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Gyeonggi Suwon International School

South Korea, Seoul

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₩24,515,013 - 39,265,319
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 600
Type Co-educational
Opened 2006
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Christian Curriculum
Taught languages English, Korean
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Founded in 2006, Gyeonggi Suwon International School (GSIS) is a coeducational Christian day and boarding school in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon. Students from Junior-Kindergarten through Grade 12 follow the International Baccalaureate continuum: PYP (Pre-K–Grade 5), MYP (Grades 6–10) and the IB Diploma Programme in the upper grades. GSIS lists campus facilities including a sports complex, a soccer field and an auditorium. The school reports an enrollment of 530 students, with Elementary classes capped at 20 and Secondary classes capped at 25. Transportation is available, and GSIS notes bus routes serving areas including Seoul, Bundang, Yongin, Suwon and Camp Humphreys (Pyeongtaek). GSIS also highlights “SEW week,” a three-day program focused on spiritual growth and community.

451 Yeongtong-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

The Essentials

Gyeonggi Suwon International School has 600 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
Gyeonggi Suwon International School (GSIS) is located at 451 YeongTong-Ro, YeongTong-Gu, Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea 16706. The campus sits in the Yeongtong district of Suwon within the Seoul metropolitan area and is served by GSIS's own bus network. The school runs a bus service to Seoul, Bundang, Yongin, Suwon, and Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, using 12 buses.

Stages
GSIS offers Pre-K through Grade 12. The Primary Years Program (PYP) covers Pre-K to Grade 5, the Middle Years Program (MYP) covers Grade 6 to Grade 10, and the Diploma Program (DP) covers Grade 11 to 12.

Type
GSIS is a coeducational day school that began with a boarding program in its early years but now operates as a day school.

Additional learning support
The school offers an English language support program (ELL) as part of admissions (Special Criteria I) and has processes for students with special needs (Special Criteria II). Learning Support is provided, and counseling services address academic and emotional needs.

Country affiliation
GSIS has no formal country affiliation; it identifies as a Christian faith-based international school.

Religious affiliation
Christian.

School day structure
The school day runs from 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM for students. The cafeteria serves lunch daily as part of the school day.

Bus service
GSIS operates a bus service with routes to Seoul, Bundang, Yongin, Suwon, and Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, using a fleet of 12 buses.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
GSIS currently operates as a day school. There is no on-campus boarding option offered. The history notes a boarding program in the school's early years, but it now functions as a day school. The school provides bus transportation to Seoul, Bundang, Yongin, Suwon, and Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, supporting families who live off-campus.

Uniform Requirement
GSIS has a school uniform policy. A PE uniform is available for purchase through the school (PE Uniform Purchase). Public pages do not publish full uniform specifications (colors or formal vs casual variants).

Food Options
The cafeteria serves lunch daily for students and staff. J&J Catering provides hot meals with two menu options: Korean and international; a self-service bar offers unlimited salads, bread, drinks, and additional sides. Allergy information is available with the daily menus.

Governance and Ownership
GSIS is governed by the Hyosan International Education Foundation (HIEF), which established the school. The foundation serves as the governing body. GSIS operates as a non-profit institution, and tuition is reinvested in the school's programs.
Fees

Annual tuition at Gyeonggi Suwon International School ranges from KRW 24,515,013 to KRW 39,265,319 for 2026/27.

Application and New‑Student Fees

- Application Processing Fee (new students only): KRW 300,000 (non‑refundable).
- Registration Fee (new students only): KRW 500,000 (non‑refundable).
- Entrance Fee (one‑time, new students only): KRW 4,500,000 (non‑refundable). Returning students are exempt from the entrance fee.

Annual Tuition (by division) — amounts shown in KRW plus USD; per‑semester amounts shown where the annual tuition is divided evenly into two semesters

- Early Childhood Program — Junior Kindergarten:
- Annual: KRW 15,820,000 plus USD 6,360.
- Per semester (half of annual): KRW 7,910,000 plus USD 3,180.

- Elementary School — Pre‑Kindergarten:
- Annual: KRW 17,800,000 plus USD 7,160.
- Per semester: KRW 8,900,000 plus USD 3,580.

- Elementary School — Kindergarten to Grade 5:
- Annual: KRW 19,780,000 plus USD 7,950.
- Per semester: KRW 9,890,000 plus USD 3,975.

