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Vientiane International School

Laos, Vientiane

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees LAK 8,000 - 28,200
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 480
Type Co-educational
Opened 1991
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Lao, Mandarin, German, Japanese, Korean, French, Russian, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Vientiane International School (VIS) is an IB World School delivering the full continuum of International Baccalaureate programs for students aged 3 to 18. English is the primary language of instruction, with a Home Language program supporting Lao, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French and Russian, and an English Language Acquisition program for learners developing English. The school is private, co-educational and day-based, located on a five-hectare campus in Saphanthong Tai Village, about 2 km from central Vientiane. It operates seven buildings with more than 50 classrooms, four science laboratories, a black box theatre, a two-storey library media centre, and dedicated performing arts and music spaces. Facilities include two full-sized basketball courts, two sporting fields, a 25-metre pool, a wading pool and a large cafeteria. The academic year runs 180 days across two semesters, with Lao holidays and international breaks. The student body comprises 426 students from 39 nationalities. An international community.

PO BOX 3180, Phonesavanh Road, Saphanthong Tai Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao PDR

The Essentials

Vientiane International School has 480 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Located in Saphanthong Tai Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao PDR. The campus is 2 kilometres from the centre of Vientiane and 12 kilometres from Wattay International Airport. It sits on a 5-hectare site with seven buildings and extensive facilities. Mailing address: PO BOX 3180 Phonesavanh Road, Saphanthong Tai Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Stages
Early Years (Nursery, starting age 3) through Diploma Programme; IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme, and IB Diploma Programme.

Type
private, co-educational, day school

Pupil Nationality Mix
426 students; 39 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
Support services include Inclusive Learning, English Language Acquisition (ELA) and a Student Support Team with counselors; includes academic, social, emotional and behavioral support.

Country affiliation
Laos (Lao PDR) as host country

School day structure
Primary EY–Grade 5: 7:50 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri); 7:50 a.m.–1:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Secondary School (Grade 6–12): 8:45 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri); 8:45 a.m.–2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Bus service
A limited bus service is provided for students residing in Vientiane; bus fee is $550 per semester or $1,100 per year; optional and route availability applies.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school is an independent, not-for-profit day school.

Uniform Requirement
The school does not have a uniform. A dress code applies. PE uniforms are required in all PE classes. Closed shoes are required for science and design classes.

Food Options
The school has a cafeteria that prepares cooked lunches every day. Students pay with the Dragon Café Campus Card and balances, menus, and purchases can be checked online. The Dragon Café is open before and after school for snacks and drinks.

House System
A range of competitive and non-competitive house-related activities are conducted, often organized by the Student Leadership Council, which represents all secondary grades and meets regularly to plan events.

Governance and Ownership
The school is an independent, not-for-profit day school governed by a Board of Trustees; it is registered as a private limited company.
Fees

Annual tuition at Vientiane International School ranges from LAK 8,000 to LAK 28,200 for 2026/27.

Application and entrance fees
- Application Fee: USD 250 per student, payable in advance upon submission of application documents. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Enrollment Fee: USD 1,000 per student, payable in advance with the Application Fee to secure a place when an offer of admission is made. The Enrollment Fee is refundable only if the student is not admitted; it is otherwise non-transferable.
- New Student Fee: USD 2,500 per new student, payable prior to the student's first day of school. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Annual tuition, capital fee and instalments (2026–2027)
- Nursery
- Tuition (annual): USD 8,000.
- Capital Fee: none.
- Total annual payable: USD 8,000.
- Tuition if paid by semester (2 equal instalments): USD 4,000 per semester.
- Tuition if paid quarterly (4 equal instalments): USD 2,000 per quarter.

- Prep One
- Tuition (annual): USD 11,200.
- Capital Fee: none.
- Total annual payable: USD 11,200.
- Tuition if paid by semester: USD 5,600 per semester.
- Tuition if paid quarterly: USD 2,800 per quarter.

