District 2 in Ho Chi Minh City is a haven for expatriates, and naturally, it boasts a vibrant selection of international schools. With over 20 options available, District 2 offers a significant chunk of Saigon’s international schools, catering to a diverse range of educational needs.
These schools are renowned for their excellent facilities, convenient shuttle services, and a plethora of enriching extracurricular activities. Whether you’re searching for the best international school for your child’s entire educational journey, including infant school and elementary years, or seeking a top-notch institution specifically for elementary grades, District 2 has something to offer. However, it’s important to note that tuition fees can vary significantly between international schools in Saigon.
In this article, l’Atelier An Phu will delve deeper into the diverse landscape of District 2’s international schools, helping you navigate this crucial decision for your child’s education.
Best English International Schools of Saigon’s District 2
Anne Hill International
Ages: 1.5 to 10
Programs: Not Available
Taught Languages:English, Mandarin, Vietnamese
Yearly Fees*: 9320 USD to 10,965 USD + Administrative fees: 510 USD
Founded in 2015, Anne Hill International combines a pre-school and a primary school. One of the greatest things about the preschool (age 1.5 to 5) is that unlike others, the full day lasts until 5 PM which is perfect for busy parents (and starts at 8 AM).
Co-curricular activities include the likes of Arts & Crafts, Speech & Drama, Language Classes, Music & Dance, Science & Engineering, Robotics, Football, Gardening, Design, Chess & Board Games, and Yoga. Additionally, Extra English hours can be provided depending on your child’s level.
The facilities at Anne Hill include 8 60m² classrooms, an indoor rock wall, a library, an audio-visual room, a sick bay, a football field, a canteen, an eco-garden, a coffee corner, and playgrounds with sandpit, mini-trampoline and water play features.
Being very international, and welcoming over 40 nationalities Anne Hill School celebrates festivals from all cultures.
Location: 33 Giang Văn Minh, An Phú, District 2, Ho Chi Minh
Website: app.annehill.school
The American School
Ages: 2 to 18
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP), American High School Diploma (College Prepatory), WASC-accredited school
Taught Languages: Vietnamese, Spanish, Mandarin
Yearly Fees*: 9,285 USD to 28,000 USD + Administrative fees : 1,280 USD to 2,350 USD
Created in 2010, the American School covers all ages from pre-nursery up to High School level (Grade 12), prepares for SATs, and has great facilities, thanks to its new 18.000 m² campus opened in 2020. It is accessible thanks to multiple Bus routes managed by the school itself (for an additional fee).
Previously located in Thao Dien, the American School is now situated in An Phu, still in District 2, but with much larger capacities, growing from 550 students to 2000, distributed amongst more than 100 classrooms.
Their extra-curricular activities include Kung Fu, ballet, swimming, magic, badminton, chess, cross country, green club, ukulele, cooking, board games, and Spanish.
The school features facilities such as a swimming pool, cafeteria, auditorium, soccer field, sports centers, libraries, and laboratories.
Location: 6 Song Hanh Road, Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Freeway, An Phu Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Website: tas.edu.vn
Aurora International School of the Arts
Ages: 0 to 12
Programs: Reggio Emilia – International Baccalaureate (PYP – Primary Years Program)
Taught Languages: English
Yearly Fees*: Unavailable
Aurora opened in 2016 in a beautiful Thao Dien Villa and follows the Reggio Emilia ways. As such, it is very keen to protect your child’s health, paying close attention to AQI (Air Quality Index) and nutrition. Classrooms are equipped with air purifiers and great attention is put into elaborating meals. Like any other Reggio Emilia school, Aurora focuses on children’s development through creativity and experience.
It welcomes more than 160 students from 0 to 11 years old from various origins, half of them being local Vietnamese, in some of the most beautiful and creative classrooms around, with a maximum of 8 students per class. A garden with a swimming pool will allow your kid to spend an awesome time outside.
