What time does school start and end in Vietnam?

The Vietnamese School Day: An Early Start to a Busy Schedule

The sound of cicadas chirping often marks the beginning of the school day for many Vietnamese students – a day that starts considerably earlier than what many in other parts of the world might consider typical. Forget leisurely mornings; for Vietnamese students, the day frequently begins before the sun even fully rises.

The typical school day commences with a rapid-fire morning routine. Many students are awake well before sunrise, rushing through breakfast – a quick bite to fuel the long day ahead. By 6:30 AM, the hallways of schools across Vietnam are already bustling with activity. While official class times vary slightly depending on the grade level and specific school, the majority of students find themselves seated in their classrooms between 6:45 AM and 7:00 AM.

This early start isn’t merely about the bell ringing. For some, the 6:30 AM arrival time isn’t the beginning of their school day at all. Many students arrive even earlier to participate in extracurricular activities, complete assigned morning chores, or simply to find a quiet space to prepare for the day’s lessons. This underscores the dedication and commitment woven into the fabric of the Vietnamese educational system.

The schedule extends well into the afternoon, with school typically concluding between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM for primary school students and continuing later for secondary students, often ending around 4:00 PM or even later depending on the extracurricular commitments. The exact timing is subject to variations based on location, school policies, and the specific curriculum.

The early start and long day highlight a cultural emphasis on education and the importance placed on academic achievement within Vietnamese society. This rigorous schedule, while demanding, contributes to the country’s well-regarded educational standards and fosters a strong work ethic in its young population. Understanding this early start time provides valuable insight into the daily lives and dedication of Vietnamese students, offering a glimpse into the heart of their academic experience.