SNA Marianapolis International School vs The American School
SNA Marianapolis International School and The American School are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 18 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes, and The American School also offers IB. Published annual fees are ₫238,000,000 - 412,650,000 at SNA Marianapolis International School and ₫131,600,000 - 397,700,000 at The American School, which puts SNA Marianapolis International School roughly 23% higher. SNA Marianapolis International School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and The American School from 1.5 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 500 and 400 pupils. Typical class sizes are 22 at SNA Marianapolis International School and 20 at The American School.
IB (PYP), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
500
Pupils
400
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2021
Opened
2010
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
Location
The school is located at 06 Song Hanh Road, An Phu Ward (Binh Trung Ward), Thu Duc City (District 2), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is conveniently placed beside the HCM–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway, offering straightforward access from central districts while being in a quieter residential-area of the city.
Stages
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.
Stages
TAS educates students from 18 months to Grade 12, divided into four main divisions:
Early Childhood Center (Pre-Nursery to Kindergarten, ages 18 months–5 years) Elementary School (Grades 1–5) Middle School (Grades 6–8) High School (Grades 9–12, including Advanced Placement courses)
School type
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.
School type
TAS is a co-educational day school.
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 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.
Additional learning support
TAS offers support for students with mild learning differences. Specialized teachers collaborate with classroom staff to adapt lessons and provide targeted help. Individualized Education Plans may be developed to meet specific student needs. The school advises families to discuss additional learning requirements during the admissions process to ensure appropriate support can be provided.
Country affiliation
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.
Country affiliation
The school follows an American-style curriculum and is affiliated with the U.S. model of education, but it is an independent international school in Vietnam.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
SNA Marianapolis International School does not have a formal religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliations.
School day structure
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.
School day structure
The school day runs from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. for Early Childhood and Elementary students, and 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for Middle and High School students. Students have designated morning snack and lunch breaks, with meals served in the school cafeteria.
Bus service details
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.
Bus service details
TAS provides a bus service that covers several residential areas across Ho Chi Minh City. Each route is supervised by trained bus monitors to ensure student safety, and attendance is checked during pick-up and drop-off. Families can register for transportation on a term basis, with route information and fees communicated directly to parents.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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.
Fee details
Application Fee An Application Fee of VND 18,000,000 is required when submitting an application form. This fee includes any mandatory assessments. It is deducted from the tuition payment if the student enrolls. It is refundable only if the student does not pass the placement test, but non-refundable if the student passes and chooses not to enroll.
Registration Fee A non-refundable Registration Fee is payable within five working days of acceptance. It is a one-time payment confirming the student’s place. The amount varies by division: VND 30,000,000 for Early Childhood, VND 40,000,000 for Elementary, and VND 55,000,000 for Middle and High School.
Tuition Fees (Annual / Semester)
* Early Childhood: From VND 239,800,000 (Pre-Nursery) to VND 295,100,000 (Pre-Kindergarten) per year. * Elementary: From VND 330,400,000 (Kindergarten) to VND 540,500,000 (Grade 5) per year. * Middle School:VND 602,400,000 (Grades 6–8) per year. * High School: From VND 668,200,000 (Grades 9–10) to VND 723,500,000 (Grades 11–12) per year. * English as an Additional Language (EAL):VND 37,600,000–47,800,000 per year depending on level.
Tuition is billed by semester or annually.
Other Costs
* Bus Service: Annual fees range from VND 13,900,000 (Thao Dien/An Phu route) to VND 53,100,000 (Binh Duong/Bien Hoa/Long Thanh route). A 40% sibling discount applies to the second child. * Lunch Fee: Annual meal plans range from VND 15,100,000 (Middle/High School) to VND 25,800,000 (Primary). * Uniforms and materials are additional costs, billed separately.
Refunds and Payment Terms Refunds apply only as stated under application conditions. Payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card. Families may choose annual or semester billing.
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
—
Food options
—
House system
House system
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House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
The American School (TAS) follows a U.S.-based curriculum aligned with American Education Reaches Out (AERO) and Common Core standards. The program spans from Early Childhood through Grade 12, emphasizing academic, creative, and personal development across all stages. In Elementary School, students study core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies alongside Art, Music, Physical Education, and World Languages. Middle School builds on these foundations through an integrated approach that prepares students for advanced study. In High School, students work toward a U.S. High School Diploma and may take Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects such as English, Mathematics, Sciences, and World Languages. Instruction is delivered entirely in English, with additional support for English language learners and courses in French, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese Studies.
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.
Admissions
1. Consultation Families begin by scheduling a consultation with the Admissions Office to discuss available programs, grade placement, and the child’s suitability for TAS. This step helps determine whether the school’s curriculum and support services align with the student’s needs.
2. Required Application Documentation Parents must submit all completed application forms, previous school records, copies of the student’s passport or ID, and other requested documents. The application is only reviewed once all materials are received.
3. Placement Assessment (if applicable) Students may be required to complete an academic or English language assessment to determine the most suitable grade level and any additional learning support needs. This step ensures accurate placement within TAS programs.
4. Admission Decision Once documentation and assessments are reviewed, families receive a formal admission decision. If accepted, the school provides written confirmation and details about enrollment procedures and payment deadlines.
5. Enrollment Parents confirm their child’s place by completing the enrollment form and submitting the signed agreement. At this stage, families receive orientation and academic year information.
6. Registration Fee To finalize enrollment, families must pay the non-refundable Registration Fee, which confirms the student’s placement and allows for an official start date.
Scholarships
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.
Scholarships
TAS does not list formal scholarship or financial aid programs on its official website. However, the school occasionally promotes scholarship or tuition discount opportunities through its official social media channels, typically tied to specific academic years or special initiatives. These offers vary by year and are announced directly through official communications rather than a standing scholarship program.
Waitlist
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.
Waitlist
TAS does not publicly state that it operates a waitlist or pool system.
