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Taejon Christian International School

South Korea, Daejeon

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₩29,465,243 - 42,346,964
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 395
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1958
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Christian Curriculum
Taught languages English
Typical class size 12
Strengths STEM, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Taejon Christian International School (TCIS), founded in 1958, is an English-medium, co-educational IB World School in Daejeon, South Korea, delivering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) for children approximately ages 4–18. The campus sits in the Techno Valley area of northern Daejeon, a technology and research hub, offering a green, elevated learning environment within the city. TCIS blends Christian values with international education and offers both day and boarding options. Class sizes average around 12 students, promoting personalized learning. The school provides optional school bus service, STEAM-focused learning and an ASCENT Outdoor Program for middle school. TCIS encourages student engagement through athletics, arts activities and community events, helping learners develop leadership, creativity and global perspectives.

South Korea, Daejeon, Yuseong District, 유성구 용산2로 77 (77 Yongsan 2-ro, Yuseong Gu) Daejeon, South Korea

The Essentials

Taejon Christian International School has 395 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location

TCIS is located at 77 Yongsan 2-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34035, South Korea. The campus sits on a purpose-built 10-acre hill overlooking Techno Valley in Daejeon, with the surrounding Techno Valley area offering a mix of research, services and amenities. The Hyundai Shopping Plaza is about a 10-minute walk from the campus, and the neighbourhood provides a convenient local context for families.

Stages

TCIS provides a full K–12 program within the IB framework, offering the Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP). The school serves students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with enrollment spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Type

TCIS is co-educational and offers both day school and on-campus boarding for eligible grades; boarding facilities are on campus and can accommodate a substantial number of students as part of the school's Boarding Care Program.

Additional learning support

TCIS provides English Language Learning (ELL/ESL) support for language learners, including in-class co-teaching and language acquisition services aligned with international standards (e.g., WIDA). English-language instruction is a core component of the program across K–12.

Country affiliation

TCIS has no formal country affiliation; it is registered in Korea as a foreign school.

Religious affiliation

TCIS operates as a non-denominational Christian school with a Christian worldview; affiliation is not with any single denominational church.

School day structure

A typical weekly schedule runs school days from 8:15 am to 3:30 pm (Mon–Fri). After-school activities include K-5 BOOST sessions and 6–12 office hours, with athletics and other activities extending after the regular day.

Bus service

TCIS offers an optional school-bus service for an additional fee. Buses run before and after school, plus a late bus for after-school activities. Routes cover major Daejeon residential areas (Yuseong-gu, Seo-gu) and extend to Sejong and Cheongju, with safety features and trained drivers.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

TCIS offers a family-like Boarding Care Program with a Residence Life Program for students in grades 6–12. Dorm staff provide daily care and guided support, helping students develop independence, responsibility, and belonging; students contribute to their house community through a leadership-focused boarding experience. Key boarding years include Grade 7, Grade 9, and Grade 12.

Food Options

Breakfast is served in the dorm cafeteria on weekday mornings, and hot dinners are served each evening. Snacks are provided every weekday evening, and the dorm cafeteria remains open for students arriving home late from activities.

House System

The Residence Life Program fosters a house-like community within the dorm; dorm staff support students in a living-and-learning context and provide leadership opportunities as part of the boarding experience. Students learn to contribute to their house community and participate in dorm-family life.

Governance and Ownership

TCIS is licensed by the Korean Ministry of Education to deliver foreign education in Korea. It is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and authorized by the International Baccalaureate to deliver the PYP, MYP, and DP programs. The Head of School is listed as part of the school leadership.
Fees

Annual tuition at Taejon Christian International School ranges from KRW 29,465,243 to KRW 42,346,964 for 2026/27.

Annual tuition (total per academic year) by division

- Elementary School (Grades K1–5): USD 7,320 plus ₩18,983,000.
- Secondary School (Grades 6–8 / Middle School): USD 8,570 plus ₩22,220,000.
- Secondary School (Grades 9–12 / High School): USD 10,530 plus ₩27,268,000.

Per-term (semester) amounts

- The school invoices by semester (first and second semester deadlines are published); therefore the per-term amount is effectively one half of the annual tuition. Using that convention, the per-semester amounts are:
- Elementary (per semester): USD 3,660 plus ₩9,491,500.
- Middle (Grades 6–8, per semester): USD 4,285 plus ₩11,110,000.
- Secondary (Grades 9–12, per semester): USD 5,265 plus ₩13,634,000.

