7 Criteria to consider when choosing a kindergarten for your child

Choosing a kindergarten for your child is a significant decision that greatly impacts their development and learning in the first years of life. A good learning environment will help children develop comprehensively in terms of physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being. In the following article, let's explore 7 effective criteria and experiences for choosing a kindergarten.

1. Why is choosing a kindergarten important?

Preschool is the first place where children come into contact with a formal learning environment. This is a crucial stage that helps children develop basic skills and build a foundation for future learning.

Selecting a suitable international kindergarten or preschool not only helps children maximize their potential but also ensures safety and provides good care while parents are away from home. Thoroughly choosing a school will help children have positive learning and play experiences, forming good character and personality right from the early years.

Choosing an international preschool helps children develop to their full potential

Furthermore, the kindergarten is where children learn to communicate, integrate with friends, and develop social and emotional skills. It is also where they access basic knowledge to prepare for their educational journey ahead. Therefore, making the right choice is an investment in both the present and the future of the child.

>>> See more: 20 reasons parents should choose bilingual international schools for their children

2. 7 important criteria to consider when choosing a school for your child

To ensure your child has the most effective learning environment, parents need to understand the selection process clearly. Here are the key factors to consider.

2.1. Consider the geographical location when choosing a kindergarten

The location of the kindergarten is very important as it affects the daily pick-up and drop-off routine of parents. It is advisable to choose schools close to home or your workplace for convenience and to save time. Furthermore, the school's location must ensure safety, avoiding areas with pollution or complicated traffic conditions.

2.2. Consider the curriculum when choosing a kindergarten

The curriculum is a key factor in choosing a kindergarten for your child. Parents should carefully research the school's program to see if it aligns with their child's development orientation.

A good curriculum should balance academic education with activities that develop social skills, physical abilities, and the arts. Many kindergartens today apply advanced educational methods such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or international programs, helping children develop comprehensively and creatively.

Consider the school’s curriculum before choosing a school for your child

2.3. Consider the quality of child care when choosing a kindergarten

The quality of care is a criterion that cannot be ignored. Children need to be cared for in a safe, clean environment and supervised carefully. Parents should review the teacher-to-student ratio, health care processes, and safety measures at the school.

Care goes beyond safety; it must also focus on the spiritual aspect. Children need to be loved, respected, and encouraged within the learning environment.

2.4. Consider the teaching staff when choosing a kindergarten

Teachers are the ones who directly influence a child's development. Parents should look into the professional qualifications, experience, and attitude of the teachers. A dedicated, professional staff who love children will create a positive learning environment.

Preschool teachers need good communication skills, patience, and creativity in organizing learning and play activities. They also need continuous training to grasp new educational methods.

Teachers are a top factor to consider when choosing a preschool

2.5. Consider facilities and equipment when choosing a kindergarten

Facilities and equipment play a significant role in supporting the child's learning and play process. The school needs spacious, airy classrooms with adequate lighting and safe outdoor play areas.

A modern kindergarten should have functional areas such as a gym, music room, library, and both indoor and outdoor playgrounds. Toys and learning equipment must be diverse, age-appropriate, and ensure hygiene and safety to help children develop motor skills and creativity.

Choose a preschool with good facilities and plenty of space for children to play and grow

2.6. Consider the nutrition plan when choosing a kindergarten

Nutrition is a vital factor directly affecting a child's health and development. The school needs a reasonable nutritional menu, ensuring a full supply of necessary nutrient groups.

Meals at the kindergarten must be prepared carefully, ensuring food safety and hygiene. The menu should be diverse and rich to help children eat appetizingly. Parents should also check if the school can meet special dietary requirements, such as diets for children with allergies.

2.7. Consider the tuition fees when choosing a kindergarten

Tuition is an important factor to consider. Parents should carefully weigh their family's financial capability and compare tuition fees between schools.

However, one should not choose a school solely based on low tuition while ignoring the quality of education and care. The fee should reflect the quality of service provided. Parents should also investigate related costs such as meal fees, extracurricular activities, and equipment fees to make an accurate decision.

>>> See more: Experience when choosing international schools in HCMC for children

3. List of the best international kindergartens in Ho Chi Minh City

After understanding the criteria and reasons why international school fees might be higher (due to modern facilities, strict teacher recruitment, and included amenities), here is a list of schools worthy of consideration.

3.1. VAS International Kindergarten

With nearly 20 years of experience, Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) is a pioneer in teaching the Cambridge program in Ho Chi Minh City. For the preschool level, VAS has a specific Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) program adapted from the UK. In this program, knowledge is imparted through games and scientific experiments, creating excitement for students.

VAS provides an environment where children develop both academically and physically

VAS offers a comprehensive development environment with high-quality facilities and a dedicated teaching staff who are not only professionally skilled but also adept at communicating and building trust with children.

>>> See more: Explore the tuition fees of Vietnam Australia International School (VAS)

3.2. Viet My International Kindergarten – VAschools

The Viet My System (VAschools) offers education from kindergarten to high school, with the preschool level accepting children from 18 months to 5 years old.

The preschool curriculum combines the Ministry of Education and Training's Early Childhood Education Program with Cambridge Standard English (ESL). This approach helps children build a bilingual foundation and essential life skills through various extracurricular activities. VAschools has multiple campuses across Ho Chi Minh City, featuring facilities modeled after international standards, small class sizes, and separate medical and kitchen areas dedicated to children.

