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Seoul International School

South Korea, Seoul

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₩31,991,809 - 39,374,690
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 802
Type Co-educational
Opened 1973
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Seoul International School (SIS) is a PreK–12 school in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, serving international students in the Seoul area. Founded in 1973, SIS provides an American curriculum and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school. The school’s 2024–2025 High School Profile lists a total PreK–12 enrollment of 802 students. Class sizes are capped at 20 students in Pre-K through Senior Kindergarten, up to 23 students in grades 1–8 and high school classes typically range from 8 to 25 students depending on the course. Students can join activities such as Model United Nations, Science Club, Math Club, Coding club, Student Council and National Honor Societies. SIS also describes a music program that includes ensembles and Suzuki violin beginning in Junior Kindergarten.

15 Seongnam-daero 1518beon-gil, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

The Essentials

Seoul International School has 802 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
The school is located at 15, Seongnam-daero 1518 beon-gil, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea 13113. The campus is situated just outside Seoul in Seongnam-si, on the southeastern border of Seoul and about 25 minutes south of Lotte World. It comprises three buildings with facilities including a swimming pool, three gyms, a state-of-the-art auditorium, an atrium, music and band rooms, fully equipped science labs, and modern classrooms.

Stages
SIS serves PK3 through 12th grade, including JK and SK, with grade groupings that include PK3, JK, SK, 1–5, 6–8, and 9–12. The school is organized into three divisions: Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.

Type
SIS is a private international school. It functions as a private school and operates a day program (boarding is not listed as part of its offerings).

Additional learning support
Elementary School provides after-school tutoring and social-emotional support. Middle School offers after-school tutoring and social-emotional support. High School provides academic and social-emotional support, including tutoring, college counseling, and related services.

Country affiliation
There is no country-specific affiliation; SIS operates as a secular private international school in South Korea.

Religious affiliation
SIS has no religious affiliation; it is a secular school.

School day structure
High School Day: the schedule runs on an A-B rotation with periods from 8:00 to 9:20 (Period 1), 9:20–9:50 (Office Hours), 9:50–11:10 (Period 2), 11:10–11:20 (Break), 11:20–12:40 (Period 3), 12:40–1:40 (Lunch/Activity), 1:40–3:00 (Period 4), and 3:00–5:00 (Sports/Activities). Middle School Day uses an A-B schedule with Period 1 from 8:00–9:20, advisory 9:25–9:50, Period 2 9:55–11:10, Lunch/Recess 11:15–12:10, Period 3 12:20–1:35/1:40, Period 4 1:40–3:00, and Activities 3:00–5:00. Elementary School operates on a rotating A-F schedule with specific lunch and recess time blocks, including PK3–PK4 recess 10:10–10:30 and PK3–2 lunch 10:30–11:00, and other recess/lunch blocks for older grades.

Bus service
SIS owns and operates a fleet of 21 full-size buses serving the greater Seoul metropolitan area, with routes reaching southern Seoul and even further to Bundang. The buses are fully insured, equipped with two-way radios, and staffed with bus monitors for safety. Routes and schedules are updated at the start of each school year, and the Transportation Office can provide the latest information on routes and seat availability.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are not required for regular classes, from Pre-K-12. However, middle school and high school students are required to buy and wear SIS athletic uniforms for P.E. classes.

Food Options
The cafeteria serves a hot meal to elementary students daily. The cafeteria also offers Western and Korean menus to middle and high school students. Students may bring a packed lunch from home.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a School Board established in 2019. The board has nine voting members: five current parents, the Head of School, the Business Manager, and two members appointed by the Founder; there is one non-voting auditor. The founder of the school is Edward B. Adams.
Fees

Annual tuition at Seoul International School ranges from KRW 31,991,809 to KRW 39,374,690 for 2026/27.

Tuition — School Year 2025/2026

- Tuition is charged in two parts: a Korean Won portion (KRW) and a U.S. Dollar portion (US$). Full-year tuition amounts by grade are:
- PK3: KRW 17,530,000 plus US$ 6,720.
- JK and SK: KRW 21,000,000 plus US$ 8,040.
- Grades 1–5: KRW 21,240,000 plus US$ 8,140.
- Grades 6–8: KRW 23,070,000 plus US$ 8,840.
- Grades 9–12: KRW 25,840,000 plus US$ 9,900.