- Lower Secondary School — Grades 6–8:
- Annual: KRW 21,420,000 plus USD 9,250.
- Per semester: KRW 10,710,000 plus USD 4,625.

- Upper Secondary School — Grades 9–12:
- Annual: KRW 25,840,000 plus USD 9,820.
- Per semester: KRW 12,920,000 plus USD 4,910.

- Note: Both KRW and USD payments are required to complete the tuition payment process. Tuition may be paid in semester‑based installments.

Other recurring and optional fees

- Senior Fee (Grade 12 student fee): KRW 250,000.
- Lunch Fee (Junior Kindergarten–Grade 5): KRW 1,260,000 (annual).
- Lunch Fee (Grades 6–12): KRW 1,350,000 (annual).
- School Bus Fee (annual): KRW 3,400,000; reduced amount KRW 3,200,000 for routes less than 1 km radius.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition can be paid in full or in installments. A 2% discount is applied for lump‑sum payment made by the published early payment date for returning students (new students excluded).
- Published due dates for securing registration and class placement require first‑semester tuition and fees for returning students to be paid by the school's stated first‑semester deadline and second‑semester tuition and fees by the stated second‑semester deadline. Late fees apply if payment is made after established due dates.
- Late fee schedule (applied to overdue payments): 1–30 business days late: 6%; 31–60 business days late: 8%; more than 60 business days late: 10%.
- Families with two or more enrolled children receive a 20% tuition discount starting with the second child (applies by age order and subject to school approval).

Payment methods and bank details

- Payments by international wire transfer are accepted in Korean Won and U.S. Dollars. Wire instructions (bank, SWIFT code and account numbers) are provided for both KRW and USD payments; the beneficiary name must match the student when making the transfer.
- For KRW (wire): Hana Bank (Yeongtong Branch); SWIFT: KOEXKRSE; Account name: 경기수원외국인학교(GSIS); Account No.: 385‑890008‑21404.
- For USD (wire): Hana Bank (Yeongtong Branch); SWIFT: KOEXKRSE; Account name: GSIS; Account No.: 385‑890008‑97838.

Refunds, withdrawal fees and prorating

- Late admissions refund scale (percentage of semester tuition charged by month of admission) and early‑withdrawal processing fees are applied per published schedules; prorated refunds are calculated monthly after deduction of non‑refundable fees. Transportation and lunch fees are refunded prorated by the number of days remaining in the semester or year; other fees may not be refundable. Refunds are paid in KRW unless the entire tuition was paid in USD. Refunds are processed after presentation and clearance of required withdrawal documentation and are issued within the school's stated processing timeframe. Official documents such as transcripts are held until the student account is cleared. The school reserves the right to deny refunds in rare circumstances such as large numbers of withdrawals or unforeseen school closures.
- Early Withdrawal Processing Fees (annual / semester): Elementary (JK–5): KRW 1,000,000 (KRW 500,000 per semester); Lower Secondary (6–8): KRW 2,000,000 (KRW 1,000,000 per semester); Upper Secondary (9–12): KRW 3,000,000 (KRW 1,500,000 per semester).

Boarding

- GSIS operates as a day school and does not charge boarding fees. A boarding program existed in earlier years but the school now functions as a day school.

Other points on charges and purchases

- Uniforms, PE uniform purchases and other incidental costs are charged separately; PE uniform purchase is handled via the school's uniform purchase process. Applicable incidental and activity charges (for example extracurriculars or optional trips) are additional to tuition and the fees listed above when assessed.

Summary of non‑refundable items

- Application Processing Fee: non‑refundable. Registration Fee: non‑refundable. Entrance Fee: one‑time, non‑refundable (returning students exempt). Other specific fees are refundable or prorated only as described under the school's refund and withdrawal policy.
Academics

