School Tour at UNIS Hanoi – A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

A well-guided school tour can help you gain clarity, confidence, and connection with our community. Choosing the right international school is one of the most important decisions for your child’s future, and seeing the school firsthand is invaluable.

In this article, we explain why a school tour matters, common parent worries, what to expect on a UNIS Hanoi tour, questions to ask, how to prepare, and how to make your final decision.

Why Visiting a School Campus Makes a Difference

Visiting a school in person allows you to experience the environment beyond what brochures or websites can show. It helps you see how students learn, play, and interact within the school’s culture and community.

A school tour is a tangible way to assess the atmosphere and determine whether it aligns with your child’s personality and learning style.

Why Visiting a School Campus Makes a Difference

By touring the campus, you can evaluate the school’s mission, values, and learning philosophy. It offers a chance to see the facilities, such as classrooms, libraries, and sports areas, and to ask about daily routines, pastoral care, and learning support.

You can also gauge logistical factors like location, commute time, and the design of age-appropriate spaces.

Furthermore, bringing your child along allows them to visualise themselves as part of the community, easing any anxiety about joining a new environment.

Common Parental Concerns During a School Tour

Parents often visit with several questions in mind, focusing on academics, well-being, and the school’s environment. The following areas commonly guide parents’ observations and discussions.

Academic Quality and Curriculum

One of the primary concerns for parents is whether the curriculum is rigorous and internationally recognised.

At UNIS Hanoi, we follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, which fosters inquiry-based learning and independent thinking.

Parents should consider how the school supports transitions between grades and whether its teaching methods align with your child’s needs and interests.

Child Well-Being and Social-Emotional Support

Beyond academics, families often want assurance that their child will be known, cared for, and supported. A nurturing environment offers both emotional and academic growth. Parents should inquire about the school’s pastoral care systems, counselling services, and community programmes.

At UNIS Hanoi, inclusion and diversity are part of our identity, ensuring every student feels welcomed and valued.

Facilities, Resources and Co-Curricular Activities

Facilities play a key role in a student’s learning experience. Parents should look for modern, well-equipped classrooms, libraries, and specialised learning areas such as maker spaces or design labs.

At UNIS Hanoi, our campus features a botanical garden, adventure playground, and state-of-the-art sports facilities, reflecting our commitment to holistic education. Co-curricular activities in arts, athletics, and service learning further enrich each student’s journey.

Admissions, Fees and Practicalities

Understanding the admissions process is equally important. Parents often ask how priority admissions work, what fees cover, and whether scholarships or wait-pool systems apply.

Practical aspects such as transportation, class sizes, and campus access also influence decisions. During your visit, our Admissions Team will be available to clarify these details and guide you through the process.

What Parents Can Expect on the UNIS Hanoi School Tour

Our school tour is designed to provide families with a comprehensive overview of our community and learning environment. Each visit is tailored to offer insight into our academic philosophy and daily life on campus.

Welcome & Orientation

The tour begins with a warm welcome from our Admissions Team.

You will receive an introduction to our mission, vision, and values, with a brief overview of our IB programmes and learning philosophy.

Printed or digital materials about our curriculum, co-curricular activities, and campus map will also be provided.

Campus Walk and Facility Highlights

Parents are guided through key learning spaces, including the Early Childhood Centre, library, and sports areas such as full-sized fields and tennis courts.

You will also visit our maker space, design lab, and botanical garden, each reflecting our hands-on approach to learning.

The tour gives families a sense of how our facilities support both academic and personal development.

Meet Staff, Students & Ask Questions

Depending on the schedule, visitors may meet with programme coordinators, teachers, or members of the leadership team.

You may observe classes or speak with students to understand the school’s culture and sense of community.

We encourage you to ask questions about classroom routines, co-curricular activities, and student life to gain a complete picture of our daily operations.

Key Questions to Ask on the School Tour

Asking the right questions ensures your visit is both informative and meaningful. Here are some important ones to consider:

How large are the class sizes at each grade level, and how does the teacher-student ratio support individual learning?
How does the school support students with different learning needs or English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners?
What is the transition process when students move between Primary and Secondary or join from other schools?
What opportunities exist for parent involvement, and how does the school communicate with families?
How are extracurricular and co-curricular activities structured across age groups?
What are the technology, library, and maker-space resources available to students?
What are the transport options, campus security procedures, and lunch arrangements?
What is the school’s approach to assessment, feedback, and reporting?

How to Get Ready for Your Campus Visit

Preparation can help you make the most of your visit and ensure you gather the information you need. Here are practical steps to consider:

Book your tour early and choose between an in-person or virtual option.
Prepare questions that address your family’s priorities and your child’s specific needs.
Bring your child if possible; their reactions often reveal valuable insights.
Observe the school’s atmosphere: how students and staff interact and how welcoming the environment feels.
Note logistical factors like commute time, parking, and after-school care.
If possible, visit during a regular school day to experience the campus in full operation.
Dress comfortably, as you may walk across multiple areas.
Take notes or photos to record impressions.
For virtual tours, request live footage or a Q&A session with staff.

After the Tour: Making Your Decision

After your school tour, reflect on your experience. Did the school feel right for your child? Did what you observed align with your expectations? Compare the academic offerings, facilities, and community atmosphere with your priorities. Discuss the visit with your child to understand their impressions.

Once you feel confident, proceed with your application while keeping alternative options in mind. Remember, a school tour is one of many important steps in choosing the right school for your family.

To schedule your campus or virtual tour, contact our Admissions Team at +84 (24) 7300 4508 or admissions@unishanoi.org.