8 “golden” criteria for choosing a kindergarten that parents cannot ignore

The early years of a child’s life are a crucial period for shaping their personality and developing essential life skills. Therefore, selecting a suitable and high-quality educational environment is extremely important, laying a solid foundation for comprehensive physical, intellectual, and emotional development. Through this article, parents can join US Vietnam Talent International School (UTS) in discovering the best criteria for choosing a kindergarten, giving children the chance to explore a vibrant world.

Important Criteria for Choosing a Kindergarten

Location and geographical distance

Geographical location is the first factor that parents should consider when choosing a kindergarten for their child. A school near home or the workplace, especially in central city areas, will be convenient for commuting from districts such as District 1, District 5, District 7, District 2, etc. This not only makes drop-offs and pick-ups easier but also saves time and transportation costs.

Moreover, selecting a school in a safe area with convenient traffic conditions ensures peace of mind for parents. A well-located school not only helps get to school on time but also makes it easier for parents to participate in school activities with their children.

Quality of the educational program

A high-quality educational program is the key to unlocking a child’s full potential for comprehensive development. A well-structured curriculum that meets standards and is accredited by reputable organizations provides a solid foundation, allowing children to acquire knowledge in a systematic way.

Moreover, parents may consider kindergartens that implement international curricula, enabling children to access a broad knowledge base and develop language skills from an early age. A prime example is the Oxford International Curriculum (OIC), which focuses on fostering global citizenship skills, nurturing creativity, and integrating the finest aspects of international education—equipping children with a strong foundation for the future.

Read more: Kindergarten program at US Vietnam Talent International School

Teaching Staff

The teaching staff is one of the top concerns for many parents.

A team of teachers with proper early childhood education qualifications and extensive experience provides reassurance for parents. In schools with specialized training programs, teachers are equipped with patience and a deep love for children, creating a safe learning environment where young learners can freely develop and explore their potential.

Additionally, parents may consider kindergartens with foreign teachers, as this can offer children exposure to a diverse and modern learning environment, enhancing their educational experience.

Facilities

When selecting a kindergarten, parents should also pay close attention to the quality of facilities, ensuring an environment that supports both physical and intellectual development.

• Spacious, clean, and bright spaces that allow children to learn and play comfortably
• Age-appropriate learning materials and teaching aids
• Scientifically designed and safe playgrounds that encourage active movement
• Green areas, gardens, or natural spaces that help children connect with nature and explore life
• Well-maintained restrooms and canteens to ensure hygiene and safety

International schools often invest in state-of-the-art facilities, setting them apart from public schools. These institutions not only provide standard classrooms but also feature specialized rooms such as music, arts, and performance studios, science labs, and dedicated STEM and AI spaces, allowing children to engage with technology from an early age.

Spacious, bright, and well-equipped classrooms for children

Nutritional Standards

Nutrition is an important criteria for parents to consider when choosing a kindergarten, as it ensures their child’s well-being and fosters healthy eating habits from a young age.

• The menu should be nutritionally balanced, diverse, and include a proper mix of food groups
• Ingredients must be fresh, meet food safety standards, and be properly prepared
• Special dietary needs, such as food allergies or specific meal plans, should be taken into account to safeguard children’s health

Class Size

The number of students in a class should be appropriately managed to ensure that teachers can provide individual attention and care for each child. An ideal ratio is one teacher for every 8-10 children, allowing for meaningful interaction and effective learning.

Extracurricular activities and soft skills

Children participate in outdoor activities and field trips

When choosing a kindergarten, parents should give thought to opportunities for developing soft skills. Extracurricular activities such as play-based learning, exploration, and field trips allow children to discover the world around them while strengthening their social skills.

These activities enhance communication, independence, and interpersonal skills. Schools that offer programs in drama, music, arts, and educational excursions provide children with creative outlets and opportunities for self-expression, contributing significantly to their overall development.

Tuition fees and financial assistance policies

When researching tuition fees and financial support policies, parents often encounter several challenges, such as:

• Lack of transparency in tuition and additional fees
• Limited information on tuition discounts or financial aid programs
• No support for families with multiple children enrolled

Additionally, parents should ensure that tuition fees align with their family budget and carefully review the school’s policies and available information to avoid any future inconveniences.

