- When does the new school year begin and end? How long is the school day?
- What is the school's enrollment? What are the class sizes?
- How are teachers hired?
- Are there any services available for special needs students?
- What kinds of extracurricular activities are offered to S.I.S. students?
- Does SIS have a cafeteria and lunch program?
- What opportunities are there for parent involvement?
- How many applicants do you accept each school year?
- When will we hear whether or not our child has been accepted?
- Where do SIS students go after graduating from High School?
- Is SIS accredited? Why is this important?
- Is SIS a Christian school?
- What is the ethnic background of SIS students?
- Are uniforms required?
Our school year begins in mid-August and ends in early June. Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for all students JK-12.
We have an approximate enrollment of 1,200 students. The enrollement cap in the Junior and Senior Kindergarten program is set at 19 students. Elementary grades 1-5 have a cap of 23 students. Middle School classes, grade 6-8, can accommodate 22 students. High School class size varies depending on the nature of the course.
There are three Junior Kindergarten and three Senior Kindergarten classrooms. The Elementary and Middle School programs boast four classes at each grade-level. The numbers of High School classes is determined by the requisite number of sections any given course needs to accommodate the student-body in any given school year.
Teachers at S.I.S are certified, experienced professionals from a diversity of international backgrounds. The majority of our teachers come from the United States and the Commonwealth, and are primarily hired at overseas job fairs.
SIS does not have a special education program. It is for this reason that we cannot admit students with learning disabilities. SIS does have reading specialists
for elementary and middle school students experiencing mild difficulties
in reading and writing. Students with limited English proficiency in grade 1-5 can receive support from
ESL teachers working closely with the mainstream classroom teachers.
SIS is fully equipped to handle the diverse needs of students with physical disabilities, such as wheelchair needs, and encourages all interested applicants to visit the school.
Students participate in a number of sports activities
in all grade levels. We offer an elementary Saturday booster program,
a range of Middle School athletic competitions, and high school involvement in the
Korean-American Interscholastic Activities Conference (KAIAC) allowing students to
compete against other international or U.S. Department of Defense schools in Korea.
Our music department provides a variety of ensembles for every grade level.
We offer Suzuki violin program starting in Junior Kindergarten, intermediate and advanced bands,
orchestras, strings ensembles, jazz groups, as well as a number of choirs.
Our cafeteria service offers a hot meal to elementary students each day. Our cafeteria also offers both western and Korean menus for middle and high school students. Students can bring a packed lunch from home or purchase various kinds of sandwiches, kimbabs, burgers, hotdogs and snacks at the deli.
The parent community at SIS is extremely active. Each school (ES, MS, and HS) has a parent organization which meets regularly with their level principals to foster and encourage community at the school. In addition, room-parents assist teachers on special events, such as field trips, sports days, concerts and school plays.
There are several occasions throughout the school year when parents are formally invited to visit the school. Events such as Open House, concerts, drama performances, sports events, or Parent/Teacher Conferences are just a few.
How many applicants do you accept each school year?
Annually, the number of applicants accepted at SIS varies greatly. This is largely dependent on the number of vacancies that occur as a result of families departing, as well as our graduating class. Typically, the number of applicants each year far exceeds the number of spaces available and we urge you to apply early.
The Admissions office begins the formal application and acceptance process for the coming school year once the number of openings in said school year has been determined. This process takes place between January and April, with final notification to all applicants by the end of April.
SIS matriculates 100% of it's senior class each year. Most of our graduates head to the United States to continue their studies at an impressive list of four-year colleges and universities. During our college fairs and private visits, college representatives come to SIS and our high school students have opportunities to interview with admission officers and other qualified college alumni from more than 80 schools.
Seoul International School is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) located in Burlingame, CA. WASC accreditation ensures that a school is using current U.S. college preparatory curriculum, that the faculty meet certification requirements, and that all school personnel, programs, finances, and policies are periodically reviewed by educational experts. Finally, accreditation ensures that our students are able to enter the school of their choice once they have completed our program, or transfer their academic credits to schools in other parts of the world.
Seoul International School has a non-sectarian vision which acknowledges and welcomes all faiths within our multicultural community. There are no religious studies required in our curriculum. SIS encourages students to develop an identity that confirms their own values and beliefs and to appreciate the values and beliefs of others.
The majority of the SIS student base is ethnic Korean, born and raised in English speaking environments. English-speakers, regardless of ethnicty, are encouraged to apply and become a part of the global SIS community.
Are uniforms required?Uniforms are not required at SIS, with one notable exception -middle and high school students are expected to wear specific attire for P.E. classes which must be purchased through the school.
Tel: (82-031) 750 - 1200 Fax: (82-031) 759-5133