Gyeonggi Suwon International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Christian Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
GSIS offers the IB continuum from Pre-K to Grade 12: PYP for Pre-K–Grade 5, MYP for Grades 6–10, and DP for Grades 11–12. The PYP uses inquiry-based, transdisciplinary units across six subject areas and emphasizes globally minded learners, with Service as Action integrated. The MYP is a five-year framework (Grades 6–10) with English, Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish as language options, and includes Service as Action as a core component. The DP provides a broad catalog of subjects across groups, including English A Language and Literature, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), and language options such as Mandarin AB Initio, Spanish AB Initio/B, Korean A LAL, Korean B, Japanese A LAL, and Chinese language options. Instruction is in English, with IB pedagogy designed to develop academic rigor, research skills, and international mindedness through the IB learner profile and university preparation.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
GSIS provides counseling for each student, with an expert team including counselors, Bible teachers, the Chaplain, and staff who develop resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, while promoting a balanced lifestyle that supports emotional well-being.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Special Criteria II states that children with mild-to-moderate special needs are considered for admission; they are served in mainstream classrooms with accommodations and their progress is monitored by the School Resource Team, with placement potentially requiring an Individual Education Plan (IEP) if applicable.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Special Criteria I (ELL Program) describes the ESL program with Elementary pull-out or inclusionary instruction, Middle School with six levels (A–F) and Language B sheltered courses, and a High School sheltered ESL program, with placement decisions made by an ESL specialist after diagnostic assessments.

Mental Wellbeing
Emotional Support is provided by a dedicated counseling team for all students, with a focus on ensuring students feel happy and safe so they can thrive academically, alongside university guidance and other counseling services as part of the broader wellbeing program.

Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection policies.
Parent Experience

History
GSIS was founded in 2006 as a coeducational, Christian faith-based school with a boarding program in its early years. Today it operates as a day school, continuing to provide international education grounded in faith and community. It is the first all-year IB World School in Korea, offering the full IB continuum, and GSIS celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026. As a non-profit institution, GSIS reinvests 100% of tuition into student programs.

Community
GSIS describes itself as a diverse community including students, alumni, parents and employees. The school offers a wide range of engagement opportunities, including After School Activities and Spiritual Life programs to keep the community connected. The GSIS community supports weekly chapel services and SEW week, a three-day program designed to cultivate spiritual growth and a stronger sense of community. The alumni network remains active with gatherings such as the Grand Alumni Gathering in Seoul (since 2011) and an annual Alumni Reunion in the first week of June.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The GSIS PTA includes parents, guardians, teachers and staff and is described as a key part of the school community. It serves as a formal and informal channel for ideas, social activities and community building in support of the school's mission and the development of the whole child. PTA membership is open to all members of the GSIS community and is renewed annually, with 2025-2026 membership details published for families. The PTA promotes collaboration between parents and educators and enriches the school through programs and events. The PTA Handbook provides governance, programs and activities, and the PTA has historically run the Knight Shop (opened in 2009) to supply materials and spirit items while hosting information sessions for parents.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The GSIS campus centers around the Main Building, where the Elementary and Secondary Libraries are located, providing print and digital resources in English, Korean, and other languages. The libraries function as a whole-school research, reading, and creative hub and host the Visiting Author Program. The campus includes a Sports Complex and a Soccer Field to support physical education and athletics. An Auditorium on site supports assemblies and performing arts activities. The Arts & Technology program emphasizes technology integration and Design & Technology, with Fine Art and Performing Arts offerings to foster collaboration and 21st-century skills.

Sports Facilities
The campus includes a dedicated Sports Complex and a Soccer Field to support physical education and team sports on site.

Academic Facilities
The GSIS Library is a central hub for the whole school, located in the Main Building, with a collection of print and electronic resources in English, Korean, and other languages. The library supports research and inquiry and hosts the Visiting Author Program. GSIS places emphasis on technology-enabled learning through its Arts & Technology program, which integrates learning technologies, Design & Technology, and Fine Art and Performing Arts.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The GSIS library hosts a Visiting Author Program that brings authors and illustrators to engage with students.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
GSIS offers over 30 after-school activities and academic societies. Examples include Model United Nations (MUN), the National Honor Society (NHS), and IT Robot Club. The program supports IB Service as Action, encouraging students to apply learning in the community.

Arts & Creative
Drama Club, Jazz Band, Theater Club, and the String Quintet Club are among performing arts offerings. The school also runs an A Capella Club and a Creative Writing Club. Private music lessons are available in violin, viola, cello, flute, and clarinet.

Cultural & Language
Language and culture activities include Mandarin Language and Japanese Language. Korean Traditional Dance and the Sign Language Club broaden cultural participation, with a Spanish Club also available. The GEO Club supports global awareness and cross-cultural learning.

