Top 4 International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City that belong to the Cognita Schools Group

Cognita Schools Group is known as one of the world’s leading groups of international schools in Ho Chi Minh City. Cognita has three elite schools, all poised to serve a range of educational needs. Some of them are the International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP), the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) and ISHCMC – American Academy. So, let’s see what makes these schools the top international schools in Ho Chi Minh City.

1. International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) – Preschoolers and Elementary Students

International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) is one of the international schools in Ho Chi Minh City. The school caters to preschoolers, aged 15 months to 4 years, and elementary kids, aged 5-11 years. It is the second Cognita school to open in Vietnam and also a school with a good education standard.

ISSP, accredited under the standards of NEASC and CIS, aims for an educational environment where inquiring minds are nurtured for the growth and development of students. It also respects the Vietnamese culture and language so that the students do not lose sight of their roots.

With the tilt towards the International Baccalaureate (IB) scheme and the American educational system, ISSP students are given a broad curriculum that allows them to enter elite secondary schools like the International School of Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) and the ISHCMC American Academy with no trouble. With this holistic approach, the school prepares students and equips them with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to succeed in their future academic endeavors.

Educational methods

ISSP’s educational methodology is inquiry-based; children have to learn skills by taking matters into their own hands. The school has specialized programs in place, such as classes in Art, Music, World Languages, and Physical Education, in addition to STEM, which all work together to provide students with a well-rounded liberal arts education. This makes ISSP one of the best international schools for early childhood and primary education in Ho Chi Minh City.

ISSP’s teaching and learning approaches adhere to the IB framework and meet American standards. This promotes the overall development of the child and provides a balanced education, hence offering students a dynamic and engaging learning experience. Such integration nurtures a rich knowledge base that, apart from exciting intellectual curiosity, will adequately prepare students for future academic adventures. Equipped with this, they can join higher education smoothly, whether in the international arena or within the further Vietnamese education landscape.

Reasons for Parents to Choose ISSP

The reasons why parents flock to ISSP, a school consistently ranked among the best international schools in Ho Chi Minh City for primary students include:

• International Accreditation: ISSP is accredited by CIS-NEASC, hence assuring parents that the school works within stringent standards that assure quality and excellence in international education.
• Experienced Educators: The faculty members have teaching experiences in early childhood and elementary education; thus, they guide the students toward improvement based on their experiences.
• Modern Facilities: Classrooms, Library and Outdoor Play Areas The facilities at the school are well-planned with a thoughtful approach to keep in mind the needs of young learners.
• Pathway to Top Schools: ISSP students are very well-placed and prepared for seamless transitions into prestigious secondary schools that include ISHCMC, and ISHCMC American Academy.

These all together create a rich educational experience that can serve as a foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Tuition Fees at ISSP 

With competitive tuition, International School Saigon Pearl is certainly one of the most attractive options among the top international schools Ho Chi Minh City has to offer for preschool and elementary-level education. Tuition fees for the 2024–2025 school year are as follows:

• Preschool: Approximately 345,000,000 VND per year.
• Elementary: Around 565,000,000 VND per year.

One of the standout benefits for parents is that tuition at ISSP typically covers a variety of additional services and materials. This includes textbooks, educational resources, extracurricular activities, after-school programs, and meals—both lunch and snacks—ensuring that students are well-supported throughout the day. This all-inclusive approach enables families to better manage their budgets, helping them avoid unexpected costs during the school year. 

ISSP’s dedication to providing a comprehensive educational experience is evident in both its curriculum and facilities, all designed to foster the holistic development of students while delivering excellent value for money. 

Student Support Services

International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) places a strong emphasis on student well-being, understanding that a supportive environment is essential for effective learning. The school provides a variety of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its student body, including:

• Academic Counseling: This service guides students through their academic journeys by advising on course selection, study strategies, and goal-setting. It also helps identify individual strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring a personalized educational experience.
• Language Support: ISSP offers targeted programs designed to assist non-native English speakers in enhancing their language proficiency, which is vital for engaging fully with the curriculum and interacting with peers in an international setting.
• Resources for Students with Unique Needs: Committed to inclusivity, ISSP provides specialized resources such as individualized education plans (IEPs) and access to dedicated learning support staff. These initiatives foster an equitable environment, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive both academically and socially.

