Saigon South International School (SSIS)
International School in Ho Chi Minh City
Quick answer
Saigon South International School (SSIS) is the only not-for-profit PreK-12 American school in Ho Chi Minh City, founded 1997 and serving 1,500 students from 50 nationalities. SSIS offers IB Diploma and AP pathways alongside the American High School Diploma, WASC-accredited. As a not-for-profit, all tuition is reinvested in education. Annual tuition runs $13,000-$23,000 USD (true cost ~$19,650, +9% — HCMC's 93rd cost percentile). Best suited to American-curriculum families wanting non-profit transparency.
Key facts
- Curriculum: American leaving qualifications include IB Diploma and AP and PSAT.
- Tuition: $13,000–$23,000/yr published annual range.
- Avg class size: 20 (max 21) Ho Chi Minh City international school · 1,500 students total.
- 50 nationalities top: Vietnamese.
- Ages: 3-18 school day starts at 8 am.
- Accreditations: WASC verified.
1,500
50 (Vietnamese)
20 avg / 21 max
Rolling
WASC
IB Diploma and AP and PSAT
About Saigon South International School (SSIS)
Academic Excellence, Sense of Self, Respect for All, Balance In Life, Dedicated Service
Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)
This school states meaningful learning-support provision — still confirm it fits your child's specific need.
Why this matters
Special-needs provision at international schools varies widely and is rarely guaranteed by the school itself — and local legal duties differ by country. Confirm what this school provides, in writing, before you commit.
- Learning support: strong
- In-house specialist staff listed
- Educational psychologist available
- EAL/ESL support listed
Questions to ask the school
- Can you support a child with my child's specific need (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism), and have you done so this year? Ask for concrete examples.
- Is there an additional fee for learning support or EAL — and how much per year?
- Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition (USD) | $13,000 – $23,000 |
| Annual tuition (local) | 509800000 ₫-882200000 ₫ |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate | $19,650(+9%) |
| Est. first-year total (modeled) | $21,150 |
| Cost position in Ho Chi Minh City | 93th percentile(premium tier) |
Hidden costs & fee notes
American curriculum aligned with US standards. Registration VND 10,000,000. Tuition ranges VND 325-575 million by grade. Capital fund VND 18,000,000. Uniforms VND 3,000,000-5,000,000. Transport VND 25,000,000-40,000,000/year. AP exam fees additional.
American
IB Diploma and AP and PSAT
IBDP, AP, SAT, PSAT, CTP
Well above average.
Mandarin & Spanish
Short and long-term interventions.
We have learning support departments in all divisions.
Yes, English Additional Language (EAL) classes are offered in Kindergarten through grade 10.
8 am – 3 pm
There is a cafeteria and lunches can be purchased.
We have Western, Asian and Vegetarian options every day.
Recommended neighborhoods
District 7, Phu My Hung, Nha Be, Binh Chanh
Is Saigon South International School (SSIS) right for your family?
A School Fit Brief scores this school against your children's ages, learning needs, and budget — with hidden fee analysis, admissions timing, and a ranked shortlist of alternatives in Ho Chi Minh City.
Get School Fit Brief — $49One-time purchase · PDF + workspace · Source-backed analysis
At a Glance
Fee Position in Ho Chi Minh City
Mid-rangeSchool Profile
Class Size
Student Diversity
Very diverse
Common: Vietnamese
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
American curriculum aligned with US standards. Registration VND 10,000,000. Tuition ranges VND 325-575 million by grade. Capital fund VND 18,000,000. Uniforms VND 3,000,000-5,000,000. Transport VND 25,000,000-40,000,000/year. AP exam fees additional.
Decide on this school — and four others
The $49 School Fit Brief covers Saigon South International School (SSIS) and 4 other top schools in Ho Chi Minh City — tuition + true cost, curriculum fit, admission timeline, and red flags. Builds your shortlist in 8 minutes vs the $1,500–3,500 (and 2–4 weeks) an education consultant charges for the same answer.
Nearby Schools (within 5km)
Disclaimer: School profiles are source-backed decision aids, not endorsements or official rankings. Tuition figures are approximate and may not include registration fees, uniforms, transport, or exam costs. Always verify directly with the school before applying. WhereNext is not affiliated with any school listed. This is not admissions consulting, legal advice, or official school placement guidance.