TNIS students and teachers celebrate at a school event. Photo courtesy of TNIS

HÀ NỘI — For expatriate families relocating to Hà Nội, choosing a school is often one of the most pressing decisions. Parents seek an internationally recognised curriculum, teachers who can support their children’s learning in English and a community where newcomers can settle in quickly.

True North International School (TNIS), located in the Mỗ Lao urban area of Hà Đông Ward, aims to meet these needs. The school serves students from age five through Grade 12 and follows an American curriculum based on US standards, with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Science teaching follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), while English and mathematics follow the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

Pathway to universities worldwide

At high school level, TNIS is an authorised College Board site for the Advanced Placement (AP) programme, which allows secondary school students to study university-level subjects and sit corresponding examinations. The school offers more than 20 AP courses, with students on its International Track beginning preparations in Grade 9. Graduates receive a high school diploma described by the school as meeting Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) standards.

In the 2023-24 academic year, TNIS students achieved an average AP score of 4.4 out of five. Some 98 per cent scored three or higher, while 40 per cent achieved the top score of five.

AP results can be a factor in university admissions, particularly in the US, where some universities also award course credit for qualifying scores. Recognition and credit policies vary by institution.

In the latest admissions cycle, students at TNIS received offers from more than 30 universities, including Cornell University in the US, University College London in the UK and the University of Melbourne in Australia.

Multinational community

Beyond academics, TNIS places an emphasis on building a diverse school community. Alongside Vietnamese students, the school enrols children from South Korea, India, Germany and other countries.

Testimonials published by the school highlight this diversity as a benefit. One South Korean parent said Vietnamese and Korean students played together in a friendly and inclusive environment, while an Indian parent reported that their child had made noticeable progress in soft skills, social awareness, the arts and public speaking.

The school’s educational philosophy is built around four pillars: Character Development, Academic Rigour, Wellness and Global Citizenry. Students can join more than 20 clubs, covering activities from debate and music to robotics and running. One TNIS student has represented Việt Nam at the World Schools Debating Championship, while the school’s runners regularly participate in events such as the Tây Hồ Half Marathon.

Learning about the host country

For international families, living in Việt Nam also offers children an opportunity to learn about the country they now call home. TNIS organises field trips to landmarks such as the Temple of Literature and the Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum, introducing students to Vietnamese history and traditions alongside their American-style education.

Families seeking a programme that combines Vietnamese and American curricula can opt for the school’s Bilingual Track. The International Track is taught entirely in English by international teachers.

Admissions for the coming school year are open. Further information is available at truenorth.edu.vn or by calling the admissions hotline on 0944 359 393.