Read more: Discover the most advanced and modern UTS International Kindergarten with cheap and economical tuition in Ho Chi Minh City

Introduction to The Kindergarten program at US Vietnam Talent International School

Kindergarten at UTS stands out with a comprehensive learning environment that fully meets the key criteria parents look for when choosing a preschool for their children.

Comprehensive Development through OxfordAQA International Programs:

The Kindergarten program at UTS inherits the academic excellence of the UK, with the Oxford International Curriculum (OIC) as its foundation. It is integrated with the Floppy’s Phonics program and the Talent Program for skill development, enabling children to excel in language, thinking, physical development, and character building, preparing them for an international learning journey. The program includes seven key areas:

• Reading and Writing Skills: Familiarizing children with language, recognizing letters, and building a solid foundation for Primary education
• Mathematical Development: Enhancing logical thinking through number recognition, comparison, and creative games
• Emotional and Social Skills: Integrating into the community, sharing joy, and nurturing empathy
• Exploring the World: Observing, understanding changes, sparking curiosity, and fostering a passion for discovery
• Aesthetic and Artistic Development: Encouraging creativity, appreciating music, and expanding imagination
• Physical Development: Refining both fine and gross motor skills, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle
• Language and Communication Development: Expressing emotions confidently, articulating thoughts clearly and coherently

Read more: Detailed study pathway for the Kindergarten Program at UTS

International-standard teaching staff at UTS 

The international teaching staff at UTS is a perfect blend of experienced native-speaking teachers and highly trained Vietnamese educators, following the Oxford curriculum. This ensures a modern and effective learning approach for children.

Foreign teachers combined with Vietnamese teachers at UTS

In particular, being taught by foreign teachers will help children become familiar with an international environment, develop their foreign language communication skills from an early age, and expand their vocabulary quickly.

Foreign teachers of Kindergarten at UTS

Branches of Kindergarten at UTS

Kindergarten at UTS has branches with modern facilities and fully equipped functional rooms, located in District 4 and Binh Chanh District. This allows parents to conveniently choose a location that suits their residence and commuting needs.

Additionally, UTS offers a shuttle bus service with 50 stations across Ho Chi Minh City. This provides a safe and convenient solution for busy families, giving parents peace of mind when sending their children to school each day.

Learn more: The experiential learning program “Bé làm quen” UTS Kindergarten 

UTS Botanique Campus: 360D Ben Van Don Street, Vinh Hoi Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Green environment at UTS Botanique Campus

Music room filled with natural light at UTS Botanique Campus

Clean canteen providing nutritious meals at UTS Botanique Campus 

UTS South Saigon Campus: 68 Street No. 22, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City

Bright and sunlit school lobby at UTS South Saigon Campus

Spacious, environment at UTS South Saigon Campus

Fully equipped classrooms at UTS South Saigon Campus

Read more: The school system of US Vietnam Talent International School

International standard nutrition for children

The UTS canteen serves three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks, following a “Pre-order” model to ensure quality and cater to children’s preferences. Parents can select meals from a diverse monthly menu, with portion sizes tailored to each age group. The menu features a variety of dishes from different culinary styles, including Western, Asian, and Vietnamese cuisine.

The canteen serves three meals a day at UTS Kindergarten

Tuition Fees – Policies of  Kindergarten at UTS

At here, children can experience a green, modern environment with an optimized and comprehensive curriculum. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the detailed tuition fee structure is as follows:

Read more: Tuition fees and policies of Kindergarten at UTS

Conclusion

With these criteria in mind, we hope these suggestions will help parents choose the most suitable and ideal learning environment for their children. UTS International Kindergarten warmly welcomes parents to visit and experience our learning space firsthand, allowing you to see our facilities and teaching quality in person.

For detailed consultation on a comprehensive international learning pathway for your child, please visit HERE or contact us at 028 710 78887.

Read more: Admissions and enrollment process of Kindergarten program at UTS