The Thunder Bolt

Choosing the right educational path for your child is one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a parent, especially in Vietnam's increasingly globalized environment. Here at Concordia International School Hanoi, we understand this deeply and we're privileged to offer a comprehensive education from Preschool all the way through High School graduation. Hanoi has many great schools representing different educational philosophies, and with so many options, a common question arises: "What's the difference between an American-based curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB)?"

It’s a fantastic question, and one without a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. Both are highly respected, rigorous pathways to university and beyond, but they approach learning and assessment from different angles. As an international school with a strong American foundation that also embraces our global perspective, we’re uniquely positioned to explore the distinctions of each. 

The American-Based Curriculum 

At Concordia, our High School program is built upon a robust American-based curriculum. Think of it as a broad landscape where students are encouraged to explore, discover, and then eventually, specialize.

One of the most significant benefits of our curriculum is its flexibility. Unlike some systems that funnel students into specific academic tracks early on, our model allows for a more diverse exploration of subjects. This means that if your child is passionate about both robotics and creative writing, they can often pursue both simultaneously in their early High School years. This flexibility is invaluable for young people who are still figuring out their interests and strengths. It provides the space to try new things, to embrace rapid trial and error or quickly learn from mistakes, and to genuinely identify where their passions lie before committing to a subject or discipline.

Imagine a student in 9th or 10th Grade who is curious about Mandarin language study but isn’t ready to commit to it as a major. In our curriculum, they can take an introductory course, see if it sparks their interest, and then decide whether to delve deeper or shift their focus to another area. This ability to experience different subjects to identify their passions is a cornerstone of Concordia’s system. It fosters well-rounded individuals who have a broad understanding of various disciplines, making them adaptable and curious learners for life.

 

 

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

For those students who discover a genuine passion and wish to delve deeper, we offer high-level Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP courses are essentially university-level courses taught in High School. They are incredibly rigorous, demanding significant critical thinking, independent study, and a deep understanding of the subject matter. When a student takes an AP course, they are not only challenged academically but also gain valuable experience in managing a heavy workload and preparing for high-level exams – skills that are essential for university success.

 

 

Applied Learning Labs and Internships

Another benefit of Concordia’s American-based curriculum is the ability to provide students with the opportunity to apply their education through real-world experiences. Students have the ability to take Applied Learning Lab courses, which are high-level labs that challenge students to identify real world problems and create real world solutions. These students often design and implement undergraduate and graduate level projects, and many have had the opportunity to present their findings internationally. Applied Learning Labs allow our students to be on the cutting edge of modern research and development, rather than just studying what others have discovered. Concordia students also have the opportunity to gain real world experience through internships. We help match our students with real companies and organizations, and give them the time, space, and support to experience these businesses first-hand. This is very beneficial for our students, as they have the opportunity to experience what a chosen career field looks like after university. Through these internships, Concordia students deepen their passions and they gain critical experience to aid in their future development.

 

 

Accepted at Universities Globally

The benefits of AP courses, Applied Learning Labs, and internships extend beyond academic rigor. Students who perform well on AP exams can often earn college credit, potentially saving time and tuition fees in university. Perhaps even more importantly, colleges and universities around the world accept students who have taken AP courses. This is a crucial point for families at an international school like Concordia. Whether your child dreams of attending a top-tier university in the United States, the UK, South Korea, Hong Kong, or anywhere else across the globe, an American diploma with strong AP scores is a widely recognized and respected credential. Universities want to enroll students who are committed to their education, passionate about their subject, and who are well-rounded individuals capable of collaboration and critical thinking. Students who have experienced our program are able to demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and a readiness for the intellectual demands of higher education.

The Concordia Hanoi curriculum also emphasizes a holistic approach to education. Beyond academics, there's a strong focus on extracurricular activities, leadership development, and community service. This well-roundedness is highly valued by universities, as it showcases a student's character, leadership potential, and ability to contribute to a university community.

