Parents of American International School urged to transfer children amid ongoing closure

Ho Tan Minh, the department’s chief of staff, reported on Tuesday that the school has been closed for almost two months, yet more than 700 students have not transferred, even though the new school year is approaching.

Additionally, 268 students have confirmed their transfers but have not yet paid tuition fees at their new schools.

Minh pointed out that many AISVN parents still trust the school’s promise to reopen and start classes in August.

He added that the department will continue to assist with the transfer process for students while working with city police and relevant agencies to monitor the school’s activities and its investor, AIS American International Education JSC.

“The department confirms that, at this time, the school has not met the necessary operational conditions and cannot reopen. Parents should transfer their children promptly to avoid disrupting the school year,” Minh stated.

According to the city’s academic calendar, public school students will begin the new school year on August 26, with classes officially starting on September 5. Many private and international schools have already started the new school year on August 12.

The department has asked the school to clearly inform parents about its inability to reopen in time for the 2024-2025 academic year. The school is also required to assist with the completion of transfer documents for students.

An inspection by authorities revealed that the school currently has only 28 teachers and no principal.

The investor has not submitted documents proving adequate financial resources to sustain and develop educational activities. Additionally, the company is facing a proposal from the Tax Department of District 7 and Nha Be District to revoke its establishment license.

AISVN was suspended for 12 months starting July 1 due to its failure to meet the necessary teaching conditions. Despite this, the school has consistently claimed that it is working to improve conditions and plans to reopen.

“The school will start the new school year in August and will notify you three days before the start date,” read a message sent to parents by AISVN on August 9.

At the beginning of the previous school year, AISVN had an enrollment of over 1,300 students, with most participating in the International Baccalaureate program. The school’s tuition fees ranged from VND280 million (US$11,200) to VND725 million per year, depending on the grade level.

In July of last year, the school attracted attention when parents gathered to demand refunds. On March 18, all students were forced to take a break because most teachers refused to teach.

The school management cited severe financial difficulties and a lack of funds to pay salaries. Meanwhile, over 900 parents had already paid financial packages totaling approximately VND3.6 trillion. These funds were provided interest-free, without collateral, with the school promising to return them after the students graduated.

In an effort to continue operations, AISVN asked parents to contribute an additional VND9.5-25.5 million per student each month.

Nearly 750 parents contributed VND31 billion, but AISVN estimated it needed at least VND125 billion. As a result, the school had to end the school year early on April 26, instead of the usual late May.

AISVN, established in 2006, is headquartered in Nha Be District.