[IN THEIR WORDS] What Parents have seen in three years of their child growing at PennSchool

Three years at PennSchool have opened up a new horizon for Le Hoang Hai Yen, where she has gradually overcome her initial uncertainties, discovered her confidence, and begun to shape her own sense of identity. In this story, hear about Hai Yen’s journey of growth in the words of her family.

The very first hopes and expectations

As Hai Yen was preparing to enter Grade 1, her Parents explored and considered various educational programs, including Australian, American, and Cambridge curricula for a future study abroad plan. After careful research and consultation, they chose to place their trust in PennSchool.

“Beyond the expectations for the academic program, we wanted Hai Yen to grow in a dynamic environment where she could develop academically, physically, and in terms of life skills. We also hoped she would feel comfortable sharing her ideas, asking questions, expressing her opinions, and exploring her creativity in her own way”, the Parents shared about what they were looking for in a school for their daughter.

Before she could confidently do all of that, however, Hai Yen needed time to adjust.

When initial uncertainties turned into confidence

When she entered Grade 1, Hai Yen had to adapt to a new environment and an educational program taught entirely in English. It was not an easy transition at first.

“Some days when Hai Yen comes home from school, she tells me that there are times in class when she doesn’t understand what the teachers are saying because she’s still getting used to listening and speaking in English”, her Parents recalled.

However, after just a few months, Hai Yen began to show significant progress. English was no longer a barrier to her learning, and her academic performance also improved considerably.

“Her progress was remarkable, and English was no longer an obstacle for her at school. She has also achieved very good academic results across her subjects. At school, simply listening to her teachers and practicing as instructed is enough for her to remember what she has learned in class. She does not need to spend extra time reviewing lessons at home, which gives her more time to rest, have fun, and develop other knowledge and skills”, her Parents shared.

Now in her third year at PennSchool, Hai Yen has continued to grow in many ways. According to her Parents, what is most encouraging is not only Hai Yen’s academic progress, but also the fact that she has become increasingly comfortable and happy with her school life.

“She genuinely enjoys her time at school. Sometimes, she even jokingly says that she wants to go to PennSchool every day,” her Parents shared.

A small moment, a big change

Some changes do not come from major milestones, but are revealed through the simplest, everyday moments. For Hai Yen’s Parents, a conversation on the way to school and the way she takes the initiative to approach her teachers to find answers to the things that spark her curiosity have become moments they remember fondly.

“On the way to school, Hai Yen and I were talking about the number of cars in the United States and Vietnam. Perhaps she was not completely satisfied with my answer, because as soon as we arrived at school, she ran straight to the Principal’s office to ask Mr. Tim for an answer.

That was the moment I realized how much more confident Hai Yen had become. She was no longer held back by the language barrier and felt comfortable approaching and talking with her teachers”, her mother said.

From a shy girl who was once hesitant and unfamiliar with communicating in English to a student who confidently asks questions and seeks answers, Hai Yen’s journey continues to open up new and broader horizons each day.

For her Parents, perhaps the most meaningful part of choosing to accompany Hai Yen on her three-year journey at PennSchool has been seeing her grow more confident, open-minded, and proactive each day, not only in her learning, but also in the way she explores the world around her, embraces new experiences, and feels confident being herself. 

IN THEIR WORDS is where stories from the PennSchool community are told in the words of those who live them – from everyday experiences and small changes to meaningful milestones along the journey of growing up. Join us through IN THEIR WORDS to hear these stories and discover how each member of the PennSchool community is looking toward their own horizon, where today’s experiences can become the starting point for something new tomorrow.