This school year, students at Nguyen Huu Tho High School in Xom Chieu ward will start their first period at 7:30 a.m., 30 minutes later than before. Afternoon classes will begin at 1:30 p.m. instead of 1:15 p.m., with dismissal at 4 p.m.

According to Principal Do Dinh Dao, these changes will be announced to students on the first day of school, 20/8.

Thanh Da High School in Binh Thanh ward has similar plans. Principal Le Huu Han said they are considering delaying the start times to ensure students are dismissed at 4 p.m. after 7 periods. The new start times will likely be 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., 15 minutes later than last year.

"I'm calculating how to ensure classes end by 4 p.m., or 4:30 p.m. at the latest. Later dismissals could cause traffic jams, while earlier ones might be inconvenient for parents," Han said.

At Vo Truong Toan Secondary School (Sai Gon ward) and Nguyen Du Secondary School (Ben Thanh ward), students have been informed of the change in start times to 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from 7:15 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively. Dismissal will be around 4:20-4:35 p.m., similar to last year.

Schedule of class times for Nguyen Huu Tho High School, Ho Chi Minh City, for the 2025-2026 school year. Photo courtesy of the school

Schedule of class times for Nguyen Huu Tho High School, Ho Chi Minh City, for the 2025-2026 school year. Photo courtesy of the school

Principals explained that the adjustments align with the Ministry of Education and Training's new regulations for two-session school days. Approximately 93% of secondary and high schools in the former Ho Chi Minh City area have implemented this two-session system.

Previously, secondary and high schools could teach a maximum of 8 periods per day. Students started classes at 7-7:15 a.m. and 1-1:15 p.m., with dismissal around 4 p.m. or later, accommodating most parents' schedules. The Ministry's new regulations limit instruction to a maximum of 7 periods per day. Consequently, schools are delaying start times to maintain the 4 p.m. dismissal time.

"With 7 periods of 45 minutes each, keeping the previous schedule would mean dismissal at around 3:15 p.m., making it difficult for parents to pick up their children. We have to adjust the start times to maintain dismissal around 4:25-4:35 p.m.," said Tran Thuy An, Principal of Vo Truong Toan Secondary School.

According to Do Dinh Dao, the later start time gives students more time to commute and have a relaxed breakfast, while remaining convenient for parents. After 4 p.m., students can stay at school for sports or reading while waiting for their parents.

Cao Duc Khoa, Principal of Nguyen Du Secondary School, said that in addition to the 15-minute delay in the morning start time, the school has also increased lunch and nap time by 30 minutes, allowing students more rest while maintaining a reasonable dismissal time.

Parents bring their children to Trung Vuong High School for the 10th-grade entrance exam in 2024. Photo: Thanh Tung

Parents bring their children to Trung Vuong High School for the 10th-grade entrance exam in 2024. Photo: Thanh Tung

Despite concerns about early dismissal with one less period per day, Thanh Loc High School in An Phu Dong ward is not rushing to adjust its schedule.

"Our first period starts at 7 a.m. A later start time would be difficult for parents who work early. Keeping the current schedule means dismissal after 3:15 p.m., which is also difficult for parents," said Principal Luong Van Dinh.

Dinh Phu Cuong, Principal of Nguyen Van Luong Secondary School in Binh Phu ward, said they will maintain last year's schedule. Classes will start at 7:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., with dismissal around 3:30-4 p.m. If parents are unable to pick up their children immediately, the library and gymnasium are open for students to enjoy activities and reading, supervised by security staff.

"Most of our students live nearby and walk to school, so early dismissal doesn't pose a problem. If they need to wait for their parents, they can stay at school until 5-6 p.m.," he said.

The Ministry of Education and Training issued guidelines for two-session school days in early August. For secondary and high schools, the maximum number of periods per day is 7, a decrease of one. Schools cannot teach more than 5.5 days a week (a reduction of 0.5 days). Each period lasts 45 minutes.

Schools teach core subjects in the first session. The second session's content varies by grade level, focusing on cultural activities, arts, STEM, STEAM, reading culture, life skills, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, foreign languages, sports, and other activities that cater to students' needs, interests, and talents.

However, the implementation of two-session school days is gradual and not immediately mandatory.

Le Nguyen