Application and Enrollment Fees

- Application Fee (new applicants): KRW 500,000 — payable upon initial submission, non-refundable.
- Initial Registration Fee (newly enrolling students): KRW 4,000,000 — due within 7 days of acceptance, non-refundable. This serves as a deposit to secure a place for the school year.
- Re-enrollment Fee (returning students): KRW 3,000,000 — due March 4, 2025; non-refundable in nature but credited toward total tuition for the year. Exceptions may apply only in cases of involuntary family relocation with documentation.

Fees Applicable to All Students

- Bus Fee (optional): KRW 3,000,000. Bus fees follow the same withdrawal/refund schedule as tuition (see Refund section).
- Senior Fee (Grade 12): KRW 300,000 — non-refundable as of the first day of school.
- Book Deposit (refundable at year end if no damage or outstanding charges):
- Elementary: KRW 150,000.
- Middle School: KRW 200,000.
- High School: KRW 250,000.
- AP Fees: charged where applicable and may vary by subject/test.

Payment Plans, Billing Schedule and Payment Terms

- The school offers three payment plans. Once a payment plan is selected and the first payment made, the plan is fixed; changes after the first payment incur an Installment Change Fee of KRW 200,000.

- Option 1 — Standard Plan (No Installment Fee):
- Re-enrollment Fee (returning students) due March 4, 2025: KRW 3,000,000.
- Full KRW tuition due May 27, 2025: 100% of the KRW portion listed above.
- Full US$ tuition due May 27, 2025: 100% of the US$ portion listed above.

- Option 2 — Three Payments Plan (Installment Fee KRW 500,000):
- Re-enrollment Fee due March 4, 2025: KRW 3,000,000.
- Installment Fee due May 27, 2025: KRW 500,000.
- 1st payment (May 27, 2025): 100% of the US$ tuition portion.
- 2nd payment (July 26, 2025): 50% of the KRW tuition portion.
- 3rd payment (September 24, 2025): 50% of the KRW tuition portion.

- Option 3 — Five Payments Plan (Not available for Grade 12; Installment Fee KRW 750,000):
- Re-enrollment Fee due March 4, 2025: KRW 3,000,000.
- Installment Fee due May 27, 2025: KRW 750,000.
- 1st payment (May 27, 2025): 100% of the US$ tuition portion.
- 2nd payment (July 26, 2025): 25% of the KRW tuition portion.
- 3rd payment (September 24, 2025): 25% of the KRW tuition portion.
- 4th payment (November 23, 2025): 25% of the KRW tuition portion.
- 5th payment (January 22, 2026): 25% of the KRW tuition portion.

- Examples of KRW installment amounts by plan (KRW portion only):
- PK3 (KRW 17,530,000): 50% = KRW 8,765,000; 25% = KRW 4,382,500.
- JK/SK (KRW 21,000,000): 50% = KRW 10,500,000; 25% = KRW 5,250,000.
- Grades 1–5 (KRW 21,240,000): 50% = KRW 10,620,000; 25% = KRW 5,310,000.
- Grades 6–8 (KRW 23,070,000): 50% = KRW 11,535,000; 25% = KRW 5,767,500.
- Grades 9–12 (KRW 25,840,000): 50% = KRW 12,920,000; 25% = KRW 6,460,000.

Late Entry Discounts and Early Withdrawal Refund Schedule

- Late entry discount (applies to students admitted mid-year) and early withdrawal refund percentages follow these date bands (applies to tuition and bus fees):
- March 4 – August 11, 2025: Early withdrawal refund = 100% (less non-refundable fees); Late entry discount = N/A.
- August 12 – October 17, 2025: Early withdrawal refund = 75%; Late entry discount = N/A.
- October 18 – December 31, 2025: Early withdrawal refund = 50%; Late entry discount = 20%.
- January 1 – March 31, 2026: Early withdrawal refund = 25%; Late entry discount = 45%.
- April 1 – June 11, 2026: No refund; Late entry discount = 70%.

- The Late Entry Discount and Early Withdrawal Refund schedule applies to all withdrawals and to bus changes during the school year.