Viet My International Kindergarten – VAschools

• Average Tuition: Preschool tuition is approximately 85–92 million VND/year, depending on the program and payment method (yearly packages or by term). On average, this falls between 8–10 million VND/month for programs including English at VAschools campuses.

3.3. Singapore International Kindergarten – SIS

Singapore International School @ Saigon South belongs to the KinderWorld system, providing a seamless educational pathway from preschool to high school.

The preschool division employs an "East-West combined" model: preserving Vietnamese cultural values while teaching international subjects such as English, ICT, HPE, and Arts with foreign teachers. The school fosters a multicultural environment, emphasizing the "Virtues Programme" and preparing a strong foundation in English for future international programs.

• Average Tuition: For the preschool block in HCMC, tuition typically ranges from 150–250 million VND/year (approximately 12–20 million VND/month), varying by campus and the specific program track chosen.

Singapore International Kindergarten – SIS

3.4. Sakura Montessori International Kindergarten

Sakura Montessori is a pioneer in applying international standard Montessori methods combined with HighScope in Vietnam, accepting children from 12–15 months to 6 years old.

The school offers diverse streams including Standard, Bilingual, and International. These programs help children develop bilingual ability, independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through the Plan–Do–Review cycle. The English curriculum aligns with Common Core standards (USA), aiming to mold global citizens.

• Average Tuition: In HCMC, tuition falls within the range of 120–180 million VND/year (approximately 10–15 million VND/month), depending on the specific facility and the program selected (Bilingual or International).

Sakura Montessori International Kindergarten

3.5. Hooray Bilingual Kindergarten

Hooray is a bilingual preschool system accepting children from approximately 12 months to 6 years old.

The school teaches according to the United States National Early Childhood Education model with the motto "Educate Heart & Mind". It combines a monolingual (Vietnamese) program with an English-Vietnamese bilingual program. The Nguyen Thong campus is known for its small class sizes and a "second home" environment, focusing on developing 21st-century skills.

• Average Tuition: Fees are approximately 9.7–11 million VND/month, depending on the campus and age group. Annual tuition is estimated at 116–120 million VND/year, excluding certain other fees.

Hooray Bilingual Kindergarten

3.6. Saigon Academy International Kindergarten (SGA)

Established in 2012, Saigon Academy is a pioneer of the "Early Education from age 0" model in Ho Chi Minh City.

SGA accepts children from 0–6 years old, applying various early education methods to maximize intelligence during the "golden stage" of development. The school boasts spacious facilities (playgrounds, swimming pools, libraries) and limited class sizes, aiming to develop intellect, health, and personality.

• Average Tuition: Many sources record tuition at about 8–10 million VND/month. Some updates for 2025 indicate a range of 70–100 million VND/year, depending on the facility and the system (Bilingual/International).

Saigon Academy International Kindergarten (SGA)

3.7. British International School – BIS

The Early Years & Infant Campus of BIS HCMC accepts children from 2 to 5 years old, following the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

The program emphasizes "learning through play", allowing children to explore and develop language, physical, and social-emotional skills. The campus includes specialized facilities like outdoor play areas and swimming pools, along with the Fundinotots program for toddlers.

• Average Tuition: For the 2025–2026 school year, preschool tuition ranges from 238–479 million VND/year depending on the level (half-day or full-day). This averages to about 20–40 million VND/month.

British International School – BIS

3.8. German International Kindergarten – IGS

International German School HCMC (IGS) offers a German-English bilingual program for children from 2 to under 6 years old.

The curriculum focuses on exploring nature, analytical thinking, and experiential learning within a green "villa campus" environment. It is part of a global network of German schools abroad.

• Average Tuition: Fees for the U6 level (5 hours/day) are approximately 198–240 million VND/year, equivalent to 17–20 million VND/month. Costs may increase if parents select longer hours or additional services.

German International Kindergarten – IGS

3.9. Australian International School – AIS

Australian International School (AIS) is an IB World School in Ho Chi Minh City providing education from Early Childhood through to High School.

The Early Childhood block focuses on helping children learn English naturally with native teachers, utilizing a combination of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Cambridge curriculum.

• Average Tuition: Preschool levels cost about 270–330 million VND/year (approximately 22–28 million VND/month). Tuition for higher levels increases gradually, reaching over 800 million VND/year for high school.

Australian International School – AIS

3.10. Saigon Bilingual Kindergarten – IPR

Also known as the International Preschool of Saigon (IPrS), this school combines Western educational styles with Eastern traditional values.

It operates on a "play to learn" philosophy in an English-Vietnamese bilingual environment, helping children develop communication skills and logical thinking in a multicultural setting.

• Average Tuition: Considered an "affordable" bilingual option, tuition ranges from 8–12 million VND/month, depending on the campus and program.

Saigon Bilingual Kindergarten – IPR

Conclusion

Choosing a kindergarten for your child is an important decision that needs to be considered carefully. Hopefully, the criteria and list of international kindergartens above will help parents have more basis to choose a suitable school, ensuring the comprehensive development of their beloved children.

For more information on educational methods and to experience the international learning environment directly at schools like VAS, parents can contact the hotline or visit the website for specific advice.

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