New student / application fees (non-refundable unless stated otherwise)

- Application Fee: ₩300,000 (non‑refundable).
- Registration Fee: ₩500,000 (non‑refundable).
- Capital Fee (one-time): ₩4,000,000 (non‑refundable).

Other recurring and optional fees

- Senior Fee (Grade 12, non‑refundable): ₩250,000.
- English Language Learner (ELL) Program Fee: Grades 6–10: ₩1,500,000; Grades 11–12: ₩1,000,000.
- Lunch Program: Grades K1–5: ₩1,170,000; Grades 6–12: ₩1,296,000.
- School Bus Fees: Daejeon pick-up points: ₩3,200,000; Cheong Ju & Sejong pick-up points: ₩4,000,000 (additional area pick-up points may incur extra fees).

Boarding (Grades 6–12)

- Boarding Program Fee (annual): USD 4,540 plus ₩11,761,000.
- Boarding Capital Fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): ₩1,000,000.
- Dormitory closures note: dorms close for major holidays and specified weekends; students without a guardian during closures who cannot return home are charged USD 150.00 per day for extra provisional expenses.

Discounts and sibling policy

- A sibling discount of 20% applies to younger siblings enrolled concurrently.
- A 2% discount on the full annual tuition is available to returning families who pay the entire annual fee by the published early payment date (example: payment by April 16, 2025 for the 2025–2026 schedule).

Billing schedule and payment terms (academic year example published for 2025–2026)

- Returning students: first‑semester fees must be paid by the published first‑semester deadline (example: May 14, 2025) to confirm registration and secure class scheduling; second‑semester fees must be paid by the published second‑semester deadline (example: November 12, 2025). A published early full‑payment deadline (example: April 16, 2025) carries a 2% tuition discount.
- New students: payment of all tuition and fees for the coming semester must be made within two weeks of notification of admission or prior to the first day of classes, whichever occurs first.
- Late fees on overdue payments: 1–30 business days late = 6% fee; 31–60 business days late = 8% fee; more than 60 business days late = 10% fee.
- Late-entry tuition reductions are published by month of entry (example schedule shows % reductions when students arrive after the fall semester start or spring semester start).

Refunds and withdrawal processing fees

- Refunds for early withdrawal are issued after deducting non‑refundable fees; refunds are normally made in Korean won. Refunds for tuition and fees are calculated on a monthly basis after deduction of non‑refundable items.
- Non‑refundable items explicitly listed: Application Fee, Registration Fee, Senior Fee, Capital Fee, Dorm Capital Fee.
- Early withdrawal processing fees (non‑refundable) are specified by grade band: Grades K–5: ₩1,000,000; Grades 6–8: ₩2,000,000; Grades 9–12: ₩3,000,000; Dormitory withdrawal processing fee: ₩1,000,000.
- In the event of a large‑scale extraordinary event (war, civil strife, labor unrest, extreme weather, etc.), the school reserves the right to suspend normal refunding and require full payment for amounts due to ensure financial stability; appeals may be made to the Finance Committee as published in the school policies.

Explanation of capital and relevant fees

- Capital Fee: one‑time contribution toward school infrastructure, furnishings, building maintenance, and learning materials; capital fees are non‑refundable. Relevant fees refer to services not directly included in tuition and may be optional or required depending on family choices (for example, lunch, bus, boarding). Tuition is stated as a combination of a USD and a KRW amount; the total tuition charge is the sum of both currency amounts.

Payment methods (what is stated publicly)

- The school specifies that the application fee must be paid online via bank transfer as part of the application process.
- The published tuition and fees material does not list a comprehensive set of accepted payment channels (credit card, third‑party payment vendors, or specific bank account details) on the same tuition summary page; payment instructions and invoice details are provided with official billing documentation and payment notices. Refunds are normally made in Korean won.