Refunds and Non-Refundable Fees

- Refunds are issued in the currency originally used for payment and are returned by wire transfer to the parent or authorized representative.
- Refunds are not provided for withdrawals caused by Force Majeure (examples include war, civil unrest, major natural disasters, declared contagious disease outbreaks, or similar unforeseeable events). In such cases, no portion of tuition already paid will be refunded and unpaid fees remain due.
- Non-refundable fees include (but may not be limited to):
- Application Processing Fee (KRW 500,000).
- Re-enrollment Fee (KRW 3,000,000).
- Initial Registration Fee (KRW 4,000,000).
- Installment Fee and Installment Change Fee.
- Overdue Fees (late fees).
- Senior Fee (non-refundable after the first day of school).
- No tuition refunds for early graduating seniors.
- Bus Fees are not refunded in the event of distance learning caused by Force Majeure.

Payment Methods and Instructions

- Two separate virtual bank account numbers (가상계좌) are provided per enrolled student: one for US$ payments and one for KRW payments. Invoices include these individualized account numbers.
- When making a bank transfer, confirm the beneficiary name matches the student's name on the invoice.
- Cash payments are not accepted. A temporary virtual account number will be provided for application fee payments for new applicants.
- Refunds are wired back to parents/authorized representatives in the currency used for payment.

Payment Delinquency

- Overdue amounts incur an overdue fee of 5% per annum on the unpaid tuition total until settled; overdue fees must be paid in the currency specified on the invoice.
- Non-payment or prolonged delinquency may result in restrictions such as withholding class attendance, withholding report cards, and refusing re-enrollment for the following semester. Other services (for example bus service) may be suspended until payment is settled.

Other Notes on Fees

- The Initial Registration Fee may be waived for students who re-enroll within two school years following withdrawal from the school.
- Installment fees apply to Options 2 and 3; senior students are not eligible for the five-payment plan (Option 3).
- Additional course-specific fees (for example AP exam fees or extracurricular charges) may be billed separately and vary by course or activity.

For any accounting or payment queries, contact the school's Accounting and Finance Department at +82(0)31-750-1342 or accounting@siskorea.org.
Academics

Seoul International School teaches American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Seoul International School provides three levels: Elementary (PK3–Grade 5), Middle School (Grade 6–8), and High School (Grade 9–12). The Elementary Curriculum is inquiry‑based and designed by the faculty; starting in 2019, the Eureka Math program is used for K–5 in alignment with the Common Core standards. Grade 1 Chinese is part of the Elementary program. Middle School emphasizes a caring environment with teacher‑led electives and advisory classes and integrates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the TIGERS Values. The High School offers a university‑bound program with more than 45 courses and 24 AP courses, including the AP Capstone program; classes run four eighty‑minute periods daily with six of eight periods devoted to core requirements. The Science curriculum follows the Next Generation Science Standards and AP science courses; CPM is used in Mathematics. World Languages include Chinese and Spanish, with AP Chinese and AP Spanish and Chinese I–IV/Spanish I–IV; Graduation requirements include Regular Diploma (25 credits) and Honors Diploma (29 credits), including a 2‑credit World Language requirement.

Exam Results
The school offers 24 AP courses including the AP Capstone program. AP Capstone Diploma requirements include completing AP Seminar (Grade 11) and AP Research (Grade 12) and earning a score of 3 or higher on four additional AP exams to receive the diploma.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates are represented in top colleges and universities across North America and worldwide. The school publishes annual highlights and reports that include college acceptances.

Gifted and Talented
AP Capstone and a broad AP program provide advanced study opportunities for high‑achieving students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school emphasizes an inquiry-based, collaborative learning culture across all divisions, with explicit focus on developing independent thinkers and global citizens through a community of learners and a supportive, nurturing environment.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning supports are described within the Middle School section as part of the program structure, including targeted support for diverse learners within the school's academic pathways.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The High School Academics page lists English coursework from grades 9–12 and AP offerings (e.g., AP Language & Composition, AP Literature & Composition), indicating a strong English-focused program at the upper school.

