VietTESOL International Convention 2025

The Happy School Models have gained international recognition for integrating student well-being with academic excellence. In Vietnam, an increasing number of schools have self-identified as Happy Schools; however, scholarly understanding of this phenomenon remains limited. This systematic literature review, based on library research and website analysis, examines the most widely recognized Happy School Models globally before providing an overview of Happy Schools in Vietnam. Initial findings indicate that the 3P Happy School Framework (UNESCO), the Culture of School Improvement Model, and the Well-being School Model are among the most influential frameworks worldwide. Research suggests that Happy Schools foster a positive learning environment, enhance emotional intelligence, and improve academic performance. In Vietnam, 20 Happy Schools have been identified, all of which are private, bilingual, and globally oriented. Most of these schools seek to integrate well-being education, bilingualism, and global citizenship education, raising complex yet significant questions regarding curriculum design, pedagogical practices, and assessment approaches. This review addresses a gap in the literature on bilingual education and the emotional turn in second language education, providing a theoretical foundation for future empirical research on Happy Schools.