Early school start for grades 1, 9, 12: A solid stepping stone for the new school year

*Students of Dai Thinh A Primary School (Quang Minh Commune). Photo: Thai Thanh*

The 2025-2026 school year marks an important change when first, ninth and twelfth graders will return to school two weeks earlier than the first day of school.

This policy not only helps first-grade students get used to the new learning environment, but is also a solid stepping stone for senior students to start early, reducing pressure before the transfer exam.

Grade 1: Two weeks of familiarization and discipline

If every year, first graders are the only group that starts school earlier than other classes to get used to the new learning environment, this year, the Ministry of Education and Training continues to maintain this. This is a decision that is highly agreed and supported by schools, teachers and parents.

*First graders have 2 weeks to get acquainted and practice before the new school year begins. Photo: Thai Thanh*

At Van Yen Primary School (Ha Dong Ward), preparations for the early school opening are being urgently implemented. Ms. Phuong Thi Thin, Principal of the school, said: “We have created a separate timetable for the two weeks before the opening ceremony, prioritizing activities to help children get acquainted with the school, teachers and learning routine. This is a very important stage for children to be able to smoothly transition from preschool to primary school.”

During the first two weeks, first graders will be instructed on how to hold a pen, how to sit, how to use books, prepare school supplies, and get familiar with the timetable and classroom rules. This will help them not feel confused and be ready to enter the official curriculum after the first day of school.

Parent Nguyen Thi Mai (Mo Lao ward) whose child is about to enter first grade shared: “I strongly support the policy of allowing first graders to start school early. My child is quite shy, so if he can go to school early and get to know his teachers and friends, he will be much more confident when he officially starts school.”

Organizing a separate time for first graders to practice discipline before the first day of school also helps teachers have enough time to observe and grasp the psychology of students, thereby adjusting appropriate educational methods. If first graders go to school with other grades, teachers will have to start teaching according to the program right away, not having enough time to support students to adapt.

Grade 9 and Grade 12: Start early, reduce pressure from transfer exams

A new point that is receiving special attention from the public is that the Ministry of Education and Training allows 9th and 12th graders to return to school two weeks before the start of the school year. This is the first time that this regulation has been applied to final year students.

*Grade 9 and 12 students get an early start, reducing the pressure of the transfer exam. Photo: Le Nguyen*

According to Decision No. 2269/QD-BGDDT dated August 11, 2025 of the Ministry of Education and Training, 9th and 12th graders are allowed to go to school early to prepare well for the transition and graduation exams - exams that are increasingly competitive and stressful.

In particular, the 2026 high school graduation exam is expected to take place about 2 weeks earlier than last year, specifically on June 11 and 12, 2026. This means that the entire schedule for the 2025-2026 school year must be adjusted accordingly.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a 9th grade literature teacher at a middle school in O Cho Dua ward, commented: “9th graders not only have to study the 9th grade curriculum but also have to prepare graduation documents and review for the 10th grade entrance exam for the 2026-2027 school year. The two weeks before the start of school will help them get used to the learning rhythm, review summer knowledge and reduce pressure when entering the official learning period.”

Nguyen Minh Khoa, a parent of a student at Trung Vuong Secondary School (Cua Nam Ward), shared: “My child is very happy that this year, grade 9 students will be able to return to school early. The first two weeks will be a golden time for my child and his friends to restart their learning spirit after the summer vacation. Grade 9 is an important school year, having to take the entrance exam to grade 10, so meeting teachers early, reviewing old knowledge, and having a clear direction in studying the entrance exam subjects will help students feel less pressured. The family hopes that the school will soon provide information about the entrance exam to grade 10 so that students can have a clear study plan from the beginning of the year.”

Similarly, in high school, starting 12th graders early is also a necessary solution. Tran Khanh Linh, a student at Hoang Van Thu High School, expressed: Grade 12 is a year of great pressure because we have to study all the subjects, review for graduation exams, and participate in university entrance exams.

"I think it is reasonable to start school two weeks earlier than the opening day. This time will help me get used to the curriculum, review basic knowledge, and clearly identify university entrance exam subjects to focus on early. Moreover, if the graduation exam is held earlier next year, studying early will also help teachers plan their review properly and not rush at the end of the year," said Tran Khanh Linh.

According to some administrators, if an unusual situation such as a natural disaster or epidemic occurs, it will be difficult for schools to ensure enough time to review and complete the program before the graduation exam. Therefore, it is reasonable and necessary for 12th graders to return to school early.

Going to school two weeks earlier than the opening day also helps students get a thorough start, ready to catch up with their studies right after the opening day.

According to Hanoimoi.vn

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202508/tuu-truong-som-voi-lop-1-9-12-buoc-dem-vung-chac-cho-nam-hoc-moi-5077c89/