Seoul International School

A Pioneering Legacy in International Education

Seoul International School (SIS) holds a unique place in Korean educational history as the country's first foreign school officially licensed by Korea's Ministry of Education, opening its doors on June 5, 1973. From day one, the school was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), a standard it has maintained for over five decades.

Founding Vision

The school was established by founder E.B. Adams, who led SIS as its founding Headmaster for nearly three decades, stepping back from the role in 2002 before transitioning to School Manager in 2003. Adams' vision was to create an academic environment where the children of Seoul's growing expatriate community could receive a rigorous, American-standard education without interrupting their schooling continuity.

Growth and Expansion

What began as an elementary-focused school steadily expanded to encompass a full PK3 through Grade 12 program. Over the decades, SIS evolved to serve the ever-growing international business and diplomatic community in Seoul, adding middle school and high school divisions, broadening its curriculum, and investing steadily in facilities.

Modern Campus Development

A significant milestone came in 2022, when SIS opened a new Middle and High School building, representing a major investment in modernizing the campus. The campus, conveniently situated just south of Seoul in Seongnam's Sujeong district, now spans three buildings with an impressive array of facilities including an Olympic-size indoor swimming pool, three gymnasiums, a fully-equipped auditorium, science laboratories, makerspaces, dedicated music and band rooms, and multiple libraries.

Enduring Accreditation

SIS's unbroken WASC accreditation since 1973 is a testament to its consistent academic standards. This long-standing recognition by one of the most respected educational accrediting bodies in the United States underscores SIS's commitment to delivering a high-quality American curriculum to its international student body.

A Community Institution

For over 50 years, SIS has served as a cornerstone institution for expatriate families relocating to Korea, providing not just education but a sense of community continuity. Today, with approximately 818 students, the school continues to fulfill its founding purpose while embracing 21st-century learning approaches.

Academic Excellence Through American Education

At its core, Seoul International School is defined by its commitment to a challenging U.S. curriculum that spans from Pre-Kindergarten 3 through Grade 12. The school's academic program is structured around three divisions — Elementary (PK3–Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12) — each designed to build progressively toward university readiness.

Curriculum Framework

The academic program follows a standard American grading and curriculum model, offering courses across all core disciplines: English Language Arts, Mathematics (from foundational through AP Calculus), Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Social Studies and History, World Languages (Spanish and Mandarin Chinese), Fine Arts, Music, Drama, Physical Education, and Technology. The school does not offer IB or IGCSE programs, maintaining a focused identity as a U.S.-curriculum institution.

Advanced Placement Program

A cornerstone of the High School academic experience at SIS is the Advanced Placement (AP) program, which offers university-level coursework in subjects including English, Mathematics, Sciences, Social Studies, and World Languages including AP Spanish. This program allows motivated students to earn college credit while still in high school and signals academic rigor to university admissions offices worldwide.

University Outcomes

SIS reports a 100% university acceptance rate, and the school's university destinations list for the Class of 2024 demonstrates the caliber of outcomes achieved. Graduates earned places at elite institutions including:

• Ivy League universities: Harvard, Brown (2 students), Columbia (2+), Cornell (2), Dartmouth (3)
• Other highly selective U.S. universities: Carnegie Mellon (2), Duke, Georgetown (3), Johns Hopkins
• Top UK universities: London School of Economics, Durham University
• Specialized programs: Berklee College of Music, California Institute of the Arts

World Languages

Beginning in Grade 8, all students study a World Language — either Spanish (with pathways up to AP Spanish) or Mandarin Chinese. This dual-language offering reflects the school's global orientation and ensures graduates are equipped with linguistic skills valued by universities and employers worldwide.

Assessment Philosophy

The school employs standard American grading practices, emphasizing continuous assessment, academic engagement, and preparation for standardized testing including the SAT and AP exams. The focus remains squarely on developing students who are intellectually curious, academically prepared, and ready for the rigors of top universities.

A Purpose-Built Campus for International Learning

Located in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do — conveniently situated just south of the Seoul metropolitan area — Seoul International School's campus is a purpose-built international learning environment spread across three interconnected buildings.

Athletic and Physical Facilities

SIS places considerable emphasis on physical development and athletics. The campus boasts:

• An indoor Olympic-size swimming pool with modern changing rooms, supporting a competitive swim team and recreational swimming programs
• Three full gymnasiums used for basketball, volleyball, and a range of physical education activities
• Outdoor playgrounds (three separate areas) for elementary students
• Fitness center facilities integrated into the athletic complex

The school operates varsity and junior varsity sports teams across a full calendar of fall, winter, and spring seasons, competing at the regional and international levels.

