About Us

Small classes, real projects, since 2017

A licensed English language center in Hội An for children from 20 months to 18 years. Here is who we are and how we teach.

Students and staff at the painted campus wall at Palm River Academy

Our story

Hội An's oldest international learning center

We opened in 2017 for families who wanted their children to learn English without sitting still all day. We teach the Cambridge curriculum because schools everywhere recognize it, and we wrap it in things you can touch: cooking, art, technology, sport.

Vietnamese and international families sit side by side. Classes stay small. Some students go on to universities abroad; others to work here at home.

Since 2017
A student stitching a silk lantern in a Hội An lantern workshop

Our philosophy

Use English for something real

The fastest way to learn a language is to need it. So science, maths, cooking, art and sport all happen in English.

Play first, projects later

Play in Early Years. Experiments, building and presenting after that.

English is the tool

It is how you measure, explain and argue. Children pick it up because they need it.

Doing it yourself

Students plan, make and present their own work, and get braver each time.

Our values

Six things we hold to

  1. Intellectual Exploration

    Asking questions, then finding the answers by hand.

  2. Creative Expression

    Art, projects and ideas that are their own.

  3. Sports and Fun

    Moving, playing, and enjoying it.

  4. Community Impact

    Taking part in Hội An and giving back.

  5. Global Citizenship

    Respect for other cultures, starting at the next desk.

  6. Leadership Development

    Taking the lead and helping others follow.

Our team

Vietnamese and international staff

Every academic teacher has a degree in their subject and a TESOL certificate, and is qualified to teach in Việt Nam.

  • Ms. Xuan
    A student paints a henna design on Ms. Xuan's hand at the Mid-Autumn Festival
    1 photo
    Ms. Xuan Owner
  • Mr. Seth
    Mr. Seth running a hands-on science experiment with Upper Secondary students
    Mr. Seth playing a pick-up-sticks maths game with students at March Mathness
    A student painting henna on Mr. Seth's hand at the student-run Mid-Autumn Festival booth
    Mr. Seth speaking to families after the lion dance
    4 photos
    Mr. Seth Head of Academy
  • Ms. Hien
    Ms. Hien Operations Manager
  • Mr. David
    Mr. David playing a board game with students during Reading Safari Week
    Primary students climbing and reading on the playground with Mr. David
    2 photos
    Mr. David Deputy Head Teacher
  • Mr. Bowen
    Mr. Bowen working through a cut-and-fold shapes activity with a Primary maths group
    Mr. Bowen presenting the prize to the winner of the guess-how-many maths challenge at March Mathness
    Mr. Bowen on a nature walk with Global Program students, noting down what they find
    Mr. Bowen and Secondary students on a river jetty during a nature walk
    Mr. Bowen and his Secondary class at the end of a nature walk by the river
    Graduating students celebrating with their certificates
    6 photos
    Mr. Bowen Upper Secondary Coordinator
  • Ms. Solo
    Ms. Solo at circle time with her Primary class
    Ms. Solo setting up a maths exploration: can it roll, can it stack?
    Ms. Solo reading a big book to her Primary class
    Ms. Solo and her Primary class at the start of the day
    4 photos
    Ms. Solo Primary Homeroom Teacher
  • Mr. Caleb
    Mr. Caleb running a Movement class on the turf
    Mr. Caleb playing chess with a student in the library
    Mr. Caleb in costume for Book Character Day during Reading Safari Week
    3 photos
    Mr. Caleb Primary Homeroom Teacher
  • Ms. Kiu
    Ms. Kiu's Primary class at a lantern-making workshop in Hội An
    1 photo
    Ms. Kiu Primary Homeroom Teacher
  • Ms. Thanh
    Ms. Thanh Teaching Staff
  • Ms. Tham
    Ms. Tham Teaching Staff
  • Ms. Duyen
    Ms. Duyen reading with Primary students in the book corner
    1 photo
    Ms. Duyen Teaching Staff
  • Ms. Thắm V
    A student pressing a pink mooncake mould with Ms. Thắm V at the Mid-Autumn Festival
    Ms. Thắm V pressing a mooncake mould with a child at the Mid-Autumn Festival
    2 photos
    Ms. Thắm V Teaching Staff
  • Ms. Thoa
    Ms. Thoa Teaching Staff

Google reviews

What families say

From families who have been with us for years, and families who joined us for a few weeks while traveling.

