Private schools accused of ending classes early despite full tuition payments

Some Moroccan parents are voicing frustration with private schools that have reportedly instructed students not to attend classes in June, despite tuition payments being made for the full month.

Parents claim the move violates official guidelines issued by the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, which mandates that the academic year continue through the end of June. Under ministry regulations, private schools are required to honor the full academic calendar and uphold a model contract ensuring 10 months of instruction.

“The school year isn’t over yet, and we’re still being asked to pay full fees while our children are being told not to come in,” one parent said on social media.

Mohamed Henssali, president of the Moroccan Association of Private Education, rejected the accusations, insisting that private institutions comply with all official timelines. He stated that the academic year begins in September and ends in June, as per ministerial decisions, and that private schools respect the school calendar.

“Private schools do not stop teaching. They don’t experience interruptions from strikes or protests like the public system might,” Henssali told Hespress AR. He added that schools continue operating during June, offering exams, review sessions, and additional support classes, particularly for students preparing for national exams. Some even provide weekend and holiday tutoring, he said.

Henssali expressed skepticism over the complaints, calling the idea that some schools would suspend operations while others continue “damaging to the sector’s competitiveness.” He also questioned the logic of asking parents to pay for a month during which their children would not attend school.

The president of the National Federation of Parents’ Associations told Hespress AR that his organization has not received any official complaints regarding early school closures in the private sector.

The issue highlights longstanding tensions between parents and private education providers in Morocco, where tuition costs can be significant and expectations around service delivery are high.