Social & Hobbies
Social and hobbies clubs include Badminton Club, Book Club/Reading Club, and Board Game Club. Additional options include Cooking Club, Hangout Club, Knitting Club, Sewing Club, and Guitar. These groups provide informal peer collaboration outside class.

Community & Service
Global Issues Network (GIN) and Compassion Club support service and community initiatives. Mentor Mentee and First Aid Club offer mentorship and safety-related activities. National Honor Society and other service-focused groups provide outreach opportunities.

Leadership & Professional
Student Council Association (SCA) and Class Officers provide student leadership roles. National Honor Society (NHS) and KAIAC Speech and Debate develop leadership and communication skills. Mentor Mentee, GEO Club, and other groups offer mentorship and professional development experiences.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Lifestyle and wellbeing activities include Swim Team, TaKwonDo, and Kumdo Martial Arts. Yoga and Outdoor Hiking support fitness and mindfulness. Futsal Club and other sports options promote physical health as part of student life.
Languages

Language Provision
GSIS uses English as the language of instruction across its IB programs. The IB language offerings at GSIS include Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish as part of the Language and Literature and Language Acquisition categories. Specifically, Korean is offered as Language and Literature and Language Acquisition; Mandarin is offered in Language Acquisition; Spanish is offered in Language Acquisition. English language support for non-native speakers is provided through GSIS's ESL program, with six proficiency levels (A–F) in Elementary, and sheltered English courses in Middle School and High School. The GSIS library provides resources in English, Korean, and other languages.
Reputation

Awards
1) Korea-American Interscholastic Activities Conference (KAIAC) Championships – GSIS has won 10 KAIAC championships in the last five years.

Accreditations
1) International Baccalaureate (IB) – GSIS is an IB World School, fully authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). 2) Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) – GSIS is accredited by WASC, one of the recognized U.S. regional accrediting bodies for K–12 schools.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Admissions Process
GSIS presents a clearly staged admissions path. Official application opening for the 2026–2027 school year is January 12, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., and seat availability by grade will be announced earlier (December 8, 2025). After you submit the application, you will be notified whether a seat is available for the grade you requested or if you have been placed on the waiting list. This first communication sets the tone for the next steps and clarifies whether your child has an immediate seat or remains in consideration for the upcoming year.

Step 2) Prepare Required Documents
Gather and prepare the forms and documents GSIS requires, including language survey forms, reference forms, and a medical form, so the admissions team can assess your application fully. You should download the necessary forms, fill them out, and ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission. Having these documents ready helps avoid delays and keeps your timeline on track.

Step 3) Apply Online
Complete the online application using scanned copies of the filled forms. Upload the required documents as part of the application package and ensure the submission confirms successfully. This step initiates the formal review and determines whether supplemental documents will be requested.

Step 4) Submit Application Fee
Pay the application processing fee as part of the application, and submit the bank receipt along with your application. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid to the designated GSIS bank account. Including the receipt with the online submission helps the Admissions team verify your file quickly.

Step 5) Admissions Review and Documentation Requests
Once the application and supporting documents are received, GSIS will review them and may request supplemental documents if needed. The review considers grade level suitability, readiness for the IB program, and alignment with GSIS's admission criteria. Prompt responses to any additional requests help avoid delays in the decision process.

Step 6) Admissions Test and Interview
The admissions office will arrange an entrance test and/or interview. If you would like the test conducted from overseas, the admissions officer can send the test paper via FedEx. The test and interview assess academic readiness and language proficiency as part of the overall evaluation.

Step 7) English Proficiency and Special Criteria
The school may review test results and request additional English-language assessments (ELL or other English acquisition tests) as needed to determine placement. This step helps GSIS determine whether supports are required for language development. Clear communication about any language support needs is important at this stage.

Step 8) Admission Decision and Offer/Waitlist Communication
The principals and teachers will make a final admission decision, and acceptance or rejection letters will be sent by the Admissions office. If a seat is not available, you will be placed on the waiting list and notified of any changes in status. You will receive guidance on next steps if a seat becomes available.

Step 9) Enrollment and Orientation
If admitted, you will receive an invoice with the tuition and related fees. Payment of the invoiced amount within the specified period is required to secure the seat. The student then participates in New Student Orientation as part of joining GSIS.

