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International School Ho Chi Minh City - Primary Campus

Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₫279,000,000 - 747,100,000
Ages 2 - 10 years
Pupil numbers 1400
Type Co-educational
Opened 1993
Bus Service Yes
Part of
International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum, Reggio Emilia Approach
Taught languages English, Vietnamese
Typical class size 23
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

ISHCMC’s Primary Campus in Thu Duc City serves children aged 2–10 through the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Early Explorer to Grade 5. Learning happens in English with small classes. Facilities include an award-winning Primary Library, Fab Lab, Makerspace, food tech rooms, film studio, gym, a 25m six-lane pool, and outdoor courts—spaces that support inquiry, creativity, movement and play. Students choose from 150+ after-school activities across sports, arts, coding and production. The campus offers a city-wide school bus service (age 4+) and a shuttle connecting Primary and Secondary, making daily logistics straightforward for families. A distinctive feature is the Primary campus’s design-and-make focus (Fab Lab/Makerspace) embedded in the PYP, enabling practical, project-based learning from early years onward.

This campus is part of International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)

28 Vo Truong Toan, An Khanh, Ho Chi Minh City

The Essentials

International School Ho Chi Minh City - Primary Campus has 1,400 pupils, typical class sizes of 23, instruction in English.

Location
The Primary Campus is located at 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Khanh, Thu Duc City (formerly District 2), Ho Chi Minh City. The campus sits in a residential area with good access to major districts, and the school has its own bus service covering many parts of the city.

Stages
The school serves children from Early Years (from age 2) through Primary up to around age 10–11 (Grade 5). It is part of a wider 2–18 years school but this campus focuses on the early to primary years.

Type
It is a co-educational, day-school.

Additional learning support
The school offers Student Support and Enrichment services including tailored programmes for English as an Additional Language (EAL), Learning Support, differentiation and inclusive practices to support individual needs.

Country affiliation
The school is international with no formal affiliation to a specific national system.

Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.

School day structure
While the exact daily times are not detailed on publicly available pages, the school operates a regular day schedule with morning advisory, class blocks, a lunch break and co-curricular activities after lessons.

Bus service
The school operates a bus transportation service for students aged 4 years and above, covering many districts of Ho Chi Minh City. For families with children at both campuses, a complimentary shuttle connects Secondary students for single-drop convenience. Buses are operated to school standards with staff trained in child-safeguarding.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Nutritious lunches are provided on campus; lunchtime is described as a time to refuel and recharge.

Governance and Ownership
The International School Ho Chi Minh City Primary Campus is part of Cognita, a global family of international schools. Cognita provides governance oversight for its schools, and ISHCMC joined Cognita in 2011.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School Ho Chi Minh City - Primary Campus ranges from VND 279,000,000 to VND 747,100,000 for 2026/27.

Admissions Fee
The Admissions Fee is required when a student receives an offer of placement and is non-refundable.

* Early Explorer to Kindergarten: VND 25,000,000
* Grade 1 to Grade 12: VND 50,000,000
For families with more than one child enrolling, a 50% sibling discount applies to the second and subsequent children. If two or more siblings join at the same time, the youngest child receives the discount.

Annual Tuition Fees
ISHCMC operates an all-inclusive tuition model that covers the cost of instruction, uniforms, field trips, student devices, and core learning activities. The following are the annual payment option fees:

* EE2 (Half Day): VND 279,000,000
* EE2 (Full Day) / EE3: VND 384,400,000
* EE4: VND 499,800,000
* Year 1 / Grade 1–2: VND 681,900,000
* Grade 3–4: VND 727,400,000
* Grade 5: VND 747,100,000

Other payment plans are available by semester or term, though the total amount payable is higher than the annual plan.

Additional Fees and Inclusions
An Annual Development Fee (ADF) of VND 67,500,000 applies to Grades 1–12. Families may instead purchase a one-time Certificate of Entitlement (COE) at VND 337,500,000, which covers one child’s ADF for the duration of their enrollment.

The annual tuition includes all required textbooks, stationery, local excursions, after-school activities, sports programs, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, wellbeing and counselling services, annual uniform set, and morning fruit snacks. Optional elective activities, overseas trips, and some extended sports programs may incur additional charges.

Billing and Payment Terms
Invoices are issued annually with the main due date on 1 July 2025. Payments can be made by bank transfer or through company sponsorship arrangements. Families can choose between annual, semester, or term payment plans.