Summary notes (concise)

- Annual tuition is quoted as USD + KRW and is the total charge; sibling discounts apply; boarding carries an additional annual USD + KRW charge and a one‑time dorm capital fee; specific optional fees (lunch, bus, ELL, senior fee) and one‑time capital/registration fees apply; refunds are normally issued in KRW after deduction of non‑refundable items and specified early‑withdrawal processing fees. Key published payment deadlines and late fee penalties apply and are enforced to confirm registration and class placement.
Academics

Taejon Christian International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Christian Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum

TCIS delivers the full International Baccalaureate continuum for students aged about 3 to 19, with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in elementary (Kindergarten–Grade 5), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in middle and early high school (grades 6–10), and the Diploma Programme (DP) in high school (grades 11–12). TCIS became the first three-program IB World School in Korea and was authorized for PYP in 2004, DP in 2008, and MYP in 2012, all within a Christian worldview. The school is English-medium, offering an entirely English-speaking curriculum across the K–12 range. The curriculum emphasizes STEM/STEAM and inquiry-based learning, complemented by project-based learning and a robust co-curricular program. Boarding care is available to support long-distance students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Pastoral care at TCIS supports students' social, emotional, and spiritual development through a network of teachers, counselors, advisers, and boarding staff, with daily one-on-one guidance and community-building activities.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

TCIS provides Learning Support with an Individual Education Program (IEP) for diagnosed students, serving needs including gifted and talented, specific learning challenges, language and communication difficulties, developmental needs, physical and sensory conditions, medical conditions, and emotional/mental health issues, and does not present itself as a dedicated specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided by specialist teachers who push into classrooms and collaborate with homeroom teachers to support English learners.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported through the TCIS Counseling Office and wellness initiatives, including student-led mental health work such as the MedVenture Club's campaigns and funds for Wellness Week.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is overseen by a Child Protection Advocate who works on behalf of children according to TCIS and Korean National Government policies, with a confidential counseling program, and in cases of risk, parents are notified and students may be referred to external psychological services.
Parent Experience

History

TCIS traces its lineage to Pyongyang Foreign School, established around 1900 to educate the children of missionaries in Northeast Asia. The school in Daejeon began in 1958 as Taejon Foreign School on mission property in O-jung-dong, with eight primary-aged children, and a dormitory opened the following year. In 1960 the institution was renamed Korea Christian Academy, a name retained until 1993 when it became Taejon Christian International School. In 2012, TCIS relocated to the Techno Valley campus in Daejeon in partnership with Daejeon Metropolitan City, and the Board of Trustees remains entrusted with the school's mission; TCIS operates as a not-for-profit educational institution.

Community

The TCIS community maintains an active calendar of events that reflect its international and faith-based orientation. The 32nd Annual TCIS International Festival brought the community together for performances, food, games, and charitable fundraising connected to the wider Daejeon area. TCIS students and clubs participate in local science outreach, with SPROUT Club and Coding Club activities at the Daejeon Science Festival, and school-wide STEM initiatives. Spiritual life programming, including Spiritual Emphasis Week, provides focused reflection and community bonding, complemented by service opportunities such as LASA service trips.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The TCIS PTA is a voluntary association of parents and faculty who work together to support the educational and co-curricular programs, with the aim of promoting community and unity among staff, parents, and students and strengthening the learning environment through volunteer support. PTA activities include Christmas Bazaar, International Festival, Career Day, Student Co-Curricular Support (Food & Home Stays), Spirit Store, Student Art Calendar, 119 Parent Information Sessions, and Teacher Appreciation Snacks. PTA meetings comprise Executive Meetings (open to members) and Grade-Level Meetings, and 119 Workshops provide information on TCIS programs, policies, and practices. Parent volunteers contribute in the library, elementary classrooms, clubs, after-school activities, and language support, while parent representatives sit on school committees such as the Head of School Advisory Committee. TCIS is a not-for-profit school.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

TCIS sits on a purpose-built campus in Techno Valley, Daejeon, overlooking the technology district. The campus comprises multiple buildings that support an IB education for PK-12 students and includes spaces for academics, arts, and athletics. The campus features a Performing Arts Complex with a theatre and production rooms, two gymnasiums, and a large multi-use activity center. Learning Commons across elementary and secondary levels provide libraries, technology labs, and collaborative spaces. An on-site dormitory serves boarding students with a five-house layout and supervisory staff.

Sports Facilities

The school has a Showcase Gymnasium as the main indoor facility and a second gym within the multi-use Activity Center, equipped for competition and physical education. Outdoor facilities include five artificial surface tennis courts and an artificial turf soccer field with stadium lighting. A fully equipped fitness center supports individual workouts, and the Activity Center provides additional space for sport, PE instruction, and performances.

