Why I choose public education for my child, even though I can afford an international school

I believe there is no single "right" or "wrong" answer when it comes to choosing a school for our children. Just as our tastes in clothes or shoes vary, so too do our preferences in education.

What truly matters is the financial capacity of each family and the mindset to adapt when necessary.

Students at a public primary school in Ho Chi Minh City, September 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Despite having the financial means to send my children to private schools, I opted to enroll them in public schools. I believe in the public system because it offers a vast network, well-funded curriculum, advanced teaching methods, and solid facilities. As long as students arrive with a serious attitude towards learning, and there is strong collaboration between parents and teachers, the results will undoubtedly be positive.

As parents, we often point fingers at schools or teachers, yet fail to ask ourselves: How much do we truly understand about the school’s policies, regulations, and expectations? Have we taken the time to learn about the teachers’ backgrounds, their teaching styles, strengths, and weaknesses? Are we aware of the curriculum and how the school aims to nurture our children’s skills?

While schools and teachers certainly have their responsibilities, parents and students also have theirs. Education is most effective when all three parties—teachers, parents, and students—work together, providing mutual support and maintaining open communication.

I often remind myself of the saying: "If you want your children to succeed, you must respect their teachers." I believe this idea has never been more relevant. "Respect" here doesn't simply mean giving gifts or saying thank you; it involves truly valuing the teaching profession, supporting the educational process, and caring about how our children are being taught. When both parents and teachers work together, setting aside any mistrust or negativity, and focusing on what's best for the student, the outcomes will be far more successful.

Ultimately, choosing a school and a teacher is about determining how our children will learn and grow. There is no one-size-fits-all formula for this journey.