Hanoi students to return to school as early as august 22

Kindergarten and general education schools in Hanoi can independently set their return-to-school dates, with the earliest being august 29, while students in grades 1, 9, and 12 may return one week earlier, on august 22.

Hanoi's academic year 2026-2027 framework outlines the return-to-school schedule for students. Annually, the official opening ceremony takes place on 5/9. However, schools have the autonomy to allow kindergarten children and general education students to return one week prior, on 29/8. Students in grades 1, 9, and 12 may commence their academic year even earlier, from 22/8. Each school will independently determine its specific schedule.

The academic year comprises 35 weeks, with semester one lasting 18 weeks and semester two 17 weeks. Annually, semester one concludes before 18/1, and semester two before 31/5. Students in grades 5 and 9 will be evaluated for primary and lower secondary program completion by the end of june. Additionally, Hanoi aims to finalize enrollment for incoming students in grades 1, 6, and 10 before 31/7.

In cases of natural disasters or severe weather, the Director of the Department of Education and Training will report to the city for approval of student breaks, followed by make-up classes. Hanoi currently boasts approximately 3,000 schools, encompassing both public and private institutions, serving 2,3 million kindergarten and general education students. This makes it the second largest student population nationwide, after Ho Chi Minh City. Furthermore, the Department of Education and Training, in collaboration with the Department of Finance, is developing a plan for textbook fee exemption, which is expected to be submitted to the city for review and approval in august.