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International School Ho Chi Minh City - Secondary Campus

Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₫849,400,000 - 959,000,000
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1400
Type Co-educational
Opened 2017
Bus Service Yes
Part of
International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, Vietnamese
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

International School Ho Chi Minh City’s Secondary Campus in Thao Dien serves students ages 11–18 through the IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme. Learning is delivered in English, with dedicated English as an Additional Language support and an Intensive English Language Program for Grades 6–7. The campus offers a broad co-curricular programme, including a structured Athletics & Aquatics pathway and over 95 after-school activities, with 26+ programmes through the ISHCMC Performing Arts Academy. Student leadership and impact are developed through Service as Action (MYP) and CAS (DP). The school provides a city-wide bus service and a free inter-campus shuttle for eligible families. Located ~15 minutes from the city centre, Thao Dien’s amenities and family housing make daily routines convenient.

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

1 Xuan Thuy, An Khanh, Ho Chi Minh City

The Essentials

International School Ho Chi Minh City - Secondary Campus has 1,400 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
The Secondary Campus is located in the Thảo Điền neighbourhood of Thu Đức City (District 2), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It lies in a well-connected area with access to many expatriate housing neighbourhoods and is about 15 minutes from the city centre. Bus routes cover multiple districts and the campus is part of the “one community, two campuses” model with the Primary Campus nearby.

Stages
The school serves students aged approximately 11 to 18 and is structured for Grades 6-12 (Middle Years and High School). The curriculum follows the IB Middle Years Programme and then the IB Diploma Programme.

Type
It is a co-educational day school.

Additional learning support
The school offers a Student Support and Enrichment team which includes Learning Support for students with mild-to-moderate learning needs, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and counselling. Individual learning plans (IEPs) are used where required.

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 service for students aged 4 years and older, covering many districts of Ho Chi Minh City including District 1, District 2, District 3, District 4, District 5, Bình Thạnh, Tân Bình, Gò Vấp and Thu Đức. There is also a complimentary shuttle service between the Primary and Secondary campuses for eligible families.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Lunch options include hot Asian and Western meals, Taco Bowl, and to-go options.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of the Cognita Family and Global Network.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School Ho Chi Minh City - Secondary Campus ranges from VND 849,400,000 to VND 959,000,000 for 2026/27.

Application and Enrolment Fees
A non-refundable application fee and registration fee are payable upon admission. These fees cover processing and administrative costs related to enrolment.

Tuition Fees
For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition fees vary by grade:

* Grades 6–8: VND 849,400,000 per year (or VND 437,400,000 per semester / Term 1: 315,100,000 / Term 2: 225,100,000 / Term 3: 225,100,000 / Term 4: 135,100,000).
* Grades 9–10: VND 888,200,000 per year (or VND 457,400,000 per semester / Term 1: 329,500,000 / Term 2: 235,400,000 / Term 3: 235,400,000 / Term 4: 141,200,000).
* Grades 11–12: VND 959,000,000 per year (or VND 493,900,000 per semester / Term 1: 355,800,000 / Term 2: 254,100,000 / Term 3: 254,100,000 / Term 4: 152,500,000).

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms
Fees are billed per semester or per term, with due dates typically on 1 July 2025, 1 October 2025, 1 December 2025, and 1 March 2026.

Boarding
The school does not offer boarding facilities; all students attend as day students.

Other Costs
Additional costs include school uniforms, technology devices, transport (optional bus service), and some extracurricular activities.

Refunds and Payment Options
Refunds follow the school’s admissions and withdrawal policy. Payments are accepted via bank transfer; other methods may be arranged upon request through the school’s finance office.
Academics