Extra-curricular activities include Judo, English Club, and as the name of the school suggests Art classes.
Location: 11A-13 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, HCMC, Vietnam
Website:www.auroraschool.vn
Australian International School
Ages: 2 to 18
Programs: IB, IGCSE and IB Diploma Program
Taught Languages: Vietnamese, Koran, Chinese
Yearly Fees*: 10,975 to 31,340 USD + Administrative fees : 1,560 to 2,925 USD
Founded in 2006, AIS has 3 campuses in District 2, covering all ages, from Kindergarten to Senior School. More than 1,200 students from 37 countries attend it (35% Vietnamese), in classes of 22 pupils on average.
Campuses are spacious and offer facilities such as salt-water swimming pools; two “learn to swim” wading pools; two outdoor basketball and tennis courts; two astroturf soccer fields and an air-conditioned indoor gymnasium.
In 2017, 15% of AIS students scored 40 for their IB Diploma (compared to 6% worldwide).
In 2021, AIS students reached a 100% success rate for IB Diploma.
Locations:
- Thu Thiem Campus (Ages 2 to 18) : 264 Mai Chi Tho (East-West Highway) An Phu Ward | District 2 | HCMC | Vietnam
- Thao Dien Campus (Ages 2 to 11) : APSC Compound 36 Thao Dien Road | District 2 HCMC | Vietnam
- Xi Campus (Ages 2 to 5) : 190 Nguyen Van Huong Street Thao Dien Ward | District 2 HCMC | Vietnam
Website: www.aisvietnam.com
British International School
Ages: 2 to 18
Programs: IGCSE, IBDP, International Primary Curriculum
Languages Taught: French, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese
Yearly Fees* : 9,000 to 34 475 USD + Administrative fees : 3 170 USD
With an impressive campus in the heart of Thao Dien dating from 2002, the BIS is the largest international school in Vietnam, claiming some 1,800 students from 50 different countries. Bus system, library, art studios, lab, swimming pool, playing fields, and more, this school has some of the best pieces of equipment and facilities in all Ho Chi Minh City. Classes have an average of 18 students.
The BIS prepares students for many examinations such as IGCSE, Cambridge Exams, and the International Baccalaureate.
In 2018, 100% of BIS HCMC students achieved 5 or more passes in grades A*-C at IGCSE.
Locations :
- Early Years and Infant Campus (Ages 2 to 6) : 101 Thao Dien Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Junior Campus: (Ages 6 to 11) : 225 Nguyen Van Huong Street, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Secondary Campus (Ages 11 to 18) : 246 Nguyen Van Huong, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Website: www.nordangliaeducation.com
Eton House
Ages: 6 months to 6
Program: Reggio Emilia
Languages Taught: English, Mandarin
Yearly Fees*: Not Available + Administrative Fees: 850 USD
Eton House Thao Dien is a Reggio Emilia Inspired International Pre-School welcoming kids from 1.5 y.o to 6 y.o.
It offers an outdoor playground where children are encouraged to interact with sand pits, plants, sensory water areas, and a community garden. Education and classroom activities involve math, science, art, reading and writing, block building, and sensory exploration.
Other activities include cooking, gardening, music development, and dramatic play.
After class, EtonHouse provides school care for students from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm or extra activities and classes: Mandarin, Ballet, Art, Robotics, and Music.
Location: 42, Street 10, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: www.etonhousethaodien.com
European International School Ho Chi Minh City
Ages : 2 to 18
Program : IB continuum curriculum
Languages Taught : English as instruction language. Global language exposure: German, French, Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese.
Yearly Fees* : 10,290 to 28,345 USD + Application fees: 193 USD + Acceptance Fee : 850 to 1,700 USD
With one of the most convenient locations in Thao Dien, European International School Ho Chi Minh City (EIS) is the only boutique international school, set in lush garden surroundings, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum of studies for children aged 2-18.
