International School, Ho Chi Minh City

"The International School Ho Chi Minh City, known as ISHCMC, is a private international school located in Thủ Đức, Vietnam, offering families a rigorous, globally minded education rooted in the values and frameworks of the International Baccalaureate."

With a mission centered on developing curious, compassionate, and internationally aware learners, ISHCMC has established itself as one of the prominent English-language international schools serving the greater Ho Chi Minh City area. Founded in 1998, ISHCMC has built more than two decades of experience educating the children of expatriate families, diplomats, relocating professionals, and internationally mobile households who call Ho Chi Minh City home. That history has allowed the school to develop deep roots in the local international community while maintaining the global standards and outlook that families moving from abroad expect and depend upon. The school delivers the full continuum of International Baccalaureate programmes, encompassing the Primary Years Programme for younger learners, the Middle Years Programme for students in the intermediate grades, and the Diploma Programme for students in the upper secondary years. This seamless IB pathway means that families can enroll children at virtually any stage of their education and follow a consistent, coherent academic philosophy all the way through to university preparation. The IB framework is widely recognized by universities across the world, making the Diploma Programme particularly valuable for students who may continue their studies in North America, Europe, Australia, or elsewhere after graduating. The inquiry-based, concept-driven approach that runs through all three programmes encourages students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and develop a genuine love of learning rather than simply preparing for examinations. All instruction at ISHCMC is delivered in English, which provides essential continuity for students arriving from English-speaking countries as well as a strong linguistic foundation for those whose first language may be different. This English-language environment, combined with the international character of the student body, creates a richly multicultural community where children regularly interact with peers from a wide range of national and cultural backgrounds. The school is situated in Thủ Đức, a dynamic and rapidly developing district that forms part of the broader Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area. Families relocating to Vietnam's largest and most commercially vibrant city will find that the school's location places it within reach of the residential neighborhoods and urban amenities that expatriate households most commonly seek. What distinguishes ISHCMC is the combination of its long-standing presence in Vietnam, its commitment to the full IB continuum, and the genuine international community it has cultivated over more than twenty-five years. For families navigating the challenges of relocation, choosing a school with a proven track record, a universally respected curriculum, and an established network of fellow international families can make an enormous difference in how smoothly children settle into a new country. ISHCMC offers all of that, making it a compelling choice for parents who prioritize academic excellence, global citizenship, and a welcoming school community for their children.