4.6 27 reviews on Google Read them all on Google
  • “This was the first time in his life that he went to kindergarten happily and willingly — every single day.”

    We spent one month at this [academy], and it was truly an exceptional experience for our entire family.

    This is a place that genuinely knows how to welcome children from all over the world with patience, sensitivity, and deep understanding of each child’s needs.

    Our youngest son (almost 4) has always found it difficult to adjust to frameworks. This was the first time in his life that he went to kindergarten happily and willingly — every single day. That alone says everything.

    Our oldest son learned more here than he did in school back in Israel. He enjoyed it so much that he actually asked us to stay an extra week in the city just because of the [academy]. And we did — purely because of how happy the kids were.

    Our middle son was joyful and comfortable from the very first day.

    This place is truly special — unlike any [place] we’ve experienced before.

    We are deeply grateful for the care, professionalism, and warm atmosphere you create for children and families from around the world.

    Highly recommended

    Benny M.Google review

  • “…he spoke English from scratch in just 2 weeks!”

    We are so happy [our son Lucas, then 3,] attended Palm River! The teachers are amazing, very attentive and kind. Ms. Tan was our teacher, and even six months later, my son still remembers her with a smile and misses her! We also made many new friends, and Lucas learned new skills. It's especially interesting that he spoke English from scratch in just 2 weeks! We also really enjoyed the physical education classes; our son almost learned to swim, and his physical development was noticeable every day! The classes are well-designed, and overall, the atmosphere is very friendly, with wonderful people working and studying here! We were very sad to leave after 3 months, and I really hope we'll come back again ❤️☀️

    Анастасия Ф.Google review

  • “The quality of teachers is excellent; my daughter has loved all her teachers, which is super important to us.”

    My daughter has been attending Palm River for the past 6 years. We have been and continue to be extremely happy with her education… The class sizes are small, ensuring that the needs of each student are met and not missed. The quality of teachers is excellent; my daughter has loved all her teachers, which is super important to us. As a parent, I've always felt listened to and supported and truly appreciate that.

    Having lived in HoiAn for nearly 10 years, I have had the good fortune to watch as schools developed (or closed), to speak with other parents about their experiences, and to really make a solid decision on what I felt was and is best for my daughter. For our family, Palm River Academy has been an excellent experience.

    Alison B.Google review

  • “…he quickly felt so comfortable at Palm River Academy that he dragged his feet when we came to pick him up… haha!”

    A huge thank you to the entire Palm River Academy team for their warm welcome and kindness. We were touched by the team's caring, professionalism, and welcoming atmosphere.

    Our son, who was the youngest at the academy, experienced incredible growth in a very short time. Although the adjustment was a little difficult at first, he quickly felt so comfortable at Palm River Academy that he dragged his feet when we came to pick him up… haha! 😊 It was a real joy to see him blossom, gain confidence, and progress so quickly.

    He learned a tremendous amount and became much more independent over the months. He particularly loved the activities offered, especially the cooking classes and swimming sessions, which he always looked forward to. We also appreciated the quality of the meals: he ate very well and happily discovered new habits.

    We were also very touched by the kindness and caring of the other children, who welcomed him with great gentleness and attention. This made all the difference for him and for us.

    Jimmy R.Google review

  • “Their English improved naturally, but even more importantly, they felt seen, encouraged, and cared for by the teachers and staff.”

