Dong Thap Announces 2026-2027 School Year Schedule

(DTO) On August 17, Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee Vice Chairman Huynh Minh Tuan signed Decision No. 2644/QD-UBND, issuing the schedule framework for the 2026-2027 school year for preschool, general and continuing education in the province. 

Accordingly, the 2026-2027 school year will begin on September 5. Schools may have students return to school no earlier than one week before the first day of school; first, ninth and twelfth graders may return no earlier than two weeks beforehand. 

For preschool and general education, the school year will comprise 35 weeks of instruction, including 18 weeks in the first semester and 17 weeks in the second. The first semester must end before January 11, 2027, while the curriculum and school year must be completed before May 31, 2027. 

At the preschool level, children will be welcomed and settle into routines from August 28 to September 4. The “First Day of School” celebration will be held on September 5, with the official curriculum beginning on September 7. 

At the primary level, first graders will return to school on August 24, while students in grades 2 through 5 will return on August 28. The first semester will officially begin on September 7 and end no later than January 10, 2027. The school year must end no later than May 30, 2027. 

At the secondary level, ninth and twelfth graders will return to school on August 22, while students in grades 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 will return on August 29. Before the start of the school year, schools will help students settle into routines, hold beginning-of-year activities, organize review sessions and reinforce knowledge for ninth and twelfth graders, while preparing the necessary conditions for the new school year. 

For continuing lower and upper secondary education, students will return to school on August 29. The first semester will begin on September 7 and end no later than January 10, 2027; the second semester will begin on January 11, 2027 and end no later than May 23, 2027. The school year must end no later than May 30, 2027. 

Dong Thap requires the recognition of completion of primary and lower secondary education to be completed before June 30, 2027, and enrollment for entry-level grades to be completed before July 31, 2027. The 2027 high school graduation examination is expected to take place on June 11 and 12, 2027. 

The Lunar New Year holiday and other public holidays will follow the Labor Code and guidance from the Provincial People’s Committee. In the event of extreme weather or natural disasters, the Director of the Department of Education and Training may decide to suspend classes and arrange make-up lessons to ensure the school year’s schedule is maintained. 

Decision No. 2644/QD-UBND takes effect from the date of signing. 

By H. THONG
Translated by ANH DUC