If you’re looking for the top American secondary school in Vietnam, you’ll find it in Ho Chi Minh City. ISHCMC – American Academy is renowned as a 21st-century school that produces bright, motivated students who excel, both academically and in their personal lives, and are fully equipped for dynamic futures in further education and beyond.
Hailing from bilingual and public schools across Asia and the world, grade 6 to 12 pupils and their families choose ISHCMC – American Academy for its thorough American-inspired curriculum, English language immersion, focus on personal growth, and higher education and career support.
Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ISHCMC – American Academy, from its values and pastoral care to its academic ethos and what to expect from the School over the next few years.
ISHCMC – American Academy’s Core Values
To be positive, caring, and engaged: These are ISHCMC – American Academy’s core values. These values guide the School’s approach to education in and out of the classroom. Students experience a positive and caring environment that prioritizes a sustainable growth mindset and encourages them to engage with their learning, each other, and the wider community.
There are many benefits to attending ISHCMC – American Academy, including:
- An excellent education delivered through an American-inspired curriculum, including university-level courses for high schoolers
- 100% English language immersion, with English as the language of instruction
- The promotion of respect and collaboration between cultures
- Impressive counseling provision and pastoral support
- A broad program of extracurricular activities and competitive sports
- Higher education and career guidance and opportunities.
ISHCMC – American Academy’s Academic Ethos
The School has a rich history of academic excellence, which it achieves through high-quality teaching and a comprehensive curriculum. Every member of the School’s teaching staff has at least five years’ of teaching experience, with credentials from their home country and education up to at least the level of bachelor’s in their chosen field, though many have an even higher qualification. In fact, 70% hold master’s or doctoral degrees. The faculty draws on a rich body of expertise in pedagogical methods to deliver engaging and interactive lessons, and teachers adapt educational approaches to suit students’ individual learning needs.
The curriculum derives from the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) framework, or U.S. Common Core, and observes American and international academic specifications. ISHCMC – American Academy high schoolers profit from the curriculum’s flexibility and access to university-level courses with Syracuse University (SUPA) and Advanced Placement (AP). The School is unique in Vietnam in offering the extensive SUPA curriculum. This way, students can design their own educational pathways to suit their graduation goals.
The academic outcomes for ISHCMC – American Academy high school students are impressive. In last year’s MAP assessments, more than 95% of students achieved scores above grade level Math, and more than 70% of students achieved above grade level English. In 2022, the School’s AP exam pass rate was an astonishing 60% greater than the world average. Out of 82 students, 15 (20%) received the top score of 5, and 31 (over 40%) received 4 and 5. All of the graduating class gained admission into their first-choice three schools and universities.
ISHCMC – American Academy’s Career Advice
On the subject of higher education, the School offers extensive guidance to students to ensure they have the best opportunities for success after their time at ISHCMC – American Academy. The School provides students with guidance long before the college applications process, starting in middle school. Teachers encourage students to explore potential career paths and begin planning their educational journeys according to their interests, strengths, and skills.
High schoolers receive plentiful support during their college applications, with guidance on researching college options and entry requirements. Students and their families meet with the School’s dedicated college and careers counselor for help with their applications and, along with teacher-written letters of recommendation, the School sends out student reports and transcripts to their selected colleges and universities.
With their ISHCMC – American Academy diploma, graduates can access a range of international universities both in-country and abroad. With this internationalism in mind, one of the School’s key goals is nurturing young people who will one day take their places in the modern, connected world as responsible, respectful citizens. Shaping students for such futures involves promoting skills that students require to forge successful lives and careers in their country of choice, skills like intercultural collaboration and respect, a drive for continuous learning, and an understanding of the global community.
ISHCMC – American Academy’s Pastoral Care System
Parents and guardians can rest assured that ISHCMC – American Academy’s comprehensive pastoral care system closely supports students. Each student’s well-being and mental health are of the utmost importance, and teachers discuss these matters privately during grade-level meetings, building a network of care that reaches across classrooms to ensure all children receive the guidance and attention they need. Students feel valued and heard thanks to the support of three dedicated counselors, who deal with subjects ranging from mental health to social or emotional difficulties.
Although starting at a new school can be an intimidating or overwhelming experience, ISHCMC – American Academy ensures new students feel welcome and settled through an orientation day, frequent school counselor check-ins, and a dedicated student buddy.
Additionally, daily advisory classes have small groups of students meet with an assigned advisor. With regular support for their academic and personal progress, these classes become close-knit spaces and micro-communities where students can develop as confident and caring individuals.
ISHCMC – American Academy: Looking to the Future
In the last few years, ISHCMC – American Academy has had some notable achievements. As well as receiving re-accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of School and Colleges (NEASC), which recognize the outstanding quality of the School’s education and its commitment to continuous improvement of student learning outcomes, ISHCMC – American Academy became the 2022 Safeguarding Award Winner at the ISC Research International School Awards, beating other internationally recognized nominees.
Looking ahead, the School has a busy itinerary for the next five years. The campus will undergo new construction projects and, while currently boasting a vibrant Outdoor Education program for its middle and high schoolers, there are plans to expand the offering. There’s good news for student leadership opportunities too, as ISHCMC – American Academy plans to increase student leadership roles within the School, subsequently amplifying student voices, and enlarging U.S. student summer leadership enrichment programs.
The School’s higher education study provision is set to grow year on year as, along with increasing the SUPA and AP courses available, the expanded University Counseling program will ensure students can secure more U.S. university placements than ever before — the School also has growing networks in Canada and Australia.
Last but not least, the School has plans to boost the number of students gaining scholarships to their first-choice universities and colleges. For students looking to invest in their futures, ISHCMC – American Academy is an ideal choice.
About ISHCMC – American Academy
ISHCMC – American Academy is the premier American international secondary school for students aged 11 to 18 in Vietnam. The School teaches an American-style education and, unique among other schools in the country, provides Advanced Placement and Syracuse University Project Advance courses. These university-level programs offer students a valuable advantage in the educational field when competing for places at top Vietnamese and international colleges.
The School’s students achieve impressive exam results and, alongside the highest standards of academic achievement, reach their potential across a range of extracurricular pursuits, including sports, arts, and technology. This way, students grow into principled, resilient, responsible young adults who are ready to thrive in the modern world. An extensive Vietnamese Studies Program complements total English language immersion to guarantee that while students can communicate in fluent English, they never lose their connection with the Vietnamese language or the country’s rich culture.
Discover more about ISHCMC – American Academy.
Dil Bole Oberoi
