The Best International Schools in Hoi An | My Opinion
If you are considering moving to Hoi An, one of the key aspects to consider is your children’s education. Fortunately, Hoi An has excellent international schools, largely thanks to the presence of a significant expatriate community (at one time, there were over 1,000 of us).
In this article, I present my selection of the best international schools in Hoi An to help guide you in making this important decision for your family and your new life in this unique city.
How many international schools are there in Hoi An?
Although Hoi An is a small city by Vietnamese standards, it has several international schools, including:
- Hoi An International School
- Palm River Academy
- Odyssey International School
There are also institutions like Skyline, which primarily cater to Vietnamese students, or Le Petit Jardin de France, a french club in Hoi An (which I personally found outdated and of lower quality).
Some international schools in Hoi An are international in name only, such as Elephant Kindergarten International School, which doesn’t really meet the expectations of an international school…
Hoi An International School, the Rolls-Royce of Schools in Hoi An
Hoi An International School (HAIS) is undoubtedly the best school, not only in Hoi An but also in the entire Da Nang region. As an expat who has visited several institutions for my son, I can confidently say that the experience offered by HAIS is unique.
The campus is vast and superbly equipped, with facilities that surpass anything I’ve seen in Hoi An: a large swimming pool, a theater stage, a music room, sports fields, a well-stocked library, and much more, all contributing to its excellence.
You almost forget that you’re in Hoi An, a small city in a country like Vietnam.
The school follows the Cambridge curriculum, and according to feedback from expats whose children are enrolled here, including my niece and nephew, the quality of education is extremely high. It’s not uncommon for expats living in Da Nang to choose HAIS for their children’s education.
The school truly offers everything you would expect from an international institution, on a large campus for Hoi An
Price of Hoi An International School
Price in VND
| Study Program | Year/Grade Level | Early Payment 1 (15/05/2024) – 10% Discount | Early Payment 2 (30/06/2024) – 5% Discount | Annual – Payment | Semi-Annual – Payment (5% surcharge) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilingual Early Childhood | Discovery | 117,000,000 | 123,500,000 | 130,000,000 | 68,250,000 |
| Bilingual Early Childhood | Kindergarten 1 – 2 | 135,000,000 | 142,500,000 | 150,000,000 | 78,750,000 |
| International – Early Years | Kindergarten 1 – 2 | 193,500,000 | 204,250,000 | 215,000,000 | 112,875,000 |
| Primary School | Years 1 – 2 (Key Stage 1) | 229,500,000 | 242,250,000 | 255,000,000 | 133,875,000 |
| Primary School | Years 3 – 6 (Key Stage 2) | 288,000,000 | 304,000,000 | 320,000,000 | 168,000,000 |
| Secondary School | Years 7 – 9 (Key Stage 3) | 355,500,000 | 375,250,000 | 395,000,000 | 207,375,000 |
| Secondary School | Years 10 – 11 (Key Stage 4) | 409,500,000 | 432,250,000 | 455,000,000 | 238,875,000 |
| A-Level | Years 12 – 13 | 459,000,000 | 484,500,000 | 510,000,000 | 267,750,000 |
Additional Fees
- Registration fee: 3,000,000 VND
- Facility improvement fee: 25,000,000 VND
- Enrollment deposit: 25,000,000 VND
- Meals: from 15,000,000 VND to 20,000,000 VND
The Pros
- Cambridge curriculum
- Incredible infrastructure
- Top-notch teaching
- Large campus
The Cons
- The price
Essential Information
- Website: https://hais.edu.vn/
- Address: 24 Phan Ba Phien, Tan An, Hoi An
- Phone: (0)2356 518 518
- Email: admissions@hais.edu.vn
Palm River Academy
Much, much smaller than HAIS, Palm River Academy, located in Hoi An, offers a learning environment that combines hands-on projects and innovative teaching, such as cooking classes. Like HAIS, the school follows the Cambridge curriculum, known for its rigor and quality, while also providing education that goes beyond academics.
This approach allows children to develop their creativity while acquiring practical skills that are useful in everyday life. All of this takes place in small classes (a maximum of 13 students), ensuring personalized attention.
Although the facilities are not at the level of HAIS, the quality of teaching remains high, and several expats have recommended this school to me.
