On August 24, 2023, parents in Ho Chi Minh City were taken aback when PennSchool, located on Ba Thang Hai Street, unexpectedly closed its doors on the first day students were scheduled to return to school. The sudden closure has raised concerns among the parents of over 400 students enrolled at the institution.

Nguyen Thanh Trung, Head of the Culture and Society Department of Hoa Hung Ward, confirmed that local authorities were informed by parents about the closure and have requested an urgent report from the school. "The school did not notify the ward about the closure before it happened," Trung stated. He emphasized that the educational rights of the students must be prioritized during this unexpected situation.

In response to the closure, Hoa Hung Ward has reached out to other schools in the area, encouraging them to assist parents who may wish to transfer their children. "We will ensure that there are enough spots available for the students. It is important that the choice lies with the parents and the agreement with the schools," Trung added.

Despite the closure of the Ba Thang Hai campus, PennSchool operates another facility on Tran Binh Trong Street, which is expected to accommodate approximately 400 students. However, whether students will continue their education at PennSchool or transfer to other institutions will depend on parental preferences and agreements with the schools.

On the morning of the closure, many parents were left in disbelief, especially since the school had previously communicated plans for the academic year, including activities for students on the first day. According to earlier announcements, students were to participate in orientation activities and have lunch at the school's premises.

A banner was displayed at the school entrance announcing the reclamation of the student dormitory used by PennSchool, stating that the property would be reclaimed starting July 1 due to the expiration of their lease agreement. This unexpected closure, just as the new school year was about to begin, has left many parents worried about their children's education.

PennSchool was established in 2020 and offers an American curriculum for students from preschool through grade 12. Tuition fees range from 100 to 400 million VND per year.