Public kindergartens are expected to increase tuition fees to nearly 8 million VND.

In Ho Chi Minh City , Vang Anh Kindergarten in District 5 plans to charge nearly 8 million VND per month for its preschool classes, double the current rate.

On the morning of April 22nd, Ms. Lam Thi Thuy Loan, Principal of Vang Anh Kindergarten, stated that this tuition fee is a projected figure when the school becomes 100% financially independent (covering teacher salaries and operating costs). However, the school is currently only in the stage of surveying the opinions of parents, teachers, and relevant agencies, as requested by the district.

Accordingly, the monthly cost for kindergarten children (ages 3-6) could reach 7.87 million VND, double the current amount. This is an all-inclusive fee covering tuition, breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, drinks, after-school care service fees, and participation in program-based classes and foreign language introductions. Tuition for nursery children (under 36 months) will be lower, but the school has not yet announced the specific amount.

"Most parents and stakeholders disagree. The school only conducted a survey to report to the district. To date, we don't know if the school will implement this model or what the roadmap will be," Ms. Loan said.

Specifically, out of 236 parents surveyed, only 16 agreed. Among 78 officials from various departments in District 5, only 5 supported the idea. Regarding teachers, 21 out of 26 agreed, while the rest said they would quit if the school became autonomous due to concerns about unstable income when the budget is cut.

Vang Anh Kindergarten, District 5. Photo: School website

An education official stated that 100% financial autonomy means that schools no longer receive state budget funding and operate on a self-financing basis, ensuring that revenue covers expenses. The People's Committees of districts and counties will decide which units will implement this model.

However, this person suggested a gradual approach, perhaps increasing tuition fees by 20% each year instead of granting complete autonomy right away, to avoid shocking parents.

"With such a sudden increase in tuition fees, I wouldn't agree if I were a parent," this person said.

Vang Anh Kindergarten is a public school with over 400 children, mostly of preschool age. The school has been implementing an advanced, integrated model since 2016. Total fees for preschool children are approximately 3.7 million VND per month and 2 million VND for nursery children.

Ho Chi Minh City has over 1,300 preschools, including 467 public schools. Nam Saigon Preschool in District 7 is currently the only school that is 100% financially independent. The monthly cost per child is approximately 4.7 million VND. Typically, preschools charge around 1.5 million VND per month, including 120,000-300,000 VND in tuition fees.

Le Nguyen

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