International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South)

The International Schools of North America – Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) is situated on Street No. 20 in the Him Lam Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City. The campus lies within the Saigon South area, a well-planned residential neighborhood known for its family-oriented environment and convenient access to major districts of the city. Its proximity to main roads and transport links makes it easily reachable for both local and expatriate families. The area offers a calm and secure setting that contrasts with the busier city center, making it a suitable environment for both learning and community life.

SNA Saigon South offers a full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) through the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP). The school welcomes students from early primary to high school level, typically ranging in age from 3 to 18.

SNA Saigon South is a co-educational international school.

The school provides dedicated support for students with additional learning needs through its Student Support Services department. This includes English language acquisition programs for non-native speakers and an Inclusion Programme for students requiring academic, emotional, or behavioral support. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are developed where necessary, ensuring each student receives targeted assistance. The school also offers counseling and wellbeing programs to help students thrive both academically and personally.

The school operates as a fully authorized International Baccalaureate World School, drawing on global best practices in international education rather than following a country-specific curriculum.

The school does not have any religious affiliations.

The typical school day begins around 8:15 a.m. and concludes at approximately 3:15 p.m., with scheduled breaks for snacks and lunch. Boarding students follow an extended daily routine, which includes supervised study periods, extracurricular activities, and structured evening programs. The daily schedule is designed to balance academic lessons with time for recreation, enrichment, and personal development.

The school offers a well-organized bus service for students living across Ho Chi Minh City. This service is managed in partnership with a professional transport provider, ensuring safety and reliability. Families can choose between one-way or two-way options, depending on their needs. Bus routes cover multiple residential districts, and details regarding stops, timing, and fees are made available at the start of each academic year.

The International Schools of North America – Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) offers a full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, encompassing the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Students in Grades 1–5 follow the PYP, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning across subjects such as language, mathematics, science, and the arts. Grades 6–10 study within the MYP framework, integrating global contexts and interdisciplinary projects that encourage critical thinking and personal development. In Grades 11–12, students pursue the IB Diploma Programme, which includes six subject groups, Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) components. English is the primary language of instruction, while Vietnamese and Korean are taught as additional languages. The curriculum prepares students for international higher education pathways and encourages engagement with local and global communities.

SNA’s Student Support Services department includes a counselling and wellbeing team that works with students on individual, social, peer, educational and relationship issues in a confidential setting. They aim to support the physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing of students, helping build resilience and self-help strategies. The boarding programme also emphasises daily supervision, mentoring and routines to support social-emotional growth. The school says that students themselves define “wellbeing” as including physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects, and they involve students in discussions of trending issues.

SNA offers an Inclusion Programme for students with learning, emotional or behavioural needs, supporting them through Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The school works with outside agencies and professional recommendations to assist students requiring challenge or help in their educational journey. While it is not a specialist SEN institution, it caters to a range of needs including academic, social, emotional and behavioural. The aim is an inclusive educational environment rather than a separate specialist centre.

SNA provides language support through its Student Support Services team — offering opportunities in English, Vietnamese and Korean, and supporting independent language studies for other mother-tongue backgrounds. However, the school does not publicly provide a detailed separate “EAL programme” description using that label, so the precise structure (e.g., levels, identification process) is not fully disclosed.

The school explicitly recognises that student mental health is important and offers counselling and mental wellbeing programmes. SNA states that students can discuss concerns in a safe and confidential space, receive guidance on coping strategies, and that wellbeing is promoted through awareness activities. The boarding environment is also noted as a key priority for wellbeing support.

SNA has a published Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, confirming its responsibility to protect students from harm, neglect and exploitation. It defines a designated safeguarding lead (or deputies), requires training for all staff and sets expectations for secure recruitment, clear procedures and record-keeping. The policy is aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

1. Application Submission
Parents begin by completing the online or in-person application form and paying the non-refundable application fee. The form requires basic student details such as grade level, date of birth, and previous school records. Applications are typically accepted between March and June, although late submissions are considered depending on space availability.

2. Entrance Assessment and Interview
Each applicant completes an entrance assessment, which may include academic testing, a writing sample, and an English proficiency evaluation. Younger students may participate in an interview or classroom observation. The admissions team reviews all results alongside the student’s past academic records to determine eligibility.

3. Offer of Placement
Successful applicants receive an official offer of enrolment once assessment results and documentation meet school requirements. Parents confirm acceptance by signing the enrolment agreement and paying the one-time registration fee to secure the student’s place.

4. Payment and Orientation
After registration, families pay tuition and other related fees such as meals, uniforms, and transportation according to the school’s payment schedule. Before the school year begins, students and parents are invited to orientation sessions to support a smooth transition into the school community.

5. Late Applications
Applications received after the main intake period are considered on a rolling basis. Admission is subject to class capacity, assessment results, and the school’s ability to support the applicant’s educational needs.

NextGen Scholarship (Grades 6–10)
This merit-based award provides up to 50% tuition coverage for students entering the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Selection is based on two assessment rounds, including a MAP Growth test in Math and Reading, and a written essay or interview in English.

Little Eagle Talent Scholarship (Grades 1–5)
This scholarship supports primary students showing strong academic and creative potential. It covers 50% of tuition and 50% of the registration fee. Applicants submit a short video showcasing a talent such as storytelling or singing in English and complete the school’s entrance assessment.

Both scholarships are valid for the duration specified in the offer, are non-transferable, and may not be exchanged for cash. Recipients are expected to maintain good academic standing and participate actively in school life.

The school does not operate a formal waitlist or pooled admissions system.