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Atherton International School

South Korea, Geoje

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₩34,357,564 - 47,016,343
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 124
Type Co-educational
Opened 2002
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages Korean, Spanish
Typical class size 15
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Atherton International School (AIS) also formerly known as Okpo International School in Okpo-dong, Geoje City, educates students aged 2 to 18 using a combination of British and international curricula, including the EYFS, IEYC, IPC, IMYC, Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels. The school follows the English National Curriculum in Early Years, Primary and Middle School and Cambridge qualifications in High School, preparing students for global university pathways. Class sizes average 12–15 students, fostering individualized learning. AIS promotes leadership and resilience through programs such as the William Pike Challenge Award and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. The campus offers specialist facilities for music, art, drama, design and science. The school also runs a school bus service and teaches Korean alongside English instruction. Atherton’s location on Geoje Island, a coastal city near Busan, places it within a vibrant expatriate community supported by local industry and international families.

9-8 Seogando-gil, Okpo-dong, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea

The Essentials

Atherton International School has 124 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
Atherton International School is located on Geoje Island in Okpo-dong, Geoje City, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. The campus address is 9-8 Seogando-gil, Okpo-dong, Geoje 53227. Geoje Island sits off Korea's southeast coast and AIS serves both international families and local Korean residents within the Okpo district. The public address confirms the campus location in Geoje, Republic of Korea.

Stages
AIS educates students from age 2 to 18, spanning Early Years to Year 13. The school's program is structured as Early Years (age 2–5), Primary (age 5–11), Middle School (age 12–15), and High School (age 15–18). The curriculum combines the English National Curriculum (EYFS/Primary/Middle) with Cambridge International qualifications (IGCSE and A Levels) for the senior years, along with IMYC/IPC in appropriate stages.

Type
The school type is a co-educational, day international school offering a British Curriculum. AIS welcomes both international students and qualifying Koreans and does not operate boarding facilities.

Additional learning support
AIS provides ongoing assessment and adapts lessons to support each child's individual learning needs within the classroom setting. Specific dedicated SEN provisions are not publicly listed on AIS pages.

Country affiliation
AIS operates in Korea and follows a British Curriculum rather than a national Korean system; there is no formal country affiliation stated.

Religious affiliation
AIS does not indicate any religious affiliation in its public materials.

School day structure
Specific daily start and end times are not published publicly. AIS offices are open 8:00 am–5:00 pm, Monday–Friday, and visits can be scheduled through the contact channels. For exact school-day timings, please contact AIS admissions.

Bus service
AIS offers a school bus service. Public listings and third-party databases confirm a bus service is provided, though route details are not published on AIS pages.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of the Deokbu Foundation, which manages Geoje University along with AIS.
Fees

Annual tuition at Atherton International School ranges from KRW 34,357,564 to KRW 47,016,343 for 2026/27.

Application / Enrollment Fee
- Enrollment fee: USD 1,000 per student (applies to all students, new and returning). This enrollment fee is non-refundable and covers registration and administration.

Tuition fees (annual) — amounts by year group
- New students (annual):
- Nursery, Foundation, Reception: USD 24,780.
- Year 1 – Year 6: USD 28,560.
- Year 7 – Year 9: USD 32,020.
- Year 10 – Year 13: USD 33,910.

- Returning students (annual):
- Nursery, Foundation, Reception: USD 21,210.
- Year 1 – Year 6: USD 24,880.
- Year 7 – Year 9: USD 28,350.
- Year 10 – Year 13: USD 30,340.

Approximate per-term amounts (calculation note)
- The school issues a tuition invoice (example: Tuition Fee Invoice issued June 2, 2025; due June 27, 2025). The published figures are annual amounts. If one divides the annual tuition equally into three terms (an approximate calculation only), the per-term figures would be approximately:
- New students per-term (annual ÷ 3): Nursery/Foundation/Reception ≈ USD 8,260; Year 1–6 ≈ USD 9,520; Year 7–9 ≈ USD 10,673.33; Year 10–13 ≈ USD 11,303.33.
- Returning students per-term (annual ÷ 3): Nursery/Foundation/Reception ≈ USD 7,070; Year 1–6 ≈ USD 8,293.33; Year 7–9 ≈ USD 9,450; Year 10–13 ≈ USD 10,113.33.
- Note: these per-term figures are approximations derived from the published annual tuition and assume equal division into three terms; they are not published per-term rates. The published invoices show annual billing timing.

Transportation (school bus)
- Geoje school transportation service (full year): USD 2,870. The document lists this amount as a full-year charge. An approximate equal three-term split would be about USD 956.67 per term.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Example invoice schedule for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle: Enrollment Invoice issued May 12, 2025 (due May 23, 2025); Tuition Fee Invoice issued June 2, 2025 (due June 27, 2025). Payment schedules for mid-year entrants vary with start date.
- The school allows consultation for a monthly payment scheme for parents who self-finance their educational costs; arrangements must be made through admissions.
- Late payment: a 5% late fee is charged for any balances not paid by the applicable due date. The school may de-register students whose accounts remain unpaid for a month and may withhold reports, certificates, and records until full payment is received. Accounts not settled may be handed to the school's attorneys for collection.