Price of Palm River Academy
The Pros
- Cambridge curriculum
- Excellent teaching
- Affordable price
The Cons
- School facilities are somewhat limited
Essential Information
- Website: https://www.palmriveracademy.edu.vn/
- Address: ĐX18, Cẩm Thanh, Hoi An
- Phone: 096 849 42 45
- Email: admin@palmriveracademy.com
Odyssey International School
Previously known as Green Shoots International School, the school was renamed Odyssey International School.
Although the institution is excellent, with qualified teachers and high-quality facilities, I still advise you to exercise caution.
In 2023, the school encountered serious financial issues, which warrants some prudence before choosing it.
A reminder of the situation:
In September 2023, Green Shoots International School in Hoi An, owned by a British national, suddenly closed its doors after parents had already paid over 14 billion VND (around $581,900) in tuition fees. The owner, Catherine Clare McKinley, returned to the United Kingdom, leaving parents without any answers or the ability to recover the amounts paid.
Despite a promise to transfer students to another international school in Da Nang, no concrete arrangements were made. Green Shoots’ infrastructure was dismantled, and local authorities reported the case to the Quang Nam People’s Committee and the British Embassy. In the meantime, students were redirected to other local schools.
This closure caused great uncertainty for families, most of whom were expatriates, and raised questions about the management of international schools in the region.
Price of Odyssey International School
| Child’s age on 31st Aug 2024 | Category | Annual Tuition (VND) | Bi-Annual Payment | Quarterly Payment | Payment Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 – 4 years old | Nursery and Reception | 190,000,000 | 1st: 95,000,000 2nd: 95,000,000 | 1st: 47,500,000 2nd: 47,500,000 3rd: 47,500,000 4th: 47,500,000 | 1st: 04/08/24 2nd: 1/11/24 3rd: 06/02/25 4th: 08/04/25 |
| 5 – 6 years old | Key Stage 1 Year 1 and 2 | 224,250,000 | 1st: 112,125,000 2nd: 112,125,000 | 1st: 56,062,500 2nd: 56,062,500 3rd: 56,062,500 4th: 56,062,500 | 1st: 04/08/24 2nd: 1/11/24 3rd: 06/02/25 4th: 08/04/25 |
| 7 – 8 years old | Lower Key Stage 2 Year 3 and 4 | 287,500,000 | 1st: 143,750,000 2nd: 143,750,000 | 1st: 71,875,000 2nd: 71,875,000 3rd: 71,875,000 4th: 71,875,000 | 1st: 04/08/24 2nd: 1/11/24 3rd: 06/02/25 4th: 08/04/25 |
| 9 – 10 years old | Upper Key Stage 2 Year 5 and 6 | 310,500,000 | 1st: 155,250,000 2nd: 155,250,000 | 1st: 77,625,000 2nd: 77,625,000 3rd: 77,625,000 4th: 77,625,000 | 1st: 04/08/24 2nd: 1/11/24 3rd: 06/02/25 4th: 08/04/25 |
| 11 – 13 years old | Key Stage 3 Year 7, 8 and 9 | 379,000,000 | 1st: 189,500,000 2nd: 189,500,000 | 1st: 94,750,000 2nd: 94,750,000 3rd: 94,750,000 4th: 94,750,000 | 1st: 04/08/24 2nd: 1/11/24 3rd: 06/02/25 4th: 08/04/25 |
If we set aside the events of September 2023, the school remains one of the best in the region.
It was my first choice for my son, but the school is now located on the outskirts of Hoi An, which is one of its biggest drawbacks.
The Pros
- Excellent teaching
- Reasonable tuition fees
The Cons
- Financial issues in 2023
- Trust to be regained among expatriates
- Not located in Hoi An
Essential Information
- Website: https://www.odyssey.edu.vn/
- Address: Lot A1, urban area 7B Sentosa City, Dien Ngoc Ward, Dien Ban
- Phone: +84 235 3711 678
- Email: admissions@odyssey.edu.vn
My Opinion
If your budget allows, Hoi An International School is undoubtedly the top choice.
As for me, I chose Palm River Academy because the school is close to my home, was recommended by several expats, and since my child was still young, I preferred a smaller school over a large campus. However, in 4 or 5 years, he will certainly go to Hoi An International School.
Odyssey remains an excellent option, but personally, I believe it needs to regain the trust of the expatriate community.