The vibrant, unified campus is a place where students, teachers, and parents of all grade levels and different backgrounds interact freely with each other within a home-from-home, tranquil village atmosphere. EIS offers a truly diverse melting pot of 40+ nationalities and global cultures, where students are encouraged to find their unique voice, pursue languages, and contribute to all aspects of school life.
EIS teachers, with over 12 years of average experience, are well-practiced in individualized learning methods. With a very low student-to-teacher ratio, particularly in the middle-high school sections of the school, students benefit directly from more frequent access to teachers. Graduating IB Diploma students consistently achieve well above the world averages, and have achieved acceptances into prestigious universities worldwide, often with significant merit-based scholarships.
EIS provides an outstanding world-class education for students, evidenced by the full accreditation status with the Council of International Schools (CIS), while also providing outstanding value for money.
Being a medium-sized school, EIS is large enough to offer a wide range of educational opportunities, while also being intimate enough to provide unique personal attention.
Location:
- 730 F-G-K Le Van Mien Thao Dien, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Website: www.eishcmc.com
Email: info@eishcmc.com
Phone: (+84 28) 7300 7257
Horizon International Bilingual School
Ages : 2 to 18
Programs : IGCSE – A-Levels
Languages Taught : Vietnamese
Yearly Fees* : 11,000 USD + Administrative fees of 1,450 USD
From kindergarten to secondary school, Horizon School prepares 500 students from around twenty different countries for the IGCSE and A-Level exams. Its student population is made up of 75% Vietnamese and 25% foreigners. The classes are made up of 20 students on average.
The school has two separate programs, one bilingual Vietnamese / English, the other international, entirely in English.
Depending on the school enrollment period, you can claim discounts ranging from 3 to 8%. Family rates are also available for the 2nd registered child, as well as a special discount for Embassy staff. Horizon is currently one of the most affordable international schools in District 2.
Furthermore, Horizon is one of the only international schools to have dormitories (boarding school), allowing students living outside Ho Chi Minh City to follow an international education all year round.
Location: 6 – 6A- 8, Street No.44, Thao Dien, District 2 Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Website: www.horizon.edu.vn
ISHCMC
Ages: 2 to 18
Yearly Fees* : 10,280 to 37,185 USD + Administrative fees: 1,066 to 2,133 USD
Programs: IB curriculum
Languages Taught: Mandarin, Vietnamese
Oldest international school in Vietnam (1993), the International School of Ho Chi Minh City welcomes over 50 nationalities.
Their second campus is one of the most recent in all of Saigon and Thao Dien (fall of 2017). Both locations feature swimming pools, state-of-the-art labs, art studios, sports fields, and much more. They have a teacher-student ratio of 1:8 and a 100% success rate with the IB diploma.
ISHCMC was one of the first international schools to work with l’Atelier An Phu and welcome their teachers at both their campuses for French Classes and Tutoring.
Locations:
- 16 Võ Trường Toản, An Phú, Quận 2, Hồ Chí Minh
- 1 Xuân Thủy, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Hồ Chí Minh
Website: www.ishcmc.com
Kidzone international Campus
Ages: 6 Months to 6
Yearly Fees*: 4000-4050 USD for full international, 3455-3500 USD for bilingual classes + Administrative Fees: 425 USD
Programs: N/A
Languages Taught: English, Vietnamese
KidzoneInterR curriculum is designed based on HighScope philosophy, with the belief that children learn best through playing and interaction with materials, people, and the environment around them.
As such, children enjoy a garden with a water play area, classrooms with playrooms and books and magazines to pick up, as well as music and cooking sessions, but also STEM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
They provide a full English curriculum or bilingual (Vietnamese & English) classes. After class, overtime care is available from 5:15 pm to 6:35 pm, with the possibility of dining for your kid.
