9 Reasons to Choose An International School For Your Child

“Should I enrol my child in an international school?” What are the reasons to choose an international school for my child’s education? These are questions many parents are grappling with. Choosing an international school for your child is not merely a matter of tuition fees; it is a significant decision that directly impacts your child’s future.

Understanding the concerns of parents, this article will help address questions surrounding this topic and offer useful suggestions to make the best decision for your child.

Let’s explore with La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh 9 reasons to choose an international school.

Many parents often wonder whether to send their child to an international school, believing that such an environment will support more comprehensive development. However, to make an informed decision, it’s crucial to understand the various educational programmes available in international schools.

• The French National Education Programme: This programme focuses on building a solid foundation in core subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic, while incorporating French, English, art, music, physical education, moral and civic education, history, geography, science, technology, and mathematics. It also emphasises community living, embracing differences, and respect for oneself and others as it teaches kids to learn at their own pace.
• IB Programme: The International Baccalaureate programme aims to develop global citizens with a neutral perspective. It can be offered partially or fully, covering various educational stages from early years to secondary levels.
• British/Cambridge Programme: This curriculum follows the English system, spanning 13 years from Year 1 to Year 13, with subjects similar to those in the Vietnamese system.
• American Programme: Covering Year 1 to Year 12, this programme results in school-issued diplomas. Pupils complete required credits without graduation exams, focusing on subjects like Language Arts, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, Physical Education, and Spanish.

>> Read more: The Important Role of Schools In child Development

Therefore, whether to enrol a child in an international school will depend on each family’s educational goals, desires, and financial situation.

Choosing a school for your child is a significant decision for many parents. Should you opt for a public or private school? An international bilingual or monolingual school? What factors should parents consider? Here are 9 compelling reasons why an international school could be an excellent choice.

1. Internationally Standardised Curriculum

International schools offer curricula that adhere to global standards, certified by reputable educational organisations. Instead of learning solely from textbooks, students engage in practical activities that help develop the skills and knowledge needed to become global citizens. The modern teaching methods employed in these schools make learning more engaging and effective.

The curriculum is the core factor that determines educational quality. By choosing an international school, parents can be confident in the high standards of education and the comprehensive development opportunities available to their children.

2. Highly Qualified Teacher

When selecting an international school, the quality of the teaching staff is a major consideration for parents. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping children’s character and knowledge.

Native teachers at international schools are highly qualified, trained, and hold international teaching certifications. They use dynamic and modern teaching methods that encourage independence and creativity in students.

With years of experience, international school teachers know what is best for children’s development. They are adept at fostering passion and exploration in students. Their dedication to teaching and affection for children are key attributes, with the holistic development of the child always being a top priority.

3. Modern, Well-Equipped Facilities

A notable strength of international schools is their modern, well-invested facilities. That’s one of the best reasons to choose an international school. The infrastructure includes:

• Classrooms, laboratories, subject-specific rooms, and libraries, all fully equipped to support learning.
• Playgrounds, sports fields, and swimming pools for physical activities and recreation.
• Specialist rooms like music to help children develop their talents.
• Dining facilities that ensure a nutritious diet throughout the school day.

At La Petite Ecole, an international school  in Ho Chi Minh city, we continually strive to enhance our facilities to provide the best learning environment. Each year, we upgrade and maintain all the facilities to ensure safety and support the comprehensive development of our students.

4. Holistic Development of Skills, Intelligence, and Well-being

International schools prioritise the holistic development of children. With a “child-centered” approach, these schools create an energetic learning environment where children are free to explore, create, and develop essential skills.

In addition to this, these schools provide a solid foundation for children to develop soft skills. International preschools offer an ideal environment for nurturing and developing children’s potential, fostering both intellectual and physical growth.

5. Early Language Language Training

Foreign languages go beyond simple communication; they unlock numerous opportunities. Many parents recognise this and choose to enrol their children in foreign language classes from a young age, especially in international schools.

Enrolling a child in an international school for foreign language training is a valuable investment in bilingualism. The internationally recognised curriculum caters to different age groups and helps children develop all four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This builds a strong foundation in both the foreign language and their native tongue.