International School Ho Chi Minh City - Secondary Campus teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) Secondary Campus follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework across all year levels. Students in Grades 6–10 study the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which integrates subjects such as Language and Literature, Mathematics, Sciences, Individuals and Societies, Design, Arts, and Physical and Health Education. From Grades 11–12, students undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP), which leads to the globally recognized IB Diploma qualification. The DP includes six subject groups and a core component of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Language learning, technology integration, and service are emphasized across all stages, and English is the main language of instruction. The curriculum prepares students for international university entry and supports diverse academic and personal pathways.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school runs a “Positive ISHCMC (POSISH)” framework, which includes advisory programmes and Personal, Social, Health & Education (PSHE) lessons to support students’ social-emotional development. It emphasises a teaching structure where homeroom/advisory teachers and counsellors work together to help students reflect on values, relationships and self-awareness. There is a clear intention that each student has access to at least one trusted adult in the school who can be approached about their social or emotional concerns.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
A Learning Support team supports students with mild to moderate learning needs through differentiated classroom strategies and Individualised Learning Plans (IEPs). The school explicitly states that it is not a specialist SEN institution and does not undertake to provide for all specialised educational needs. The support services team collaborates with teachers and families when specific needs are identified.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme. Students whose mother tongue is not English may receive pull-out or in-class support in reading, writing, speaking and listening, and are monitored until they reach the required level of English proficiency. For students in Grades 6–7 there is an “Intensive English Language Program (IELP)” option for those with limited academic English who are preparing for the secondary years.

Mental Wellbeing
The school runs a dedicated Health / Wellness Centre staffed by qualified nurses, which provides individual health counselling including emotional and physical health needs. The school aims to integrate wellness, mindfulness and student counselling within the advisory programme and broader wellbeing strategy.

Safeguarding
The school has a published Safeguarding policy which states that all staff undergo screening, there are designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) for each campus, and referrals may be made to external agencies when appropriate. Access to campus is controlled (with 24-hour security, camera monitoring and visitor sign-in) and all staff have first-aid training and understand the reporting system for concerns.
Parent Experience

History
The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) was founded in 1993 as the “International Grammar School” in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. It was renamed and relocated to what is now the Primary Campus in District 2 in 1997, and in 2011 the school became part of the Cognita Schools Group. In the 2017/18 academic year the school inaugurated its Secondary Campus. In 2023 the school marked its 30th anniversary.

Community
ISHCMC serves a community of families from 60+ countries, representing a wide-ranging cultural mix. The school hosts numerous cultural and community events, including celebrations such as the World Food Fest, Flag Parade and family-oriented social evenings. Parent workshops in multiple languages (for example Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese liaison groups) are offered to help families engage with school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school’s Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) includes elected parent and faculty representatives who collaborate to support teachers, students and families. The PTO sponsors and supports major whole-school events such as “Family Fun Night”, the “International Festival” and the “Celebration of Cultures”. It also coordinates social gatherings for new families and runs the “Rhino Booster Club” that supports athletics and extra-curricular programmes. Communication channels and class-group liaison networks are supported via dedicated parent-led WhatsApp groups and family workshops.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school operates two campuses, the Primary Campus and the Secondary Campus. The Primary Campus features a library, Fab Lab, Makerspace, food tech rooms, a film studio and dedicated art rooms. It also provides collaborative learning areas with wide corridors and break-out spaces, a gym, an adventure playground, a 25-meter pool with six lanes and outdoor courts. The Secondary Campus offers technologically advanced classrooms, collaborative learning spaces and senior study areas, along with specialist facilities to prepare students for the 21st-century world. These include an Information and Media Center, a professional theatre, recording studios, design suites and music practice rooms, plus food tech and science labs, a rooftop sports field and a 25-meter pool with eight lanes.

Sports Facilities
The Primary Campus provides a gym, an adventure playground, a 25-meter pool with six lanes and outdoor courts. The Secondary Campus provides an NBA-size basketball court and a rooftop sports field, along with a 25-meter pool with eight lanes. These spaces support the athletics and aquatics programs across ISHCMC.

