In the context of globalized education, parents are paying increasing attention to the Elementary Program at International Schools. The stage from Grade 1 to Grade 5 is not only the time when children learn letters and numbers, but also the period when thinking, emotions, habits, and character are formed-factors that determine how children grow up in later years.
In Ho Chi Minh City, many international school systems apply different curricula such as IB, American, or British programs, creating a diverse “education map” that can leave many parents wondering which option is the most suitable.
Among these, The American School (TAS) has built a uniquely comprehensive elementary program: a foundation based on U.S. Common Core, combined with IB PYP Candidate orientation, early technology integration, and social-emotional development according to international standards.
1. Popular Elementary Programs in international schools in Ho Chi Minh City
IB (International Baccalaureate) - Focus on critical thinking & research
Many schools in Ho Chi Minh City apply IB PYP at the elementary level. Students learn through projects, asking questions, exploring, and connecting knowledge.
Strengths: open-mindedness, creativity, independence.
American Curriculum - Common Core
American international schools apply the Common Core Standards to ensure students follow a consistent learning trajectory from elementary to high school.
Strengths: strong academic foundation, easy progress tracking, ideal for U.S.–Canada–Australia university pathways.
British Curriculum - Cambridge / IPC
Some schools follow IPC or Cambridge programs.
Strengths: structured learning, academic rigor, frequent assessments.
2. The Elementary Program at TAS International School: Hands-on learning - holistic development
TAS builds its elementary program on four key pillars:
- Common Core Standards (U.S.) - clear, academically rigorous foundation
- IB PYP Candidate orientation - expanding global thinking
- SEL (Social Emotional Learning) - developing emotional well-being and character from early years
- Technology integration - coding, robotics - keeping pace with the digital age
This model allows children to develop a balanced combination of IQ and EQ.
3. ECC Stage (Early Childhood Center): GELDS - building emotional and cognitive foundations
At the ECC level, TAS applies GELDS (Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards)-one of the most reputable early childhood frameworks in the United States.
What do children learn in GELDS?
- Early social-emotional development: greeting, thanking, apologizing, taking turns, showing care for friends
- Emotional thinking: recognizing-naming-managing emotions
- Pre-academic skills: identifying letters, numbers, basic Math-Science concepts
- Learning through real experiences: play-explore-observe-interact
- Independence: preparing materials, completing simple tasks
ECC at TAS does not push early academics; instead, the school builds a strong human foundation, helping children become confident, kind, and resilient from their earliest years.
4. ES Stage (Elementary School): Common Core + IB PYP - Open thinking and solid academic skills
From Grade 1 to Grade 5, the Elementary Program at TAS International School follows the Common Core Standards, which help students develop essential skills in Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
At the same time, the IB PYP orientation allows children to explore the world through interdisciplinary themes rather than learning isolated subjects.
Students participate in group activities, hands-on experiments, class discussions, and presentations. The learning pace avoids excessive pressure and focuses on helping children understand concepts deeply and apply knowledge in real-life situations. This is also the stage when students begin to build confidence in expressing their thoughts and defending their viewpoints.
5. Technology and coding exposure from Grade 1
A standout feature that differentiates TAS is that students learn technology and basic programming from Grade 1. They become familiar with iPads, computers, digital creativity tools, and educational robots. Through small projects, children learn how to analyze, reason, and problem-solve-the essential competencies of the digital era.
This is not meant to impose technological pressure, but to help students view technology as a tool for learning and creativity. As they advance, TAS students more easily engage with advanced STEM and Robotics programs.
6. Language development - 100% native English-speaking teachers
English at TAS is not taught as a subject but used as the primary language in all classroom activities. Students interact with native English-speaking teachers daily, developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing naturally.
Consistent exposure to authentic English strengthens pronunciation, fluency, and communication confidence-an invaluable advantage for students who plan to pursue international education.
7. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): the foundation for happy children
Beyond academics, TAS places strong emphasis on students’ mental and emotional well-being. Every class is supported by a homeroom teacher, a teaching assistant, and an Emotional Counselor, helping children resolve conflicts, understand their emotions, and respect the emotions of others.
As a result, children become more confident in social interactions, learn to listen, collaborate, and express their ideas-essential life skills often overlooked in many schools today.
WHY PARENTS TRUST THE ELEMENTARY PROGRAM AT TAS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Parents choose TAS not only for its U.S.-standard curriculum but also for its human-centered and holistic philosophy. Students learn to understand, to become kind and confident individuals-not to chase achievements.
The school maintains strong connections with parents, regularly updating each child’s progress and providing timely support when academic or emotional challenges arise. Teachers and parents become a unified team, walking with the child through their developmental journey.
In modern education, parents seek not only a school that teaches well but one that supports comprehensive development-intellectual, emotional, and social.
The Elementary Program at TAS International School fulfills all these expectations with a U.S. academic foundation, IB global orientation, modern technology integration, and compassionate emotional education.
This is not just where children learn; it is where the foundation of who they will become is formed-confident, kind, and ready for the future.
For more information:
International vs. Vietnamese Preschool Programs: What Parents Should Know
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