Hong Khanh, a parent of a 6th grade student in Thu Dau Mot ward, recounted arriving at Nguyen Khuyen Junior and Senior High School, Binh Duong ward, at 3 AM, but found over 10 people already in line. Although she knew the school would only distribute applications at 7 AM and without a quantity limit, she said friends advised her to arrive as early as possible.

"By about 7 AM, parents flooded in, and the school grounds were packed", the parent said.

According to her, the school is known for its strict rules and high university admission rates, which is why she and many other parents want their children to study there.

Parents queuing from 3 AM on 31/5 at Le Thanh Tong Primary, Junior, and Senior High School, Tan Son Nhi ward. *Photo courtesy of parents*.

Approximately 40 km away, Le Thanh Tong Primary, Junior, and Senior High School, Tan Son Nhi ward, also saw dozens of people queuing at 3 AM. By 6:30 AM, the number of parents had reached thousands, even though the school was not yet accepting applications until 7 AM, according to a teacher in charge.

Hoang Minh, who submitted a 10th grade application for his younger brother at Nguyen Khuyen Junior and Senior High School, Thu Duc campus, stated he received number 200 at 6 AM.

"I also studied here, so our family wants my brother to attend", Minh shared.

According to Le Huu Khuong, General Manager of Le Thanh Tong Primary, Junior, and Senior High School, the school received over 1,600 10th grade applications and 800 6th grade applications on the first day, nearly double last year's figures. He added that in previous years, overnight queuing rarely occurred.

Khuong explained that the school accepts applications over several days without a limit on quantity, but parents are eager to submit early for peace of mind.

"Or they register to secure a place for their children, in case they do not get into a public 10th grade", explained Canh Chi Dat, Vice Principal of Nguyen Khuyen Junior and Senior High School, Binh Duong campus.

Dat stated that after receiving applications, schools review academic records from top to bottom until their enrollment quotas are met. Students then attend a 6-week summer course to assess their abilities and adaptability to the school's rules and study schedule. Only after this assessment are students officially admitted.

The current cost for this course is about 8,7 to 19,2 million dong, depending on the grade and services, such as day-boarding or full boarding. After official admission, tuition is approximately 4,5 to 12 million dong per month.

Nguyen Khuyen is a private school system in Ho Chi Minh City, comprising three schools: Le Thanh Tong Primary, Junior, and Senior High School, Nguyen Khuyen Junior and Senior High School (Thu Duc campus), and Nguyen Khuyen Junior and Senior High School (Binh Duong campus).

This school system is known and also sparks debate for its strict study and living schedules, especially for boarding students. In addition to two daily class sessions, students have evening study from 6 PM to 10 PM. Mobile phones are not allowed; if needed, students use school phones or borrow from homeroom teachers. Families can visit their children on saturday and sunday.

For the past two years, this system has produced students who achieved the highest scores in the high school graduation exam.

Parents waiting to submit applications at Le Thanh Tong Primary, Junior, and Senior High School at 6:30 AM on 30/5. *Photo courtesy of parents*.

Parents waiting to submit applications at Le Thanh Tong Primary, Junior, and Senior High School at 6:30 AM on 30/5. *Photo courtesy of parents*.

Parents queuing to submit applications at Nguyen Khuyen Junior and Senior High School, Binh Duong campus, at 5:30 AM on 30/5. *Photo courtesy of parents*.

The phenomenon of parents queuing overnight to apply for 1st, 6th, and 10th grades occasionally occurs, primarily in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh City requires public schools to conduct initial enrollment online, using a city-wide system. However, this regulation is not mandatory for private schools, so many still accept direct applications.

Le Nguyen