Top Academics and a Christian Ethos
We take pride in seamlessly blending exceptional academics with a Christian ethos, setting us apart in the realm of international education. As a pioneer of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs in South Korea, we are one of the few schools worldwide to offer all three IB programs within a Christian worldview context. Each year, our students distinguish themselves not only in academics but also in athletics, arts, and their compassionate service to others. Through a blend of educational best practices and an inspiring message of hope, we cultivate learners who embody both competence and care.
What Makes TCIS Unique in All the World?
TCIS is the only school in the world that offers:
• All three programmes of IB (PYP, MYP, and DP),
• a Christian worldview,
• more than 65 years experience in global education,
• English as the primary language of instruction, and
• a boarding program to care for children from anywhere in the world.
We have organised the information available for this school into 11 sections and 38 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
Nationalities
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Number of students
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380
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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24
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Languages
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Native English speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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English Language Support
Beginner English Language Program
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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Korean, Spanish, Mandarin
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Classroom
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Max. number of students per class
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20
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Average number of students per class
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12
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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TCIS is an Apple School
We are a one-to-one laptop school in Grades 6-12
Grades 4-5 use classroom laptops to support learning
Grades 1-3 use classroom iPads to support learning
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
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We are fully capable to deliver online learning within 24-hours notice – for cases of emergencies.
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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Roughly 50% of students claim the Christian faith as their own. The other 50% is a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and non-professed/non-disclosed faiths.
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How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion?
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As both a holistic and Christian school, TCIS approaches spirituality through a Christian Worldview. Non-Christian students are not required to participate in Christian observances but should be respectful during community times that may contain such observances. Academic preference is never given nor withheld based on personal faith.
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Academics
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External examinations or assessments available
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IB Diploma
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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99%
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Student support
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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Special Educational Needs
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Learning support offered
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A Learning Success coordinator works with students according to personal IEPs, either working directly with students or mentoring classroom teachers to provide appropriate accommodations. TCIS works with students with a broad range of learning needs: academic, behavioral, emotional, and physical.
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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TCIS believes strongly in the practice of differentiation to help all students perform in a "growing manner" according to their abilities. Gifted, able and talented students are provided opportunities to go further, engage in outside activities, and engage in leadership roles within the learning environment.
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Student access to education psychologist
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TCIS has an external practitioner that it recommends, but it is not an in-house arrangement; it that takes place outside of the main TCIS learning experience. However, the Counseling Office and the Learning Success Coordinator are happy to work with any qualified professional for the good of students.
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Admissions
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Entry evaluation for students
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TCIS requires evidence of English language proficiency, as well as placement information for math and English literacy.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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- Age 4 - Grade 2: Interview with Teacher
- Grades 3-5: English Test
- Grades 6-12: English & Math Tests
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Waiting list
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Specific grades are occasionally waitlisted.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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TCIS operates on a rolling admissions, and will work with families to enroll a student according to family needs.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Many students do start in January, which is the beginning of the second semester. Students may be able to enroll mid-semester depending on their grade level and how late they are applying. Generally, younger students can transfer at any time, but high school students may find it more difficult to transfer mid-semester. Beginning in grade 11, TCIS generally does not accept students after the semester has begun due to the rigor of the IB DP program.
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School day
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School start time
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8:15am
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School finish time
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4:10pm
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Supervised care before/after school
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No
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School bus service available
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Yes
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School provided lunches
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Yes
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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Yes
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Uniform required
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No
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Facilities
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Facilities at the school
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Boarding facilities, science labs, music and drama classrooms, individual and small group musical practice rooms, technology classrooms, wood shop, STEM Space (robotics, 3d printing, and others), performing arts center, library, cafeteria
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Sports facilities at the school
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Soccer field, tennis courts (5), gymnasiums (2), fitness center, dance studio
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Boarding
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Grades/ages available for boarding
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Grades 6-12
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Boarding facilities at the school
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• Two-person, ensuite student rooms
• Common Room
• TV Room
• Group Study Room
• Quiet Study Room
• Laundry Facilities
• Common Kitchenette Facilities
• Musical Practice Room
• Personal Fitness Room
• Weekend Travel Assistance (if required)
• Weekend Care (if required)
• Holiday Care - for "Out of Country Students")
• Shuttle Services - to and from the local shopping area
• Snacks, Outings, and Activities - for evenings and weekends
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About the school
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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Taejon Christian International School is one of the top foreign schools in Korea. With a caring international faculty, TCIS delivers a Western-style IB school experience to children in grades K-12. Ex-pat and local families choose TCIS for a high-quality English-speaking education and a strongly-supportive community experience.
For families living outside of the Daejeon area, TCIS also runs an on-campus boarding care program.
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Teaching approach of the school
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TCIS is a diverse and supportive community that cares for students and develops character. It is the goal that children not only receive a curriculum that serves them well for university but an educational experience that prepares them for a balanced, fulfilled, and successful life.
TCIS delivers education with a Christian ethos that shapes learning and community, toward the goal of students growing in values of love, peace, unity, respect, service, and faith.
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Elementary School | Ages 4 to 11
We are a diverse learning community that teaches with hands-on and inquiry-based models within the IB PYP program. We believe that caring, kindness, and patience are foundational elements for teaching any child, and it is an intentional part of learning for our primary school students.
• Diverse mix of student cultural backgrounds
• Learning is hands-on, engaging, and inquiry-based.
• Fun and effective STEAM-based experiences as preparation for secondary school learning
• English literacy is a major initiative to promote reading competency and a love-of-reading.
• Promotes healthy social interactions and the connection of learning across grade levels
• Comprehensive program for supporting English-language learners
Middle School | Ages 11-14
TCIS provides a western-style middle school experience to children in South Korea, or invites them to join us in Korea through our Boarding Care Program. Within the IB MYP program, students engage in a highest-quality international school education. TCIS is an English-speaking school built on American (US) and international course standards.
TCIS programs provide guided opportunities for introspection and self-discovery. As students understand their strengths, weaknesses, and goals, their learning becomes much more relevant. When learning is seen as relevant, it becomes deeper and more engaging.
High School | Ages 14-18
TCIS provides a unique, Western-style high school experience to children in South Korea; we also extend a warm invitation to students worldwide to join us through our Boarding Care Program. At TCIS, we provide the highest quality international education through our IB DP and MYP programs. Our school, conducted entirely in English, follows American (US) and international course standards.
The IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11 & 12) represents a rigorous pre-university course of study. It encourages high school students to be knowledgeable and inquisitive while fostering community involvement and global-mindedness. The DP places strong emphasis on cultural understanding, open-mindedness, and respect, preparing students for the demands of higher education and global citizenship.
Our Campus
The TCIS campus is often described as idyllic; visitors frequently comment on the peaceful setting. The TCIS campus is situated on a green 10-acre hill overlooking Techno Valley, Daejeon. With mountains and the Gapcheon River to the east, an orchard on the south, a golf course to the north, and the beautiful neighborhood of Techno Valley below to the west, the school sits in a location between cutting-edge research and the beautiful natural landscape of Korea. It really is a perfect place to engage in education.
Check out the facilities in this interactive virtual tour.
Boarding
For families residing outside Daejeon, TCIS offers an on-campus boarding care program that goes beyond providing a place to sleep. Our Boarding Care Program serves as an extension of the learning process, guided by committed boarding faculty. Students benefit from academic support, access to facilities, and the camaraderie of a second family of peers.
There are many advantages to living in the TCIS Boarding Care Program. We even have students from the local area who enter the boarding program for the the experience. They get an opportunity for university-life preparation now, in a safe and guided way.
Check out the boarding facilities in this interactive virtual tour.