When exploring international schools, parents often come across terms like Common Core, AP (Advanced Placement), and IB (International Baccalaureate). However, understanding how these programs differ — and which one best suits your child’s learning path — can be challenging.
At The American School (TAS) in Ho Chi Minh City — an American curriculum school and an IB Candidate School currently implementing the IB PYP (Primary Years Programme) — we aim to help parents understand the essence, advantages, and goals of each program to make informed educational decisions.
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) – The Foundation of American Education
The Common Core is a set of academic standards widely adopted across the United States and by international schools offering an American curriculum — including TAS.
Rather than a fixed curriculum, Common Core serves as a learning framework that develops key 21st-century skills such as:
- Critical Thinking – Asking questions, analyzing, and evaluating information.
- Problem Solving – Applying knowledge to real-world situations.
- Communication & Collaboration – Building confidence and teamwork.
- Creativity – Finding innovative approaches to challenges.
At TAS, the Common Core serves as the backbone of our teaching approach. Lessons are designed around student-centered learning, encouraging independent thinking, active participation, and learning through experience.
👉 Best suited for: Students from Elementary to High School who plan to pursue higher education in the U.S. or other American-curriculum institutions worldwide.
AP (Advanced Placement) – A Strong Foundation for Top Universities
After mastering the Common Core foundation, TAS high school students can opt for AP courses — university-level subjects developed by the College Board (USA).
Subjects such as Calculus, Biology, Psychology, Economics, Computer Science, and English Literature provide academic rigor and exposure to college-style learning.
Benefits of AP courses:
- Earn college credits for high AP exam scores (recognized by 90%+ of U.S. and many global universities).
- Strengthen college applications by demonstrating advanced academic ability.
- Develop research, independence, and self-management skills crucial for university success.
At TAS, AP classes are led by highly qualified international teachers, supported by dedicated College Counselors who guide students toward their university goals.
👉 Best suited for: Grades 10–12 students aiming for competitive universities or looking to earn early college credits.
IB (International Baccalaureate) – A Globally Oriented Learning Journey
The IB program is recognized worldwide for cultivating well-rounded, globally minded learners with strong analytical and reflective skills.
Unlike the American-based Common Core or AP programs, IB offers a more international approach, emphasizing inquiry, research, and global citizenship.
IB curriculum structure:
- Students study six subject groups: Language, Science, Mathematics, Arts, Humanities, and Foreign Languages.
- They complete key projects such as the Extended Essay and CAS (Creativity – Activity – Service), connecting academic knowledge with real-world application and community service.
IB PYP – A New Chapter at TAS
Expanding beyond the American curriculum, The American School (TAS) proudly implements the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for elementary students.
As an IB Candidate School, this marks a major step toward TAS becoming an officially accredited IB World School in the near future.
The IB PYP nurtures students across five essential domains — intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual — through Inquiry-Based Learning, where curiosity drives discovery.
In TAS’s IB PYP classrooms:
- Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore deeply, and construct their own understanding of the world.
- Lessons are transdisciplinary, integrating subjects like Science, Math, Arts, and Social Studies for a holistic view of learning.
- Teachers act as mentors and facilitators, fostering a safe, inspiring, and open learning environment.
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Through the IB PYP, TAS strengthens its educational philosophy — “Shape Your Child’s Future” — by combining American academic excellence with global-minded values and personal growth.
TAS – Where Knowledge, Skills, and Character Meet
By integrating Common Core, AP, and IB PYP, The American School (TAS) offers students a well-rounded and flexible learning journey that supports every stage of their development — from foundational knowledge to global readiness.
At TAS, each student is encouraged to become the best version of themselves — academically strong, emotionally intelligent, and ready to embrace the world with confidence and compassion.
So, Which Curriculum Is Best for Your Child?
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” curriculum — only the one that best fits your child’s goals, strengths, and learning style.
At The American School (TAS), students benefit from the U.S. Common Core framework, advanced AP courses, and the forward-thinking IB PYP model — all within one dynamic and supportive learning environment.
With an experienced team of international educators and college counselors, TAS provides a personalized academic pathway that empowers students to reach their full potential — and confidently step into any university, anywhere in the world.
👉 The American School (TAS) – A leading international school in Ho Chi Minh City, where an American education builds a global future.
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