

Seoul International School
SISSecular, Founded 1973
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
Languages
Seoul International School is a secular, private academic institute established in 1973 that provides a challenging U.S. curriculum to international students in Korea. It is the oldest international school in the country and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is committed to the arts, humanities, and sciences as preparation for higher education, service to humanity, and life-long learning. Its guiding principles, known as "Tiger Values," focus on developing students' intellectual, creative, moral, physical, and emotional abilities. The school aims to create a safe, orderly, and supportive environment that fosters inquisitive, independent thinkers and collaborative learners.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive U.S. curriculum spanning from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. The Elementary School utilizes the Eureka Math program, which is aligned with Common Core State Standards, alongside subjects including language arts, science, social studies, art, music, physical education, and makerspace. The Middle and High School divisions provide a rigorous academic path, with the High School offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses to prepare students for university.
Outcomes
The school reports that its graduates attend top universities worldwide. Students consistently achieve high scores on standardized tests, and the school maintains a strong academic culture with low year-to-year student turnover. The school's transcripts and programs are validated by its WASC accreditation, which facilitates the transfer of credits to other English-speaking schools.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides learning support services to assist students with their academic growth. Specific support roles include literacy and EAL (English as an Additional Language) specialists, as well as school counselors for the Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does Seoul International School offer?
- Seoul International School offers Advanced Placement and US Common Core.
- How much is tuition at Seoul International School?
- Annual tuition at Seoul International School is ₩18.9M–₩27.8M. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Seoul International School hold?
- Seoul International School holds accreditations including WASC.
- Where is Seoul International School located?
- Seoul International School is an international school in Seoul, South Korea.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026/2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| PK3 (+ USD 6,720) | 3–3 | ₩18.9M |
| JK and SK (+ USD 8,040) | 4–5 | ₩22.6M |
| 1st - 5th Grade (+ USD 8,140) | 6–10 | ₩22.9M |
| 6th - 8th Grade (+ USD 8,840) | 11–13 | ₩24.9M |
| 9th – 12th Grade (+ USD 9,900) | 14–17 | ₩27.8M |
Other fees(8)
| Application fee· Payment required prior to application submission, Non-Refundable | ₩500K |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Initial Registration Fee (IRF), Due within 7 days of acceptance, Non-Refundable | ₩4M |
| Enrolment fee· Re-enrollment Fee for returning students, serves as a deposit to secure place, credited toward tuition | ₩3M |
| Bus / transport· Optional bus service fee | ₩3M |
| Materials· Senior Fee, Non-Refundable as of 1st day of school | ₩300K |
| Deposit· Book Deposit - Elementary School, Refundable | ₩150K |
| Deposit· Book Deposit - Middle School, Refundable | ₩200K |
| Deposit· Book Deposit - High School, Refundable | ₩250K |
Admissions
The school holds its main admissions season between January and March for the following academic year, though it accepts applications throughout the year. The process involves an application, followed by student assessments. In grade levels at capacity, admissions decisions are communicated after the re-enrollment process for current students is completed.
Calendar
The school operates on an academic calendar that typically runs from August through June. The school provides specific calendars for the Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions, as well as a comprehensive all-school calendar.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus is located just south of Seoul and consists of three buildings featuring a blend of traditional Korean and modern architecture. Facilities include a swimming pool with locker rooms, three gyms, three playgrounds, a state-of-the-art auditorium, an atrium, music and band rooms, and fully equipped science labs. The school also maintains modern classrooms and libraries for its various school divisions.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, and community service programs. Available activities include chess, forensics, tennis, soccer, basketball, swimming, the Global Issues Network, Model United Nations (MUN), and various music and choral programs. Students are encouraged to participate in these offerings to foster cooperation and collaboration.

Edward Ben AdamsFounderMr. Edward Ben Adams is the founder of Seoul International School. He was the principal and headmaster from 1973 to 2002 and has been overseeing the operations of the school as founder and manager from 2003 to the present.
- James GerhardHead of School
Dr. Gerhard has been with SIS since 2015 and is a committed international educator who has held teaching and leadership positions in Kuwait, the Dominican Republic, Thailand, Burma, Sierra Leone, and Korea. He has served as a principal in Elementary, Middle, and High Schools and as a Director of Schools.
- Gray MacklinHigh School Principal
Mr. Macklin has served in a variety of capacities at SIS since 2006.
- Michael GohdeMiddle School Principal
Mr. Gohde has been part of SIS since 2022. He has had the pleasure of teaching and leading middle schools in the United States, Taiwan, Jordan, Thailand, Colombia, and El Salvador.
- Mark ValvanoElementary School Principal
Mr. Valvano entered education more than 20 years ago. He is deeply committed to building communities where students feel known, valued, and challenged to think deeply about their learning and the world around them.
- Christopher DelVecchioHigh School Assistant Principal
Mr. DelVecchio joined SIS in 2022. His background includes leadership roles at international schools in Shanghai and Hong Kong, as well as ten years of experience teaching middle and high school mathematics.
- Lindsey HagenElementary & Middle School Assistant Principal
Ms. Hagen joined SIS in 2022 and became the ES/MS Assistant Principal in 2023. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.A. in Zoology and Inquiry Education, and previously served in leadership roles including MYP Coordinator and Adjunct Professor.
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Advanced Placement
US Common Core
WASC