Jane McGee
Head of School
1 OF 2 UN SCHOOLS
UNIS Hanoi has multifaceted identity and as its centre is its relationship with the United Nations. We are not an agency of the UN, but we are one of only two UN international schools in the world, educating agents for change. As a UN school, UNIS has embedded the UN's Sustainable Development Goals into the curriculum and has become a framework for our flagship Service Learning programme.
A 3 IB PROGRAMME SCHOOL
In 1997, UNIS became the very first school in Asia to become an IB World School and offer all three IB programmes. Students in grades Discovery to Grade 5 follow the Primary Years Programme, while students in Grades 6-10 follow the Middle Years Programme and students in Grades 11 to 12 undertake the IB Diploma Programme.
60+ NATIONALITIES REPRESENTED
With more than 60 nationalities represented at UNIS and as many as 35 home languages spoken among the student body, UNIS is the most diverse school in Vietnam. We bring the world together on one campus, guided by the Principles of the United Nations mentor peace makers and problem solvers.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 40 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
Number of students
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1141
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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63
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Most common nationality
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UNIS Hanoi has a cultural diversity admissions policy. No one nationality may exceed 20% of the total student enrolment and an effort is made to maintain cultural diversity within each grade level. In 2022-23, our top five national groups were Vietnamese (20%), Korean (20%), American (15%), Japan (8%), and Australia (6%).
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Ratio of local students to international students
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20% Vietnamese, 80% from other nationalities.
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Native English speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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Yes, students participate in an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme supported by the whole school and community. This means EAL students attend mainstream classes with English language support both inside and outside of the classroom. As a student gains more mastery in English, as demonstrated in classroom achievement, he or she becomes more independent of EAL support services. To complete a balanced academic life and add to the socialisation process, EAL students often play on one of the many sports teams and take part in other extra-curricular activities offered throughout the year at UNIS Hanoi.
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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Vietnamese, Mandarin & French in Elementary School and from Middle School onward Spanish is also offered. Students in the IB Diploma programme can also opt to take self-study language courses in the student's mother tongue. This qualifies them for the bi-lingual IB Diploma. UNIS Hanoi also supports home language (mother tongue) development of all languages, by providing coordination for Home Language (including the Self-Taught Languages in the Diploma programme). Home Language programmes are paid for in full by the community members participating in the programme. This is in addition to the payment of full tuition and fees of the regular UNIS Hanoi programme. Currently in Elementary school, the Home Language programme includes Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Korean, German, Japanese, Hindi and Swedish. In Secondary School, Chinese, Danish, Dutch and Swedish are offered.
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Max. number of students per class
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Early Years 3 & 4 (age 3 & 4): 16 students with 2 teaching staff per class
Kindergarten (age 5): 18 students with 2 teaching staff
Grades 1&2 (age 6 & 7), maximum class size is 20 students per class
Grades 3-12 (age 8-18), maximum class size is 22 students per class
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Average number of students per class
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The average number can vary depending on grade level. Additionally, in Secondary School, depending on subject selections. For example, the IB Diploma Music class tends to be small in number, yet the Film class may average 16 students.
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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From Early Years to Grade 3, children enjoy the use of multimedia resources such as iPads, Chromebooks and other mobile devices. In Grades 4-8, each student is loaned a device as part of the School's 1:1 device programme. The High School operates a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative. Additionally, UNIS Hanoi has adopted a flexible learning model that encourages teachers to collaboratively identify and agree on the aims and uses of technology before integrating it in the classrooms. To provide more student support, the teachers work together with the Technology Coordinators in integrating technology into the curriculum.
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
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UNIS Hanoi has designed a robust Distance Learning programme which is a full academic offering that ensures continuation of learning in times of full campus closure. It is facilitated by UNIS Hanoi faculty members who take full responsibility for the delivery of the curriculum for our students. Distance Learning consists of both synchronous (live) sessions with teachers, as well as asynchronous tasks that can be independently managed by students and their families. Supported by the Technology team at UNIS Hanoi, faculty members are able to successfully deliver learning utilizing the latest technologies.
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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UNIS Hanoi is not a faith-based institution. UNIS Hanoi is a non-profit international school affiliated with the United Nations. Our community includes members of all faiths.
