American International School Vietnam closed for 12 months

The Ho Chi Minh City Ministry of Education and Training had asked the school more than a month ago to prove that it met sufficient requirements to operate. However, by the June 15 deadline, the school had still not responded.

In March, teachers at the school went on strike over delayed salary payments, preventing students from attending classes. After unsuccessful attempts to raise money from parents and keep the school open, the school year ended early on April 26, rather than at the end of May as planned.

The Ministry of Education has decided to close the school for 12 months starting Monday. The school does not meet the requirements for educating students because it does not have sufficient financial resources, teachers and other staff, it said.

Founded in 2006, AISVN offers curricula within the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

The school’s tuition fees ranged from VND 280 million to VND 350 million per year for kindergarten students, VND 450 million to VND 500 million per year for elementary school students, and VND 600 million to VND 725 million for middle and high school students. In the last school year, the school employed about 130 foreign teachers, 26 Vietnamese teachers, and over 100 other staff members.

So far, 134 parents at the school have decided to send their children to another school. The department has negotiated with 19 other schools with foreign headquarters and curricula to accept these students. Schools offering the IB program in the city can accept over 1,250 new students.

Students in grades 1 to 8 may transfer to integrated curriculum schools or foreign-funded schools offering the IB program. Students in grades 9 to 11 may transfer to private integrated curriculum or IB schools.

In addition, AISVN was asked to ensure salary, bonuses and insurance for its employees, as well as other employee policies.

Nguyen Thi Ut Em, chair of the AISVN board of directors, said on Tuesday the school has new investors and a new principal and is expected to open on August 12. There will be meetings with staff and parents on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss school operations.