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primarily cater to Vietnamese students, or Le Petit Jardin de France, a french club in Hoi An (which I personally found outdated and of lower quality).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.
Continued to the last 2 comments:
After our experience at Hoi An international school, we (and few others left ). It was not a school environment that we envisionef for our children, but that’s personal choice. They are facing a problem that the attractive facilities DON’T belong to them, if you are aware. Their lease is expired next June 2026. The uncertainty of where the new campus is is the good question. According to the amended law, international school is not allowed for recognized if they don’t own the facilities. Lease is no longer an option. This is the government prevention of “run away school” like Green shoot or other int schools in HCMC happened last few years that you might have read about on the news. There are whole new laws of the requirements in terms of facilities applied to international school. This allows the government to have control over their finance if something happened. By this law, HAIS doesn’t meet one of the most important requirements You might refer to those article https://m.giaoduc.net.vn/ban-khoan-hoat-dong-truong-quoc-te-hoi-an-ubnd-tinh-quang-nam-co-y-kien-chi-dao-post251262.gd
Hope you find those helpful.
Hi,
Thank you for your comment.
I’m glad to see Odyssey School improving, as it might be my son’s school next year. However, there’s no need to badmouth other schools. HAIS is still the best international school in Hoi An.
Continued to my previous comment:
2 – Odyssey has restructured and it has nothing to do with the disappearance of Green shoot (we were there when it happened sadly). It’s a new school with total new board members, yes few teachers from GS who were also the victims of the scam. Precautions are good, but compared them to GS doesn’t sound fair. It has nothing to do with each other in terms of responsibilities and legalities. Odyssey owns their facilities and why is that important, explaination is in the next comment.
We parents appreciate your information about schools in Hoi An. We personally have sent our kids to all of those you mentioned. Few things that you might want to review to avoid misunderstanding to especially new parents who don’t have the insights of the school situation here:
1 – Palm River Academy is NOT a school. It’s an English Center which is known to a number of parents (not all) and confirmed by the Quang Nam ( nowadays Da Nang) Education Department. However, PA unlawfully operates as a school which is illegal according to Vietnam law. What’s disturbing is that they advertise/disguise themselves as a school and make it sounds like it when it comes to contacts with parents including legal contract. For those who aware of their legal status and chose to stay, it’s up to them to take their own risk. But for those who are not, it’s wrong and unfair that this known fact of didn’t make it thru because of the unclear message. The foundation of an educational center is wrong by lying about their legal status, what else is behind the close door is a good questions. 10 plus families left last year when the truth came to the surface. They handle very poorly. To your acknowledgement, PA is now under investigation by Danang education department. Being illegal, they could disappear overnight just like the case of Green shoot or be closed down anytime by the education department. Also, for those who chose to stay (financial reasons), they only agree to pay on monthly basis, even only pay until toward the end of the month to minimize the risk. You can refer to this article ( you might needs Google translate https://giaoduc.net.vn/palm-river-hoi-an-tuyen-day-nhu-csgd-hoc-phi-toi-242-trieu-so-gd-da-nang-se-lam-ro-post253381.gd
https://giaoduc.net.vn/palm-river-hoi-an-tuyen-sinh-day-nhu-co-so-gd-dung-de-con-voi-chui-lot-lo-kim-post253511.gd