APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus vs Wellspring Saigon International Bilingual School
APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus and Wellspring Saigon International Bilingual School are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 8 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 ₫238,500,000 - 409,500,000 for Wellspring Saigon International Bilingual School. APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus takes pupils from 3 to 11, and Wellspring Saigon International Bilingual School from 6 to 17. Wellspring Saigon International Bilingual School is the larger school, with around 800 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 4 at Wellspring Saigon International Bilingual 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
Wellspring Saigon International Bilingual School is situated at 92 Nguyen Huu Canh Street in Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. The campus lies within the Saigon Pearl residential area, a modern and well-connected neighborhood located just a few minutes from the city center. Its proximity to the Saigon River and key transport routes makes it convenient for families living in both central and suburban areas. The school will also open a new Saigon Pearl campus approximately 100 meters from the current site for the 2025–2026 academic year.
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
Wellspring Saigon offers a complete K–12 bilingual education structured across three main levels: Primary (Grades 1–5), Lower Secondary (Grades 6–9), and Upper Secondary (Grades 10–12). Each level integrates the Vietnamese national curriculum with international academic standards drawn from the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Common Core. English is introduced as a core language of instruction from early primary, with an increasing number of subjects taught by international teachers as students advance through the school.
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
The school is a co-educational day school welcoming both Vietnamese and international students. It does not provide boarding facilities, allowing families to engage closely with their children’s daily learning and school activities. The environment encourages inclusivity, collaboration, and bilingual fluency across all year groups.
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 does not explicitly list specialized provisions or facilities for Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school follows an American curriculum aligned with U.S. education standards and practices.
Country affiliation
While Wellspring Saigon is a Vietnamese school, its international program follows the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, Common Core Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) from the United States. This approach provides a strong American academic foundation while maintaining alignment with Vietnamese educational requirements.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
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 follows a full-day academic schedule from Monday to Friday. Although specific start and end times are not published online, the day typically includes core academic sessions in the morning followed by enrichment activities, clubs, or electives in the afternoon. Lunch and short breaks are built into the schedule to support student wellbeing and focus throughout the day.
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
Wellspring Saigon offers a comprehensive school bus service for students across Ho Chi Minh City. Families can choose between home pick-up or pre-arranged collection points. The service is managed by the school with trained drivers and accompanying staff to ensure safety and comfort during the journey. This transport option helps parents manage commuting efficiently, especially for younger students.
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 Enrollment Fees
* Placement Test Fee: VND 2,000,000 per student (per attempt). This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable and must be paid before the test date. * Enrollment Fee: VND 25,000,000 (one-time). This fee is payable upon confirmation of enrollment within one week of receiving an offer and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Tuition Fees (per academic year)
Tuition includes meals (breakfast, lunch, snack), academic instruction under the Vietnamese Ministry of Education & Training curriculum and the U.S. Common Core Standards, co-curricular arts, sports, and skill development programs, and one local day field trip per year.
Primary School * Grades 1 – 4: VND 238,500,000 per year * Grade 5: VND 253,800,000 per year
Lower Secondary School * Grades 6 – 8: VND 288,000,000 per year * Grade 9: VND 324,900,000 per year
Upper Secondary School * Grades 10 – 11: VND 359,100,000 per year * Grade 12: VND 409,500,000 per year
Families may choose to pay annually, by semester (two installments), or by quarter (four installments). Discounts apply for early or full-year payments (up to 8%).
Boarding Fees
The school does not offer boarding. Tuition includes full day meals for day students.
Other Costs
* Meal Opt-Out Adjustment: Parents may opt out of school meals by submitting a form five working days before term start; the remaining meal fee is refunded for unconsumed periods. * Uniforms and Learning Materials: Billed separately per school policy. * Health Insurance: Mandatory for Vietnamese students as part of the national scheme.
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
Wellspring Saigon delivers a bilingual program combining the Vietnamese National Curriculum with international academic frameworks from the United States. The international component follows the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), ensuring continuity with global education systems. In the Primary and Lower Secondary levels (Grades 1–9), students study core subjects—Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies—in English, while other subjects follow the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training requirements. In High School (Grades 10–12), the curriculum expands to include Advanced Placement (AP) courses and preparation for international examinations. Across all levels, the program integrates arts, technology, sports, and life skills education, promoting both academic and personal development within a bilingual learning environment.
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. Submit Enrollment Information Parents begin by completing the registration form either online or on-site at the school. Once submitted, an Admissions Officer contacts families within one to three business days to provide consultation and explain the next steps. This includes guidance on required documents and the overall admissions timeline.
2. Consultation and Initial Application Submission Families meet with an Admissions Officer to discuss the school’s curriculum, educational approach, and student support options. During this meeting, the officer collects the necessary application materials, including official student records, and ensures the family understands the relevant academic pathways offered at Wellspring.
3. Entrance Assessment All applicants take an entrance assessment as part of the school’s admissions plan. The content is adjusted according to the student’s age, grade level, and chosen academic track. This ensures fair evaluation aligned with the student’s background and readiness for the bilingual program.
4. Admission Results Notification Results are typically released three to five business days after the entrance test. In periods of high application volume or when additional assessments are needed, notification times may vary. The Admissions Office communicates updates directly with parents.
5. Enrollment Finalization Upon acceptance, families must complete enrollment paperwork and settle the applicable fees within seven to ten business days of receiving the admission notice. The student’s place is confirmed only once all documentation and payments are completed.
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
1. Wellspring Talent Scholarship The *Wellspring Talent Scholarship* program recognizes outstanding students—both new and current—across academics, sports, arts, and community engagement. The total scholarship fund is valued at up to VND 20 billion annually. Awards may cover up to 100% of net tuition. Applications are open to students in Grades 1–11, with a submission deadline of 15 June 2025. Forty scholarships are available each year, and details are announced every October.
2. Student Reward Policy The *Student Reward Policy* recognizes current students for consistent achievement throughout the year. Rewards are given monthly, per semester, and annually for excellence in academics, sports, cultural, and fine arts competitions. The policy is reviewed and issued each October and applies to all grades within the school.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school’s website does not indicate that it operates a waitlist or pool system for admissions.
Waitlist
Wellspring Saigon does not disclose or confirm the use of a waitlist or pool system.
