Vientiane - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Embassy children generally go to Vientiane International School (VIS) or the French School. The IB program at VIS can be a little frustrating at the primary school level as they don't have a curriculum like the U.S. Some people who returned to the U.S. said that their children were behind in their studies as they didn't learn the specific materials required for the grade levels. VIS can be more difficult for grades 11 and 12 when the IB program is in full swing. VIS is adequate but not the level of international schools in Bangkok or Tokyo. - Mar 2024
Most families with school-aged kids sent them to Vientiane International School and most seem happy enough with the school. - Jun 2020
There are many private schools. The Vientiane International School seems to be the most reputable, but there are also other options that seem to be good as well. - Oct 2018
There is essentially one international school that all dependents attended. Vientiane International School (VIS) is an accredited IB school starting from Pre K at age 3 to Grade 12. There was an active "Parents & Friends" group during our time that held great community events for VIS. I got to know many of the teachers in the Primary Years program and most of them were very dedicated to the students and genuinely caring. Of course, you also come across some who don't seem to have the passion for teaching anymore, which is a shame. VIS offered a lot of after school activities. During our time, my children took tae kwon do, soccer, baseball, rugby, art classes, played board games, etc. My experience was in the Lower School. So I do not have personal experience with the MS or HS although my friends seemed very happy with the teachers and curriculum. - Jan 2014
