Colm Flanagan
Head of School
Seoul Foreign School is the longest-established international school in Korea and the only non-profit school in Seoul. Founded in 1912, it offers a community of teaching and learning excellence, dedicated to educating children of all ages and stages.
Whether you are a long-term resident or new to Seoul, whatever the age, interests, or background of your child, we provide the very best international education in the city. Our world-class 26-acre campus offers a dynamic environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. From age two, we educate and nurture our students, guiding them to become well-rounded, creative, intelligent, and compassionate global citizens.
We offer two complementary educational paths:
• The International Baccalaureate Continuum of Programmes (PreK 2 - Grade 12)
• The English National Curriculum (Foundation - Year 6)
Explore our story, engage with our dedicated admissions team, and witness our students pursuing their passions. Then, make the decision to join the Seoul Foreign School community. We look forward to welcoming you and your family.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 42 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
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Number of students
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1600
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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55
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Most common nationality
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American
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Ratio of local students to international students
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We are an International School and subject to government guidelines
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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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Yes we have ELL support
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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English, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, French. We also have a Mother Tongue program and we support students who do the bilingual IB Diploma
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Max. number of students per class
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It depends on the section and the grade level. 15 students maximum in Early years to 22 maximum in High School.
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Average number of students per class
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It depends on the section and subject.
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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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School-owned IPad program in Elementary School. 1:1 program in Middle School and up
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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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Yes
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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While built on Christian ethos, SFS welcomes students from all faith or non-faith backgrounds.
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How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion?
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SFS supports students from all faith or non-faith backgrounds.
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External examinations or assessments available
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The IB Diploma
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Results in these examinations
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N/a
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Yes
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Approximate hours of homework given
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It depends on the section. From 20 minutes in Grade 1 to the needs of the Diploma Programme.
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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98%
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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Yes
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Learning support offered
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We have extensive Student Support Services including language support, learning support, social-emotional counseling, a full-time psychologist and speech and language pathology.
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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Our school is academically rigorous and every level is supported
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Student access to education psychologist
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Yes - we have our own Educational Psychologist on campus
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Entry evaluation for students
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Check all details with Admissions
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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Check all details with Admissions
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Waiting list
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It is advised to apply as early as possible as all grade levels have waiting lists.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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We are on rolling enrollment basis.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Depends on availability
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School start time
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8.00am
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School finish time
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3.10pm
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Supervised care before/after school
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We have an extensive after school program
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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 - we have multiple cafeterias
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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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We have a dress code, except in High School
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Facilities at the school
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Multiple libraries, multiple theaters, multiple science labs, multiple design labs
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Sports facilities at the school
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Soccer pitch, swimming pool, gyms, basketball and volleyball courts, bouldering, dance, yoga, weights rooms, golf indoor facility, and much more
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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As one of the longest establish International School in the world, SFS's mission is built around: Opportunity, Achievement, Impact
Inspiring Excellence, Building Character - since 1912
SFS offers a world of opportunities in the heart of Seoul.
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Teaching approach of the school
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We support, challenge and inspire whatever the level, interest and ability of the student. We are an inclusive school with a robust teaching program offering the the International Baccalaureate (PK2- G12) and English National Curriculum (Foundation-Y6). Our teachers are experienced professionals hired from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, China, Korea and more.
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Early Years and Elementary School | Ages 2-11
In the Early Years Programme our youngest students have the option of joining the Foundation program of the British School or the Primary Years program of the Elementary School. Both educational paths ultimately lead to the High School.
In the Elementary School our young learners have two educational options: one under the British School (English National Curriculum with the framework of the Fieldwork International Primary Curriculum - IPC) and the other under the Elementary School (International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme - IBPYP). Both educational paths ultimately lead to the High School.
Middle School and High School | Ages 11-18
Middle Years students complete their studies in the British School or the Middle School. At the end of the Middle Years, the British School and Middle School students merge into one class to transition to the High School.
SFS students complete their studies in the High School, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Our Campus
Seoul Foreign School is located in Yeonhui Dong, a historic area near the city center.
Our 25 acre campus is on a quiet forested hillside adjacent to Yonsei University with easy access to mountain hiking trails.
Check out the facilities in this interactive virtual tour.
After School
Our students have the opportunity to extend themselves beyond the classroom with our Schoolwide Extracurricular Program. Music, dance, visual art, sports, faith-based activities, community service and more are available - if your child has a particular interest, we are likely to have an offering that will excite them. Explore all our opportunities.
SFS also offers a wide variety of sports, clubs and teams at competitive and non-competitive levels. Many events are hosted at regional and even international locations.
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