2. Waitlist/Pool
GSIS communicates seat availability after an application is reviewed and may place applicants on a waiting list when no immediate seat is available. You are notified if you are placed on the waiting list and provided with any subsequent steps or timelines. For the 2025–2026 cycle, some grade levels may have no available seats for the second semester, with seat availability for 2026–2027 determined by current students' reenrollment status. Overall, seat allocation is grade-specific and contingent on current enrollment and reenrollment.

3. Scholarships
GSIS does not publish a formal merit-based scholarship program on its admissions pages. Instead, the school lists several financial arrangements that affect tuition costs:
- There is a 2% discount for lump-sum tuition payments, offered under certain conditions and deadlines for the current year cycle. Returning students' first-semester and second-semester payments have targeted due dates to secure seats and class schedules.
- Families with two or more GSIS students receive a 20% tuition discount starting with the second child; the policy notes that the discount amount can be transferred to an older sibling who is not receiving the discount, and that this applies from the 2026–2027 school year. Returning students are exempt from paying the entrance fee, and the same tuition schedule applies to both new and returning students, with other fees remaining the same.

If you're seeking traditional need-based or merit-based scholarships, GSIS does not list these on its official tuition resources; instead, the school highlights tuition-related discounts and payment options described above. The school's tuition and fees page also outlines specific fees and their refundable status, which are important for budgeting and planning.

Fees and Admissions Details and Dates (Key points)
- Official Application Opening Date for 2026–2027: January 12, 2026, 9:00 a.m. (local time). Seat availability is announced by grade level on December 8, 2025. After submission, applicants are notified of seat availability or waitlist status.
- Admissions Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for admissions; school day hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
- Requirements and documents: Language survey, reference letters, medical forms, and other forms are part of the required materials.

Fees (2025–2026 Tuition & Fees; 2026–2027 adjustments noted)
- Tuition (per year, by division): Junior-Kindergarten: KRW 15,820,000 (+ USD 6,360); Pre-Kindergarten: KRW 17,800,000 (+ USD 7,160); Kindergarten–Grade 5: KRW 19,780,000 (+ USD 7,950); Lower Secondary (Grade 6–8): KRW 21,420,000 (+ USD 9,250); Upper Secondary (Grade 9–12): KRW 25,840,000 (+ USD 9,820).
- New student fees (non-refundable): Application Processing 300,000 KRW; Registration 500,000 KRW; Entrance Fee 4,500,000 KRW.
- Other fees: Senior Fee 250,000 KRW; Lunch JK-5 1,260,000 KRW; Lunch 6-12 1,350,000 KRW; School Bus Fee 3,400,000 KRW (standard) or 3,200,000 KRW (less than 1 km radius); NEW STUDENTS ONLY: 300,000 KRW Application Fee; 500,000 KRW Registration; 4,500,000 KRW Entrance Fee.
- Payment options and deadlines: Tuition can be paid in full or in installments; a 2% discount applies for lump-sum payment if paid by the specified date; first- and second-semester payment deadlines exist for returning students to secure seats and class scheduling. 20% second-child discount applies starting with the 2026–2027 school year, and the discount can be transferred to an older sibling under specified terms. Returning students are exempt from the entrance fee; all other fees apply to both new and returning students. Bank transfer details are provided for KRW and USD payments.

Notes: The above reflects GSIS's published 2025–2026 tuition/fee information, with explicit reference to the 2026–2027 second-child discount policy and how it interacts with returning students. If you need a plain-language summary tailored to a specific grade and currency (KRW or USD), I can provide a concise quote sheet.

Scholarships
GSIS does not publish formal merit-based scholarships on its official pages. The school does offer a 2% early payment discount and a 20% tuition discount for the second child of a family with two GSIS students (applicable from the 2026–2027 school year, and potentially transferable to an older sibling under policy). Returning students are exempt from the entrance fee, and tuition remains subject to the standard fee schedule. These policies are described in the Tuition and Fees section.

Waitlist
- The school notes that after submitting the application, applicants are informed whether a seat is available or whether they have been placed on the waiting list. Seat availability is grade-specific and depends on current enrollment and reenrollment status. For some grades in the 2025–2026 cycle, there are no available seats for the second semester, and seat availability for 2026–2027 is determined by reenrollment. This indicates a formal waitlist/pool process rather than ad-hoc seat offers.
School Events
The school has not added events
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