Saigon South International School

In Brief

SSIS is the pick for families in District 7 who want small classes, a not-for-profit ethos, and the best campus space in Saigon - it's a quieter, more community-feel school than the larger Thao Dien options, and that suits plenty of families very well.

SSIS is the only not-for-profit international school in Ho Chi Minh City, which means every dong of tuition goes back into the school rather than to a corporate owner. That shows in the campus: a large, green Phu My Hung site with space that the Thao Dien schools simply can't match. Class sizes cap at 20 with a 1:10 teacher-to-student ratio, and Vietnam's only Apple Distinguished School designation reflects a genuine technology integration programme rather than a marketing label.

The American curriculum runs through to IB Diploma and AP in the senior school, which gives Grade 11 and 12 students meaningful university-pathway options. Families who've been at the school for several years consistently mention the counselling team and the university application support as strengths. The Phu My Hung location is the most livable part of Saigon for international families - quieter streets, better air quality, walkable amenities - and many families choose the area precisely because SSIS is there.

District 7 is the catch for anyone living in Thao Dien or the city centre. The bridge crossings and ring road add meaningful commute time at rush hour, and it's not a school you can easily pair with a Thao Dien address unless you're prepared for the drive. Fees for the 2026-2027 year are slightly higher at entry than ISHCMC - around 530 million VND for early childhood - but the not-for-profit structure and smaller class sizes justify the comparison.