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External examinations or assessments available
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Elementary and Middle School students take Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments designed to determine a child’s instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year in the areas of language arts and mathematics. The MAP assessment is administered on a computer and is based on a curriculum adapted for international schools. UNIS Hanoi also administers the the International Student Assessment (ISA) assessment in Grades 3-9. The ISA assessment aligns with the PISA frameworks for literacy and mathematical skills. The data that ISA generates allows UNIS Hanoi to compare the quality of our educational programme in relation to other similar international schools and also to national norms. This assessment takes into account the cultural diversity of students who will take it, and schools are compared against those with a similar English language learner profile. Diploma Programme students in Grade 12 complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma assessments administered by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and including both external and internal assessment.
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Results in these examinations
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In 2022, 89% of Grade 12 students attempted the International Baccalaureate Diploma and 99% passed.
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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In Elementary School, UNIS Hanoi expects that students are reading daily at home, both in English and in their home language. A large body of research demonstrates that the activity that has the most positive impact on students’ academic success in Elementary School is daily reading for pleasure. Homework assigned in Middle and High School varies by grade level.
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Approximate hours of homework given
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In Middle School, beginning in the middle of Grade 6, students can expect some homework. The maximum for Middle School students, in Grade 8, would be 20 minutes per subject area. Middle School homework may be given Monday through Thursday. Weekends and holidays are primarily reserved for family time. As a general guideline, students in High School should expect roughly 1 hour 30 minutes of homework each night. Homework on weekends is expected. Extended assignments and long range projects will often require weekend work and will require students to utilise time management skills.
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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In 2023, 100% of students who wished to go to university were accepted into a university of their choice. Eighty-five percent were accepted to their first or second choice.
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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Student Support Services are available for students at UNIS Hanoi. The Student Support Team consists of the Principals, Deputy Principals, Counsellors, Learning Support Teachers, a Speech and Language Therapist (Elementary School), a Psychologist, and the School Nurses.
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Learning support offered
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The UNIS Hanoi Learning Support Programme is committed to supporting the individual needs of all UNIS Hanoi students. The Learning Support Programme is committed to ensuring that all students have equitable access to learning, opportunities for achievement and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of their educational programmes. Through an inclusive and nurturing educational environment, students are encouraged to become independent, lifelong learners in a global society.
Students experiencing difficulties in accessing the curriculum and successfully demonstrating their learning are referred by teachers to the Student Services Team (SST). Support is delivered through a tiered intervention system as determined by the SST. Partnership between parents, administration, classroom teachers, students, and the Learning Support teachers are an integral part of the programme. The Learning Support Teachers work closely with students, teachers, and parents in order to assist those who need additional support to access the curriculum. They may work with an individual student, small groups of students, class groups, or with Elementary teachers to provide intervention strategies to be implemented within the classroom.
Students on Learning Intervention Plans may receive support through:
-Adaptations implemented by the classroom teacher, in consultation with Learning Support
-Working with Learning Support teachers in the classroom setting
-Working with Learning Support teachers in the resource room once or twice a week
Students on Individual Education Plans may receive support through any or all of the options above and a learning support class as part of their timetable. The Learning Support programme enables students who are experiencing academic difficulty, the opportunity to pursue and achieve the goals of their educational programme.
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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UNIS Hanoi offers enrichment programmes in Secondary School.
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Student access to education psychologist
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UNIS Hanoi employs a psychologist who specialises in supporting students from Early Years to Grade 12. Please see the Learning Support section of UNIS Hanoi website for more information.
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Entry evaluation for students
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Students applying to UNIS Hanoi are required to undergo admissions assessments in order for us to better understand the student's learning experience and their level of English. The outcome of these assessments plays an important part in making sure that our new students receive the right support as they transition to UNIS Hanoi. The assessment results are shared with parents and forms only one part of our admissions criteria.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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For non-native English speakers, Kindergarten and Elementary School students participate in the WIDA Access Placement Test to determine their English proficiency. Middle School students participate in the English assessment provided by our school. Please refer to the English as an Additional Language (EAL) section on our school website for details: https://www.unishanoi.org/page.cfm?p=1121
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Waiting list
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Admissions is on a rolling and first-come, first-serve basis and according to UNIS Hanoi admissions policies available on our website. There are waiting lists for some nationalities and for placement in our English as an Additional Language programme for some grade levels. All families considering UNIS Hanoi should submit an Enquiry Form via our website as early as possible. There is no cost to enquire.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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UNIS Hanoi offers rolling admissions. An online Enquiry can be submitted at any time. Admissions is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Many grade levels are full and waitlisted, depending on applicant priority status, English level, and nationality, thus it is important to submit an online enquiry as early as possible in your school search.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes, if placement is available.