 

 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme

While Concordia International School Hanoi primarily offers an American-based curriculum, it’s important to understand the IB Diploma Programme, as it’s a prominent offering in many international schools and represents a distinct educational philosophy.

The IB Diploma Programme (DP), designed for students aged 16 to 19, is a highly structured, globally-minded curriculum. It aims to develop students who are "inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect." This mission is woven into every aspect of the program.

One of the key differences lies in its structure. IB Diploma candidates typically study six subjects simultaneously: three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). These subjects are chosen from six different subject groups, ensuring a breadth of study across different disciplines. Beyond these subjects, the IB DP has three core components:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK): This interdisciplinary course challenges students to reflect on the nature of knowledge itself, fostering critical thinking and an awareness of personal and ideological biases. It encourages students to ask "how do we know what we know?"
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): This component encourages students to engage in a range of experiences outside of the classroom, fostering personal and interpersonal development, and promoting responsible action in the community.
• Extended Essay (EE): This is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000-word essay. It provides an opportunity for students to engage in in-depth research on a topic of personal interest, developing advanced research and writing skills comparable to university-level work.

The IB’s strength lies in its interdisciplinary nature and its emphasis on critical thinking and global perspectives. Students are encouraged to connect ideas across subjects and to understand the world from multiple perspectives. The assessment in the IB DP is also different from the American system, often involving a greater emphasis on internal assessments (projects, presentations, oral exams) alongside required standardized tests.

While the IB provides a holistic and globally-focused education, its highly structured nature means there is less room for exploring a wide array of subjects in the later years of High School. Students dedicate themselves to six subjects and the core components, which can be a significant workload.

AP and IB Differences Overview

Feature	American-Based Curriculum (Concordia)	IB Diploma Programme (General)
Flexibility/ Breadth	High flexibility; students explore many subjects early on.	Less flexibility; students commit to 6 subjects and 3 core components early on.
Depth/ Specialization	Achieved through high-level AP courses in specific areas of interest.	Achieved through Higher Level subjects and the Extended Essay.
Curriculum Focus	Well-rounded individual with exploration and specialization.	Global citizen with critical thinking and interdisciplinary connections.
Assessment	Mix of in-class assessments, standardized tests (SAT/ACT), AP exams, and real world experience.	Mix of internal assessments and external examinations.
Core Components	Emphasis on extracurriculars, leadership, and community service.	TOK, CAS, and Extended Essay are mandatory components.
University Acceptance	Widely accepted globally, especially with strong AP scores.	Widely accepted globally, often recognized for rigor.

 

 

Which Path is Right for Your Child?

At Concordia International School Hanoi, we believe that our American-based curriculum, with its emphasis on flexibility, exploration, and the rigorous challenge of AP courses, provides an exceptional pathway for our students. It allows them to genuinely discover their passions, pursue high-level academic challenges in their chosen fields, and be highly competitive for admission to universities worldwide. The broad acceptance of AP courses by colleges and universities around the globe offers our families peace of mind, knowing their child’s academic achievements are recognized and valued by institutions no matter where their dreams may take them.

Our graduates consistently gain admission to prestigious universities in the US, Korea, Australia, the UK, Hong Kong, and beyond, a testament to the strength and recognition of our American-based program. We see students thrive in this environment, becoming adaptable, independent thinkers, and confident learners.

Ultimately, the "best" curriculum isn't about one being inherently superior to the other. It's about finding the best fit for your child's learning style, interests, and future aspirations. If your child is curious, enjoys exploring a wide range of subjects, and thrives in an environment that allows them to discover and then deeply pursue their passions through rigorous academic challenges, then Concordia Hanoi’s American-based curriculum is an excellent choice.

We invite you to connect with us, to visit our campus, and to speak with our admissions team and educators. We're here to guide you through this important decision and help your child embark on a fulfilling and successful educational journey. At Concordia International School Hanoi, we’re committed to nurturing lifelong learners who are ready to make a positive impact on the world, no matter which academic path they choose to walk.