SmartKids International Pre-school/Kindergarten logo

SmartKids International Pre-school/Kindergarten

Founded 2006

Updated July 2026

Co-edGender

Accreditations

Languages

English flagEnglishFrench flagFrenchMandarin flagMandarinSpanish flagSpanishJapanese flagJapaneseKorean flagKoreanHindi flagHindiArabic flagArabic

SmartKids is an IB World School in Ho Chi Minh City offering a full English early years education based on the Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP). It provides a holistic, play-based learning environment for children from birth to 6 years old.

Teaching approach

SmartKids is founded on the belief that early education builds a vital foundation for a child's future and that every student possesses significant potential. The school integrates Montessori, Steiner, and Reggio Emilia philosophies into an inquiry-based, holistic program. Its mission is to nurture natural curiosity and a love for lifelong learning within a supportive international community.

Programmes

The academic offering combines the UK's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) with the IB Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP). The school serves children across several developmental stages, including Toddler and Play-Group (12 months–3 years), Kiddies/Pre-school (1.5–3 years), Mid Kids (3–4.5 years), and Big Kids (4.5–6 years). The curriculum emphasizes concept-based learning, inquiry, and the development of Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills.

Outcomes

Graduating students are well-prepared for transition to international primary schools, with the school maintaining partnerships that facilitate priority acceptance. The curriculum fosters essential life skills, including critical thinking, self-belief, and independence, ensuring students are equipped for success in school and beyond. Through the IB-PYP framework, learners develop into caring, curious, and knowledgeable individuals capable of contributing to a better world.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Unknown

Learning support

The school prioritizes individualized care and ongoing formative observation to assess and plan for each student's personal development. Teachers maintain regular communication with parents to share progress, milestones, and newly acquired skills. The school environment is designed to be safe and stimulating, with a focus on supporting the social-emotional and creative growth of every child.

Frequently asked questions(4)
What curriculum does SmartKids International Pre-school/Kindergarten offer?
SmartKids International Pre-school/Kindergarten offers British EYFS and IB PYP.
What accreditations does SmartKids International Pre-school/Kindergarten hold?
SmartKids International Pre-school/Kindergarten holds accreditations including IB.
Is SmartKids International Pre-school/Kindergarten co-educational?
SmartKids International Pre-school/Kindergarten is a co-ed school.
Where is SmartKids International Pre-school/Kindergarten located?
SmartKids International Pre-school/Kindergarten is an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

Prospective families are invited to download the admission form and agreement from the school website. Completed documents should be submitted to the school via mail, email, or in person at the Thao Dien campus. The school management is available to assist parents with the transition process, including coordination with international primary schools for future placement.

Calendar

The school operates on a published academic calendar, with the 2026-2027 schedule available for download on the website. Families are encouraged to consult this document for term dates and school events.

Facilities

PlaygroundLibraryScience labsArt roomMusic roomTheatre / auditorium

About the campus

Each campus is a three-level facility featuring spacious, bright classrooms equipped with high-quality learning materials and air purifiers. The grounds include a main yard with a large grass play area, a tiled space with mud-kitchens and playhouses, a shaded sandpit with a climbing house, and a covered outdoor classroom. Additional amenities include a child library, reading corner, central performance area, medical room, and inflatable pools for water play.

Co-curriculars

The After School Activities (ASA) program offers students opportunities to explore talents through sessions such as science, music and movement, kids yoga, and cooking and baking. Additionally, the FitKidz program focuses on physical development and gross motor skills through various sports. The school also provides enhancement classes, including 'Playful-English' language courses and Vietnamese language support.

  • Joke (Yoko) Otter – Van Zuijlen
    Joke (Yoko) Otter – Van ZuijlenFounder / Principal

    Founder and Principal of SmartKids, which she established in 2006. She has over four decades of international experience in early childhood care across the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Vietnam.

  • Yen Le Thi HoangHead of administration / DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

    Holds a BA in Early Childhood Education.

  • Shelley WoganIB-PYP Coordinator / TEACHER

    Holds a BA in Early Childhood Education.