Locations:
- 15A-15B Road 11, Thao Dien ward, District 2
- 40/11 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien ward, District 2
- 117 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien ward, District 2
- 07 Road 816 (Nguyen Duy Trinh), Phu Huu Ward, District 9
- 12 Road 816 (Nguyen Duy Trinh), Phu Huu Ward, District 9
Website: https://kidzone.edu.vn/
The Learning Haven
Ages: 2 to 18
Yearly Fees*: Not Available
Programs: L.I.F.E.P.A.C
Languages Taught: English
The Learning Haven is a Christian Filipino-run Education center using an international curriculum in English from kindergarten to grade 12.
As such, it is quite distinct from other international schools, as it is based on the L.I.F.E.P.A.C education program. The core subjects studied in this program are Bible, History & Geography, Language Arts, Math, and Science. Students can then choose other topics such as Accounting, American Literature, Art, British Literature, Civics, Consumer Math, Family & Consumer Science, Foundations for Living: Studies in the Christian Worldview, Health Quest, High School Health, Spanish I and II, and Speech: Essentials of Communication.
The Learning Haven also provides Special Education programs for learners with special needs, learning difficulties, and disorders.
Locations:
- Campus 1: 36, An Phu Street, An Phu ward, Thu Duc city, HCM city
- Campus 2: 18, Street 52, An Phu ward, Thu Duc city, HCM city
Website: https://thelearninghaven.edu.vn/
Montessori International School
Ages: 2 to 12
Yearly Fees*: 9,385 USD to 17,070 USD + Administrative Fees: 1,150 USD
Programs: Montessori
Languages Taught: French, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Spanish
Welcoming students from 6 months to 12 years old, the schools are part of the Montessori network and method, distinguished by sensorial and practical activities, as well cultural disciplines in addition to more traditional education.
Teachers are natives and teachers’ assistants are Vietnamese. The school provides extracurricular activities and a bus system.
Locations:
- Thao Dien Campus, 42/1 Ngo Quang Huy, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc city, HCMC
- River House Campus, 177/8 Nguyen Van Huong street, Thao Dien ward, Thu Duc city, HCMC
- Binh An Campus, No 5, Street 10, An Khanh ward, Thu Duc city, HCMC
Website: https://montessori.edu.vn/
Saigon Star International School
Ages: 2 to 11
Yearly Fees* : 6,360 USD to 16,040 USD + Administrative fees: 2,070 USD
Programs : IPC (International Primary Curriculum) and IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum)
Languages Taught : English, Vietnamese, Mandarin
Existing in 2006, the Saigon Star International School moved to District 2 in 2010, where it welcomes around 190 students from 28 countries from creche (Early years) to Year 6 (Primary years). They will extend their program to Middle years, with year 7 opening in 2022, year 8 in 2023, and year 9 in 2024.
Saigon Star delivers the International Primary Curriculum, the first in Vietnam to receive this accreditation, and doubles as a Cambridge International Examination Centre.
As extracurricular activities go, Saigon Stars offers many After School Clubs: Mini Master Chef Class, Little Einstein Science Class, Baseball, Arty Crafty course, Mini Olympics, Story Telling… as well as summer and winter camps.
Locations: Su Hy Nhan Street, Residential Area No. 5, Thanh My Loi Ward, District 2 Ho Chi Minh City
Website: sgstar.edu.vn
Smart Kids
Ages: 1.5 to 6
Yearly Fees: 13,225 USD to 16,850 USD + administrative fees of 1,110 USD
Programs: /
Languages Taught: English
SmartKids offers a play-based curriculum for young children from 18 months to 6 years old as well as After School Activities for children from 3,5 years and even free playgroups for outsiders, on 3 distinct campuses in Thao Dien. Activities include Science, Yoga, Cooking, Sports, Drama, Music, and more.
SmartKids Schools combine Montessori, Steiner, and Reggio Emilia philosophies into a North European inquiry-based program.
You can choose to enroll your children either for half or full days throughout the year.
All classrooms are equipped with air purifiers.
