar objects. Teachers develop language and vocabulary with activities; writing precedes reading and uses tools like tracing letters in sandpaper and the Movable Alphabet.
Reputation

Accreditations
The school teaches in English and Lao and offers a bilingual curriculum. The curriculum for children from 3 to 6 years old is divided into five working areas: practical life, language, sensorial, science and math. The culture and science area covers geography, science, botany, zoology and history, introduced mainly through monthly topics. The language area focuses on phonics, writing and reading using the movable alphabet. The school provides extracurricular activities such as music, dance, yoga, swimming, and other theme-related activities. The Social-Emotional Skills for Early Learning program (SecondStep.org) is implemented at school.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Parents seeking to enroll their children at Santisouk are contacted to arrange a visit. The Administration Office will walk you through the enrollment process. The visit provides an opportunity to learn about the Montessori program, meet the staff, and observe the classrooms. This initial contact starts the admissions process.

2. Enrollment is restricted to ensure quality; the waiting list is carefully managed on a first-come, first-served basis. This approach helps balance class sizes and ensure each child receives appropriate attention. Families will be informed if a place becomes available.

3. Children whose siblings are already enrolled at Santisouk are prioritized. If there is an available spot, a pre-start meeting will be arranged with the Director and a starting date will be set. School fees are paid to the Administration as part of securing a place. The process proceeds from the meeting to the start date.

4. If you wish to visit the school, contact the school via email, telephone, WhatsApp or Messenger. The Admissions page provides contact options, and the Administration will coordinate your visit. During the visit, additional information such as the fee structure may be reviewed.

Waitlist
The waiting list is carefully managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
School Events
The school has not added events
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