    Palm River Academy was such a special experience for our family during our time in Hoi An. We were initially drawn to the warm, community-oriented atmosphere and the balance between learning, creativity, and emotional support for the children.

    Our children joined the International Program for traveling families during a short-term stay. Our older child was in Year 1 and our younger child was in the senior kindergarten group. The most meaningful thing for us was how quickly they both felt safe, confident, and genuinely happy to go to [the academy] every day. Their English improved naturally, but even more importantly, they felt seen, encouraged, and cared for by the teachers and staff.

    What stood out most to us was the kindness and dedication of the team. As a traveling family joining for a relatively short period, we were amazed by how welcomed and included we felt from the very beginning.

    We would absolutely recommend Palm River Academy to other families looking for a nurturing, positive, and engaging environment for their children.

    Mor A.Google review

  • “…if it were up to me, I’d come back here in a heartbeat! What a place!”

    We came for a short-term, without knowing much. And I’m so grateful for the amazing experience my 2 teenager boys had!!

    They found enthusiastic teachers that just want to teach in an engaging, experiential way. They found new local friends! (Went to hang out together after [class])!

    The [academy] staff was [warm] and welcoming, flexible and attentive!! We felt in good hands.

    My boys (and I…) loved the [academy]!

    We only came here for a short visit from our home country, but, if it were up to me, I’d come back here in a heartbeat! What a place!

    Thank you for everything 🩵

    Maayan R.Google review

  • “Even in that short time, we saw our children become more confident and excited about learning.”

    Our children spent about a month and a half at Palm River Academy, and it was a wonderful experience. As a traveling family, we were looking for a supportive environment where our children could enjoy time with other kids while also continuing their learning.

    We were immediately drawn to the warm atmosphere and strong sense of community. Even in that short time, we saw our children become more confident and excited about learning. The teachers were caring and supportive, and our children felt very comfortable there.

    We are very grateful for the time our family spent at Palm River Academy and would warmly recommend it to other families.

    Moshe B.Google review

  • “The teachers genuinely care and are skilled in how they guide the children.”

    As someone working in the education field, I really value what Palm River Academy team is doing.

    The teachers genuinely care and are skilled in how they guide the children. You can feel the intention behind how they support each child’s learning and emotions.

    What stands out to me is that it’s more than just [an academy]. It’s a community where diversity is embraced, and children learn to feel included and confident.

    If you’re looking for a place that focuses on your child’s growth and sense of belonging—rather than flashy facilities—I would definitely recommend Palm River Academy

    Ngoc N.Google review

  • “But from the very first day, both my girls adjusted beautifully.”

    We spent 30 days traveling across Vietnam—the maximum duration for our visa—and as a traveling and working mom, I needed some support for my children during this time. A former colleague from Mongolia recommended Palm River Academy, and since we had similar experiences raising children, I trusted her and decided to apply.

    I was nervous at first… But from the very first day, both my girls adjusted beautifully. My older daughter, who used to complain about going to school, now never wants to leave when classes end—she’s made wonderful friends and truly enjoys learning. My younger one quickly adapted to her teachers and the academy environment, and she even naps during rest time, which is a new and welcome change for us!

    At the end of their time there, both girls received certificates—treasures we keep proudly at home as symbols of their happiness and growth.

    … And if you’re a traveling, working parent, this academy can offer your children joyful, engaging days while you focus on your work with peace of mind.

    Dagiimaa B.Google review

Swipe for more.

The Palm River Academy campus in Cẩm Thanh, Hội An

Our campus

One site in Cẩm Thanh

Every age learns here, a few minutes from Hội An's old town. Classrooms, a library, a kitchen, a maker space, a turf field, a sand pit and a treehouse.

Trần Nhân Tông, Cẩm Thanh, Hội An

Open in Google Maps

Come and see it for yourself.

Walk around with us for an hour, Monday to Friday. Not in Hội An yet? We will do a video call.