Refund Policy
The Admissions Fee is non-refundable. Tuition refunds, if applicable, are governed by ISHCMC’s withdrawal and refund policy, which is outlined in the school’s admissions documentation.
Academics

International School Ho Chi Minh City - Primary Campus teaches IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum, Reggio Emilia Approach for students aged 2 to 10.

Curriculum
The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) Primary Campus delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 2 to 10 (Early Explorer to Grade 5). The Early Years (ages 2–5) programme is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, encouraging exploration, creativity, and collaboration through play-based, inquiry-led learning. From Grade 1 onward, students continue within the IB PYP framework, developing conceptual understanding across core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. Instruction is in English, with Vietnamese taught as a language subject to promote cultural and linguistic connection. The curriculum also integrates music, visual arts, design technology, and physical education, supported by access to facilities like the Makerspace, Fab Lab, and Primary Library. This foundation prepares students for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) at ISHCMC’s secondary campus.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) promotes social and emotional learning through its “Be Well” model, which focuses on mental, physical, and social wellbeing. Dedicated school counsellors support students individually and in small groups to develop self-awareness, empathy, and positive relationships. SEL themes such as mindfulness, communication, and resilience are integrated into the homeroom and advisory programmes. The Primary Campus also participates in community-wide initiatives like Global Be Well Day, which encourages discussions and activities centred on emotional balance and wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
ISHCMC supports students with mild to moderate learning needs through its Learning Support programme. The Learning Support team collaborates with teachers, parents, and students to identify needs early and provide individualised strategies and interventions. Where appropriate, Individualised Learning Plans (ILPs) are developed to guide support within the classroom. The school provides assistance for a range of learning differences but is not a specialist SEN institution and does not provide extensive support for severe or complex needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Students whose first language is not English receive targeted support through the English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme. Specialist EAL teachers assess students’ English proficiency and provide both in-class and small-group instruction to help them access the mainstream curriculum. The programme emphasises language development in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Collaboration between classroom teachers and EAL staff ensures that language support is integrated across subjects.

Mental Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is supported through a comprehensive programme combining pastoral care, counselling, and health services. The Primary Campus includes a wellness centre staffed by trained medical and wellbeing professionals. Mindfulness activities and safe spaces, such as quiet reflection areas, are used to help students manage emotions and reduce stress. The school also organises wellbeing workshops for parents and runs awareness initiatives promoting balanced, healthy lifestyles.

Safeguarding
ISHCMC maintains clear safeguarding and child protection policies to ensure the safety of all students. Each campus designates Safeguarding Leads who oversee training, reporting, and the implementation of protective measures. All staff undergo background checks and child protection training before working with students. The school campus includes controlled entry systems, 24-hour security, and monitored visitor access, with safety protocols applied to all school activities and excursions.
Parent Experience

History
The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) was founded in 1993, making it the first international school established in Ho Chi Minh City. It began as a small institution serving the growing expatriate community and has since expanded into a full International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering education from Early Years to Grade 12. ISHCMC is part of the Cognita Group, an international network of over 100 schools worldwide. Over the past three decades, the school has developed two campuses — Primary and Secondary — to accommodate its growing student population and curriculum expansion.

Community
The ISHCMC community includes families from more than 50 nationalities, reflecting a diverse and inclusive international environment. The school regularly organises community events such as International Day, Global Be Well Day, and Sports Festivals that bring students, staff, and parents together. Cultural celebrations, including Tet (Vietnamese New Year) and other international holidays, are integrated into the calendar to foster intercultural understanding.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
At ISHCMC, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) plays an important role in building community and supporting student life. The PTO is composed of elected parent and faculty representatives who collaborate closely with the school’s leadership team. It helps organise major community events such as the Family Fun Night, International Festival, and Celebration of Cultures, which bring together families from across the school. The PTO also runs welcome activities for new families, coffee mornings, and social gatherings that promote connection and inclusion within the school community. In addition, it coordinates volunteer opportunities and fundraising initiatives that contribute to school programmes and local community projects.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Primary Campus is located at 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Khanh, Ho Chi Minh City. It features an award-winning Primary Library, a Fab Lab, a Makerspace, food tech rooms, a film studio, and dedicated art rooms to support inquiry-based learning. Collaborative learning spaces with wide corridors and breakout areas support group work and individualized study. The gym, adventure playground, a 25-meter six-lane pool, and outdoor courts provide space for movement and play.

Sports Facilities
The Primary Campus has a gym, an adventure playground, a 25-meter six-lane pool, and outdoor courts for physical education and sports activities.

