Da Nang schools charge parents for late pickup to ease traffic, support teachers

Under the city’s 2022 Resolution 98, schools can organize extracurricular classes for students staying past 4:30 pm, with fees capped at VND15,000 per student per hour.

Participation is voluntary and fees are split, with 80 percent going to teachers and 20 percent for operational costs such as utilities and security.

Ly Cong Uan Elementary School said about half of the parents registered for the program, which offers basketball, badminton, martial arts, STEM, art, and life skills classes.

The school's principal said it has reduced congestion during peak pickup times and provided teachers with extra income ranging from VND2 million ($76) to VND6 million ($227.5) per month.

Not all schools can implement the program.

Hong Quang Elementary School cited limited facilities and staff shortages, while local kindergartens said additional fees for late pickups may strain teachers and disrupt family routines.

Da Nang’s approach follows Hanoi, which will begin charging VND12,000 ($0.5) per hour for late or early drop-offs in the 2025-26 school year.