The preschool stage is a crucial first step in a child’s journey of learning and development. It is not only where children are introduced to their very first knowledge but also a nurturing environment for character building, social skills, and independence. For this reason, choosing a high-quality, reputable, and well-suited preschool is always a top concern for parents in Ho Chi Minh City.
In this article, Esearch has compiled a list of five outstanding premium preschools, including information about their curricula, admission ages, languages of instruction, and detailed contact information. We hope this overview will give parents a comprehensive picture to make the best choice for their child.
1. LITTLE EM’S PRESCHOOL
Curriculum: Little Em’s is the first school in Viet Nam that was officially recognized worldwide for adopting the Reggio Emilia Approach (Italy) and it is also a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). The philosophy of Little Em’s emphasizes experiential learning, arts, and exploration. At this school, children are encouraged to ask questions, be creative, and develop social skills in an open, art-inspired environment.
Admission age: From 18 months
Language of instruction: English and Vietnamese
Tuition (AY 2025–2026): ~30,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND/month
Contact:
176 Dien Bien Phu, District 3, HCMC
Tel: (028) 7106 8268
Email: info@littleems.edu.vn
Website:littleems.edu.vn
Facebook:facebook.com/littleempreschool
*Please note that details are subject to change each academic year.
2. E-MAISON INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL (ETONHOUSE E-MAISON)
Curriculum: Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, EtonHouse builds its program based on the internationally recognized EtonHouse Singapore Curriculum Framework: Inquire – Think – Learn. This inquiry-based approach nurtures imagination, creativity, invention, and collaboration—core skills for success in the 21st century. It fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity, empowering children to become confident learners who actively engage with the world.
Admission age: From 18 months
Language of instruction: English
Tuition (2025): ~20,000,000 – 26,000,000 VND/month
Contact:
42 Street No. 10, An Khanh Ward, HCMC
Hotline: (+84) 28 3744 4283 | (+84) 909 987 037
Email: info@thaodien-etonhouse.vn
Website:etonhousethaodien.com
Facebook:facebook.com/etonhouse.thaodien
*Please note that details are subject to change each academic year.
3. SMARTKIDS INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL
Curriculum: SmartKids combines the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with the globally recognized IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). The school emphasizes social skills, independence, and language development. Children engage in a wide range of activities including music, art, and physical play in a friendly and welcoming environment, easing their integration into school life.
Admission age: From 18 months
Language of instruction: English
Tuition (AY 2025–2026): ~21,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND/month
Contact:
26 Street No. 10, An Khanh Ward, HCMC
Tel: +84 (0) 903 957 316
Email: yoko@smartkidsinfo.com
Website:smartkidsinfo.com
Facebook:facebook.com/SmartKidsInfo
*Please note that details are subject to change each academic year.
4. AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (AIS) – EARLY YEARS
Curriculum: AIS follows a play-based learning approach integrating the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the Australian Early Years Learning Framework, and the IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). Lessons are tailored to each child’s pace and needs, ensuring a rich and balanced educational experience. Alongside literacy and numeracy foundations, children enjoy music, arts, physical education, and swimming.
Admission age: From 18 months
Language of instruction: English
Tuition (AY 2025–2026): ~25,000,000 – 30,000,000 VND/month
Contact:
Thu Thiem Campus: 264 Mai Chi Tho, Binh Trung Ward, HCMC | Tel: +84 28 3742 4040
Thao Dien (Lotus) Campus: 36 Thao Dien, An Khanh Ward, HCMC | Tel: +84 28 3744 6960
Email: info@aisvietnam.com
Website:aisvietnam.com
Facebook:facebook.com/AustralianInternationalSchoolVietnam
*Please note that details are subject to change each academic year.
5. INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HO CHI MINH CITY (ISHCMC) – EARLY YEARS
Curriculum: Inspired by Reggio Emilia, ISHCMC adopts an inquiry-based learning model that encourages self-discovery. Play is combined with the development of essential skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving.
Admission age: From 2 years old
Language of instruction: English
Tuition (AY 2025–2026): ~25,000,000 – 30,000,000 VND/month
Contact:
28 Vo Truong Toan, An Khanh Ward, HCMC
Tel: +84 (28) 3898 9100
Email: admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn
Website:ishcmc.com
Facebook:facebook.com/ISHCMC
*Please note that details are subject to change each academic year.
TIPS FROM ESEARCH
When choosing a preschool, parents should consider three key factors:
Educational philosophy and curriculum – Match the school’s approach (Reggio Emilia, IB, EYFS, etc.) and language offerings (English, bilingual) with your expectations for your child’s holistic growth.
Language of instruction – Most schools accept children from 18 months old, but parents should decide early whether the main language should be English, bilingual, or another language to align with future plans.
Budget and school location – Clarify your monthly/yearly budget, factoring in tuition plus additional costs (transportation, meals, uniforms, extracurriculars). Consider commuting distance, as travel time impacts both child and family experience.
Parents are encouraged to visit schools in person, ask about key conditions such as class size, daily schedule, the presence of native-speaking teachers, and additional activities in order to evaluate the true learning environment.
CONCLUSION
Choosing a premium preschool is not simply a matter of tuition fees or location—it is a decision that shapes the long-term foundation of a child’s growth. Each school on the list above has its own strengths, from international curricula and creative learning philosophies to multilingual and multicultural environments.
At Esearch, we encourage parents to be proactive: visit campuses, engage with teachers, and listen to the experiences of other families before making the final choice. A strong start in the preschool years is a priceless foundation, equipping children with the confidence to embark on their lifelong journey of learning and development.
*Esearch is always ready to accompany you in finding the best educational path for the young generation.
For more details on curricula, facilities, and admissions, please visit:www.esearch.vn/vi.
Source: Compiled by Esearch