Academic Facilities
The Primary Campus houses the Primary Library, Fab Lab, Makerspace, food tech rooms, a film studio, and dedicated art rooms to support inquiry-based learning. Collaborative learning spaces with wide corridors and breakout areas facilitate group work and independent study.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Primary School offers 95+ after-school activities in state-of-the-art ECA facilities and 26+ programs in the IPAA (ISHCMC Performing Arts Academy). ASAs run in two sessions per semester, with each session lasting six to eight weeks. Activities include Claymation, Kungfu, Violin, Mad Scientist, Skating, Graffiti, Sewing, Magic, Chess, Taekwondo, String Ensemble, Choir, Calligraphy, Mindfulness, and Primary Production. IPAA provides 26+ performing arts programs as part of ISHCMC's arts offerings.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school operates on two campuses: Primary Campus at 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Khanh, Ho Chi Minh City, and Secondary Campus at 1 Xuan Thuy, An Khanh, Ho Chi Minh City. The school is an IB World School for children aged 2–18 and offers the IB continuum from Early Years through Diploma. The Primary Campus serves ages 2–11 (Early Years to Grade 5) and the Secondary Campus serves Grades 6–12.

Arts & Creative
The Primary Campus features facilities for the arts, including a dedicated art program, a library, a film studio, and maker spaces. The Secondary Campus provides theatre and music spaces, recording studios, and design suites to support arts and creative learning.

Cultural & Language
The school serves a diverse community with students from 60+ nationalities, fostering global perspectives across campuses. Language support programs are offered to assist English language learners, including EAL and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) for Grades 6–7.

Social & Hobbies
Both campuses offer after-school and co-curricular activities aligned with the IB framework, including arts, sports, and leadership programs integrated across the continuum.

Community & Service
The school is part of the Cognita family of schools, sharing global networks and wellbeing initiatives across Cognita and ISHCMC.

Leadership & Professional
ISHCMC provides a structured IB pathway with dedicated college and university counseling as part of its academic program, supporting student transitions to higher education.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The campuses emphasize wellbeing as part of the Cognita approach, with a culture of care and resources to support students' social and emotional development.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught in World Language classes include Vietnamese, Mandarin, Spanish, and English as an Additional Language (EAL). EAL support is provided across all levels from Early Years through Secondary and is delivered in collaboration with classroom teachers to build English proficiency while ensuring access to the IB curriculum. An Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is available for Grades 6–7 to accelerate English for success in the Secondary School, with 20-week or 40-week options and alignment to the Middle Years Programme. The language program also reports strong outcomes, including 57% bilingual IB Diploma achievement and $56M in scholarships in 2025, indicating language and academic strength.
Reputation

Awards
* Cognita Holistic Education Award (2024): Presented by the Cognita Group in recognition of ISHCMC’s “Positive ISHCMC” wellbeing framework, which supports students’ personal and emotional growth.

Accreditations
* Council of International Schools (CIS): An international organisation that evaluates schools worldwide to ensure they meet high standards in teaching, learning, and student wellbeing.

* New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC): A US-based accrediting body that recognises educational institutions committed to continuous improvement and quality assurance.

* International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: Authorised to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), ensuring globally recognised academic standards.

* East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS): A network of international schools in East Asia that promotes collaboration and professional development among educators.

* South East Asia Student Activities Conference (SEASAC): A regional association that provides opportunities for student participation in inter-school sports, arts, and cultural events.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Online Application
Parents begin by completing the online application form on the ISHCMC website. This form collects details about the student, their previous education, and family background. No payment is required at this stage.

2. Document Submission
Applicants must provide supporting documents including a copy of the student’s passport or birth certificate, passport-sized photo, and the last two years of school reports. A recommendation form is required for Grades 1–12, while Early Years applicants submit a teacher reference. Incomplete applications cannot proceed.

3. Assessment
Once the application and documents are received, the student is invited for an age-appropriate assessment. This may include English language evaluations, cognitive tasks, and a review of learning readiness. For Primary students, the assessment also determines the need for EAL or Learning Support.

4. Admission Decision and Offer
Applications are reviewed by the relevant section principal. If successful, the school issues a formal offer letter. Parents confirm acceptance by signing the Parent Agreement and paying the non-refundable Admissions Fee.

5. Enrolment and Orientation
After acceptance, families complete medical and health forms and submit vaccination records. The school then schedules an orientation to introduce new students and parents to campus routines, teachers, and school life.

Scholarships
The school does not publicly disclose any scholarship or bursary programme on its website. All students are subject to the standard admissions and tuition fee policies.

Waitlist
The school does not publicly state that it operates a waitlist or pool system.
School Events
The school has not added events
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