Frequently asked questions 

Fairmont International School Vietnam is the new identity of Hanoi Toronto School. The rebrand marks the school’s next chapter, with an expanded educational offering and connection to the Fairmont educational legacy. 

Our academic year begins in mid-August and ends in mid-June. However, admission remains open throughout the year.

Yes. Our international school in Hanoi offers clearly structured International and Bilingual pathways, designed to provide flexibility for families both locally and globally.

• For students in our Bilingual pathway, the program includes Vietnamese academic components aligned with national standards. Transition to Vietnamese public or private schools may depend on each school’s admission criteria and the student’s Vietnamese language proficiency. In some cases, placement assessments may be required.

• For students in our International pathway, the U.S. Common Core–aligned framework provides a globally recognized academic foundation. Transfers to other international schools or schools overseas are supported through official transcripts, report cards, and enrollment documentation issued by FISV.

• Our academic structure ensures that students maintain continuity in learning, with clear documentation to support a smooth transition wherever their educational journey leads.

FISV continues Fairmont’s 70-year American legacy by delivering a U.S. Common Core–aligned curriculum.

Through a structured, STEM-enriched, and inquiry-driven approach, students develop strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, and analytical thinking — preparing them to compete confidently for admission to top universities in the United States and worldwide.

This clear and internationally benchmarked pathway provides families with transparency, credibility, and long-term academic direction from early years through graduation.

World-leading universities: The United States is home to many of the world’s top-ranked universities, recognized globally for academic excellence, innovation, and research leadership. 

• Breadth and flexibility of study: The U.S. higher education system offers unmatched diversity in programs, majors, and interdisciplinary study options. Students benefit from flexibility in choosing and refining their academic direction before specializing.

• Strong career outcomes: American universities maintain deep partnerships with global industries, offering extensive internship, research, and networking opportunities. Graduates of U.S. institutions are highly sought after in international job markets.

• Innovation and global influence: As a global hub for technology, entrepreneurship, science, and the arts, the United States provides students with exposure to cutting-edge ideas and leadership opportunities that shape global industries.

• A globally recognized qualification: A U.S.-aligned high school pathway ensures students graduate with credentials that are widely accepted by universities not only in the United States, but also in Vietnam and worldwide.

At our international school in Hanoi, all students learn English as the main language. English speakers can choose to study the Vietnamese language.

Our academic year begins in mid-August and ends in mid-June. However, admission remains open throughout the year.

For those students whose English proficiency is not up to the level, as evidenced by the placement test at the time of enrollment or by teachers’ assessment during the academic year, our bilingual school in Hanoi offers an EAL program to develop the four core English Language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) for academic success. This is a fee-based program that consists of two after-school sessions and one in-class session during the week.

Learners at FISV will have homework assigned regularly throughout the week based on the objectives, content, and material being covered. Weekly homework time allocation will range from 2 hours to 10 hours a week, depending on the grade level and material being covered.

Fairmont’s difference lies in its distinctive blend of 70+ years of educational legacy. There are other factors too, and they are:

• The First Fairmont School in Southeast Asia
  FISV is proud to be the first international school in Southeast Asia to bear the Fairmont name, continuing a 70-year legacy of American educational excellence and the same academic DNA established in the United States.
  
  

• A Clear, University-Ready Academic Pathway
  Our U.S. Common Core–aligned curriculum provides a structured and internationally benchmarked pathway from early years through graduation — preparing students for leading universities in Vietnam and worldwide.

• Dual International & Bilingual Identity
  Families can choose between International and Bilingual pathways, both built on strong academic standards and designed to ensure global mobility while maintaining local relevance.

• Learning.First™ – Measurable Progress
  Through differentiated instruction, MAP testing, CEFR benchmarking, and internal assessments, student growth is visible, data-informed, and transparently shared with families throughout the year.

• Global Reach, Local Impact
  As part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), students join a global network of 100,000 learners across 25 countries, opening doors to international collaborations and opportunities.

• Whole-Child Development with Leadership at the Core
  Beyond academics, FISV develops confident, multi-skilled learners through competitions, leadership roles, STEAM innovation, and real-world application — building character alongside academic excellence.

• Our teaching team consists of highly qualified teachers who are experienced, energetic, enthusiastic, and dedicated to teaching to the highest standards. By setting meaningful student learning targets which are aligned with the U.S. Common Core – aligned curriculum and tracking student progress over time, teachers develop comprehensive profiles of each student’s growth and development. Our teachers are regularly in-serviced on contemporary international education to ensure they are up to date and providing the highest quality of teaching.

• Our School Leadership Team (SLT) consists of the Executive Principal, the MOET Principal, the head of Primary, the Head of Secondary, Department Heads, and our ISP stakeholders. This professional community collaborates on developing academic and institutional policies which are aligned with our vision to serve the needs of our learners and their families. The SLT evaluates and acquires resources which manifest our vision into reality through a collaborative and reflective process which includes our local and international partners.

• The expatriate academic teaching team members are qualified internationals, mostly originating from the United States, and are trained in effectively delivering the U.S. Common Core – aligned curriculum.

• The Vietnamese academic team members are exceptional educators and have plenty of experience teaching in an international environment.

To serve the diverse interests and abilities of students, our school in Hanoi, offers a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities. Registration for these clubs is on a voluntary basis. Please note that some clubs may carry an extra fee.

For those students whose English proficiency is not up to the level, as evidenced by the placement test at the time of enrollment or by teachers’ assessment during the academic year, FISV offers an EAL program to develop the four core English Language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) for academic success. This is a fee-based program which consists of two after-school sessions and one in-class session during the week.

Learners at FISV will have homework assigned regularly throughout the week based on the objectives, content, and material being covered. Weekly homework time allocation will range from 2 hours to 10 hours a week depending on the grade level and material being covered.

To serve the diverse interests and abilities of students, we offer a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities. Registration for these clubs is on a voluntary basis. Please note that some clubs may carry an extra fee.