Vientiane International School (VIS) Vientiane International School (VIS) is a coeducational, independent, nonprofit IB World School. It is the only school in Laos to be accredited by two International Organizations: the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). The school year is divided into two semesters from early August to early June. At VIS we are an inclusive community of learners who are inspired to thrive in rapidly changing environments.
Organization: VIS is governed by a nine-person board of trustees, composed of parents attending the school. Board members are elected at the annual general meeting of the parent body. The U.S. Embassy has a non-voting representative on the board.
Curriculum: VIS is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, fully authorized to offer the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programs. In 2023, 97% of students who pursued the full diploma at VIS achieved it with an average score above the worldwide mean. Students study the arts, science, mathematics, and language acquisition and are exposed to various opportunities for expression and rigorous academic learning. The mother tongue program supports the development and maintenance of seven languages. With a transient rate of about 20% per year, the curriculum provides for a successful transition for all students. A co-curricular program includes sports, cultural studies, arts, and service. VIS offers support for students with mild learning difficulties. The school offers the SAT and students undertake the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) and International Schools Assessment (ISA) annually. VIS is a member of the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) and the Mekong River International Schools Association (MRISA).
Faculty: In the 2023-2024 school year, VIS has 173 total staff including 67 teachers, 30 of whom are U.S. citizens, 3 host-country nationals, and 34 third-country nationals. Our faculty and staff represent 16 nationalities, including American, Australian, British, Canadian, Chinese, Colombian, Dutch, New Zealanders, Thai, Venezuelan, and others.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, enrollment was 480 (Prep K-G5: 238; G6-8: 103; G9-12: 139). Of these, 55 were U.S. citizens, 113 host-country nationals, and 312 third-country students.
Facilities: In early 2023, the school completed a campus improvement project. In a blend of traditional Laos architectural style with modern, sustainable design. The new VIS expanded facilities offer a new multipurpose performing arts center with a capacity of 350+ pax. Retractable seats make the space versatile for events and community gatherings; an indoor gymnasium with two full-size basketball courts, integrated into the sports hub (pool and soccer field); a modern administration building and community areas. The school facilities are built for a capacity of 580-600 students. It is a green and inviting facility including four science labs, ICT spaces, a makerspace, two music rooms (with music practice booths), a performing arts black box theater, two visual arts rooms, a two-story state of the art library media center, a large cafeteria, a mindfulness garden, and design/technology spaces. Classes are held in general-purpose classrooms and in a variety of small group spaces. There is a fully staffed health office on campus integrated with the learning support and counseling services in a newly dedicated space, The Hub. The sports facilities include two basketball courts, one of which is a stadium; two football (soccer) pitches; two swimming pools; and a fitness complex.
Finances: The school’s income derives mainly from tuition. The annual tuition rates are as follows for 2023-2024: early years (3 & 4 years of age): $11,150; primary prep 1 and 2: $15,520; primary – grades 1 to 5: $20,000; secondary – grades 6-8: $23,020; and grades 9-12: $25,680. In addition, the school charges an application fee of $1,000 and an annual capital fee of $3,000. Other optional fees include an annual school bus fee of $1,200. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
Special Needs: Review the Special Needs Profile for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.
This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2023 and are provided by the school.
https://www.state.gov/vientiane-international-school-fact-sheet/