Boarding fees / boarding provision
- No boarding program or boarding fees are published in the school's 2025–2026 admissions and fees document; there is no listed boarding charge. This school's published fee materials therefore do not include boarding fees.

Other costs and fees
- Exam/test fees: Parents of Higher Years students who wish their children to sit PSAT, SAT, or IGCSE examinations will incur charges for those tests.
- Additional likely costs (not published as fixed fees): uniforms, school meals, personal school supplies, optional extracurricular activities, school trips, and specialist course or resource charges may apply but are not listed as fixed items in the published 2025–2026 fee document. The only explicitly listed additional charge in the published fees document is the cost of applicable external tests for Higher Years.

Refund information
- Only tuition and transportation fees are refundable. The refund amount depends on the student's official withdrawal date and follows this schedule for the 2025–2026 year:
- Withdrawal before Oct 3, 2025: 70% refund of annual tuition and transportation fee.
- Withdrawal Oct 3 – Dec 31, 2025: 50% refund of annual tuition and transportation fee.
- Withdrawal Jan 1 – Feb 28, 2026: 30% refund of annual tuition and transportation fee.
- Withdrawal Mar 1 – Apr 30, 2026: 10% refund of annual tuition and transportation fee.
- As of May 1, 2026: no refund.
- Withdrawal requires 30 days' notice to admissions; refunds (where applicable) are made by bank transfer in USD or KRW within 30 days from the withdrawal date. Fees other than tuition and transportation are non-refundable; no refunds are made for reasons other than withdrawal (for example, temporary leave such as long-term vacation or illness).

Fee payment options and bank details
- Payment is accepted by bank transfer. The school provides both a U.S. Dollar (USD) account and a Korean Won (KRW) account for fee payment. Parents who wish to pay in KRW are instructed to contact admissions for arrangements. The published banking details include:
- USD account — Beneficiary Name: Atherton International School; Bank: Kookmin Bank Okpo Branch; Account Number: 660-42-0006-019; SWIFT: CZNBKRSEXXX.
- KRW account — Beneficiary Name: Atherton International School; Bank: Kookmin Bank Okpo Branch; Account Number: 660837-04-000118.
- No published fee schedule itemizes credit card acceptance for tuition; the published payment information lists bank transfer accounts and directs KRW payers to contact admissions. A monthly payment arrangement is available by consultation for self-funded families.

Outstanding payments
- Parents/guardians who sign the application remain liable for school fees regardless of private arrangements. Students with outstanding fees may face restrictions on attendance; official reports, transfer certificates and records will not be issued until full payment; unresolved accounts may lead to de-registration and debt recovery actions.
Academics

Atherton International School teaches IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
Atherton International School is a British Curriculum School in Geoje, South Korea, educating students from Early Years through Year 13. Early Years (ages 2–5) use a play-based, child-centred approach that aligns with the English National Curriculum's Early Years Foundation Stage, focusing on reading, writing, creativity, and social development. Primary (ages 5–11) follows the English National Curriculum, using White Rose and Pearson schemes, with specialist lessons in art, music, physical education, and Korean Studies. Middle School (ages 12–15) continues with the English National Curriculum, supported by Pearson Maths Progress International and Exploring Science International, with English development and leadership opportunities through the William Pike Challenge Award. High School (ages 15–18) offers Cambridge International IGCSE and A Levels using Cambridge-endorsed textbooks, with the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award included to promote leadership and service.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
AIS places social and emotional learning at the core of its student development. The safeguarding policy states that teachers must build positive relationships with students and act if concerns arise to support students socially and emotionally. The campus includes a dedicated Wellbeing Space designed to support student welfare. The school also supports personal growth through enrichment programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh Outdoor & Adventure Learning scheme. A Year 13 student testimonial describes AIS as providing support in many ways, including when topics are challenging.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Public information about specific SEN provision, including which needs are supported or whether AIS operates as a specialist SEN institution, is not publicly disclosed. AIS states an inclusive ethos and a commitment to supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of each student.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
AIS is described as a British Curriculum school with instruction in English and welcomes both international students and qualifying Koreans. Public pages do not specify any dedicated EAL program or staffing details.

Mental Wellbeing
AIS supports mental wellbeing through its safeguarding policy, which commits to educating students socially, emotionally, and academically and to maintaining positive relationships. The Wellbeing Space on campus provides a dedicated area to support wellbeing. The Duke of Edinburgh program and broader emphasis on social development contribute to wellbeing through experiential learning.

