

Gyeongnam International Foreign School
Secular
Updated July 2026
Gyeongnam International Foreign School is an IB Continuum World School located in Sacheon, South Korea, serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade. It is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is guided by the vision of inspiring excellence in an international community of learners. Its mission emphasizes rigorous academic standards, individualized learning, and inclusivity, while promoting global awareness and responsible citizenship. As an IB World School, it adopts the IB philosophy of fostering life-long learners who are knowledgeable, caring, principled, and open-minded.
Programmes
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, comprising the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–12, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–19. The PYP focuses on inquiry-based learning across six trans-disciplinary themes, while the MYP encourages practical connections to the real world and culminates in an externally-assessed certificate. The DP provides a two-year, well-rounded academic experience that prepares students for university through inquiry-based classroom learning and creative, active, and service-oriented experiences.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides resources to meet the unique learning needs of each student, including a Special Needs Coordinator who meets with families to assess the school's capacity to support individual requirements. For students who are not native English speakers, the school offers language support based on WIDA exam results. In some cases, additional support or one-to-one teaching assistants may be arranged at the parents' expense.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Gyeongnam International Foreign School offer?
- Gyeongnam International Foreign School offers IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at Gyeongnam International Foreign School?
- Annual tuition at Gyeongnam International Foreign School is ₩19M–₩21.6M. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Gyeongnam International Foreign School hold?
- Gyeongnam International Foreign School holds accreditations including WASC and IB.
- Is Gyeongnam International Foreign School co-educational?
- Gyeongnam International Foreign School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Gyeongnam International Foreign School located?
- Gyeongnam International Foreign School is an international school in Chinju, South Korea.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary School (PreK-5) (+ USD 7,000) | 4–11 | ₩19M |
| Middle School (6-8) (+ USD 7,000) | 11–14 | ₩20.6M |
| High School (9-12) (+ USD 7,000) | 14–18 | ₩21.6M |
Other fees(8)
| Registration fee· Registration Fee (One-time fee for all students seeking enrollment) | ₩500K |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· Capital Fee (One-time fee for all new students who have been admitted) | ₩3M |
| Materials· Curriculum and Development Fee (Mandatory Annual Fee) | ₩3.5M |
| Meals· Lunch Fee PreK - 12th Grades (Annual) | ₩1.8M |
| Bus / transport· Transportation Fee Sacheon/Jinju (Annual) | ₩2M |
| Bus / transport· Transportation Fee Geoje/Tongyeong (Annual) | ₩3M |
| Materials· IB MYP Exam Fee (10th Grade Only) | $650 |
| Materials· IB Diploma Exam Fee (12th Grade Only) | $1.4K |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: Free transportation for siblings
Admissions
Gyeongnam International Foreign School accepts applications throughout the academic year, which typically runs from late August to mid-June. Admission is open to students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade, with placement determined by age as of September 1st. The process requires an online application, submission of official transcripts, and an interview; non-native English speakers must complete a WIDA language proficiency assessment. For entry into the IB Diploma Programme, students must meet specific academic standards, including a minimum of five passes in (I)GCSE or equivalent, and undergo an interview with the IB Coordinator.
Calendar
The school year at Gyeongnam International Foreign School typically runs from late August to mid-June. The calendar includes various school-wide events, such as House Games and the commencement of after-school activity sessions. Detailed scheduling is managed through the school's official calendar, which is updated regularly for the community.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in Sacheon, South Korea, the campus features a main school building, an early childhood center, and student dormitories. Key facilities include an indoor gym equipped with a climbing wall, an outdoor soccer field, and a playground. Academic spaces consist of a state-of-the-art library, a dedicated technology lab, a renovated chemistry lab, and purpose-built music and art studios.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a comprehensive after-school activity program designed to complement its IB curriculum and provide students with opportunities to explore interests outside the classroom. These activities are conducted in a safe, stimulating environment led by teaching staff. Additionally, the school maintains a House System and a Student Council to foster student engagement and leadership.





Susan EbyPrincipal, Head of SchoolSusan Eby serves as the Principal and Head of School. She holds a BA in Mathematics and Psychology from Auburn University and a teaching credential from the State of North Carolina.
Tim BalazPYP Coordinator, Grade 4/5 TeacherTim Balaz is the PYP Coordinator and a Grade 4/5 teacher. He holds a B.A. in Political Science and a B.Ed. in Elementary Education from the University of Calgary, and possesses a Hong Kong teaching credential.
Darrell HardmanMYP Coordinator / DP Computer Science, MYP Design TeacherDarrell Hardman serves as the MYP Coordinator and teaches DP Computer Science and MYP Design. He holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan.
Ronel de JonghDP Coordinator / MYP, DP English Teacher and Extended Essay CoordinatorRonel de Jongh is the DP Coordinator and teaches MYP/DP English, while also serving as the Extended Essay Coordinator. She holds a B.A. in Humanities and a PGCE in English and Afrikaans from Stellenbosch University, and is certified by the South African Council for Educators.
- Marie Reyes-BalazSEN/SEL Coordinator, Whole-School Counselor, Grade 4/5 Teacher
Marie Reyes-Balaz is the SEN/SEL Coordinator, Whole-School Counselor, and a Grade 4/5 teacher. She holds an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Santo Tomas and multiple postgraduate diplomas and certifications in education and counseling.
- Maxwell Yoshiharu HarrisAthletic Director / PYP, MYP Physical Education
Maxwell Yoshiharu Harris is the Athletic Director and teaches PYP/MYP Physical Education. He holds a B.S. in Hospitality Management from California State University, Long Beach, and a PreK-12 Health & Physical Education teaching certificate from the District of Columbia.
IB PYP
WASC