- Prep Two
- Tuition (annual): USD 11,200.
- Capital Fee (annual): USD 3,000.
- Total annual payable (tuition + capital fee): USD 14,200.
- Tuition if paid by semester: USD 5,600 per semester (capital fee is charged separately and due within two weeks of the start of the school year or date of enrollment).
- Tuition if paid quarterly: USD 2,800 per quarter (capital fee remains a separate annual charge).

- Primary (Grades 1–5)
- Tuition (annual): USD 21,975.
- Capital Fee (annual): USD 3,000.
- Total annual payable (tuition + capital fee): USD 24,975.
- Tuition if paid by semester: USD 10,987.50 per semester.
- Tuition if paid quarterly: USD 5,493.75 per quarter.
- Capital Fee must be paid within two weeks of the start of the school year or date of enrollment and is non-refundable and non-transferable for early departures.

- Secondary (Grades 6–8)
- Tuition (annual): USD 25,280.
- Capital Fee (annual): USD 3,000.
- Total annual payable (tuition + capital fee): USD 28,280.
- Tuition if paid by semester: USD 12,640 per semester.
- Tuition if paid quarterly: USD 6,320 per quarter.
- Capital Fee must be paid as stated above.

- Secondary (Grades 9–12)
- Tuition (annual): USD 28,200.
- Capital Fee (annual): USD 3,000.
- Total annual payable (tuition + capital fee): USD 31,200.
- Tuition if paid by semester: USD 14,100 per semester.
- Tuition if paid quarterly: USD 7,050 per quarter.
- Capital Fee must be paid as stated above.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition Fees are invoiced in full for the academic year. Parents may request payment in two equal (Semester) instalments or four equal (Quarterly) instalments; these instalment options are flexible payment arrangements and do not prorate tuition for partial-year attendance. Payment dates are fixed: 1 August (first instalment for both S and Q), 1 October (Q), 1 January (second S / third Q), and 1 April (Q).
- Capital Fee is billed based on enrollment date and must be paid within two weeks of the start of the school year or date of enrollment regardless of billing cycle. The Capital Fee is prorated only by specific enrollment windows (100% before October holiday, 75% after October holiday, 50% after December holiday, 25% after Pi Mai holiday).
- Late-enrolment tuition proration schedule: 100% if enrolled prior to the October holiday; 75% after the October holiday; 50% after the December holiday; 25% after the Pi Mai holiday. No proration is done by days enrolled — proration is based on these enrollment cutoffs.
- Early student departure: if a student is enrolled more than 30 calendar days in a semester, the full tuition for that semester is payable. No tuition refunds are processed until all check-out procedures are completed and outstanding charges are settled. No discounts or refunds are provided for periods of online learning.

Other fees and ongoing charges
- Supplementary Fees: elective or discretionary activities (school trips associated with courses, Grade 12 IB examination fees, co-curricular activities, MRISA sports trips, and similar activities) are charged separately and invoiced as needed.
- Personal Home Language (PHL) program: German HPL Program fee USD 3,000 annually; other languages (except Lao) are invoiced by individual tutors and payable to the tutor.
- Bus Service (optional, limited availability): USD 1,325 per school year for round-trip service within Vientiane; priority is given to full-year, round-trip commitments.
- Meal service: provided by an external vendor and charged directly to families through a cashless system (FlexiSchools); meal charges are separate from school invoiced fees.

Refunds and chargeback rules
- Enrollment Fee: refundable if the student is not admitted; otherwise non-transferable. New Student Fee: non-refundable. Capital Fee: non-refundable and non-transferable for early student departures.
- Tuition refunds are subject to completion of all check-out procedures and settlement of outstanding charges; the school will not process refunds until these conditions are met. No discounts or refunds will be considered during periods of online learning. In cases of Force Majeure, refunds may be withheld until outstanding liabilities are settled; any residual funds after liabilities are addressed will be allocated proportionally as account credits and maintained for four years.