Safeguarding
AIS has a formal Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy revised October 2023; it aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and iCMEC materials and draws on Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023. The policy states that the health, safety, and welfare of all children are paramount and that all staff have a responsibility to act on concerns. It describes AIS's role as educating children socially, emotionally, and academically within a caring environment. All employees are expected to uphold these safeguarding responsibilities.
Parent Experience

History
Atherton International School was founded in 1985 and is part of the Deokbu Foundation, which also manages Geoje University. In its history it operated as Okpo International School and later became The International School of Koje in 2014 before adopting the Atherton International School name in 2022. The school holds international accreditation from bodies such as the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and it operates a British-aligned curriculum with IEYC, IPC, and IMYC in the early years and Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels in the senior years. The Deokbu Foundation's involvement places AIS within Geoje Island's higher education network.

Community
AIS hosts a diverse, largely international student community, with around 95% of students coming from overseas. Leadership and service learning are supported through the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and the William Pike Challenge Award. Cultural and community events include an AIS International Festival and clubs such as a Book & Debate Club. Parent involvement is supported through parent-run ASAs and a dedicated on-campus Parent Lounge.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
A formal Parent Teacher Association is not described in AIS's public materials. Parent involvement is facilitated through parent-run ASAs and a Parent Lounge on campus. Past parent-run ASAs have included language groups such as French, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian, as well as athletics and ball games. Parents volunteer to support ASA activities and school events, alongside student leadership and service programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and the William Pike Challenge Award. The International Festival is a family-oriented AIS event that welcomes parent participation. An ASA framework supports parent engagement beyond the classroom.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
AIS's campus is designed to accommodate up to 450 students. The campus provides 14 classrooms with interactive whiteboards and an Early Years Centre with two classrooms and an outdoor learning space. Specialist facilities include two music rooms, two art studios, a design studio, an ICT hub, and a drama studio. The site features a full-size gymnasium with a performance stage, a wellbeing space, a cafeteria, and primary and secondary libraries, plus rooftop and extensive outdoor spaces including a large sports field with a 400m track, an astro turf football pitch, and basketball courts, as well as a smaller field with play equipment and a raised garden.

Sports Facilities
Indoor facilities include a full-size gymnasium with a performance stage for PE and events. Outdoor facilities include a large sports field with a 400m running track, astro turf football pitch, and basketball courts, plus a smaller field with play equipment, a raised garden, and an additional astro turf pitch. The campus supports a broad PE and sports program with dedicated spaces for practice and games. There are ample outdoor spaces for recreation and athletic activities.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include separate primary and secondary libraries. All 14 classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards to support teaching and learning. The ICT Hub provides access to devices and digital resources for student work. Specialist spaces support the curriculum in the arts and design, with a Design Studio, Drama Studio, two Music Rooms, and two Art Studios. These facilities support learning across the school from Early Years to Year 13.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular offerings include the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (Outdoor & Adventure Learning) and the William Pike Challenge Award for Years 7 to 9. AIS also notes a broad range of after-school clubs and activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
AIS offers an after-school activities program for Year 1 and above that runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with sign-ups three times a year and spaces limited. Activities change each term and are run by AIS staff, providing opportunities to explore different areas. Examples include science club, puzzles & games club, newspaper club, cooking club, e-sports, and a variety of sport clubs; language clubs can be organized as parent-run ASAs. AIS participates in regional tournaments and music events through SKAIS and KIMEA.

Arts & Creative
Arts are integrated into the core curriculum with specialist lessons in art and music and Korean Studies. In the high school, leadership and service learning are supported through co-curricular activities linked to the arts; AIS participates in choir and orchestra events through KIMEA, and students have opportunities to perform in school events. There are school concerts and music-related activities, with violin lessons and other instrumental work offered in the primary program. The arts program aims to develop creative expression across age groups.

Cultural & Language
Korean Studies is a specialist subject that enriches language and cultural learning. Language-related after-school activities include parent-run ASAs in French, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian. AIS participates in regional and international events through SKAIS and KIMEA, fostering intercultural experiences. The school's British-curriculum framework supports global awareness and cross-cultural understanding.