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School start time
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8:10 am
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School finish time
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On Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays, School finishes at 14:00 for our Early Years students; 15:30 for Elementary School students and 15:30 for Secondary School students. On Wednesdays, School finishes at 14:30 for all students (including our Early Years students).
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Supervised care before/after school
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The Early Years full day programme ends at 14:00, however families can opt for the Extended Day programme, allowing students to finish at 15:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. For students in Kindergarten 2 to Grade 12, there are After School Activities and sports available for them to participate it. These activities take place between 15:30 and 17:30.
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School bus service available
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Yes
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School provided lunches
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Yes
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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There are always Western, Asian and vegetarian options available, as well as a salad bar.
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Uniform required
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No
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Sports facilities at the school
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An adventure playground with 12 major structures that promote cardio-vascular fitness, coordination, and managed risk-taking including basketball area, trampolines, logs, ropes, tetherball, slides, bouldering mountain, water play, swings, monkey bars, and spider web climbing frames. UNIS Hanoi has plentiful green space with a 400 metre track and full size soccer fields. Three tennis courts are used for PE classes and the UNIS Tennis Academy programme. All season swimming pools and fitness room: 25 metre, 6 lane covered swimming pool and a child-size swimming pool are heated during the winter for usage throughout the year. Students use the pools for PE classes and co-curricular activities. The UNIS Hanoi community can use the pool/fitness room outside of school hours for a minimal membership fee. A 1800m2 multi-purpose sports covered court built to international (Olympic) standards with sports flooring. The covered court is equipped with 12 basketball hoops. The space allows two full basketball courts or four volleyball games or 8 badminton games happening at once. Sports Centre and Centre for the Arts (hosts Music, Art, Drama classes and a 400-seat Theatre) offer students state-of-the-art facilities and space for the areas of performing arts and sports training/competitions. An artificial turf soccer pitch for all year use.
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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UNIS Hanoi vision is that our learning community will be an inspirational role model for a better world. We value curiosity, community, integrity, diversity, courage and responsibility. UNIS Hanoi is a non-profit school associated with the United Nations; we integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into our curriculum. We are diverse and multi-cultural with over 60 nationalities represented in our school community.
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Teaching approach of the school
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International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).
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Elementary School | 3-11 years
The development of the whole child is at the heart of what the faculty and staff do. Learning in the Elementary School (ES) is about developing personal, emotional and social skills as well as being an intellectual and academic process.
The ES faculty and staff aim to help children find their voice - their own unique, personal significance. We encourage them to think about what their contribution will be in the world - how they will try to make a difference as responsible and engaged members of the school community as well as citizens of the world.
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme is a concept-based, inquiry-driven framework where students are involved in their learning at deep levels. Students are given opportunities to explore, analyse, question, think, problem solve, and create meaning.
Secondary School | 12-18 years
UNIS believes in the development of the “whole” person within an environment that encourages students to become independent lifelong learners. Students have the unique opportunity to learn about themselves as individuals and their role in the greater world around them. The Secondary School's philosophy acknowledges the uniqueness of each student and challenges them to strive for personal excellence and take responsibility for their learning. Additionally, the School aims to promote a love of learning and appreciation of service in Grade 6 to 10 students.
The IB Diploma Programme is offered to students in Grades 11 & 12, and is designed to meet the needs for entry into university. In line with our 'whole child' philosophy, every student is encouraged to take advantage of the broad range of co-curricular and After School activities on offer.
After School
UNIS Hanoi Co-Curricular Programme is designed to offer a wide range of opportunities for our students to actively engage in purposeful activities beyond the classroom to develop skills, to become life-long learners and responsible world citizens.
Our programme is anchored by compassionate and caring professionals who contribute their time for programmes they firmly believe make a difference in the lives of students.
The activities within our Co-Curricular Programme provide students the opportunity to explore their passions while developing leadership and collaborative skills, as well as promoting social growth and maturation of all individuals involved.
Our Campus
UNIS Hanoi is situated in the northern Tay Ho suburbs of Hanoi in the heart of the Ciputra residential and leisure development. You can find us at G9 Ciputra, Tay Ho, Hanoi.
UNIS Hanoi is proud to have excellent facilities in support of its ambitions for our students' teaching and learning. Take a virtual to explore our classrooms, library, adventure playground, theatre, sports centre, canteen, swimming pool and so much more!
Take a virtual tour to explore our classrooms, library, adventure playground, theatre, sports centre, canteen, swimming pool and so much more!
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