Payment methods and charges
- All fees and charges are quoted in and payable in USD. Families unable to access USD may pay in Lao Kip (KIP) at the School Rate of Exchange on the date of payment. Payments must be made by bank transfer or cheque deposit to the designated accounts shown on the school invoice. Reference the Family ID and student name on payments to ensure correct crediting.
- Credit card payments can be accepted at the Business Office and are processed in KIP; such payments are subject to a 3% bank charge. Local banks typically withhold approximately USD 15 per international transaction; all bank charges are for the remitter's account. Late payment: a monthly Late Payment Fee of USD 150 will be applied to any overdue balance of annual tuition and other fees exceeding USD 500 after a 30-calendar-day grace period; unpaid accounts may lead to suspension, withheld reports/transcripts/diplomas, and potential collection action.
Academics

Vientiane International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Vientiane International School is an accredited IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme to students ages three and up. English is the primary language of instruction. VIS follows an IB continuum with the Primary Years Programme in the early years, the Middle Years Programme in Grades 6–10, and the Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12. The Primary School is IB PYP authorized; the Secondary School uses IBMYP for Grades 6–10 and the IBDP for Grades 11–12. VIS provides a Home Language program supporting seven languages (Lao, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Russian) and an English Language Acquisition program to support English learners. The academic year is 180 days, split into two semesters, with Lao National holidays observed in addition to international breaks. The student body comprises 426 students from 39 nationalities.

Exam Results
Diploma Programme outcomes include 26 Diploma candidates and 24 Diplomas awarded, and 31 IB courses offered. Class of 2024 university offers were made to 31 students. Highest DP score total reached 45/45, and VIS DP score averages have been in the high-30s with world averages in the low-30s (e.g., VIS 37 vs world 33 in recent years).

Higher Education Progression
Graduates are admitted to universities around the world. The Class of 2024 had 31 university offers to 31 students across 9 countries and 58 universities globally, including institutions in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Laos, and Thailand, among others.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing@VIS embeds social-emotional learning across the school. The social-emotional curriculum is age-appropriate and vertically aligned to develop students' social and emotional competencies. It centers on five core competencies across four dimensions: Being Cared For, Caring for Self, Caring for Others, and Caring for the World, following the CASEL framework. The framework is built around four pillars—Curriculum, Culture, Compliance, and Conversations—to create a safe, inclusive learning environment. Counseling and wellbeing resources are available through Student Support Services to support students, families, and staff.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support is provided through the Student Support Team (SST). Inclusive Learning Specialists (ILS) provide Tier 3, intensive support for students whose learning differences significantly impact progress, collaborating with teachers to adapt instruction and implement targeted interventions. The SST brings together the Director of Student Support, school counselors, English Language Acquisition teachers, and other staff to address academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and flexible co-teaching models guide practice to foster belonging and access to the curriculum. Admissions consider a student's needs and VIS's capacity to provide appropriate support services, with limited spaces per grade for students requiring extra help.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language Acquisition (ELA) is part of the Support Services at VIS. Because English is the language of instruction, ELA supports students whose home language is not English to develop English proficiency while participating in regular classes. ELA specialists provide regular instruction and support in both the Primary and Secondary divisions; beginning and progressing learners receive individualized language support and differentiated assistance in grade-level and subject-area classes. The Sheltered Immersion model places new English learners into mainstream classrooms with peers to foster authentic language use. Details, including entry and exit criteria, assessment, monitoring, and reporting, follow the VIS Language Policy Guidelines, and the program operates across the Primary and Secondary schools.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing@VIS anchors mental wellbeing through a comprehensive framework built around four pillars: Wellness, Child Safeguarding, Data Protection, and Health and Safety and the four related 'C' concepts: Curriculum, Culture, Compliance, and Conversations. The social-emotional curriculum is age-appropriate and vertically aligned to develop core competencies across four dimensions. The Mindfulness Garden provides a space for mindfulness activities, and ‘Souk' guides wellbeing conversations. Wellbeing projects and resource development are guided by five key Dream Projects to foster a diverse, inclusive culture. Staff and students access counseling and wellbeing resources to support emotional balance and resilience.

