On the evening of 7/5, the Hanoi People's Committee approved a plan to transform two specialized high schools. These schools will cater to outstanding students, offering in-depth specialized learning, participation in projects and research, and development of university-level skills. The aim is for student outcomes to be widely recognized globally.

Each school's development direction will differ based on its unique characteristics, including students, teachers, and specific objectives.

Chu Van An High School for the Gifted has established 5 criteria: internationalized output standards, quality management and accreditation, internationalized learning environment, research and innovation, and equitable access.

The school's development is divided into three phases, each with quantified objectives.

For instance, during the 2026-2030 phase, at least 150 students are expected to gain admission to universities in the UK, US, and Australia, with a minimum of 80 receiving international scholarships. Following this, from 2031-2035, 90% of teachers are targeted to be proficient in bilingual instruction or meet international standards, the school aims to host international exchange students, or have 1% of its students participate in exchange programs. In the 2036-2045 phase, all students are expected to achieve international foreign language, academic, and information technology certifications.

To achieve these goals, Chu Van An High School for the Gifted will support students in preparing for international standardized tests such as SAT, ACT, AP, and IB. It will also organize scientific research activities, establish open laboratories, create STEM/STEAM innovation spaces, and foster partnerships with universities and businesses.

The school estimates the project will require nearly 608 billion dong.

Students of Chu Van An High School for the Gifted on graduation day, 5/2025. Photo: Tung Dinh

Meanwhile, Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted (Ams) is pursuing four groups of criteria: students' academic quality and scientific research; the integration level of STEM/STEAM education; foreign language proficiency and academic integration; and the quality assurance and evidence system.

The school announced a shift in focus from theoretical learning to project-based research guided by experts. This involves optimizing the curriculum and enhancing the practical application of mathematical, scientific, and engineering information. Additionally, the school prioritizes the development of interdisciplinary specialized topics, emphasizing project-based learning linked to tangible products.

Students will be taught English as a tool for research, essay writing, presentations, and debates. They will also develop the ability to analyze connections between economic, social, and environmental factors, fostering systemic thinking to address non-traditional challenges such as climate change, energy security, and inequality.

Ams school's implementation roadmap is divided into three phases: 2026-2027 (preparation, initiation, pilot), 2027-2030 (synchronous deployment, condition completion), and 2030-2035 (model refinement, quality enhancement).

Chu Van An High School for the Gifted, formerly known as Buoi School, was established in 1908 and adopted its current name in 1945. The school transitioned from a public institution with specialized classes to a dedicated specialized school in 2025.

Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted was founded in 1985 with the mission of identifying and nurturing gifted students, thereby cultivating high-quality human resources.

These two schools offer the most diverse training programs, with 13 specialized subjects each. Hanoi also has two other specialized schools, Nguyen Hue and Son Tay, which offer 11 and 9 specialized subjects, respectively.

Thanh Hang