What Is Primary School?
A primary school is simply defined as an elementary school, junior school or grade school where children receive a primary or elementary education. Typically, children enter primary school after completing preschool. A primary education prepares children to transition to secondary school.
What is the Best Age to Start Primary School in Vietnam?
It is compulsory for students to be enrolled in primary schools in Vietnam from the age of six until 11. Primary school education in Vietnam lasts for five years (Grade 1 to Grade 5). For international Vietnam primary schools, enrolment depends on the type of curriculum offered by the school. For example, schools that follow the British Curriculum will accept children aged four or five to enter Reception, which marks the first year of primary education. They will then progress to Year 1 as part of Key Stage 1 at age five or six. For the American Curriculum, children begin their primary education at elementary school at age four until 11.
Vietnam Primary School Curriculum
The Vietnam primary school syllabus focuses on several core subjects. These subjects are Vietnamese, mathematics, moral education, natural and social sciences, arts, and physical education. In addition, history and geography are taught in Grades 4 and 5. In 2017, the Ministry of Education introduced two new subjects - foreign language and computer training for Grade 3 students onwards. Minority languages are also offered as an elective subject.
Primary Schools in Vietnam
Parents are spoilt for choice when it comes to primary schools in Vietnam. There are over 15,000 elementary schools located across Vietnam. Majority of classrooms in international primary schools in Vietnam are instructed by a single teacher and class sizes are relatively small. Teaching assistants are sometimes present. Primary school education in Vietnam is compulsory for children aged six to 11.
How Do You Apply to Primary Schools in Vietnam?
Parents who are interested in enrolling their children in international schools can contact the school directly for application purposes. Generally, the international school application process involves payment of registration fee and assessment test. If the child meets all requirements, parents would need to pay an admission fee and deposit for successful enrolment.
What are the Average Fees for Primary School in Vietnam?
Primary school education in Vietnam government schools is completely free. However, elementary schools still charge a variety of supplementary fees, ranging from maintenance levies to fees for the acquisition of books and uniforms.
Like the majority of international schools across Asia, each international school in Vietnam has a unique fee structure. Annual tuition fees for international schools are anywhere between USD10,000 and USD20,000. These fees do not include fees for application, registration and deposit. Parents should also take note of the hidden fees such as building development fee, transport fee and the cost for school supplies and uniforms.
References
- https://www.justlanded.com/english/Vietnam/Vietnam-Guide/Education/The-Vietnamese-education-system
- https://wenr.wes.org/2017/11/education-in-vietnam
- https://www.globalpartnership.org/where-we-work/vietnam
- https://transferwise.com/gb/blog/vietnamese-education-overview
- https://www.expat.com/en/guide/asia/vietnam/
- https://immivietnamvisa.com/vietnam-student-visa/
