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Singapore Korean International School

Singapore

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Korean
Fees SGD 12,317 - 22,943
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 450
Type Co-educational
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Korean Curriculum
Taught languages Korean, Mandarin, English
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Singapore Korean International School (SKIS) caters for students aged 3 to 18, from kindergarten through to high school. The curriculum combines the Korean Nuri Curriculum with international elements, primarily instructing in Korean while incorporating English and Chinese language programs to promote multilingual proficiency. Facilities include a library with extensive Korean-language resources, an outdoors sports court, and a multipurpose hall. A distinctive feature of SKIS is its Saturday Hangul School, designed to enhance Korean language skills and cultural understanding among students from local and international backgrounds.

71 Bukit Tinggi Rd, Singapore 289759

The Essentials

Singapore Korean International School has 450 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English, Korean.

Location

SKIS is located at 71 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289759, in the Bukit Timah education belt. This leafy residential area is known for its cluster of international schools and embassies.

Stages

Singapore Korean International School offers education from kindergarten through senior high school. The school is structured into Kindergarten, Elementary School (Grades 1–6), Middle School (Grades 7–9), and High School (Grades 10–12)

Type

SKIS is a co-educational school and does not offer boarding.

Additional learning support

SKIS provides additional learning support through personalized attention from teachers, enabled by small class sizes averaging 15–20 students. In elementary years, struggling students receive targeted after-school tutoring or review sessions to reinforce essential concepts. At middle and high school levels, teachers and counselors collaborate to offer focused coaching such as extra English practice or supplementary Korean lessons.

Country affiliation

SKIS is officially affiliated with South Korea. It is one of the 31 overseas Korean international schools approved by the Korean Ministry of Education, which means its curriculum and credentials are recognized by the Korean government.

Religious affiliation

SKIS has no religious affiliation. It is a secular school and families from any faith or background are welcome.

School day structure

The typical school day at SKIS starts around 8:30am and ends around 4:00pm​. There is a morning recess (a short break) and a longer lunch break midday.

Bus service

For student transportation, SKIS provides a shuttle bus service that connects the school with key transit hubs. The school operates free shuttle buses to and from Newton MRT station and Clementi MRT station each school day​.
Fees

Annual tuition at Singapore Korean International School ranges from SGD 12,317 to SGD 22,943 for 2026/27.

Academics

Singapore Korean International School teaches Korean Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

SKIS follows the South Korean national curriculum blended with international elements, including the Cambridge International Primary Programme at elementary level. Kindergarten students learn through Korea’s Nuri Curriculum, emphasizing foundational skills in Korean, English, and Mandarin. In elementary school, core subjects like Korean language, social studies, and math are complemented by English-medium instruction in math and science. Middle and high school students study the Korean national syllabus and can also take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, allowing them to earn internationally recognized university credits. The curriculum incorporates Korean cultural education, including Taekwondo, traditional dance, and ethics.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

SKIS emphasizes social and emotional learning by integrating character education and cultural values throughout daily school life. Homeroom teachers play a key role, providing close mentoring and individualized attention to students, regularly monitoring their emotional wellbeing. SEL initiatives include classroom lessons on Korean etiquette, teamwork, responsibility, and respect. Counselors and teachers collaborate closely to support students facing emotional challenges, particularly those adjusting to life overseas.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

SKIS is not a specialist SEN institution but supports students with mild to moderate learning difficulties within regular classes. Teachers provide tailored support through differentiated instruction, individual study plans ("study maps"), and targeted after-school tutoring for subjects where students need extra help. The school currently does not have dedicated SEN specialists or extensive facilities for severe disabilities.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

SKIS actively supports students whose first language is not English, providing structured EAL instruction integrated into daily lessons from kindergarten upwards. Native English-speaking teachers deliver targeted language instruction through dedicated lessons and classroom support, following the Cambridge International Primary Programme. Younger students receive immersive language teaching, with approximately 17 hours per week devoted to English language development, including subjects like English math and science. Additional small-group EAL classes ensure learners who need extra help can develop proficiency at their own pace. By middle and high school, students continue receiving language support through tailored instruction and language immersion in academic subjects.

Mental Wellbeing

SKIS prioritizes student mental wellbeing through a supportive environment led by teachers, counselors, and school administrators. The school counselor provides personal and academic guidance, helping students manage stress and emotional challenges, particularly related to adapting to international school life. Regular pastoral care sessions conducted by homeroom teachers address topics like stress management, adapting to new environments, and interpersonal skills. Peer mentoring between older and younger students further encourages emotional resilience and community building.

