APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus vs SNA Marianapolis International School
APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus and SNA Marianapolis International School are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 27 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes. Published annual fees are close, at ₫237,600,000 - 372,000,000 for APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus and ₫238,000,000 - 412,650,000 for SNA Marianapolis International School. APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus takes pupils from 3 to 11, and SNA Marianapolis International School from 3 to 18. SNA Marianapolis International School is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus's 300. Typical class sizes are 15 at APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus and 22 at SNA Marianapolis International School.
The campus lies in District 11 of Ho Chi Minh City, a well-connected urban area. The school also operates a shuttle bus service to assist families across different districts, making daily commutes easier.
Location
SNA Marianapolis International School is located at 397 Street 30/4 in Tran Bien Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam. The campus sits about 30 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City and is part of the greater metropolitan area connected by major road links and transport routes. The school is set within a rapidly developing suburban district known for its green spaces and modern infrastructure, providing a safe and spacious environment for students.
Stages
Stages
This campus serves the Preschool through Elementary (K–5) levels. The broader APU system includes Middle School and High School on a nearby campus in District 11, offering a continuous learning pathway from early years through Grade 12.
Stages
The school offers a comprehensive K–12 programme structured into three main divisions: Elementary School (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). A Pre-school entry level is also available for younger learners preparing to enter the formal elementary programme.
School type
School type
APU is a co-educational day school. The wider APU system also provides a boarding (dormitory) option for students who need residential arrangements, though the Preschool and Elementary students typically attend as day learners.
School type
SNA Marianapolis is a co-educational school, welcoming both boys and girls from Vietnam and overseas. The campus includes boarding facilities with separate accommodation for male and female students, offering a structured and supervised residential programme for those who live away from home.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school offers an English Language Development (ELD) programme to help students whose first language is not English. This support integrates English learning into daily instruction, ensuring students can participate fully in the American curriculum environment.
Additional learning support
The school provides an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students whose first language is not English, helping them to access classroom learning and develop academic communication skills. Teachers receive support and guidance to differentiate instruction for EAL students in mainstream classes. While the school offers language support, it is not specifically structured as a special-needs school, and individualised education plans for significant learning difficulties are limited.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school follows an American curriculum aligned with U.S. education standards and practices.
Country affiliation
The school is based in Vietnam and forms part of the Nguyen Hoang Education Group (NHG), a Vietnamese organization that manages a network of international and bilingual schools across the country. Its curriculum and academic programmes follow an American educational model with Advanced Placement (AP) options in the upper grades.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
SNA Marianapolis International School does not have a formal religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
The website does not provide published start and end times for the Preschool & Elementary school day.
School day structure
The school day typically begins around 8:00 a.m., with students arriving on campus from 7:00 a.m. for morning drop-off. Classes continue through the day until approximately 3:30 p.m., with scheduled breaks and a lunch period in between. After-school activities and clubs run until about 4:20 p.m., providing students with opportunities for enrichment, sports, and creative pursuits beyond academic hours.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Yes. The school operates a shuttle bus service that connects families across multiple districts of Ho Chi Minh City. The system uses electronic student cards for safe pick-up and drop-off and emphasizes punctuality and communication with families.
Bus service details
The school offers a bus service for students living in Bien Hoa and surrounding areas, including parts of Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai Province. Transportation fees are based on the distance from the campus, and routes are organized to ensure safe and reliable pick-up and drop-off times. Bus monitors accompany students during travel to maintain supervision and communication with families.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fees A one-time Admission Fee of VND 15,000,000 is required for all new students. A refundable Enrollment Deposit of VND 15,000,000 is also charged and returned upon withdrawal according to school policy. Families re-enrolling each year must pay a Re-admission Fee as listed on the current fee schedule.
Tuition Fees (Per Year) APU offers three payment plans (Options A, B, and C), with Option A being the annual lump-sum plan. The following figures apply to the 2025–26 academic year:
Families may choose between annual, biannual, or monthly installment payment schedules, with corresponding deadlines specified in the official school fee document.
Additional Fees Expenses for school uniforms, lunch programs, transportation services, and optional extracurricular activities are billed separately. Other service charges, such as technology or materials fees, may apply as outlined by the school’s administration.
Transportation Fees The school operates a citywide shuttle bus service with routes covering all districts in Ho Chi Minh City. Bus fees depend on distance and are billed according to route and frequency. Each bus is equipped with safety measures and monitored using electronic student cards for pick-up and drop-off verification.
Refund Policy The Enrollment Deposit (VND 15,000,000) is refundable upon withdrawal, provided the required notice and conditions in the fee policy are met. Other refund terms are outlined in the school’s financial regulations.
Payment Options Families may pay via bank transfer or through arrangements with the school’s Finance Office. All payments must adhere to the school’s published schedule and currency requirements.
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees Families are required to pay a one-time, non-refundable Application Fee of VND 4,500,000 for Grade Pre and VND 5,600,000 for Grades 1–12. A Registration Fee of VND 30,000,000 is also required to confirm a student’s place.