Moreover, learning directly from native teachers and interacting with international peers creates a natural and effective learning environment, further supporting bilingual development.

6. Reducing Academic Pressure

At international schools, children learn in a cheerful and open environment filled with laughter. Rather than being confined to textbook-based knowledge, learning content is cleverly integrated into engaging activities, allowing children to learn naturally through the ”learning through play” approach.

As a result, children do not experience stress or overload, which fosters a more comprehensive and relaxed development.

7. Early Exposure to Multiculturalism

In an international school, children are immersed in a multicultural educational environment with teachers and classmates from various countries, creating a close-knit second family.

With a diverse student body from around the globe, children experience and learn about different cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives. Parents need not worry about their child struggling to adapt, as this is a fantastic opportunity for early adjustment and integration. This exposure also serves as a stepping stone for children to become outstanding global citizens.

Children will have the chance to explore unique customs, broaden their horizons, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

8. Variety of Extracurricular Activities

In addition to core academic programmes, international schools frequently offer a wide range of extracurricular activities such as camping, travel, outings, and participation in art clubs. Children also have the opportunity to directly engage with lesson content, aiding long-term retention and practical skill development.

These activities not only enhance teamwork, independence, and problem-solving skills but also motivate children to explore their interests, develop their talents, and foster a love of learning.

9. Small Class Sizes

Each class in an international preschool typically comprises 15 to 22 students, allowing teachers to closely monitor and interact with each child. Smaller class sizes enable more attentive care from teachers.

In both individual and group activities, teachers can more thoroughly observe each student’s strengths and weaknesses. Based on these observations, they can create personalised development plans tailored to each child’s needs and abilities.

Deciding whether to send your child to an international school is a significant step that requires careful consideration by parents. Alongside the notable benefits, there are several issues to be mindful of:

1. Parents’ Goals and Expectations

Before making a decision, parents should clearly define what they hope to achieve by enrolling their child in an international school. Is the goal for the child to develop holistically, enhance language skills, or simply to study in a modern environment? Clear goals will help parents choose the most suitable school.

2. Child’s Preferences and Readiness

Listening to your child’s opinions and desires is crucial. They may not be ready or able to cope with a new curriculum. Ensuring that the educational programme aligns with the child’s developmental stage should be a top priority.

3. Researching Reputable International Schools

Not all international schools are the same. Parents need to thoroughly research the curriculum, teachers, facilities, learning environment, and extracurricular activities before making a decision.

4. Consideration of School Transfer

Changing educational environments can impact a child’s emotional state, especially at a preschool age. Parents should prepare their child psychologically and create conditions to help them adjust to the new setting.

5. Concerns About Language Disorders

Many parents worry that bilingual education might cause language confusion. However, research indicates that children can successfully learn two languages simultaneously. The key is to ensure that children are exposed to both languages naturally and in a balanced manner.

6. Family Financial Capacity

Tuition fees at international schools are generally higher than those at public schools. Therefore, parents need to carefully assess their financial situation to ensure they can support their child throughout their studies and avoid the stress of changing schools mid-course, which can affect the child’s wellbeing.

At La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh city, an international bilingual school, we believe that every child is a unique individual with immense potential. Therefore, we create a safe, friendly, and inspiring learning environment where children are free to explore, be creative, and develop comprehensively.

Highlights of La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh city:

• French-English Bilingual Programme: Starting from kindergarten, our French-English bilingual programme provides a strong foundation in both languages, enhancing bilingual development from an early age.
• Child-Centric Education Approach: Each child is given the attention and opportunities needed to develop according to their abilities and interests.
• Safe and Friendly Learning Environment: Children learn in a warm, nature-inspired space that fosters comfort and a love for learning.
• Diverse and Rich Curriculum: Our programme blends theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, helping children develop all the necessary skills for life.
• Experienced Teachers: Our teachers are not only highly qualified but also deeply passionate about children, always ready to support and guide them on their educational journey.

We hope this information has helped answer the question, “Should I send my child to an international school?” If you have any further questions or need additional advice, please contact La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh city today.