Cities / Hanoi / St Paul American School Hanoi
St Paul American School Hanoi
An American-curriculum school in the Splendora community in Hoai Duc, west of central Hanoi, founded 2011 and now around 300 pupils from over 20 countries. Cognia and MOET accredited, AP courses through high school.
In brief
A Grade 1-12 American-curriculum school founded in 2011 and now on a Splendora campus in Hoai Duc, west of central Hanoi. Around 530 students from over 20 countries, Cognia and MOET accredited.
Started in the VEAM Building in Tay Ho with 50 students before moving to the An Khanh Splendora community in 2015. Dr Myong Hwan Eiselstein leads. AP courses run through the high school. The cohort skews international with strong Korean representation and a steady mix of expat and local families.
Parent voice splits more sharply here than at most Hanoi schools. Families who like it praise the diversity, the support for non-native English speakers and the academic outcomes for stronger students. Critical voices cluster around administration and the parent-teacher relationship, with some teacher-side commentary about pay and the constraints of the site. The Hoai Duc location is a notable factor: a useful fit for families on the western corridor, more of a haul from Tay Ho or the Old Quarter.
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Grades 1-5 | 6 | ₫666,000,000 |
| Middle School Grades 6-8 | 11 | ₫778,000,000 |
| High School Grades 9-12 | 14 | ₫777,130,000 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Application / Assessment Fee (non-refundable) | ₫4,220,000 | |
| Enrollment Fee (paid with first tuition) | ₫22,100,000 |
Reviews
- Teachers and ex-teachers describe the school as a credible licensed-teacher employer in Hanoi, often grouped with UNIS and Hanoi International School in expat threads.
- One former teacher recounted heavy turnover early on, including a principal fired during the Christmas holiday, and noted the school began as Vietnam American International School in 2011 before rebranding.
- Parent feedback splits: positive reviews mention a bright west-Hanoi campus, supportive teachers, strong AP and college placements; one parent flags discrimination concerns, alleging preferential treatment of Vietnamese and Korean students and unequal handling of single-parent and mixed-race families.
- Korean expat families report the school works for them, citing diversity exposure alongside heritage-language maintenance.
- One ex-teacher said early leadership 'clashed with how to run a proper school,' a recurring theme in older posts.
Positives
- Curriculum and college outcomes. American curriculum with AP, named acceptances at top US universities, satisfied parents around math and academic preparation.
- Campus and atmosphere. West-Hanoi Splendora campus described as bright, clean, energetic; parents value the facilities.
- Diversity for non-Western expats. Korean families say children retain heritage language while being exposed to American education.
Considerations
- Teacher turnover and leadership churn. Internationalteachers threads describe firings of senior staff and a 'starting fresh' approach that worried incoming hires.
- Inclusivity and fairness. One detailed parent review alleges discrimination against single parents, mixed-race children, and gendered treatment of girls versus boys.
Leadership
Dr. Myong Hwan ‘Moo’ Eiselstein
Dr. Myong Hwan “Moo” Eiselstein is the Executive Director for St. Paul American School Hanoi. Originally from Virginia, USA, he has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Education in Elementary Literacy, an Education Specialist in Leadership, and a Doctor of Education in Leadership. Dr. Moo's professional background includes serving as an elementary teacher before transitioning into administrative leadership as an Elementary Principal, High School Principal, and Executive Director.
Accreditations
- Cognia 01
- VN_MOET 02
Academic results
- Average AP Score 2025 4.15
Location
New Urban Splendora, Km10+600 Thang Long Highway, Son Dong, Hoai Duc District, Hanoi