
SmartKids International Pre-school/Kindergarten
Founded 2006
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
Languages
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.
Curriculum
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
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
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 ZuijlenFounder / PrincipalFounder 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.
More international schools in Ho Chi Minh City
- International School Ho Chi Minh CityISHCMCIB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma
- The British International School Ho Chi Minh CityBIS HCMCBritish EYFS, National Curriculum (England), IGCSE
- Australian International School (AIS), Ho Chi Minh CityAISIB PYP, Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE
- The ABC International SchoolABCISNational Curriculum (England), British EYFS, IGCSE
- The British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh CityNational Curriculum (England), British EYFS, IGCSE
- European International School (EIS), Ho Chi Minh CityIB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma
British EYFS
IB PYP