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International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South)

Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₫514,560,000 - 843,470,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 500
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2005
Bus Service Yes
Part of
International Schools of North America
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, Korean, Vietnamese
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form, Middle School
Introduction

SNA Saigon South is an IB Continuum school in Ho Chi Minh City’s Saigon South area, offering the IB Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes from Grade 1 to Grade 12. The campus sits in the Him Lam residential community and spans nearly 10,000 m² with 80+ classrooms and dedicated spaces including laboratories, art rooms, a musical hall, a robotics room for STEM, a football field, library, and cafeteria. Instruction is in English, with additional study in Vietnamese and Korean and support for other mother tongues. Families can use the school’s transportation service across HCMC, and boarding is available—the first in Saigon South. Recent highlights include student CAS service trips and representation in international school sports such as teeball.

This campus is part of International Schools of North America

Street No. 20, Him Lam Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City

The Essentials

International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) has 500 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
The International Schools of North America – Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) is situated on Street No. 20 in the Him Lam Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City. The campus lies within the Saigon South area, a well-planned residential neighborhood known for its family-oriented environment and convenient access to major districts of the city. Its proximity to main roads and transport links makes it easily reachable for both local and expatriate families. The area offers a calm and secure setting that contrasts with the busier city center, making it a suitable environment for both learning and community life.

Stages
SNA Saigon South offers a full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) through the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP). The school welcomes students from early primary to high school level, typically ranging in age from 3 to 18.

Type
SNA Saigon South is a co-educational international school.

Additional learning support
The school provides dedicated support for students with additional learning needs through its Student Support Services department. This includes English language acquisition programs for non-native speakers and an Inclusion Programme for students requiring academic, emotional, or behavioral support. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are developed where necessary, ensuring each student receives targeted assistance. The school also offers counseling and wellbeing programs to help students thrive both academically and personally.

Country affiliation
The school operates as a fully authorized International Baccalaureate World School, drawing on global best practices in international education rather than following a country-specific curriculum.

Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliations.

School day structure
The typical school day begins around 8:15 a.m. and concludes at approximately 3:15 p.m., with scheduled breaks for snacks and lunch. Boarding students follow an extended daily routine, which includes supervised study periods, extracurricular activities, and structured evening programs. The daily schedule is designed to balance academic lessons with time for recreation, enrichment, and personal development.

Bus service
The school offers a well-organized bus service for students living across Ho Chi Minh City. This service is managed in partnership with a professional transport provider, ensuring safety and reliability. Families can choose between one-way or two-way options, depending on their needs. Bus routes cover multiple residential districts, and details regarding stops, timing, and fees are made available at the start of each academic year.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding facilities are state-of-the-art and located 2 minutes from the main campus. Rooms are separated by gender, with bedrooms offering storage and study spaces. Communal spaces include a living room, a lounge, a dining room, and a laundry, and a dedicated boarding team provides round-the-clock care. The program offers a range of activities and events to support academic and personal growth.

Food Options
Food service is provided by Aden Food. The SNA Menu (September 2025) shows a mix of Asian and Western dishes; menus may change based on supply. The canteen is nut-free to accommodate allergies; vegetarian options are available. On-site staff and managers oversee safe, hygienic operations.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of the Nguyen Hoang Group (NHG), a private education group in Vietnam, which provides an education ecosystem that includes institutions such as iSchool and UK Academy; SNA Saigon South benefits from this network.
Fees

Annual tuition at International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) ranges from VND 514,560,000 to VND 843,470,000 for 2026/27.

Application Fee
A one-time, non-refundable application fee of VND 5,600,000 is required upon submission of the admission form.

Registration Fee
A one-time registration fee of VND 40,000,000 applies upon enrollment confirmation. This fee is refundable only if the student is deemed ineligible due to failing the entrance exam or for verified medical reasons.

Tuition Fees (per year and per semester)
All fees are in VND. Payment may be made annually or by semester. Discounts apply for early full-year payment.

* Grades 1–5 (PYP): 514,560,000 per year / 257,280,000 per semester
* Grades 6–10 (MYP): 689,240,000 per year / 344,620,000 per semester
* Grades 11–12 (DP): 843,470,000 per year / 421,735,000 per semester

These tuition rates include textbooks, stationery, laboratory fees, co-curricular activities, IB examination fees (first attempt), English language support (if applicable), and student insurance.

Boarding Fees
Boarding is available for both primary and secondary students:

* Primary (Mon–Fri): 94,300,000 per year
* Primary (Mon–Sun): 115,200,000 per year
* Secondary (Mon–Fri): 110,340,000 per year
* Secondary (Mon–Sun): 135,640,000 per year
Meals are included on school days only.

