Scrutiny Grows Over Chinese Influence in American Private Schools

Amid the U.S. government’s evolving stance toward China, scrutiny intensifies over the significant ownership presence of Spring Educational Group, managed by a firm led by Fred Hu, commonly referred to as “Red Fred,” a professed Chinese nationalist. Operating a vast network of 240 schools spanning 19 states, ranging from Montessori institutions in Southern California to private schools in New York, Washington, and Virginia, Spring Education’s ownership sparked minimal attention until recent years. In 2019, New York City parents began inquiring about potential tuition hikes post-acquisition, escalating scrutiny resurfaced in 2023 when Gov. Ron DeSantis excluded Spring Education from state scholarship…