Boarding Fees Boarding is available for students in Grades 6–12 at VND 100,000,000 per year (Monday–Friday) or VND 130,000,000 per year (Monday–Sunday).
Additional Costs
* EAL Programme: VND 58,000,000–66,000,000 per year depending on grade level. * Meals Plan: VND 29,250,000 (Pre–Grade 5) to VND 33,750,000 (Grades 6–12). * School Bus Service: From VND 19,090,000 (under 5 km) to VND 74,520,000 (25–30 km) per year.
Billing and Payment Terms Tuition and fees are billed annually and are non-refundable once the academic term begins. Payments are typically made in Vietnamese Dong via bank transfer or credit card to the school’s designated accounts.
Refund Policy Application and registration fees are non-refundable. Tuition refunds are not specified for mid-year withdrawals; families are advised to review enrollment agreements for full details.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary Campus follows an American curriculum taught entirely in English and aligned with U.S. education standards. The Preschool program introduces early literacy and numeracy through a play-based learning approach, supported by the Jolly Phonics system for phonetic reading and writing. In Elementary School (Grades 1–5), students study core subjects including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, using U.S. programs such as Go Math, Interactive Science, and Next Move for English Language Development (ELD). The curriculum also includes Art, Music, Physical Education, and Information Technology, encouraging creativity and foundational skills. Students receive structured English support through the ELD program to strengthen academic language skills and prepare for later middle and high school coursework within the APU system.
Curriculum details
The Elementary School (Grades 1–5) uses an inquiry-based curriculum built around the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework, covering English Language Arts (based on U.S. Common Core), Mathematics, Science (NGSS standards), and Social Studies (C3 standards). The Middle School (Grades 6–8) features core courses in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Vietnamese, and Social Studies, with exploratory subjects like Fine Arts and Physical Education. For High School (Grades 9–12) students follow an American credit-based diploma system (minimum 25 credits required) and may select elective courses; in Grades 11–12 eligible students can take U.S. College Board AP (Advanced Placement) courses. A signature “Centers of Excellence” programme provides specialised tracks in areas such as Business & Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social Justice with capstone projects in senior year.
1. Online Application Submission Parents begin by completing the online application form available on the school’s website. The form collects key information such as the student’s background, grade level, and contact details. Applicants are encouraged to submit all required documents, including recent school reports and identification, at this stage.
2. Scheduling a Campus Visit or Appointment After applying, families are asked to schedule a campus visit or an in-person appointment with the Admissions Office. This meeting allows parents and students to tour the campus, learn more about the American curriculum, and discuss class placement or support needs.
3. Admissions Review and Assessment (if required) The Admissions Office reviews submitted materials to determine eligibility for entry into the requested grade. Some applicants, especially those entering Elementary grades, may be asked to complete an English language or academic readiness assessment to ensure appropriate placement.
4. Offer of Admission and Fee Payment Once accepted, the family receives an offer of admission outlining tuition fees and payment options. To confirm enrollment, parents must pay the Admission Fee and the Enrollment Deposit as specified in the official fee schedule. The school then issues an enrollment confirmation.
5. Orientation and Start of Classes Before the term begins, newly admitted students and their families attend an orientation session to meet teachers and learn about the school’s routines, transportation, and extracurricular programs. Students then join their assigned classes at the start of the academic term.
Admissions
1. Fill Out the Form Parents begin by completing an online or in-person inquiry form to provide basic information about the student and request a consultation with the admissions team. This initial step allows the school to understand the applicant’s background, grade level, and language proficiency before proceeding further.
2. Register for Admission After consultation, families complete the full application form and pay the entrance test fee. Required documentation typically includes previous school reports, a copy of the student’s passport or birth certificate, and recent photographs.
3. Entrance Test Students are scheduled to take an entrance test and attend an interview. The assessment evaluates academic readiness and English proficiency to ensure proper grade placement. For younger students, informal assessments or developmental observations may be used instead of written exams.
4. Confirm Admission Once the student meets the admission requirements, parents receive the entrance test results and an offer of admission. Families must then pay the registration fee to confirm the student’s place for the upcoming school year.
Scholarships
Scholarships
APU offers merit-based scholarships and financial aid for students who demonstrate high academic achievement. Scholarship eligibility is typically determined by academic performance, such as maintaining a GPA of 4.0 or meeting other excellence criteria set by the school. Awards are reviewed on an annual basis and are granted according to the order of application received, with priority given to returning students. The scholarships apply to tuition fees within the APU program and do not extend to the College Bridge Program (CBP) or additional service fees. Each scholarship application is reviewed by an internal committee, and successful applicants are notified directly by the school’s Admissions Office.
Scholarships
The school website does not provide any publicly available information about scholarships or financial aid programmes. There is no mention of merit-based or need-based awards as part of the admissions or tuition process.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school’s website does not indicate that it operates a waitlist or pool system for admissions.
Waitlist
The school does not publicly state that it operates a formal waitlist or applicant pool system. Admissions decisions are made based on the completion of entrance requirements and availability of places in each grade level.
