08:00 | 02/12/2025
On December 2, 2025, Victoria School officially signed a strategic partnership with the Harvard Graduate School of Education to bring scientifically grounded social–emotional learning (SEL) models into systematic implementation in Vietnam. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in building a happy and holistic learning environment for students, aligned with UNESCO’s Happy School framework.
A milestone partnership bringing Harvard-standard SEL models to Vietnamese students
As a leading global research institution specializing in children’s social–emotional development and healthy learning environments, the Harvard Graduate School of Education will work with Victoria School to integrate two science-based SEL toolkits—SEL Kernels and Brain Games—across the entire system. These tools help students build emotional regulation, focus, cognitive flexibility, positive communication, and healthy relationship skills.
Victoria School Education System signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Harvard Graduate School of Education
Advancing international-standard SEL education
SEL Kernels and Brain Games are developed from years of Harvard research and have been validated across multiple countries, demonstrating positive impacts on students’ social-emotional competencies. Their adoption at Victoria School enables students to engage in daily SEL practices naturally, integrated directly into classroom learning, playtime, and everyday interactions rather than functioning as a standalone program.
The collaboration also includes advanced training for Victoria School’s academic teams, enabling teachers to understand the scientific foundations of SEL and master Harvard-standard implementation methods. Experts from the Harvard Graduate School of Education will directly guide, monitor, and assess the process to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.
Victoria School students engage in SEL practices every day, naturally integrated into classroom learning
Aligned with UNESCO Happy School: Placing student well-being at the center
This collaboration reinforces Victoria School’s long-standing philosophy of building a learning environment aligned with UNESCO’s Happy School framework, where student well-being—including mental, emotional, behavioral health, and social connection—is considered the core foundation of academic success and sustainable personal development.
Implementing Harvard-standard SEL models across the system will further strengthen a school environment that is safe, nurturing, and student-centered, while enabling Victoria School students to grow holistically in an increasingly globalized world.
Victoria School students develop on a foundation of well-being—mental, emotional, behavioral, and social
A united effort to cultivate a positive and supportive school environment
Speaking about the implementation direction, ThS. Christopher Bradley – M.Ed. Christopher Bradley – CAO of Victoria School System, stated: “SEL will be integrated into every learning activity rather than becoming a separate program. We believe that the combination of SEL, the MOET curriculum, the Cambridge program, and the Happy School model will create a strong foundation for lifelong development for our students.”
ThS. Christopher Bradley – M.Ed. Christopher Bradley – CAO of Victoria School System spoke at the signing ceremony
Representing Harvard Graduate School of Education, Prof. Stephanie M. Jones – Gerald S. Lesser Professor of Early Childhood Development, Director of the EASEL Lab, and Victoria School Project Lead, emphasized Harvard’s commitment to applying science-based SEL models effectively and sustainably in real-world contexts. She expressed her admiration for Victoria School’s dedication and eagerness in integrating SEL Kernels and Brain Games into all learning activities. According to her, this provides a strong foundation for both sides to continue building an SEL roadmap tailored to the Vietnamese context, supporting students’ emotional, social, and cognitive development in the long term.
Additionally, guests at the event highlighted the significance of the partnership:
– Mr. Nguyen Hong Minh – Principal of Erato by Victoria Edu, affirmed that this partnership reflects Victoria School’s strong commitment to promoting the Happy School model and advancing humane, meaningful SEL practices.
– Ms. Trần Phương Dung – Educational Advisor, Dream School, emphasized that SEL can only flourish when students are surrounded by trust and strong connections among schools, teachers, and families.
A major step on the journey toward “Pursuing Perfect Education”
This strategic partnership with the Harvard Graduate School of Education is not simply an academic collaboration but also a powerful affirmation of Victoria School’s long-term development strategy. With Harvard’s support, Victoria School aims to nurture a generation of students who are happy, confident, compassionate, intellectually capable, and emotionally resilient—qualities essential for global citizenship.
Integrating SEL into the curriculum is a foundational step in realizing what Victoria School calls the “Journey to Perfect Education”—a path toward creating learning environments that are progressive, humane, and truly student-centered.
About Victoria School
Victoria School is a bilingual Cambridge international school system following UNESCO’s Happy School model, providing students with access to global education in Vietnam at an accessible cost. With a commitment to sustainable development, Victoria School offers a continuous learning pathway that harmonizes national and international curricula, supported by advanced educational technology and state-of-the-art facilities. The system aims to nurture generations of capable, compassionate, culturally grounded, and responsible global citizens.
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