Safeguarding

SKIS maintains comprehensive safeguarding and child protection policies aligned with international standards. All staff undergo mandatory background checks and regular training in child protection protocols, including required courses on safeguarding. A dedicated Child Protection Officer, typically the school counselor or senior staff member, oversees safeguarding implementation and provides clear reporting procedures for concerns. The campus itself is secured, with controlled entry points and continuous supervision of students during school hours. SKIS promotes open communication, ensuring students feel comfortable reporting issues, supported by regular workshops on personal safety, digital citizenship, and anti-bullying initiatives.
Parent Experience

History

SKIS was established in March 1993 with support from the Korean community and the South Korean government to serve Korean expatriate families in Singapore. Initially starting with 58 students and 6 teachers, the school significantly expanded over the years. In November 2010, SKIS moved to its current purpose-built campus in Bukit Timah, allowing further growth and improved facilities.

Community

SKIS has an active and closely connected community centered around Korean culture while welcoming international diversity. The school regularly hosts events like Korean Culture Day, Seollal (Lunar New Year), and Chuseok (Mid-Autumn Festival), which feature traditional Korean games, performances, and cultural activities. SKIS also participates in joint events and sports competitions with neighboring international schools, enhancing community engagement and fostering intercultural friendships.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

SKIS's Parent Teacher Association (PTA) acts as an important link between families and the school administration, organizing regular meetings and events throughout the year. The PTA helps coordinate cultural celebrations, including Seollal and Chuseok festivals, by assisting in organizing booths and activities. It also hosts popular annual events such as the International Food Day and the Book Fair and Bazaar, both aimed at community building and fundraising. Furthermore, the PTA manages a welcoming "buddy program" for new families, easing their transition into the school community.
Reputation

Awards

The school community (teachers or programs) occasionally receives local accolades. For example, SKIS’s commitment to trilingual education and cultural exchange has been featured in media like The Korea Times, but formal awards are rare.

Accreditations

Korean Ministry of Education (MOE), Republic of Korea: Confirms SKIS follows official Korean education standards, recognized for entry into Korean universities.

Committee for Private Education (CPE), Singapore: Ensures SKIS complies with Singapore’s regulations for international schools, covering governance, safety, and quality assurance.

Cambridge International School Certification: Allows SKIS to implement the Cambridge International Primary Programme, providing internationally benchmarked curriculum and assessments.

College Board AP Authorization: Enables SKIS to deliver Advanced Placement courses, allowing students to take internationally recognized AP exams for university credit.
Admissions

Admissions

Submit an Application Form with Documents. Fill out SKIS’s application form for your child. Along with the form, you need to provide required documents. An application fee may also be payable at this stage.

Admission Assessment & Interview. Once the application is received, the SKIS admissions team will review it. They may then schedule an assessment or interview for your child. For younger kids (Kindergarten/Grade 1), this could be a casual observation or simple readiness test. For older students, SKIS often conducts placement tests in key subjects to gauge the student’s current level. After the assessment, the admissions committee will make a decision, usually within a couple of weeks.

Offer of Place and Acceptance. If your child is accepted, SKIS will send you an Offer Letter or acceptance email. This will include the grade level placement, the start date (and any orientation info), and an invoice for the initial fees. To confirm the place, you need to pay the required fees by the deadline. Once you send the proof of payment, the school will confirm your child’s enrollment.

Orientation and Start of School. Before the first day of classes, SKIS may host an orientation session for new students and their parents. You’ll receive information about school uniforms (which you can purchase on campus or from designated suppliers), textbooks, the school calendar, and your child’s class assignment.

Scholarships

SKIS does not offer any formal scholarships or financial aid programs at this time.

Waitlist

SKIS occasionally operates a waitlist system when certain grade levels are full. If your child’s application is accepted in principle but no seat is available immediately, the school will place you in a wait pool. The admissions team will inform you of your waitlist status in writing. Admission is usually offered in the order of completed applications or with priority considerations (e.g. Korean nationals might get first priority on the waitlist).

Being on the waitlist requires a bit of patience – the school will update you if movement is expected (for example, at semester breaks when families relocate). If a spot becomes free, the school contacts the next family in line to offer enrollment. It’s a good idea to stay in touch with the admissions office if you’re waitlisted, to reaffirm your continued interest.

In some cases, the school might invite waitlisted students to school events or Saturday programs in the meantime, to keep them engaged.
School Events
The school has not added events