Choosing the appropriate international school for children is not easy for parents because this is considered as a big investment for their children’s future success. Therefore, it is important for parents to take several criteria in choosing a school such as curriculum, facilities, and teachers into consideration. In order to explore how these criteria affect the learning of children at international schools, please read the following article from International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP).
Visit International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) to experience the international curriculum and facilities
International curriculum
Curriculum is one of the important criteria that parents should consider when choosing an international school for children. Different international schools may offer different international programs such as American program, British/Cambridge program or the International Baccalaureate program (IB program). Each curriculum will have its own advantages. Parents should consider children’s ability and study plan in the long run to choose a curriculum that best suits their needs and development.
International accreditation by trusted organizations
Next, parents should prioritize an international school that has been accredited by reputable educational organizations such as CIS, NEASC or WASC when selecting a school for children. For being accredited, international schools have to surpass many evaluations including curriculum, faculty, facilities, policies, qualified teachers and so on.
For example, the Council of International Institutions (CIS) has accredited more than 700 schools worldwide. An international school that is accredited by CIS is fulfill the above elements (curriculum, faculty, facilities, policies, qualified teachers and so on) . However, the accreditation is not permanent. There will be a fresh comprehensive review procedure conducted by CIS every five years to assure quality of the accredited international schools constantly.
Modern and high-end facilities
Then, parents should select an international school with facilities that meet the needs of developing children on both the physical and mental aspects. If parents still cannot make a decision, a visit to the prefered international schools would be helpful.
Most international schools will have modern and high-end facilities, as below:.
- Classrooms, laboratories, libraries
- Football field, swimming pool
- Specialized rooms such as art, drama, painting, vocal
Native-English-speaking teachers with international qualification and experience
English is an important skill for students to be able to learn and work in the international environment. Therefore, international schools with native-english-speaking teachers who have international qualification and experience are more preferable to parents when choosing a school for their children.
Moreover, teachers at international schools also have to surpass global background checks by international background check organizations. They are also trained about safeguarding and child protection programs carefully as well as monthly psychological programs related to children and so on.
In addition, teachers play an important role in igniting and nurturing the passion for learning of students. Dedicated teachers will help children build a good foundation for the next level of learning in terms of psychology, personality, knowledge and skills. So, before making a decision, parents should find the information about the board of directors and teachers at international schools on their website.
International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP)
International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) is a world-class, purpose-built, and one of best international schools in Ho Chi Minh City for students aged 18 months to 11 years situated in Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Currently, ISSP is the only Early Years and Elementary International School in Ho Chi Minh City accredited by both CIS and NEASC – two of the leading international educational accreditation organizations. Since 2023, ISSP has been officially authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to offer the IB PYP curriculum, known for its high academic standards.
ISSP would be the appropriate selection for parents who are looking for a truly international school for children. ISSP offers an international integrated curriculum with the combination of IB framework, American and Vietnamese standards. The school curriculum is centered on the five core values including honesty, caring, respect, responsibility, and wisdom, aligned with the ten attributes of IB learner profile.
Teachers at ISSP not only have international qualification and certifications related to Early Years and Primary education but also surpass global background checks by First Advantage – a world’s leading international background check organization. Furthermore, they are also trained yearly about safeguarding and child protection and psychological programs related to children.
The ISSP campus is purpose-built to offer the finest quality for Early Years and Elementary education and a safe learning environment for young children. The school is equipped with high-end facilities including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, football field, swimming pool and specialized rooms.
Before making a decision, parents and children should booking a tour to visit ISSP for a holistic observation and evaluation. With a campus tour at ISSP, parents could also have a chance to meet with the Academic Leadership Team and teachers and to experience the vibrant and safe learning environment at the school. For further information about ISSP, parents can contact the ISSP Admissions Office via:
- Phone: +84 (028) 2222 7788
- Email: admissions@issp.edu.vn
This article from International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) has provided parents some fundamental information about criteria to choose the best international school for children.