EDUCATIONAL APPROACH AT LA PETITE ECOLE HO CHI MINH
EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORK
At La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh International School, we offer a bilingual, child-centered education based on the French national curriculum, led by two native-speaking teachers, one in French and one in English, and supporting children from preschool (age 3) to the final year of primary school – Cycle 3 (CM2, age 11).
To ensure high-quality, consistent teaching, our educators receive ongoing professional training throughout the year, including through our close partnership with the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE). This commitment to continuous improvement allows our team to stay aligned with best practices in international bilingual education.
We welcome children from all nationalities and backgrounds, and we embrace the local Vietnamese culture, ensuring an inclusive and enriching international environment for every student.
Our educational framework lays the foundation for early learning through four key development areas that support every child’s growth from the start.
PRESCHOOL (AGES 3-6)
Developing language in all its forms
Acting, expressing and understanding through physical and artistic activities
Gaining basic numeracy skills
Discovering the world around them
PRIMARY SCHOOL (AGES 7-11)
Language for thinking and communication
Personal and civic education
Learning methods and tools
Understanding the world and human activity
A UNIQUE DUAL-LANGUAGE CURRICULUM
At La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh International School, our students experience true bilingual immersion.
Every classroom is led by two dedicated teachers, one native French speaker and one native English speaker, who co-create lesson plans and activities in line with the French national curriculum.
Children alternate between both languages, allowing them to develop strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and academic fluency in both English and French.
PRINCIPLES & VALUES
Respect for the Individual Child
We follow a child-centered education model that respects each learner’s pace, personality, and background. By creating a safe and responsive environment, we encourage every child to develop their voice, independence, and joy in learning.
Innovation in Teaching and Learning
Education at La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh is dynamic and forward-thinking. We use innovative teaching methods, modern tools, and creative learning environments to spark interest, support self-discovery, and encourage a love for learning in both French and English.
A Strong Start for Lifelong Learning
We believe that early schooling lays the groundwork for future success. By focusing on key developmental skills in the preschool and primary years, we help children build a solid foundation in both academics and social-emotional growth, preparing them for a smooth, confident transition into secondary education and beyond.
BILINGUAL EDUCATION IN FRENCH AND ENGLISH
At La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh International School, early childhood, especially up to 8 years old, is a key stage for language development. That’s why we offer a bilingual education based on the French national curriculum, with equal time dedicated to French and English instruction.
Language learning takes place throughout the day, both in the classroom and during daily activities. Children are immersed in both languages through play, conversation, and interaction, helping them gain confidence and fluency in a natural way.
To support active learning, we implement a free-choice system for play corners and workshops. This allows teachers to observe and respond to each child’s individual learning style, while encouraging independence, curiosity, and meaningful collaboration with peers and educators.
BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE
At La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh, we believe that self-confidence plays a vital role in every child’s academic journey. That’s why we create a supportive learning environment where each student can grow at their own pace and feel empowered in their abilities.
To help children become confident, independent learners, we offer:
- Individualised learning support using technological tools tailored to each child’s needs
- Flexible teaching methods that explain concepts in multiple ways, using a variety of materials and formats
- Self-correction tools that encourage trial and error, making mistakes part of the learning process rather than something to fear
When children believe in their own potential, they become more motivated, resilient, and open to learning. Our goal is to help every student develop the confidence to explore, question, and succeed, both in school and beyond.
SOCIAL SKILLS
School is not just a place to learn academically, it’s where children develop the essential skills to understand themselves and others, work in teams, and build meaningful relationships. Socialisation plays a vital role in shaping confident, empathetic, and responsible individuals. We actively promote peer collaboration, mutual support, and active listening to foster a strong sense of community among students. Through discussion and guided reflection, we encourage critical thinking and independent thought. Our interactive classroom dynamics turn even activities like “copying” into opportunities for shared learning and growth.
HOME-SCHOOL CO-EDUCATION
Education is most impactful when families and educators work hand in hand. Through a strong commitment to co-education, we ensure that parents are actively involved in their child's learning journey, both in and out of the classroom. This close partnership is built through community events and school celebrations that encourage shared experiences, parent seminars and workshops designed to support and inform family engagement, and transparent communication tools and forums that keep families connected and involved. By creating a bridge between home and school, we foster a supportive, consistent, and nurturing learning environment, helping each child flourish socially, emotionally, and academically.
