Japanese International School

The school is founded on the philosophy of "Minh Triết" (Wisdom), which integrates humanistic ethics (Triết) and clear-sighted intellect (Minh). It prioritizes character education—including morality, discipline, and interpersonal conduct—above academic achievement, with the motto: "Being smart and good at studying is necessary, but having good character is more important." The educational approach focuses on developing the whole child across five dimensions: Virtue, Intellect, Physicality, Aesthetics, and Practicality.

JIS offers three main academic pathways: the Japanese International Program, the Cambridge International Program, and the Integrated Program. The Japanese International Program covers grades 1-12, the Cambridge International Program spans from Cam 1 (ages 5-6) to Cam 13, and the Integrated Program is available for various grades from 1-12. Preschool options include the Japanese International, Cambridge (IEYC), and Bilingual programs. The curriculum emphasizes active learning, experiential activities, and the development of self-study skills.

The school aims to cultivate "Minh Triết" (Wise) individuals who possess deep knowledge, logical thinking, emotional control, and compassion. Graduates are expected to be well-rounded, responsible citizens with strong character, discipline, and the ability to integrate into the global community. The curriculum emphasizes the development of "life skills" based on the "three-legged stool" philosophy: Physical Health, Soul, and Academics.

The school provides a dedicated school psychology department to support students' emotional and personal development. Teachers are committed to understanding the unique needs of each student, helping them navigate academic and personal challenges with empathy. The school also employs specialized staff for counseling and career guidance.

The school accepts applications for the Preschool, Primary, and Secondary levels. The admissions process involves submitting an online application, paying a registration fee, and attending an interview or assessment session, which are held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the school directly for detailed consultations and to schedule campus visits.

The school operates on an annual academic cycle. It organizes annual experiential learning trips, such as the 10-day study tour in Japan for final-year students, which includes visits to historical sites and university exchanges. The school also maintains a regular schedule of daily routines, including morning assemblies and structured classroom activities.

The campus spans 1.6 hectares and is divided into Preschool-Primary, Secondary, and Physical Education zones. Key facilities include a library with over 10,000 books, modern science laboratories (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), art and cooking rooms, and a 12-story dormitory for international staff. Sports facilities feature a four-season salt-water swimming pool, multiple mini-football fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and table tennis rooms. The school also operates a 2-hectare organic farm in Thanh Oai district and a 2,000m2 rooftop vegetable garden to provide fresh produce for school meals.

Students participate in a variety of activities designed to foster holistic development, including swimming in the four-season salt-water pool, piano lessons, and sports such as football, tennis, basketball, and table tennis. The school also emphasizes practical life skills through activities like tea ceremonies, gardening in the rooftop vegetable farm, and managing daily classroom chores like cleaning and serving meals. Additionally, students engage in clubs and competitions, such as piano and golf.