1) WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE INTERNATIONAL AND INTEGRATED PROGRAMS?
Both programs offer great content. The international program is tailored around curriculum from England, with additions coming from Canada and the USA. It is taught by trained international teachers with years of experience. The integrated program is based on the curriculum supplied by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training (MOET). These classes are taught by Vietnamese teachers, with the exception of English, which is provided by a foreign teacher. Please note that all of our classes are in English, and we do not use Vietnamese within the school, with a few exceptions.
2) WHY IS THE TUITION SO HIGH?
Tuition is based on the cost of providing an advanced level of education. Not only is it cheaper than any competitive schools in the city, but it also includes all meals, which most schools charge extra for.
3) ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN FEES?
No. Unlike other schools, our fees are transparent. Students pay tuition which covers all meals, an enrollment fee to secure a position in the school, and the student package which includes the uniform and other necessities. We do not charge development fees.
4) WHY MUST I PAY THE SAME TUITION WHEN THE SCHOOL IS ON HOLIDAY?
Our tuition is based on a full school year. We do not charge daily rates, nor does any school in Hanoi. The fees are calculated per year, and divided into 12 months. This way all the quarterly or bi-yearly payments are the same. Please keep in mind that we are one of the only schools in Hanoi to offer a year-long program, and we do not charge extra for it. Other schools charge extra for their “summer program”. In addition, we hold classes on more days per year than any other school in the city.
5) WHAT IF I TAKE A VACATION?
Everyone likes vacations, and we are considerate when they occur. In the event of a vacation, the length of time off of school may result in a reduction in your tuition. However, we do have some rules: (please refer to page 3 – School Credit System)
6) WHAT IF I NEED TO LEAVE HANOI FOREVER?
Again, we offer some assistance in this scenario. For more details please refer to page 3 – Refund Procedures.
7) WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SCHOOL PACKAGE?
The package is compulsory, and it includes a uniform set (shorts and a shirt), a backpack, eating dish and the teacher feedback booklet.
8) WHEN MUST WE WEAR THE UNIFORM?
Uniforms are to be worn twice a week; on Tuesdays and Fridays. In addition, we request that all students wear the uniform whenever we have a field trip, although these are mainly on Fridays.
9) CAN MY CHILD BRING THINGS TO SCHOOL?
No. Most often bringing toys from home causes difficulty for the teachers, and creates jealousy among classmates. We do not allow outside equipment in the school. We do have “show and tell” occasionally, but you will be informed well in advance and instructed on what is allowed to be brought to school. In addition, we ask that students do not remove anything from the school, unless approved by a teacher. Should anything make its way into a pocket or backpack, please return it the next day.
10) HOW OFTEN DO KIDS DO ACTIVITIES OUTDOORS?
We have “gym” classes scheduled at least twice a week. Weather permitting, these are done outside. Besides that, our “circle time” and “free periods” allow the teachers to do what is suitable for a class, and this usually involves going for a walk, or visiting the playground. We aim to have kids outside daily, but again, this will depend on the weather. Furthermore, we organize field trips to various places. These are optional for kids to join, and details will be provided well in advance.
11) WHAT TYPE OF FOOD IS PROVIDED?
We use a catering company, ADEN. It is the largest food supplier in Hanoi, and is used by most prestigious schools within the city. We do not cook here, and everything is brought to the school by the company. At the school, a representative from ADEN portions the meals into the students’ individual containers. Snacks range from fruit, to bread, to pastries. Lunches are balanced and include a portion of meat, 2 types of vegetables, rice and some fruit for dessert. The menu is set in advance and provided to all parents so as to see what your children are consuming. In a day, a child will have 2 snacks and a full lunch.
12) WHAT IF MY SON/DAUGHTER HAS ALLERGIES OR FOOD RESTRICTIONS?
All situations involving food must be explained in detail upon enrollment. We have the ability to alter meals based on allergies. For those who do not consume certain food for whatever reason, we have options as well and these will be discussed on a case by case scenario during enrollment. Should you wish to provide your own food for your child, you may, but it must be brought to the school a maximum of 15 minutes before meal time. Please note, deciding to provide your own food does not mean your fees will be reduced. Our tuition covers food whether you eat it or not.
13) MY CHILD IS A LAZY EATER, WILL YOU FEED HIM/HER?
No. We do not feed children. We assist them to eat, and provide motivation and praise for them to do so independently. This has been scientifically proven to be the best method. Furthermore, in a setting like ours, where all children eat together, it quickly becomes a habit to eat with others, and you may soon notice your child’s eating habit change.
14) WHAT TYPE OF DISCIPLINE IS USED AT THE SCHOOL?
We are proud to say that we have extremely well-behaved students. Should we have a child who cannot comply with our rules, he/she will be removed from the school in order to protect the other students. That being said, we do use discipline when needed. We do not condone any physical violence from students or teachers, and instead opt for proven methods such as; time out, a thinking chair, or the exclusion from a certain activity. Should a problem develop with a pair of students, we can separate them into other classes, and then ask parents to assist in solving the matter at hand.
15) WHAT MAKES YOUR SCHOOL BETTER THAN OTHERS?
This is a tough question. We do not make any false claims to be the best at anything we do. We try our hardest, and treat our school like a family. Our employees have been with us for years, thus showing how well we treat them, and how much they enjoy their jobs. One of our biggest benefits is that we are a smaller school. We handle a maximum of 80 children, and this allows us to be more student centered and to ensure that all learners are treated equally and grasping as much knowledge as possible.
