How about a school that is South Korea’s first international boarding school? That’s Korea International School Jeju Campus or KISJ. It opened in 2011. KISJ is part of the Jeju Global Education City. The first senior class graduated in May 2016.
KISJ offers an American college preparatory curriculum. It serves junior kindergarten through grade 12. Boarding starts in grade 6. The high school began its AP Capstone program in 2017-18. It was one of only seven schools in South Korea to offer it.
One unique thing about Korea International School Jeju Campus is enrollment. Students don’t need a foreign passport. They also don’t need to have studied abroad for more than 3 years. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges gave KISJ a six-year full accreditation in August 2015. The South Korean Ministry of Education also accredits the school. Korean nationals earn both a U.S. and South Korean high school diploma upon graduation.
Korea International School Jeju Campus is a member of KORCOS. That is the Korea Council of Overseas Schools. KISJ is also part of EARCOS. That is the East Asia Regional Council of Schools. The school works with organizations like Thinking Collaborative. It also partners with St. Mark’s School and MIT.
KISJ has national athletic conferences. These are KISAC, KIAC, KIMEA and JAC. Students also attend international Model United Nations and robotics conferences. In winter 2023, KISJ worked with neighboring international schools. Together they hosted the GEC Just Learning Conference. This was the first time since before the COVID pandemic.
The curriculum at Korea International School Jeju Campus uses AP and AERO standards. AERO is American Education Reaches Out. High schools use 80 minute blocks for classes. Middle schools use 45 minute periods. Elementary schools use 50 minute periods.
All overseas faculty at KISJ are certified teachers. Sixty-seven percent hold advanced degrees. The school provides MacBooks for grades 5 to 12. Grades JK to 4 use iPads and an iMac lab. Google Classroom, PowerSchool, and Seesaw are key platforms.
The elementary school uses experiential learning. Students learn by doing. The school uses a standards-based approach. Student progress is communicated through levels and report cards. The middle school also teaches essential reading and writing skills. It uses a standards-based approach for assessment.
KISJ high school students take college-preparatory classes. They can challenge themselves with Honors and Advanced Placement courses. There are also visual and performing arts options. AP courses start in grade 10.
Students can take Honors courses in subjects like Algebra and English. AP classes let students experience a college-level curriculum. Currently, there are 18 AP courses available. These include English, History, and Sciences. Students with a GPA above 3.8 can take up to 8 AP classes.
KISJ uses letter grades to assess student performance. A 4-point GPA scale is used for colleges and universities. Honors and AP classes receive extra weight. The academic year has two semesters. Report cards are issued at the end of each semester.
Graduation requires 5.5 English credits and 3 mathematics credits. Students also need credits in science and social studies. World language, physical education, and technology credits are required. Korean passport holders need 1.5 credits of Korean language and history. Students must complete 40 hours of service for graduation.
KISJ offers many sports. These include cross country, swimming, tennis and volleyball. Students can also play golf, basketball, badminton and soccer. The school hosts a TEDx event each year. It also offers visual arts, drama, and music programs.
Korea International School Jeju Campus is located in a rural area. The school campus has two main areas. These are connected by a bridge. The elementary and middle school were completed in 2011. The high school was completed in 2014. There are 12 buildings with 110 classrooms. School libraries hold around 50000 books. Most students are South Korean nationals. Admission is selective.
KISJ offers full-time boarding for students in grades 6 to 12. Dorm staff promote an English-language environment. They work with teachers to provide academic guidance. Students have access to lounges, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Nurses and counselors offer medical and emotional care. A dorm clubs program features activities like debate and golf.