Academic Facilities
The Primary Campus has a library, Fab Lab, Makerspace, food tech rooms, a film studio and dedicated art rooms to support inquiry-based learning. The Secondary Campus has an Information and Media Center, a professional theatre, recording studios, design suites and music practice rooms, plus food tech and science labs. Technologically advanced classrooms and senior study areas support independent and collaborative learning.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ISHCMC offers 95+ after-school activities for students from KG to Grade 12. Academic and intellectual ASAs include Model United Nations, Economics & Business Club, Maths Competition Club, Homework Club, and Writing Club. Primary ASAs include Claymation, Kungfu, Violin, Mad Scientist, Skating, Graffiti, Sewing, Chess, Taekwondo, String Ensemble, Choir, Calligraphy, Mindfulness, and Primary Production. Secondary ASAs include Band, Orchestra, String Ensemble, Choir, Theatre Productions, Maths competitions, Homework Club, Writing Club, and Yoga.

Arts & Creative
The Arts program uses dedicated facilities including a 350-seat theater, Black Box theaters, a recording studio, music practice rooms, and art studios. The ISHCMC Performing Arts Academy provides music instruction aligned with ABRSM and RockSchool syllabi, with performances by individuals or ensembles. Students can participate in theatre and music performances and recitals throughout the year.

Cultural & Language
Japanese for Beginners, Chinese Calligraphy, and Vietnamese Cooking are among the cultural and language activities offered. Model United Nations provides cross-cultural academic engagement. CAS includes diverse cultural experiences such as language-related and global-awareness projects.

Social & Hobbies
Secondary ASAs include Model United Nations, Economics & Business Club, Band/Orchestra/String Ensemble/Choir, Theatre Productions, Maths competition Club, Homework Club, Writing Club, and Yoga. Other activities include Graffiti art, anime drawing, Scuba diving, Cooking, and Jewellery making. Public Speaking, Debate Club, and Campus TV are also part of CAS activities.

Community & Service
Leadership & Service supports Service in Action (PYP) and Service as Action (MYP) across Primary, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes. The Diploma Programme CAS area includes a wide range of creativity, activity and service projects, with examples such as Diversity, Global Issues Network, Go Green Go Clean, and other community initiatives. There is a broad list of service-oriented activities including Animal Rescue Center, Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, and other charitable groups.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership and Service provides student leadership opportunities across IB levels through Service as Action and the DP CAS framework. CAS activities foster leadership and communication skills through activities such as Model United Nations, Debate Club, Public Speaking, and Campus TV. ISHCMC also offers College and University Counseling to support post-secondary planning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
ISHCMC participates in SISAC athletic competition with inter-school opportunities in Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Badminton, Gymnastics, Track & Field, and Cross Country. The ISHCMC Stingrays Swim Team has five levels and competes locally and internationally. Mindfulness and wellbeing are supported through a mindfulness program and safeguarding policies, with on-site clinic nurses available for student health needs.
Languages

Language Provision
ISHCMC Secondary delivers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for Grades 6–10 and the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12. Graduation pathways include the ISHCMC High School Diploma, IB Courses, and the IB Diploma Programme (with CAS, TOK, and EE) or a combination of IB and ISHCMC subjects. The school serves ages 11–18, with typical class sizes of 20–23 and a teacher–student ratio of 1:9. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided across the school, and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) for Grades 6–7 offers 20-week or 40-week options with six hours of daily study, following the MYP framework to prepare students for the mainstream IB curriculum. Within language study, Korean Language and Literature and Mandarin are taught. In 2025, 53% of graduates earned bilingual IB Diplomas, and 1,187 university offers were received with more than $56 million USD in scholarships.
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. Submit Your Application
Families begin the process by completing the school’s online application form. Required documents include the student’s personal information, recent school reports, and relevant academic or health records. Supporting documents help the admissions team understand the applicant’s background and readiness.

2. Assessment and Interview
Applicants complete an age-appropriate academic assessment and take part in an interview. This step helps the school understand each child’s learning style, English proficiency, and overall suitability for the IB curriculum. Assessments are designed to ensure students can access the school’s programmes successfully.

3. Receive an Offer
Once assessments and interviews are reviewed, the school notifies families of the admission decision. Successful applicants receive an offer letter outlining placement details, conditions (if applicable), and fee payment information. The admissions office remains available to guide families through the following administrative steps.

4. Confirm Enrolment
Families confirm acceptance by submitting the required documents and arranging fee payments by the specified deadlines. This step secures the student’s place and allows preparation for orientation and the start of school.

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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