These comprehensive support services not only enrich the educational experience at ISSP but also bolster the school’s reputation as one of the best international schools in Ho Chi Minh for nurturing young learners. By placing equal emphasis on student well-being and academic excellence, ISSP cultivates a holistic learning environment that promotes personal growth and a lifelong love for learning.

Feedbacks from Alumni & Students 

The school has garnered numerous positive reviews, including:

The connection between the school & parents

ISSP values strong home-school partnerships. It hosts seminars and open houses to foster communication. Also, the school updates parents on their child’s progress. This ensures a team effort in their education.

Contact info

Interested readers can contact International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) at:

• Address: 92 Nguyen Huu Canh – Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam
• Phone: +84 (0) 28 2222 7788
• Website: ISSP Official Website

2. International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) – Primary and Secondary Students

Since 1993, the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) has established a fine reputation. This education delivers a full International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum to students from 2 to 18 years old.

The school’s mission is to create an inclusive, dynamic and supportive community where every student can flourish. The school prepares students for the challenges of a global world. ISHCMC is also known for academic excellence, cultural diversity and innovative teaching. With a strong focus on community and personal development, it is at the top list of international schools in HCMC.

In line with IB pedagogy, ISHCMC uses inquiry-based learning. Other approaches used are flexible collaboration and creative problem-solving. Students develop basic skills through project-based learning and group work. So ISHCMC is a school of choice for many parents who want their children to get an international education in this vibrant city.

ISHCMC’s dynamic IB program for ages 2–18 and vibrant community make it a premier choice in HCMC.

Contact information: 

• ISHCMC Primary Campus: 28 Vo Truong Toan Street –  District 2, Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam.
• ISHCMC Secondary Campus: 1 Xuan Thuy Street – District 2, Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam.
• Phone: +84 (28) 3898 9100.

3. American Academy (AA) – Secondary Students

Among Cognita’s schools in the Vietnamese market is the American Academy (ISHCMC-AA). It opened in 2012 to offer a full American-style education from Pre-K to anyone who wants to come. The other two are the International School of Ho Chi Minh City and the International School of Saigon Pearl.

The school places a strong emphasis on academic excellence. Significantly, ISHCMC-AA was Vietnam’s first high school to offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses. It also offers Syracuse University credits. Because this teaches students some of the basic skills of study and time management that will be useful to them in their college studies.

Students at ISHCMC-AA engage in project-based learning. This approach allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. The school practices individual learning plans to help students succeed. ISHCMC-AA now ranks at the top of the list of international schools in Ho Chi Minh City.

Contact information:

• Address: 16 Vo Truong Toan Street – District 2, Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam.
• Phone:  (84-28) 3898 9098

Overall, the top three international schools in Ho Chi Minh City include ISSP, ISHCMC, and ISHCMC-AA. They have good facilities, a devoted faculty, and an innovative curriculum. This ensures that all students receive an education recognized in the world.

4. American Academy (ISHCMC- AA) – Secondary Students

Among Cognita’s schools in the Vietnamese market is the American Academy (ISHCMC-AA). It opened in 2012 to offer a full American-style education from Pre-K to anyone who wants to come. The other two are the International School of Ho Chi Minh City and the International School of Saigon Pearl.

The school places a strong emphasis on academic excellence. Significantly, ISHCMC-AA was Vietnam’s first high school to offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses. It also offers Syracuse University credits. Because this teaches students some of the basic skills of study and time management that will be useful to them in their college studies.

Students at ISHCMC-AA engage in project-based learning. This approach allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. The school practices individual learning plans to help students succeed. ISHCMC-AA now ranks at the top of the list of international schools in Ho Chi Minh City.

Contact information:

• Address: 16 Vo Truong Toan Street – District 2, Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam.
• Phone:  (84-28) 3898 9098

Overall, the top three international schools in Ho Chi Minh City include ISSP, ISHCMC, and ISHCMC-AA. They have good facilities, a devoted faculty, and an innovative curriculum. This ensures that all students receive an education recognized in the world.