Academic Facilities

Academic facilities include 73 classrooms and five large science labs, plus a dedicated Design Technology Classroom and an Art Classroom. The Elementary Learning Commons houses a large library and a technology lab, while the Secondary Learning Commons offers a sizeable library and flexible spaces for group work and research. A computer lab and other technology resources support digital learning across the campus.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Creative and co-curricular spaces include a Performing Arts Stage & Auditorium within the Performing Arts Complex, with production rooms and related facilities for performances. There are three large music rooms and smaller practice rooms for music, along with art classrooms for studio projects. The Learning Commons and Design Technology spaces support project work and creativity beyond the classroom, complemented by the multi-purpose Activity Center for assemblies and events.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

TCIS offers a broad, student‑driven high school co‑curricular program that complements the IB curriculum. The clubs span STEM, languages, and social sciences, including 3D Printing Club, Coding Club, Math Club, BioMed Club, NAQT Quiz Team, Model United Nations, Korean Book Club, Korean Culture Club, Chinese Culture Club, and Ampersand (a literary arts magazine). Some clubs partner with external organizations or competitions, such as KAIST Outreach and UNICEF, providing opportunities beyond the classroom. Club participation develops research, public speaking, collaboration, and leadership skills through both school‑based and external activities.

Arts & Creative

TCIS provides a Visual & Performing Arts program for Kindergarten through Grade 12, with a focus on visual arts, design, music, and theatre. The arts program emphasizes creating, performing, and exhibiting work, including stage performances and exhibitions, and integrates fine arts, digital media, and performing arts across classroom and co‑curricular settings. The program also supports advanced courses and mentorship for students pursuing art and design in higher education. The campus offers dedicated spaces for arts, including a performing arts center to support stage productions and exhibitions.

Cultural & Language

TCIS offers cultural and language‑based clubs and activities that broaden global understanding. KAIST Outreach works with KAIST University to provide English lessons for Korean middle school students, and Korean Book Club studies Korean literature and history. The Chinese Culture Club promotes Chinese culture and provides Mandarin lessons to elementary students, while Model United Nations develops public speaking, collaboration, and critical thinking through simulations. These activities foster intercultural awareness and global engagement across grade levels.

Social & Hobbies

A wide range of social and hobby clubs are available, including Dance Club, Rock Band Club, Pottery Club, Gardening Club, and Soccer Club. Other engaging options include the NAQT Quiz Team, Strings Club, Art Club, Game Design Club, and Prom Committee, among many others. These activities provide opportunities for creativity, teamwork, and leisure interests beyond academics. They also offer student‑driven forums for artistic performance, collaborative projects, and community engagement.

Community & Service

Many clubs incorporate service and community engagement, such as GIVE Club, Paws For A Cause (an animal shelter fundraiser), Make A Difference Club (SDG projects), HEAL (public health initiatives and blood drives), and UNICEF fundraising. The KAIST Outreach program connects students with English teaching and other service activities for Korean learners. LASA Service Trips and other community initiatives extend learning beyond Korea, enabling students to contribute to humanitarian projects and cultural exchange. These programs emphasize service as a core dimension of student life at TCIS.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership and professional development are woven into TCIS life through roles like Prom Committee, TCIS Athletics Council, TedxYouth, Model United Nations, and the TIE Club (TCIS International Education). The Prom Committee plans themes, advertising, and logistics for school events, while the TedxYouth program organizes campus talks to inspire peers. Model United Nations builds public speaking, collaboration, and critical thinking, and the TCIS Athletics Council helps promote athletes and support events. These opportunities cultivate leadership, project management, and teamwork across disciplines.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

TCIS emphasizes learning beyond the classroom throughASCENT, the middle school outdoor program, which focuses on adventure, stewardship, community, experiential learning, and leadership in Nepal expeditions. BOOST, TCIS's elementary after‑school program, provides opportunities across physical, cultural, academic, arts, and special interest activities to support holistic development. TCIS participates in interscholastic athletics within KAIAC and APAC, including events such as tennis invitational and volleyball tournaments, which complement academics with sport and competition. These programs collectively support physical health, social well‑being, and resilience.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the language of instruction at TCIS, and the school provides English Language Learner (ELL) support across grades K-12 through a co‑teaching model in challenging subjects and a curriculum guided by the WIDA English Language Development standards. TCIS uses WIDA to drive language development, assessment, and professional support for multilingual learners. Beyond English, Korean and Mandarin language options are available in the Running Start track, and the IB Diploma Programme offers a range of language courses, including Mandarin AB, Chinese B, Spanish AB/B, Korean A LAL, Chinese A LAL, Korean LAL, and English B.

