BILINGUAL EARLY YEARS CURRICULUM (Ages 3–6)
Play, Learn, and Thrive in French and English
BILINGUAL EARLY YEARS SCHOOL IN HO CHI MINH CITY
Located in the vibrant Thao Dien area of Ho Chi Minh City, our bilingual early years school welcomes children from ages 3 to 6, covering Petite Section to Grande Section. This stage marks a critical period for cognitive, emotional, and social development, and our nurturing environment supports each child’s growth in both French and English.
GROWING UP TOGETHER FROM 3 TO 6 YEARS OLD IN AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
For many children, early years education marks their first step into a wider social world, joining a group, making friends, and discovering new experiences.
At La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh City International School, we provide a supportive, multilingual environment that fosters both personal and academic growth from ages 3 to 6. From the start of preschool, our bilingual program immerses children in both French and English, taking advantage of this key developmental stage when language acquisition is most natural. The school week alternates between days in French and days in English, allowing children to fully engage with each language. They also enjoy an additional hour of introductory Vietnamese weekly. This creates a rich, international setting where every child benefits from personalised attention and a nurturing approach to learning.
Want to learn more about how we foster individual growth? Read our dedicated article here: What is Child-Centered Teaching and Why Is It Important?
Our Early Years Classes
- Petite Section (PS), ages 3–4: Fostering autonomy, learning social rules, and building friendships
- Moyenne Section (MS), ages 4–5: Developing early literacy skills through exploration
- Grande Section (GS), ages 5–6: Strengthening language, preparing for primary school
WHY CHOOSING OUR BILINGUAL EARLY YEARS SCHOOL IN HO CHI MINH CITY
At La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh, our Early Years curriculum is designed to provide a strong, nurturing foundation for children aged 3 to 6. Here’s what sets us apart:
Personalized Care & Wellbeing
We focus on each child’s individual developmental needs, promoting emotional well-being, building confidence, and fostering a safe space for self-expression.
Foundational Learning Skills
Our curriculum lays the groundwork for future academic success, emphasizing curiosity, comprehension, expression, and exploration of the world around them.
Play-Based Learning Approach
We prioritize active, play-based learning that keeps children engaged and supports memory retention, creativity, and a love of learning.
Multilingual Immersion Daily
With alternating days in French and English and an hour of Vietnamese each week, children enjoy full immersion in a truly international and inclusive setting.
Art & Sport Growth
Daily creative and physical activities promote coordination, imagination, emotional expression, and language development, supporting the whole child.
Holistic Child Development
Our holistic education includes group projects, bilingual learning, emotional growth, and educational outings, encouraging teamwork, self-discovery, and global awareness.
DAILY LIFE AT LA PETITE ECOLE HO CHI MINH CITY
A typical day:
The timetable is designed to take into account the child’s chronobiology, as his or her attention span varies according to the time of day. Pupils are welcomed from 8am. The day is punctuated by a 30-minute outdoor break in the morning, a lunch break and then a nap (up to Grande Section).
A typical week:
The week is organised alternately with a French-speaking teacher and an English-speaking teacher.
The children alternate teachers and language on a daily basis. If they start their week on Monday with the French-speaking teacher, they will then go on Tuesday with the English-speaking teacher until they are 5 years old. From Grande Section onwards, they alternate on a half-day basis.
The weekly timetable is as follows:
- Monday: 8.30am-3.15pm
- Tuesday: 8.30am – 3.15pm
- Wednesday: 8.30am – 3.15pm
- Thursday: 8.30am-3.15pm
- Friday: 8.30am-12.15pm
THE CURRICULUM AT LA PETITE ECOLE HO CHI MINH CITY

Language Development in Two Languages
Explore French and English through speaking, reading, and singing.

Early Writing Skills Through Movement
Begin writing with graphic gestures and motor coordination activities.

Physical Expression and Coordination
Grow through movement, play, and expressive physical activities daily.

Foundations in Early Mathematics
Discover numbers, count, and solve basic problems through play.

Curiosity and Cognitive Growth
Encourage structured thinking and curiosity about the surrounding world.

Creative Learning Through the Arts
Express ideas through music, art, and sensory-based experiences.



