Hanoi's Viet Duc High School Unveils European-Inspired Facade After $12 Million Renovation

Viet Duc High School (THPT Việt Đức) in Hanoi, renowned as one of the country's top academic institutions, has unveiled its transformed campus following a VND300 billion ($12 million) renovation. After 1.5 years of extensive upgrades, a new 6-story building featuring a European-style spiral staircase now stands alongside the school's nearly 120-year-old French colonial architecture. Established in 1897, the school annually admits around 900 students and consistently maintains the highest admission scores in Hanoi, averaging 8.5-8.7 points per subject. Previously, the campus lacked specialized subject classrooms and suffered from aging infrastructure, prompting the significant investment in its modernization. The new building comprises six floors above ground and one basement level for parking. Its lower floors are painted in a light yellow, while the upper floors feature a brick-red hue, designed to harmonize with the classic French architecture of the existing Building A. The design incorporates an atrium for optimal natural light and an outdoor spiral staircase, intended to encourage student movement and physical activity. Each classroom is equipped with modern educational technology, including projectors, ceiling fans, LED lighting, air conditioners, and smart slide blackboards. The renovated campus also includes new specialized rooms for art, music, and high-quality foreign language instruction, as well as facilities for students with disabilities, a gymnasium, and performance spaces. The total number of classrooms has increased by 15 to 40, enabling the school to accommodate up to 63 classes and approximately 3,000 students. Building A, the historic French colonial structure dating back to the 19th century, has been preserved in its near-original state and is slated for future restoration and lighting enhancements. Students have expressed excitement over the upgraded facilities, with some remarking that the school's infrastructure rivals that of international schools, anticipating a boost in their motivation to learn.