Other Fees

* Uniforms: Primary 2,975,000 / Secondary MYP 3,575,000 / Secondary DP 5,475,000
* Meals: Primary 35,470,000 per year / Secondary 40,930,000 per year
* Transportation (within HCMC): From 21,000,000 to 40,230,000 per year (two-way), depending on pick-up zone

Discounts and Sibling Policy

* 10% discount for the second sibling, 15% for the third and subsequent siblings enrolled at SNA or other NHG schools.
* 30% discount on bus fees for additional siblings sharing the same pick-up point.

Refund Policy
Tuition refunds are available if withdrawal is due to relocation, disaster, or medical reasons, with notice at least 30 working days before departure. Refund rates vary by timing (e.g., 100% before start date, 50% within two months of term start). Meal and boarding fees are refundable based on unused days.

Payment Terms and Options
Payments may be made by semester or annually via bank transfer to the school’s account.
Academics

International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The International Schools of North America – Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) offers a full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, encompassing the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Students in Grades 1–5 follow the PYP, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning across subjects such as language, mathematics, science, and the arts. Grades 6–10 study within the MYP framework, integrating global contexts and interdisciplinary projects that encourage critical thinking and personal development. In Grades 11–12, students pursue the IB Diploma Programme, which includes six subject groups, Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) components. English is the primary language of instruction, while Vietnamese and Korean are taught as additional languages. The curriculum prepares students for international higher education pathways and encourages engagement with local and global communities.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SNA’s Student Support Services department includes a counselling and wellbeing team that works with students on individual, social, peer, educational and relationship issues in a confidential setting. They aim to support the physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing of students, helping build resilience and self-help strategies. The boarding programme also emphasises daily supervision, mentoring and routines to support social-emotional growth. The school says that students themselves define “wellbeing” as including physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects, and they involve students in discussions of trending issues.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
SNA offers an Inclusion Programme for students with learning, emotional or behavioural needs, supporting them through Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The school works with outside agencies and professional recommendations to assist students requiring challenge or help in their educational journey. While it is not a specialist SEN institution, it caters to a range of needs including academic, social, emotional and behavioural. The aim is an inclusive educational environment rather than a separate specialist centre.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
SNA provides language support through its Student Support Services team — offering opportunities in English, Vietnamese and Korean, and supporting independent language studies for other mother-tongue backgrounds. However, the school does not publicly provide a detailed separate “EAL programme” description using that label, so the precise structure (e.g., levels, identification process) is not fully disclosed.

Mental Wellbeing
The school explicitly recognises that student mental health is important and offers counselling and mental wellbeing programmes. SNA states that students can discuss concerns in a safe and confidential space, receive guidance on coping strategies, and that wellbeing is promoted through awareness activities. The boarding environment is also noted as a key priority for wellbeing support.

Safeguarding
SNA has a published Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, confirming its responsibility to protect students from harm, neglect and exploitation. It defines a designated safeguarding lead (or deputies), requires training for all staff and sets expectations for secure recruitment, clear procedures and record-keeping. The policy is aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Safeguarding Policy
Parent Experience

History
The International Schools of North America – Saigon South (SNA Saigon South Campus) was founded in 2005 as part of the Nguyễn Hoàng Group education network. Over the years it has developed into a K-12 institution offering a full International Baccalaureate continuum. The school gained full authorization for the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes as of 2022, making it one of the early IB Continuum schools in Vietnam. Its establishment reflects a growing demand among local and expatriate families for international education in Ho Chi Minh City.

Community
SNA Saigon South hosts a vibrant and multicultural community of students, staff and families drawn from many nationalities. The school regularly organises cultural celebrations, seasonal events (such as Christmas tree decoration contests) and themed activities that bring together the wider school community. These shared occasions provide opportunities for students and parents to engage outside of the classroom and build connections across backgrounds.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school does not publicly provide detailed information about a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or similar parent-led organisation. While parents are visibly involved in various community and cultural events, there is no published record of a structured PTA body, committee, or calendar of parent-driven initiatives. As such, details regarding specific PTA activities, leadership roles, or parent-school collaboration programs are not disclosed on the school’s official platforms.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The SNA Saigon South Campus sits on a 10,000 m2 area, with more than 80 classrooms and 10 function rooms, a playground, a relaxation area including a library, a pool, a gymnasium, a football field, and a dormitory, all built to modern international standards.

Sports Facilities
The campus includes a football field, a swimming pool, and a gymnasium to support sports and physical education.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities comprise laboratory rooms, a musical hall, art rooms, libraries, and a robotics room to teach STEM subjects, along with a cafeteria and other spaces that support learning activities.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-curricular activities are supported by spaces such as laboratories, a musical hall, art rooms, libraries, a 3D golf room, a robotics room for STEM, a football field, and additional spaces.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Co-Curricular Activities at SNA Saigon South include STEM, Debate, Chess, and Presentation, providing opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom. The program also features robotics competitions and STEM festivals that bring real-world problem solving into student life. Students are encouraged to push beyond their limits through CCAs, which challenge them to excel and view setbacks as learning opportunities. These activities connect classroom concepts to practical, academic-growth experiences.

