THE AMERICAN SCHOOL (TAS) OFFICIALLY BECOMES AN IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME CANDIDATE SCHOOL
The American School (TAS), one of Ho Chi Minh City’s leading international American schools, has officially been recognized as an IB Diploma Programme (DP) Candidate School, marking a pivotal step in our commitment to raising academic standards and implementing internationally recognized programs.
This achievement reinforces TAS’s academic credibility and long-term strategic vision, while demonstrating the school’s commitment to providing a comprehensive, modern, and human-centered education for all students.
1. The IB Diploma Programme (DP) - One of the World’s Most Respected Academic Pathways
The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is among the most prestigious international academic programs, recognized by over 5,500 universities in more than 160 countries.
The program focuses on developing:
- Critical thinking
- Independent research
- Intercultural understanding
- Leadership and global citizenship
Unlike traditional curricula, the IBDP emphasizes not only academic rigor but also personal growth-encouraging students to become independent thinkers, self-directed learners, and compassionate global citizens.
2. TAS - A Strategic Step Forward in International Education
Becoming an IBDP Candidate School highlights TAS’s forward-thinking approach: a blend of American academic foundations and world-class IB standards.
TAS has progressively expanded its academic pathways, offering students a broader range of globally recognized learning opportunities.
Currently, TAS implements:
- IB PYP (Primary Years Programme) - Candidate School
Applied in the Elementary School, this program nurtures inquiry-based learning, creativity, collaboration, and foundational critical thinking. It prepares young learners to become curious, confident, and independent thinkers. - AP Programme (Advanced Placement) in Middle & High School
Offering rigorous, college-level coursework with the opportunity to earn university credits, the AP Program strengthens academic profiles and supports competitive university admissions worldwide. - IB DP (Diploma Programme) - Candidate School for High School
As the school progresses toward full authorization, the IBDP will provide students with another prestigious academic pathway, one that emphasizes research, analytical thinking, global citizenship, and university readiness at the highest international standards.
Together, these programs reflect TAS’s unified mission: to offer a comprehensive, future-ready education that empowers students academically, emotionally, and globally.
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3. A Unified Vision - Developing Well-Rounded, Future-Ready Learners
TAS’s transition into the IBDP Candidate phase aligns with the school’s long-standing educational philosophy:
“Education is not only about delivering knowledge, but about nurturing independent thinking, responsibility, and lifelong learning.”
The IBDP at TAS aims to help students:
- Strengthen independent thinking and inquiry
- Build strong academic foundations aligned with university expectations
- Develop essential 21st-century competencies: communication, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving
- Embrace empathy, responsibility, and global citizenship
This holistic approach ensures that TAS students grow into confident young adults prepared for success in an ever-changing global landscape.
4. Meeting IB Standards - TAS’s Commitment to Global Quality
To achieve IB Candidate status, TAS successfully met the rigorous requirements set by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), including:
- An IB-aligned curriculum framework
- High-quality learning facilities and academic resources
- A student-centered, inquiry-driven learning environment
TAS is now proceeding with the final stages of the authorization journey to become an IB World School, fully equipped to deliver internationally benchmarked education.
5. Leadership Vision - Building a Sustainable Future for Students
Mr. Văn Xuân Thiện, CEO of The American School, shared:
“Becoming an IBDP Candidate School is not just a milestone, it is a strategic step in our global education journey. TAS is committed to providing a comprehensive learning pathway where students learn not only to excel academically, but to become kind, independent, and globally minded individuals.”
This vision reflects TAS’s dedication to continuous improvement, investing in teacher training, expanding academic offerings, upgrading facilities, and providing students with learning opportunities that meet global expectations.
6. TAS - A Leading American International School Preparing Students for a Global Future
With its official IBDP Candidate School status, The American School (TAS) further strengthens its position as one of Ho Chi Minh City’s top American international schools.
Students at TAS benefit from:
- A world-class academic environment
- Personalized learning pathways
- A multicultural community
- A holistic education that balances academic excellence and emotional growth
TAS is not only preparing students for university admissions it prepares them to step confidently into the world with character, intellect, and compassion.
This is the enduring value TAS strives to deliver:
an education that empowers students to succeed academically and thrive in life.
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