The city districts in Ho Chi Minh City are numbers not names, so choosing where to send your child to school could have the appearance of a lottery. But armed with the right knowledge, your decision need not depend on the fall of the dice.
- Education in Ho Chi Minh City
- Choosing a school in Ho Chi Minh City
- Special education needs in Ho Chi Minh City
- Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Ho Chi Minh City
- Best schools in Ho Chi Minh City
Education in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (commonly known as HCMC) is the larger, more high-rise, business centre of Vietnam compared to its more cultural, northern sibling, Hanoi. Less traditional in feel than Hanoi, the wider streets accommodate a constant throng of traffic, not least the ubiquitous motorbike – three million of them apparently! While you can (and many do) take your children to school by bike, the good news is that almost all of the schools also offer a good bus service and local taxi services such as Grab are cheap and aplenty.
There are some excellent international schools dotted around the city with stunning results, particularly for the IB Diploma, with graduates scoring way above the global average, though this does in turn mean that it can also be a pressurised environment for some children.
As in most far eastern cities, it is unlikely that you will consider sending your child to a public school unless your family is at least partially Vietnamese, or you are intent on integrating your children into the culture. In previous years teaching methods were deemed to be along the lines of children being ‘seen and not heard’ but now the public schools largely take a more western approach, with less rigid structure to the day and more collaboration and interaction, however, you will likely find it very hard to slot your child in, as these are hugely over-subscribed.
Choosing a school in Ho Chi Minh City
Once you’ve sorted out which district number works for the practicalities of the school run – most international families tend to stay in the Thao Dien area in district 2 which is handy for BIS HCMC, EIS and AIS while if you head further out to the likes of district 7 you’ll find yourself close to Saigon South International School or Renaissance International School - you might want to look at quotas around nationalities in schools and proportion of local students to international students, which can range from 30 to 90 per cent.
Curricula is another important consideration, not least to ensure that your children can transition easily. Most schools, with one or two exceptions, offer a basically American curriculum up to the American High School Diploma or a mixed curriculum leading to IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
As in Hanoi, the Vietnam war meant the influx of international schools only began around 25 years ago. All the ones we review are externally accredited, either by independent American agencies or the Council of International Schools (CIS) or inspected by accreditation agencies for the British Schools Overseas (BSO). Some are even dually accredited. Watch out for the similarity of school names, particularly the use of the word American (which may account for why so many schools are more commonly just known by their initials).
Although most international schools are open to registering students all year round, the most popular ones tend to have waiting lists so you need to get your act together fast and research the schools as soon as you know you’re heading for HCMC. Not all are fully selective but given the highly impressive graduate scores and destinations and the pushy local parents, these schools can tend to be full-on academic hothouses.
Special education needs in Ho Chi Minh City
Most international schools here can cater to mild to moderate special needs and also have specific programs (at an additional cost) for children for whom English is not their first language. At this point in time we aren’t aware of any specialist schools for children with severe learning difficulties.
Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Ho Chi Minh
Some of the best international schools such as BIS offer a pre-school to prepare students for full-time education. Bus services are provided for most schools, even at pre-school level and these are generally to western standards.
In addition there are a number of nursery schools and kindergartens popping up around the city aimed at international families with a good mix of learning approaches from Montessori to Reggio Emilia and international early years curricula.
Best schools in Ho Chi Minh City
British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS-HCMC) 
International Primary Curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 2,000 students
Founded in 1997 and in 2015 joined Nord Anglia Education, the rapidly expanding educational organisation (now with over 70 schools in 29 countries). The largest international school in Vietnam based across three purpose-built campuses. Last published results show an average of nearly 36 points scored for the IB Diploma, substantially above the global average.
Click here to read our full review of BIS HCMC
The schools below have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
ABC International School (formerly ABC English School)
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A Level; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 800 students
Established in 1995 and now on three campuses in Ho Chi Minh City, with the secondary school on a brand-new campus. Expanded to offer the A Level syllabus and the only school in Vietnam given permission to host admission tests for Oxbridge. Offers the international version of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
American International School Vietnam (AISVN)
PYP/ Candidate MYP/ IB Diploma/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,000 students
Founded in 2006 in Ho Chi Minh City as a Vietnamese version of an American college preparatory school, catering for mainly local students. Recognised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, authorised to teach the International Baccalaureate PYP and IBDP programmes and a candidate for the IBMYP. Sends graduates to a huge range of American universities, although not many to Ivies. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WASC).
Australian International School Saigon
PYP/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 1-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,300 students
Opened in 2006 and merged in 2013 with ACG Vietnam to become one school. The latter was started by a privately owned education company from New Zealand, on a brand-new campus at Thu Thiem. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and sends graduates to leading global universities.
European International School Ho Chi Minh City (EIS-HCMC)
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 570 students
Established in 2009 and teaching the International Baccalaureate Programme throughout. Sited on a garden campus in Thao Dien, District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City. Now owned by Inspired, an educational group that runs over 70 global schools. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS).
International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,300 students
The first International Baccalaureate World School and claiming to be the oldest international school in Ho Chi Minh City. One of three Cognita (70 global members) schools in Vietnam. A brand new secondary campus, including a 350 seat theatre and sports facilities, opened in 2018, 5 kms from the original school. The average IB Diploma score recently has been in the mid-thirties and the perfect score of 45 has been achieved by individual students. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS).
International School Ho Chi Minh City - American Academy
Adapted curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP/ SUPA; ages 11-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 300 students
Part of the Cognita group of schools in Vietnam and offering an American middle and high school education. University preparation courses through Advanced Placement and university level courses offered through partnership with Syracuse University, on a scheme which allows students to earn early university credit. Dually accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Renaissance International School Saigon
Adapted curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 540 students
Opened in August 2007 in the suburbs of Ho Chi Minh City and a member of the Round Square network since 2011. All classes delivered in English with a focus on the creative and performing arts. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). Average International Baccalaureate Diploma score in the mid-thirties well above the global figure of 30.
Saigon South International School (SSIS)
Adapted American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,000 students
Founded in 1997 by the Phu My Yong corporation to supply the increasing demand for an American education in Vietnam. International Baccalaureate Diploma results (around 35 points) tend to be significantly higher than the world average and graduates (mainly American, Vietnamese, Korean, Taiwanese) continue on to well-known global universities. An Apple Distinguished school and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
The American School Ho Chi Minh City (TAS)
Adapted American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 575 students
Opened in 2010 and grown significantly over the decade. Offering an American education, taught entirely in English, with the option of completing sufficient AP courses to obtain the Advanced Placement International Diploma (APID). Accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WASC).
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on the Good Schools Guide international section.