Teachers&Students in Limbo ： Int’l School Can't Open Term for。。。

Source: OT-Team(G)，

  An international school in Shenzhen is facing a financial crisis, leaving teachers and students stranded.

  A recent social media post has brought attention to the financial difficulties facing Episteme International Academy (Shenzhen Zhiyin International Academy), a DSE-focused school in Shenzhen. According to the post, the academy is struggling with severe financial issues, including an inability to pay staff salaries and the risk of not being able to open for the upcoming semester.

  The post identified the school in question as Episteme International Academy, a private institution offering DSE courses. The academy, which began operating as part of Hongyi Senior High School's international department in 2024, has faced mounting financial challenges in recent months.

  The user behind the post shared that the school experienced a suspension of water and electricity services last year due to financial problems. Furthermore, staff salaries have not been paid for several months, and the school has failed to fulfill its financial obligations. As the new school term approaches, the situation has escalated, with Hongyi High School reportedly barring both students and teachers from entering the premises. Most of the teachers and students have already found alternative placements at other schools or institutions.

  Episteme International Academy was established by an experienced team of educators from Guangdong Province, with each member claiming over 10 years of expertise in teaching DSE. The school was designed to provide a comprehensive DSE curriculum, along with specialized classes in the arts and preparatory programs for university entry. In December 2024, the academy's official WeChat account announced its authorization as a mainland examination center for Hong Kong's DSE mock exams. However, just a year into its operation, the school now faces serious financial instability.

  Beginning in 2024, the school's financial troubles became evident as internal mismanagement led to a breakdown in its funding chain, severely impacting the school's operations. In October of the same year, rumors began circulating that the DSE course teachers had not received their salaries. Despite repeated promises to resolve the issue, payments have not been made, with no clear explanation for the delays. The situation worsened when the school failed to pay its share of revenue to partner schools, prompting these schools to bar DSE instructors from entering their campuses.

  This financial crisis has ultimately affected students and parents. Those who had returned to campus to continue their studies were forced to leave, and many senior students preparing for their final exams are now uncertain about their academic future. The local education bureau has officially stepped in, and efforts are underway to find alternative schools to accommodate the displaced students.