Safeguarding
Vientiane International School provides a safe environment for its students, using the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (ratified in 1989) as a framework. It relies on preventative practices such as student and staff education to reduce risk and promote wellbeing. Educators have a professional and ethical obligation to identify children in need of protection and to take steps to ensure the child and family avail themselves of any services needed to remedy any situation that constitutes child abuse or neglect.
Parent Experience

History
VIS began in 1991 as Vientiane Learning Center near Wat Simuang, established by expatriate families with a government letter of authority under UN auspices. Today it operates on a five-hectare, purpose-built campus and is an IB World School delivering the Diploma Program, the Primary Years Program, and the Middle Years Program. Major accreditation milestones include dual accreditation from WASC and ECIS in 2001, IB Diploma Program authorization in 2008, IB Primary Years Program in 2009, and full IB Middle Years Program authorization in 2011. A Campus Gateway Project modernized the campus and The Commons and The Courts were completed in 2023, and VIS celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022 and its 25th anniversary in 2017. Community-focused events include a community-inclusive Clarity Summit in 2018 and a Dream Summit in 2023, and Elsa Donohue began leading VIS in 2018 followed by Andy Ferguson in 2024.

Community
VIS hosts community-focused milestones and events that involve the broader school community, including a community-inclusive Clarity Summit in 2018 to redefine Mission, Vision, Values and Learning Principles. VIS hosted a community-inclusive Dream Summit in October 2023 to redefine its Destiny Plan and Dreams. The campus reopened in August 2022 after online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Campus Gateway Project was completed in 2023 with The Commons and The Courts forming part of the modernized campus. The school is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and ensures every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
All parents in the VIS community and VIS staff are invited to become members of the Parents and Friends Association (P&F). Membership is automatic for parents upon enrollment and for staff, and membership is free of charge. The P&F organizes events and activities throughout the year to promote school and community relations, including Halloween, Fun Fair and an annual Yard Sale, and it also helps with One World Day and sporting events. The P&F's objectives include providing a forum for volunteering, contributing financially to enrich student experiences, funding facility improvements, and supporting service and community care projects. In the Primary School, parents are encouraged to volunteer as class parents, and the P&F facilitates communication between the school and parents. For inquiries, pandf@vislao.com.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Vientiane International School sits on a 5-hectare campus in Saphanthong Tai Village, 2 km from the centre of Vientiane and 12 km from Wattay International Airport. The campus comprises seven buildings with over 50 classrooms, four science laboratories, performing arts and music practice rooms, a black box theatre and a two-story library media centre. Outdoor facilities include two covered, full-sized basketball courts, two manicured sporting fields, early childhood and primary playgrounds, a fitness centre, a 25 metre swimming pool, a wading pool and a fully catered cafeteria seating up to 200. Fast internet is provided throughout the campus and the Campus Gateway Project will modernize the campus with new learning centres and renovations in both the primary and secondary schools.

Sports Facilities
Outdoor sports facilities include two covered, full-sized basketball courts, two manicured sporting fields, a 25-metre swimming pool and a wading pool, plus a fitness centre.

Academic Facilities
The academic facilities include four science laboratories, performing arts and music practice rooms, a black box theatre and a two-storey library media centre. The Campus Gateway Project will modernize the entire campus with new learning centres and renovations in both the primary and secondary schools.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Athletics Program and Co-Curricular Program are offered under Student Life, together with engagement initiatives such as Student Engagement & Agency.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Vientiane International School is an accredited International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programs to students aged three and up. English is the primary language of instruction, and VIS follows the IB continuum across all divisions. The IB framework provides a broad, globally recognized curriculum that emphasizes inquiry, knowledge, and international-mindedness.

Arts & Creative
VIS provides a broad range of co-curricular activities, including performing and visual arts, sports, STEM, and clubs. The secondary program emphasizes opportunities for artistic expression through arts and performance as part of campus life. Students engage in arts and creativity beyond the classroom through a vibrant co-curricular program.

Cultural & Language
VIS supports linguistic and cultural diversity with a Home Personal Language program that develops and maintains mother tongue languages for students in Lao, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, and Russian. The school also provides the English Language Acquisition program to support students as they develop English proficiency, with phased progression toward native-level English. This approach helps students stay connected to their languages and cultures while engaging in IB learning.

Social & Hobbies
VIS offers a broad range of co-curricular activities and experiential trips in areas such as sports, performing and visual arts, and STEM, along with numerous clubs. Student life is active on campus with athletics and other activities, and VIS participates in local and international leagues. Student-athletes represent VIS in local and international leagues, enriching the school's social and competitive culture.