Arts & Creative
Co-Curricular Activities include music, art, and dance, with Dance listed among the arts offerings and Presentations developing performance and communication skills. The CCAs program covers arts in addition to sports and technology as part of a holistic, creative pathway. Students have opportunities to express themselves creatively through dance and other artistic activities. The program emphasizes creative collaboration and expression as part of the IB framework.

Cultural & Language
Students have the option to study a second language in addition to English, including French, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese. An EAL Bridge program provides intensive English language support for students who need to strengthen English to participate in the MYP. Languages Support is available as part of Student Support Services to assist language development. This language offering and support reflect exposure to different cultures within an international IB community.

Social & Hobbies
Co-Curricular Activities include sports, music, art, technology, language, and social activities; examples include Football, Swim, Chess, Basketball, and Dance. The CCAs program encourages teamwork, leadership, and personal growth through diverse activities outside academics. Students can explore interests and develop confidence through CCAs. The program supports a broad, well-rounded student life that complements academic learning.

Community & Service
Service learning is a defined component of the MYP at SNA, with students engaging in meaningful community projects. The IB framework emphasizes community involvement and social responsibility as part of the learning experience. The school runs community engagement initiatives that reflect its values and global outlook. Notably, campaigns such as Not Alone illustrate student-led community actions focused on online safety.

Leadership & Professional
SNA hosted the Harvard Young Global Leaders Program, focusing on leadership, problem-solving, communication, public speaking, and critical thinking, with an actionable project. The NextGen Scholarship recognizes leadership potential in addition to achievements in arts or sports. The IB Continuum and SNA's branding as 'The School for Future Leaders' support leadership development. The school's pathways and programs position students to pursue leadership and global opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical and Health Education is a core IB MYP subject, emphasizing wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle. Co-Curricular Activities include Football and Swim, providing regular opportunities for fitness and outdoor activity. Dance is offered as a creative outlet that supports physical wellbeing and expression. The CCAs program promotes resilience and the learning experience of turning failure into a constructive step forward.
Languages

Language Provision
The school provides language learning in English, Vietnamese, and Korean, and supports Independent Language studies for students from other mother tongues.
Reputation

Accreditations
* International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: Authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). This accreditation confirms the school’s adherence to the International Baccalaureate Organization’s global standards for inquiry-based and internationally minded education.

* Council of International Schools (CIS) Member School: Membership indicates that the school is part of a global community of international institutions committed to high-quality education and continuous improvement through peer evaluation and global best practices.

* Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based accrediting commission that assesses schools for academic quality, governance, and institutional integrity, ensuring that learning outcomes meet international benchmarks.

* Keeping Safe – Child Protection Curriculum: Certification that the school implements internationally recognized child protection education and safeguarding standards to support student safety and wellbeing.

* Saigon International Schools Athletic Conference (SISAC): Membership in this regional organization allows the school to participate in inter-school athletic events, fostering sportsmanship and physical development within the international school community in Ho Chi Minh City.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Application Submission
Parents begin by completing the online or in-person application form and paying the non-refundable application fee. The form requires basic student details such as grade level, date of birth, and previous school records. Applications are typically accepted between March and June, although late submissions are considered depending on space availability.

2. Entrance Assessment and Interview
Each applicant completes an entrance assessment, which may include academic testing, a writing sample, and an English proficiency evaluation. Younger students may participate in an interview or classroom observation. The admissions team reviews all results alongside the student’s past academic records to determine eligibility.

3. Offer of Placement
Successful applicants receive an official offer of enrolment once assessment results and documentation meet school requirements. Parents confirm acceptance by signing the enrolment agreement and paying the one-time registration fee to secure the student’s place.

4. Payment and Orientation
After registration, families pay tuition and other related fees such as meals, uniforms, and transportation according to the school’s payment schedule. Before the school year begins, students and parents are invited to orientation sessions to support a smooth transition into the school community.

5. Late Applications
Applications received after the main intake period are considered on a rolling basis. Admission is subject to class capacity, assessment results, and the school’s ability to support the applicant’s educational needs.

Scholarships
NextGen Scholarship (Grades 6–10)
This merit-based award provides up to 50% tuition coverage for students entering the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Selection is based on two assessment rounds, including a MAP Growth test in Math and Reading, and a written essay or interview in English.

Little Eagle Talent Scholarship (Grades 1–5)
This scholarship supports primary students showing strong academic and creative potential. It covers 50% of tuition and 50% of the registration fee. Applicants submit a short video showcasing a talent such as storytelling or singing in English and complete the school’s entrance assessment.

Both scholarships are valid for the duration specified in the offer, are non-transferable, and may not be exchanged for cash. Recipients are expected to maintain good academic standing and participate actively in school life.

Waitlist
The school does not operate a formal waitlist or pooled admissions system.
School Events
The school has not added events
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