Locations:
- 15, Street Trần Ngọc Diện, Thảo Điền, District 2, Hồ Chí Minh City
- 26, Street 10 Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: www.smartkidsinfo.com
Best French International Schools of Saigon’s District 2
Ecoles Boule et Billes
Ages : 1 to 11
Yearly Fees* : 5,310 to 7,295 USD + Administrative Fees: 620 to 755 USD
Program : French National Education / AEFE Partner
Languages Taught : Vietnamese, English
Founded in 2004, this institution welcomes children from 3 months old to 11 years old and follows the French Program. Boule et Billes provide culture, art, sport, music, and scientific activities, as well as field trips. Discounts for French citizens and French-speaking countries are applied.
Locations:
- Thao Dien, 38 street 10, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
- Binh Tanh, 183A Dien Bien Phu, Ward 15, Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: bouleetbilles.net
Ecole Saint-Ange
Ages: 6 months to 11 y.o
Programs: French National Education
Languages Taught: English
Yearly Fees*: 7,410 USD + Administrative fees: 400 to 550 USD+
From nursery to CM2, the school follows the French National Education program with additional English courses. Their new facilities include a basketball court, a swimming pool, and a music room. Discounts on yearly fees apply to French citizens (6,650 USD).
Location: 189 A1 Nguyen Van Huong – Thao Dien District 2 – Ho Chi Minh
Website: www.sa-saigon.com
La Petite Ecole
Ages: 1 to 11
Programs: French National Curriculum
Taught Languages: French, English, Vietnamese
La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh is a French international school with a multilingual program based in the family-friendly neighborhood of Thao Dien.
La Petite Ecole welcomes children from 12 months old in the nursery, 3 to 6 years old in our preschool until 11 years old in our elementary school (until Grade 5). La Petite Ecole provides a true multilingual education: the French curriculum is taught in all classes in an equal split between French and English by two native teachers, with in addition Vietnamese classes for every student. La Petite Ecole makes French excellency possible to everyone – an unprecedented offer in Ho Chi Minh City.
With one unique campus in Thao Dien, La Petite Ecole has amazing facilities for the kids to have fun, grow & develop with a football and basketball field, a swimming pool, a large canteen, a dedicated music room, libraries, and physical education rooms.
With more than 25 different nationalities, La Petite Ecole promotes the values of tolerance and caring within its school, with a comprehensive pedagogical approach that fosters the autonomy, curiosity and motivation of each student. In addition to the academic curriculum, the school offers a wide range of optional extra-curricular activities. Children can take part in around 25 different activities after school, including music, football, pottery, cooking class, Vovinam and many others. These activities complement children’s overall development and reinforce their commitment to learning.
Location: 172 – 180, 172 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Website: https://www.lpehochiminh.com/
Lycée Français International Marguerite Duras
Ages : 3 to 18
Programs : French Baccalauréat
Yearly Fees*: For French students : 4,460 to 5,350€. For Vietnamese: 5,860 to 6,950€. For Foreigners: 6,960 to 8,250€ + Administrative fees (first subscription only) : 700 € (French), 900 € (Vietnamese), 1 200 € (others).
Named after the French author and established in 1977, Marguerite Duras has a kindergarten, primary, college, and high school, welcoming a total of 920 students – mainly French (12% of Vietnamese) – supervised by professors of the French National Education.
The cost of registration is lower than its other Anglo-Saxon counterparts. Its campus was renovated in 2010 and is not located in District 2, but in District 9, about thirty minutes from District 2.
Location: Duong so 11 Đường 11, Long Thạnh Mỹ, Quận 9, Hồ Chí Minh
Website: lfiduras.com
Attending l’Atelier means being at the crossroads of all those prestigious institutions, mixing different cultures and nationalities!
Contact us now to join our language center & tutoring school in District 2
*Prices for the year 2022-2023, converted from VND as of july 2022
