As the pioneering cohort officially receiving American high school diplomas awarded by Mount Vernon School (MVS) – ranked among the Top 10 Most Innovative Schools in the U.S. (2017) – four 12th-grade students from the Adventure international program, Vân Khanh, Ngọc Linh, Khôi Nguyên, and Nguyệt Anh, are now ready to embark on their university journey. Prestigious scholarships from leading U.S. universities such as the University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of South Florida, University of San Francisco, and University of St. Thomas, with a total value exceeding 40 billion VND, stand as compelling evidence of their 300-day academic and experiential journey in the U.S., driven by independence and a spirit of exploration.
After one year of study at MVS, both Ngọc Linh and Nguyệt Anh recognized a shared value between Dewey and MVS: the emphasis on student autonomy in learning. At MVS, students are empowered to choose their courses, have their voices respected, and are encouraged to develop self-directed research skills—essential tools for success in university. Linh shared that foundational subjects such as Humanities and STEM not only provide in-depth knowledge but also cultivate a well-rounded academic mindset.
Ms. Hoàng Vân, mother of Vân Khanh, remarked, “Being independent from Grade 12 is a rare and valuable opportunity that not all students have. The strong foundation built through the Adventure program at Dewey and the real-life learning experience at MVS are powerful assets for the students as they step into university.”
Reflecting on her daughter’s journey, Ms. Tuệ Minh, mother of Ngọc Linh, said, “The strength of the Adventure program lies not only in delivering a U.S.-standard curriculum right here at Dewey but also in enabling students to apply those skills in a real-world context. Initially, I was hesitant about letting my child study so far away, thinking she would receive more support if she stayed in Vietnam. But now, like many other parents, I am completely reassured. The value of self-education and growing independently is immense—it prepares them for the long road ahead.”
The Adventure International Program was transferred from MVS with 85% of instruction conducted in English and a 100% foreign teaching staff. Students graduate with both a Vietnamese High School Diploma and a globally recognized American High School Diploma from MVS. The program also aims for students to achieve an IELTS score of 7.5 or higher, accumulate AP or equivalent international credits, and enhance their competitive edge in global university admissions.