Social & Hobbies
After-school clubs include cooking, football, choir, orchestra, science club, puzzles & games club, yoga, basketball, hiking, e-sports, and newspaper club. Parent-run ASAs cover additional languages and interests such as French, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian. Sign-ups occur three times a year, with students able to participate in multiple activities per term (up to four per week, though demand often limits offerings). These clubs encourage teamwork, curiosity, and social connection beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
Duke of Edinburgh's International Award provides leadership and service learning in high school. The William Pike Challenge Award fosters leadership in middle school. Both programs include volunteering and community involvement as part of their requirements. These awards align with AIS's emphasis on social responsibility and global awareness.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership and professional development are supported through structured award programs. The William Pike Challenge Award (Middle School) and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (High School) provide opportunities for leadership, planning, service, and personal development. Participation in these programs helps students develop planning, teamwork, and goal-setting skills for university and future careers. AIS links these experiences to its broader mission of global awareness and social responsibility.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports and fitness are supported through football, basketball, hiking, and yoga, and physical education is a specialist subject in the curriculum. After-school sports and wellness-oriented clubs contribute to an active, balanced lifestyle. The schedule supports participation in multiple activities per term, that balance academics with sports, arts, and creativity.
Languages

Language Provision
The school uses English as the language of instruction across Early Years to High School, following the English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE/A Levels. English is the main instruction language; Korean and Spanish are taught as subjects within the curriculum, with Korean Studies provided as a specialist subject in Early Years, Primary, and Middle School. In High School, French is offered as an optional language subject among others. There is no explicit information about language support for non-native speakers of English.
Reputation

Accreditations
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools (CIS): AIS is accredited by CIS, a global body that sets and verifies international school standards for governance, curriculum, and student welfare.
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): AIS is accredited by WASC, a well-established U.S.-based accreditor that validates quality and effectiveness of schools operating in international contexts.
- International Curriculum Association (ICA) accreditations for IEYC, IPC, and IMYC: AIS is accredited by ICA to deliver the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), International Primary Curriculum (IPC), and International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC).
- Cambridge International Education: AIS is fully authorised by Cambridge International Education to teach and examine Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A/AS Levels.
- Pearson Edexcel: AIS is fully authorised by Pearson Edexcel to teach and examine iGCSE, AS, and A Level qualifications.
- Fieldwork Education: AIS notes accreditation by Fieldwork Education alongside CIS and WASC, indicating external validation of its curriculum and standards.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Admissions Introduction and campus visit. Families start by contacting AIS admissions to arrange a personalized campus tour. The admissions team will explain the enrollment process during the visit and answer initial questions you may have about the school and its programs. AIS states that applications are accepted throughout the year, so you can schedule a visit at a time that suits your family.

2. Submit the application form and initial documents. If you decide to proceed, you complete the AIS Application Form as the first stage of placement. The application form is accompanied by a set of required documents including birth certificate, passport copies, and school reports. The school emphasizes that submission of these materials starts the formal placement process and is read by the school leadership team as part of the initial screening.

3. Documentation, SLT review, and potential further assessment. After submission, the Leadership Team reviews the application and accompanying information; this review does not guarantee a place. If additional information is needed, AIS may request previous school reports or assessment data. For students with potential EAL needs or other learning considerations, the SLT may propose a further assessment (including potential assessment with external centers) before a placement decision is made.

4. Offer, enrollment agreement, and readiness to start. If a place is offered, AIS aims to contact the family to confirm status, schedule a pre-start meeting, and issue the school fees invoice. An offer may be revoked if the school cannot reach the family within one week of the offer. Once an offer is accepted, families enter the enrollment phase and must address any required paperwork and invoicing.

5. Induction, placement, and class assignment. AIS intends to place new students in the class that aligns with their chronological age, with a two-week induction period for students entering from outside the local calendar. After induction, a decision may be made about continued placement in the initially assigned year group based on educational needs. This placement decision is final and driven by the child's needs rather than parental preference.

6. Fees, invoices, and ongoing payment terms. The enrollment process culminates in the issuance of invoices for enrollment and tuition. The 2025-2026 information lists an enrollment fee of USD 1,000 (non-refundable) and tiered tuition for new and returning students by year group, plus transportation fees. A payment schedule is provided, including refunds and late fee terms if payments are not made by their due dates.

Notes on the sources: The detailed application steps, the role of the SLT, and the possibility of assessments come from the AIS Application Checklist and Admissions Information for 2025-2026. The specific fee amounts, refund policy, late entry discounts, and payment schedule are drawn from the same 2025-2026 admissions document and the 2025-2026 school fees sheet.

Scholarships
3) Scholarships. AIS does not publish information about scholarships or financial aid in its admissions materials. The 2025-2026 admissions information and the fees document list enrollment and tuition fees, transportation charges, and payment terms, but there is no mention of scholarship programs or financial assistance options. If you need confirmation of available financial support, you would typically discuss options during the admissions process or via direct inquiry with the admissions team; however, no scholarship details are listed in the published documents.

Waitlist
2) Waitlist/Pool. AIS Geoje does not publish a formal waitlist or pool system in its publicly available admissions materials. The admissions page notes that AIS accepts applications throughout the year and invites campus visits, but it does not describe a waitlist process. Because no waitlist policy is stated in the published documents, there is no explicit waitlist mechanism described for AIS. Sources confirm the open, rolling admissions stance but do not outline a waitlist/pool procedure.
School Events
The school has not added events
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