Mental Wellbeing
The elementary philosophy emphasizes a positive, nurturing environment and open communication with parents to support students' social and emotional development.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding policies are part of the school's broader institutional framework, with clear channels for student support and a focus on safety and well-being across divisions.
Parent Experience

History
SIS is the oldest secular private school in South Korea. The school began in 1973 with founder Edward B. Adams; it received the first Letter of Authorization from the Korean government on June 5, 1973. In 1981 the present eight-acre campus site was selected and the move to the campus occurred in May 1985. The school was first accredited in 1979 by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), with subsequent accreditations in 1985, 1991, 1997, 2003, 2009, 2015, and 2021. A seven-story building was completed in 2013 to house the middle and elementary schools, and in 2019 upgrades updated the secondary library, atrium, and network infrastructure.

Community
SIS is guided by TIGERS values as the core principles of its community: Trustworthy Individuals, Independent Learners, Global Citizens, Effective Communicators, Reflective Learners, and Socially Responsible Individuals. The campus is a large, modern facility located just outside Seoul, combining contemporary design with traditional elements. Students participate in athletics and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs that often involve community improvement programs. The school maintains an active alumni network, with alumni events and opportunities to reconnect, such as Alumni Open House events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus comprises three buildings south of the Han River. It includes a swimming pool, three gyms, a state-of-the-art auditorium, an atrium, music and band rooms, fully equipped science laboratories, and modern classrooms. Classrooms are modern. Elementary and secondary libraries and a makerspace are available on campus, along with a cafeteria.

Sports Facilities
The school has three gymnasiums and a swimming pool. The athletics program operates for elementary, middle, and high school levels and competes in KAIAC and AISA. There are fitness centers and dedicated coaches to support training. High school teams participate in multiple sports with travel for tournaments.

Academic Facilities
Classrooms are modern and the campus includes a fully equipped science laboratory and a makerspace. The secondary library offers more than 10,000 books, 1,600 e-books, and access to over 7,000 newspapers and magazines, with online databases. There is an elementary library. The campus features a large auditorium and music rooms for performance and arts programs. The 2013 building houses the middle and elementary schools with 30 classrooms and two gymnasiums.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Clubs include chess, forensics, tennis, soccer, basketball, swimming, Global Issues Network, MUN, and coding. Music and choral programs are available. The campus offers a variety of clubs and teams aligned with student interests.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers extracurricular activities that support academic enrichment, including chess, forensics, and Model United Nations. Sports such as tennis, soccer, basketball, and swimming are part of the program. The Global Issues Network provides a platform for students to engage with global topics and issues.

Arts & Creative
The Performing Arts Department offers Theatre, Band, Strings, and Choral Music, with opportunities for performances and concerts. The Visual Arts program runs from elementary through high school, including opportunities to study AP Art and participate in exhibitions. Extracurricular opportunities in the arts include the National Arts Honors Society, set design for school plays, and annual AP Art exhibitions.

Social & Hobbies
Students participate in a broad range of clubs and activities, including chess, forensics, Global Issues Network, and Model United Nations. The athletics program provides tennis, soccer, basketball, and swimming across grade levels. Music and choral programs are integral to student life and provide social engagement through performances and ensembles.

Leadership & Professional
Model United Nations and Global Issues Network are part of SIS's extracurricular offerings. Coding is listed among extracurricular activities, reflecting opportunities for technical skill-building. These programs provide avenues for student collaboration, debate, and global issue exploration.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The campus includes three playgrounds, three gyms, and a swimming pool to support physical activity and well-being. Athletic offerings include tennis, soccer, basketball, and swimming across school levels. The campus also features a large auditorium and science labs, supporting a balanced, well-rounded student life.
Languages

Language Provision
The SIS World Languages Department offers Spanish and Chinese. Students begin formal language study in grade eight with Spanish I and Chinese I. AP Chinese and AP Spanish are available for grades 10-12. There are no placement tests for World Language classes, and language courses emphasize listening, speaking, reading, and writing through an active, conversational approach. For the Honors Diploma, 2 World Language credits are required.

Bilingual Teaching
The school teaches in English.
Reputation

Accreditations
WASC accreditation (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1 – Visit Us. The main admissions season runs January through March, and the 2026-27 application opened on January 9, 2026. The best way to determine if SIS is the right fit is to visit the school; schedule a personal tour by contacting the Admissions Office. If you cannot visit, you may proceed to Step 2. Admissions inquiries are welcome Monday through Friday, 7:30 am–4:30 pm.
School Events
The school has not added events
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