Community & Service
Experiential & Community Engagement trips are a cornerstone of VIS's curriculum, with all students participating in five-day trips to rural Lao communities designed to connect learning with real-world context. The trips emphasize service, cultural understanding, and community engagement as part of IB learning. These trips are included in tuition and incur no additional costs for families.

Leadership & Professional
VIS's MYP and DP are the launchpads for a life of purpose, guiding students to become knowledgeable, principled, and compassionate individuals who are empowered to lead and create change. The school's mission states that it challenges, inspires and empowers learners to develop their unique potential. The VIS Core emphasizes balance, resilience, respect, innovation and courage to support students as they grow into capable leaders.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
VIS emphasizes student well-being through an advisory program that supports social-emotional learning, mental and physical health, and the development of essential life skills. The advisory program is central to student well-being and fosters a sense of community and belonging. These practices support students as they navigate a dynamic, international school environment.
Languages

Language Provision
The school uses English as the primary language of instruction and offers an International Baccalaureate continuum for students aged three and up. The Home Personal Language program supports the development and maintenance of mother tongue languages for seven languages: Lao, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, and Russian. The English Language Acquisition (ELA) program provides support for students acquiring English, in phases 1 to 4; once English proficiency reaches phase 5, students join English courses at a native-language level.
Reputation

Accreditations
CIS, WASC, IB World School (DP, PYP, MYP)
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1 | Prepare the Necessary Documents. Prepare the documents in PDF or digital format. Include school reports for the past two academic years, translated if not in English. Include a transcript for Grades 10-12, translated if not in English, if applicable. Provide passport copies for the parents and applicant, birth certificate or adoption papers (translated if not in English), a recent passport photo, and regular vaccination records. Step 2 | Complete the Online Registration. All applications must be submitted through the online application form. Upload the documents from Step 1 and complete the Student Language Profile. Provide the principal's or counselor's contact details for the recommendation form, submit the Health Information Form, download and print the Physical Examination Form when visiting the physician, and arrange payment of the Application Fee and Enrollment Fee. Step 3 | Admissions Assessment or Interviewing. Early Years applicants and families will be invited for a casual interview on campus or online. English Proficiency Assessment (WIDA screener) for non-English speaking applicants in Grade 1 and up to determine their English Language proficiency and if EAL support is required. Grades 3-10 applicants will be assessed using MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) for Reading and Math. If the student has taken MAP assessments at their current school within the past six months, those results will be accepted. Interviews may be conducted for selected applicants depending on the grade level and background of the applicants. Grade 11-12 applicants and their families will meet with the IBDP Coordinator to receive course information. Applicants applying for Grade 9 and above need to be proficient in English to enroll. Step 4 | Application Review by the Admissions Team. The Admissions Committee will review the application in accordance with the school's admissions criteria. Applications submitted during the school term typically take approximately one week to process, two weeks or longer for students with learning needs. Applications received during school holidays will take two weeks or longer. Additional information or meetings with parents, teachers or specialists may be requested to support the review process and to ensure that VIS can best meet the student's needs. The Head of School will give final approval before an offer can be placed. Step 5 | Offer of Admission. Should an Offer of Admission be extended, you will receive an Offer Email from the Admissions Office. Step 6 | Welcome Information. As the school year approaches, you will receive access to our Welcome Site, which includes information about New Family Orientation, the first day of school, and general details to help you and your child have a successful start to the year. Step 7 | New Family Orientation. New families are invited to attend the New Family Orientation before starting school. During orientation, you will meet school leaders, counselors, and support staff, explore the campus, learn about the curriculum, student life, and how to get involved, and be able to ask questions about routines, schedules, school buses, and more. Step 8 | Welcome to VIS. With your child's first day of school, their journey officially begins at VIS. Our staff will be ready to ensure a smooth and welcoming transition for students and parents.

Scholarships
Phu Bia Mining Scholarship is offered to a Lao student. The first Phu Bia Mining Scholarship was offered to a Lao student in 2011.
School Events
The school has not added events
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