HCMC asks schools to take in students from closing international school

By Le Nguyen February 21, 2025 | 04:08 pm PT

Students at the International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP). Photo courtesy of ISSP

The municipal Department of Education and Training has instructed local schools to accommodate around 230 students from the International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP), set to close in June.

In a report sent to the People's Committee on Thursday, the department requested ISSP to ensure students' rights and minimize disruptions to their education. The school must also facilitate the student transfer process.

ISSP announced last week it would cease operations after June 19 due to a decline in enrollments. The department said the school currently has 52 foreign students and 175 Vietnamese students, following a U.S.-based curriculum. Of its 33 teachers, most are foreigners, while 57 staff members are Vietnamese.

ISSP proposed transferring all students to the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) with parents' consent, and preserving current tuition fees for two years.

Established in 2010, ISSP offers kindergarten and primary programs under the International Baccalaureate (IB) system, charging up to VND572 million ($22,528) per year.

ISHCMC's fees can reach VND725 million per year.