Performing Arts and Creative Spaces

Creative expression is well-supported at SIS:

• A fully-equipped auditorium/theater hosts school productions, concerts, and assemblies
• Dedicated music and band rooms serve the school's robust band, strings/orchestra, and choir programs
• A central atrium with a glass ceiling provides a distinctive communal gathering space

Academic Facilities

The academic facilities reflect a commitment to 21st-century learning:

• State-of-the-art science laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• Separate libraries for the elementary and secondary schools, each with dedicated study areas
• A Makerspace/STEM classroom providing hands-on learning opportunities for elementary through high school students

2022 New Building

In 2022, SIS completed a significant campus expansion with the opening of a new Middle and High School building, modernizing learning spaces and adding capacity for the growing student body. This investment reflects the school's commitment to providing contemporary educational environments.

Transportation

SIS operates a fleet of 25 large school buses covering the Seoul metropolitan area, making the campus accessible to students from across the city and surrounding regions. The bus service runs for all school events and activities, with an annual fee of approximately KRW 3,000,000. The nearest public transit option is Munjeong Station (Seoul Metro Line 8), approximately 10–15 minutes by car from the campus.

Admissions at Seoul International School

Seoul International School is a school designed specifically for international students living in Korea, and this focus is reflected directly in its admissions requirements. Understanding these requirements is essential for families considering SIS.

Eligibility: The Foreign Student Requirement

The fundamental eligibility criterion for SIS is proof of foreign nationality or a documented history of overseas schooling (typically 3 or more years). This requirement aligns with Korean government regulations for foreign schools and ensures that SIS serves its intended audience of expatriate families.

Required documents include:

• Proof of foreign nationality (passport copies)
• Child's birth certificate
• Evidence of overseas residency and schooling
• Parental employment/residency documentation
• Academic transcripts (3 years for secondary applicants)
• Teacher and school recommendations
• Health records

English Proficiency Requirements

As a fully English-medium school, SIS requires strong English proficiency. The level of assessment increases with grade level:

• Early Years (PK3–JK/SK): Minimal formal language assessment; basic documentation review
• Primary (Grades 1–5): Placement assessment for English program; English-language interview for older primary students
• Middle School (Grades 6–8): English proficiency assessment and mathematics assessment; English interview may be required
• High School (Grades 9–12): Formal English proficiency and academic assessment; English and academic interview required; SAT/AP scores considered if available

Application Timeline (SY 2026–2027)

The application portal opens on January 9, 2026, through the PowerSchool registration system. The re-enrollment deadline for currently enrolled students is March 4, 2026.

Fee Structure

• Initial Registration/Enrollment Fee: KRW 4,000,000 (one-time fee for new students)
• Re-enrollment Fee: KRW 3,000,000 (annual fee for returning students, due by January 31 for the following school year)
• A partial fee discount is available for families re-enrolling within 2 years of departure

Selectivity and Waitlist

No formal acceptance rate data is published by SIS, though demand from the Seoul expatriate community is consistently strong. The school does not publicly report waitlist statistics, but given its reputation and limited enrollment, families are advised to apply early.

Community Life at Seoul International School

With approximately 818 students from the international expatriate community in Seoul, SIS has cultivated a distinctive school culture that balances academic rigor with rich co-curricular engagement.

The Tiger Community

SIS students are known as the Tigers, and the school's identity is anchored in its Tiger Values: Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Community, and Safety. These values are woven into daily school life, from classroom expectations to athletic competitions.

Extracurricular Life

The school offers more than 30 clubs and activities spanning athletics, academics, arts, STEM, and personal development:

Athletics (Competitive)

• Varsity/JV sports including Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Cross Country, Swimming, Badminton, and Cheerleading
• Flag Football for elementary students
• Teams compete at inter-school and regional levels

Academic Clubs

• Model United Nations (MUN)
• Debate & Forensics
• Global Issues Network (GIN) — a service-oriented academic club
• Battle of the Books, Math Circle, Science & Trivia
• Chess Club (all grades)

STEM Programs

• Robotics and Coding
• Chemistry Club, Physics Club
• Makerspace workshops
• Breakout EDU (educational escape-room activities)

Performing Arts

• Concert Band (Elementary, Middle, High School)
• Strings/Orchestra
• Choir
• Theater/Drama productions (Middle and High School)

Wellbeing and Character

• Girls on the Run
• Yoga for Kids
• Origami Club

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

SIS maintains a strong commitment to student safety and wellbeing. A school nurse is on-site during all school hours and extracurricular activities. The school has an anti-bullying policy embedded in the student handbook, and learning support and EAL services are available for students who need additional academic assistance.

A Home Away From Home

For families navigating the experience of living abroad, SIS serves as more than a school — it is a community hub. The shared experience of expatriate life, combined with SIS's welcoming environment and the continuity of a U.S.-standard education, creates lasting bonds among students, families, and staff.