Foreign Language Specialized School, commonly known as FLSS or CNN, is a national public magnet high school/university-preparatory school in Hanoi, Vietnam. A part of University of Languages and International Studies — VNU, the school is one of the three national gifted high schools in Hanoi, along with HNUE Gifted High School and Natural Science Gifted High School. Currently, FLSS is Vietnam's only high school specializing in teaching foreign languages. Similar to other national magnet high schools, FLSS is recognized for its strong academic programs and its large percentage of graduates attending the most prestigious universities in Vietnam and abroad. FLSS ranks third nationally in the 2012 Vietnam university admission ranking. Admission to FLSS is by competitive examination only, which until 2016 consisted of three subjects: Declared specialized foreign language, mathematics, and literature. The 2017 admission process adopts a more comprehensive approach. There are three parts to the admission exams: one on declared foreign language, one on mathematics and natural science subjects, and one on literature and social science subjects. For the language exams, except forEnglish, others require an interview round beside the written tests. FLSS is one of the most selective high schools in Vietnam with an acceptance rate of 1/9.2 in 2017. A student from FLSS is usually referred to as a CNNer.
December 1969, Class of 1972 had to evacuate to Tho Trai, Tien Son, Ha Bac.
In 1971, teachers and students returned to the College of Foreign Languages in Hanoi and classes took place in cottages, commonly known as the "Banana Garden." The President of the College of Foreign Languages appointed Nguyen Thao Luoc, Ph.D. to be the new program director
In 1972, during the war, two evacuations took place, one to Hong Ha, Dan Phuong, Son Tay and one to Quang Trung, An Thi, Hai Hung.
In 1973, the school returned to the College of Foreign Languages.
In 1977, Vu Thi Viet, Ph.D. became the new program director.
In 1986, classes for ethnic minority student were opened.
In 1987, the program started college-preparatory classes.
In 1988, the program extended to semi-public model with tuition-based classes.
In 1989, FLSS students first participated in National Competition for Foreign Language. The program extended to Middle School levels the same year.
In 1990, The President of the College of Foreign Languages* officially founded the Foreign Language Specialized School based on the program. Nguyen Phu Cuong, Ph.D. became the first headmaster of FLSS.
In 1992, based on the middle school level and the tuition-based high school level classes, the People's Committee of Hanoi adopted the proposal to open FLSS semi-public middle school and high school.
In 1993, French intensive courses for first graders were first introduced.
In 1994, FLSS was awarded the Third-degree Labor Medal from Vietnam Central Government. French intensive courses were extended to sixth graders.
In 1995, FLSS opened its English intensive courses for first graders.
In 1997, based on language-intensive courses for elementary level, the People's Committee of Hanoi signed the order on the opening of Doan Thi Diem private elementary school.
In 1998, College of Foreign Languages designated Nguyen Thi Chi, Ph.D. as the school's first headmistress. In the same year, as the public segment of the school moved to the new area built for gifted schools, the semi-public and private schools officially separated themselves from FLSS.
The school was awarded the Second-degree Labor Medal in 1999 and the First-degree one in 2004.
In 2005, German and Japanese specialized classes were first opened. By this time, FLSS offered specialization in six languages: English, Russian, French, Chinese Mandarin, German, and Japanese.
In 2007, Le Thi Chinh, Ph.D. was appointed as FLSS's second headmistress.
In 2008, FLSS was awarded the National Labor Union Award and the Prime Minister's Honor. In September of the same year, FLSS included second foreign language training in the mandatory curriculum.
The school celebrated its 40th anniversary in the 2009 fall semester.
In 2009, FLSS first participated in the National Competition for Chinese Mandarin. Students also took some of the Natural Science classes in English for the first time this year.
In 2012, Nguyen Thanh Van, Ph.D. was appointed as the next FLSS's headmaster.
In 2017, Korean was added to the teaching program, which became the seventh language taught at FLSS. The format of the entrance test has also been changed into 'Multiple Choice' for Maths and Natural Sciences and the Vietnamese language and Literature, and Social Sciences.
Curriculum
The school offers seven foreign languages in its curriculum. Russian, English and Mandarin Chinese were its three initial linguistic subjects before 1980-1981 semester. French, German, Japanese were added afterwards. Korean has been taught since 2015 as a second foreign language and since 2017 as one of the primary. Students are arranged into classes specializing in one primary foreign language. Since the academic year of 2008-2009, two foreign language courses have been required for every FLSS student. Since the academic year 2009-2010, FLSS has implemented teaching Maths through English.