Bilingual Teaching

TCIS uses English as the language of instruction across the school. There is no formal bilingual program; the school provides English-language learning (ELL/ESL) support for non-native English speakers across grades K-12. In the Running Start English Program for 6th–7th grade, English courses are taught in English with bilingual teachers available who can support Korean or Chinese in the classroom. Successful completion of Running Start leads to progression into the TCIS MYP ELL program and, ultimately, the IB Diploma Programme.

Immersion Programs

The Running Start English Program provides an English-language immersion option for middle school students. It targets 6th–7th graders who are English-entry learners and prepares them to transition into the regular TCIS program and the IB pathway. The courses in Running Start are taught in English, with additional teachers who can speak Korean or Chinese to support those learners in that track. On completion, students can advance to the MYP ELL and, later, the IB Diploma Programme.
Reputation

Accreditations

- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — TCIS is fully accredited by WASC, which provides external accountability for the school's programs and validates transcripts for U.S. colleges/universities.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) — TCIS is a fully authorized Three Programme World School (PYP, MYP, DP), and was the first school in Korea authorized to offer all three IB programs. This authorization confirms rigorous, internationally recognized curriculum and standards.
- Ministry of Education (Korea) — TCIS is fully licensed by the Korean Ministry of Education to deliver foreign education in Korea, confirming compliance with Korean regulatory requirements.
- Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) — TCIS is a member school with accreditation for its Residence (boarding) Program, providing external accountability and connection to a global Christian school network.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Application Form. Complete the official online application form and the Consent Form for Personal Information online. After submission, you will receive confirmation of receipt and information about the next steps. The admissions process is managed through OpenApply, which centralizes applications, document uploads, appointment scheduling, and progress tracking, enabling direct communication with the admissions team at every stage.

2. Application Fee. The Application Fee is ₩300,000 KRW and must be paid to complete your application. Payment is made online via bank transfer, and the Refund Policy Agreement must be signed and submitted along with the payment. The online portal provides the checklist and instructions for completing this step.

3. Testing & Interview. After submitting the application, families self-schedule required testing through the checklist in the online portal. Interviews are not part of the process for every applicant and are extended only to selected students after testing and full document review. Selected elementary students will interview before a final decision is made, and middle/high school students only if necessary. Tests include K1 (Age 4) to Grade 12 English and Math tests; Grades 3–12 require a writing sample in English; Dorm Applicants complete a dormitory questionnaire and a Zoom interview will be scheduled by Residence Life staff; English Language Learners may require additional English testing (WIDA). All admissions testing is conducted in person on campus, with alternative arrangements available if in-person attendance is not possible.

4. Submit Documents. Elementary School Applicants: School Profile Report (completed by homeroom teacher/principal/counselor), Homeroom Teacher Recommendation, and Past 3 years of school records (if applicable). Secondary School Applicants (Grades 6–12): School Profile Report, English and Math teacher recommendations, Past 3 years of school records, and Official Transcript (required for Grades 9–12). The Admissions checklist specifies which documents are needed by level.

5. Admissions Decision. The official announcement date for decisions is published, and final admission decisions are communicated to applicants via email. Parents receive the outcome and any next steps through email once the decision is made.

Scholarships

TCIS offers the BOT Merit Scholarship for high school students enrolling in Grades 10–12. Grade 12 students may receive the distinction of the BOT Merit Scholarship but not the financial award. The Merit Scholarship is a conditional one-year award intended to encourage academic excellence, service, leadership, character, and passion, and recipients are reviewed at the end of the first semester; the scholarship may be discontinued if the mid-term review is not passed.

Eligibility and criteria include: Academic achievement (with strong GPA and evidence of a rigorous program), service to school and community, leadership in academics and co-curriculars, strong character, and a demonstrated area of ongoing passion. Awards are applied to the next tuition payment. Application deadline for the 2026–2027 school year is January 16, 2026, with winners announced in February 2026. How to apply: review the Merit Scholarship Information, complete the Merit Scholarship Application Form, and participate in a follow-up interview if selected; winners are announced after the start of the fall semester. Contact notes and timelines for 2026–2027 are provided on the Merit Scholarship information page. The school has published Merit Scholarship winner announcements for previous years (e.g., 2025 and 2023–2024 editions) to illustrate ongoing scholarship activity.

Waitlist

TCIS does not publish a waitlist or admissions pool in its publicly accessible pages. Instead, admissions operates under a quota and seating framework: there is Priority Seating Availability, and TCIS aims to maintain a 50% foreign-student enrollment cap relative to Korean citizens. These controls influence seat availability and admission decisions rather than a formal, published waitlist.
School Events
The school has not added events