Seoul International School article was published in the printed March 2019 edition of Groove Magazine

History

Seoul International School (SIS) was established on June 5, 1973. The Ministry of Education of Korea granted the founder, Mr. Edward B. Adams, permit to establish a school that does not have any religious, diplomatic, or governmental ties. So, Seoul International School became the first international school authorized by the Korean government after the Korean liberation in 1945.

The school started with only 45 students inside the campus of Konkuk University. It has now grown into one of the longest-running international schools in Korea catering to the expat community. And in May 1985, the school transferred to its present eight-acre location that continuously strives to offer first-rate facilities.

Facilities

The school has computer labs and the buildings have wireless access. New elementary and middle school classrooms have been completed to offer a wider space to students. This is in addition to the renovation of the well-equipped science labs and the 350-seat auditorium. There are also band and choir rooms and sound-proof practice rooms.

It has a full range of facilities for its athletics program. There are three gymnasiums, a five-lane 25-meter heated swimming pool, a soccer field and a fitness room that has weights and gymnastics training areas. Outdoor recreation areas are available, as well as the option of a relaxing time in the gazebo and the atrium.

Requirements for Entry

Entrance to Seoul International School follows the Korean government’s requirements for international students. SIS offers a US curriculum and has consistently passed accreditation by the Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC) based in California since 1979. It is aware of its role in the lives of its international students to infuse multiculturalism and a global focus in its academic and activity programs. There is a wide variety of classes and after-school programs they can choose to participate in.

The Head of School Mr. Michael Colaianni proudly declares, “There is something for everyone at SIS. High school students have over 30 clubs that they may join, whereas middle school students may participate in a large number of activities including interscholastic sports. Elementary children are encouraged to take part in after-school activities and Saturday sports programs.”

School Mission

It is the school’s mission to “develop inquisitive, independent thinkers and collaborative learners who acquire the essential knowledge necessary to be caring and creative contributors to the world around them.” To fulfill this mission, Seoul International School puts its efforts into developing the intellectual, creative, moral, physical and emotional well-being of its students. It is guided by its learning expectations as to what a student at SIS should be: T.I.G.E.R.S. Students at SIS are:

• Trustworthy individuals
• Independent critical thinkers
• Global citizens
• Effective communicators
• Reflective learners
• Socially responsible individuals.

Head of School, Mr. Michael Colaianni  

“SIS is unique for many reasons. We have a long history of over 40 years of excellence in our community. Our students are among the best I have ever had the pleasure of meeting over the past 40 years. They are eager to learn, expressive, talented academically, musically and athletically. Most importantly, they have proven to be caring and contributing members of the community. They live the school mission. SIS offers our students a chance to collaborate among themselves and with their teachers to learn from one another and come to collective decisions.

What students can expect

Students can expect to encounter a fairly rigorous academic environment that will prepare them well for entry to university. They may also expect to work closely with a dedicated, knowledgeable, experienced, and caring faculty that has come to SIS from many top international schools. Faculty members bring with them the best and latest ideas and have been successful in their backgrounds. Furthermore, they can also plan on and expect to have a great many opportunities to expand on their knowledge and to grow not only academically but socially and emotionally. They can do this by joining and participating in such areas as orchestra, sports teams, Model United Nations. They can also do service organizations like UNICEF and Habitat for Humanity.

Our students can expect to graduate from SIS and attend any of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the world. SIS is well-known to most of the top universities who know that students admitted from SIS will make significant contributions to their programs. Our graduates have one of the highest success rates for gaining entry into the best universities in the US, Europe, and Asia. The reputation of our school is among the highest of any international school anywhere. Upon graduation SIS students have a choice of staying and working abroad or coming to back to Korea.”

Student Testimonials

The school’s history provided a family tradition for some of its students. Edward, who has been with the school for 12 years, had been attending SIS since first grade. His two older sisters can attest to its excellence, thus the family knew he was going to receive the same kind of quality education. Junie’s sister used to be an SIS student, too but they opted to check other international schools prior to finally enrolling. She eventually realized, “After having visited other international schools in Korea, I knew that SIS would be the best fit for me. When I first came to this school, I felt the environment was really welcoming. I especially liked the close-knit atmosphere of the community. I wake up every day feeling excited to meet everyone at SIS.”

Both Junie and Edward have fulfilling experiences at school attesting to the good relationships among the students and teachers. This makes it easy for them to develop friendships throughout their high school life. These relationships have been invaluable and encouraging in an academic culture that pushes them to perform their best as students. They are driven to succeed in many areas, whether it be music, science, or art.

How is life at SIS?

Edward shares “culture at SIS promotes students to actively engage with course materials and the curriculum. The majority of the students prioritize academic achievement, which fosters a productive and rewarding learning environment.”

Junie confirms this when she says, “As an SIS student, I take pride in the various educational opportunities that the school provides me with. SIS students are encouraged to delve into a deeper academic world where we are all encouraged to use practical skills to engage in different subjects. The school also emphasizes the importance of the TIGER values. This highlights the need to cultivate trustworthy, independent, and reflective characters. Thus, this unique approach to education helps all of us have a better understanding of both the social and academic world ahead.”

More things you need to know:

• Student to Teacher ratio – 8.5:1
• Average class size – 18
• Grades (K-12) – PK – 12
• Boarding or Day School – day school
• School Term – Semester (MS/HS), Trimester (ES) 
• Enrollment Dates – open enrollment
• Diploma Programs – AP
• Location (specific address) – 15, Seongnam-daero 1518beon-gil, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea 13113

Special Programs Offered

Elementary School:

• Makerspace
• Library
• Aquatics
• Specialist classes
• Recess music
• Suzuki
• Spirit Club
• Jamboree
• Sports Booster
• After School Enrichment (ASE) Program
• After-school academic support

Middle School:

• Supplementary courses, Teacher-led elective classes, Language Arts and Math Extension
• Library Media
• Chinese
• Maker Space
• Opus Band
• After School Enrichment (ASE) Program
• Science Olympics
• Orchestra

High School:

• AP classes including AP 2 Capstone courses
• Model United Nations (MUN)
• Habitat for Humanity
• Forensics
• Korean-American Interscholastic Activities Conference (KAIAC)
• AISA
• Varsity & Junior Varsity Sports teams
• National Honor Society
• Kaleidoscope Magazine
• Community Service Club
• School Councils
• Music Club
• Media Club
• Global Issues Network (GIN)
• Drama

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To know more about the school, schedule a visit or check its website: https://siskorea.org/

Other International Schools:

Dwight School Seoul

More about international schools in Korea: