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Seoul Foreign School

Located in Seoul, South Korea, the Seoul Foreign School (abbreviated S.F.S.) is a K-12, IB World school, founded in 1912 that is an international school and offers a Western-style education to international students with an emphasis on "Christian values." It is one of many similar English-language schools with American/British curricula that can be found in major cities throughout the world. The school is located in Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, near Yonsei University.

Divisions

The school is currently divided into 4 divisions. British, Elementary, Middle, and High school.

British School

The British School (SFBS) offers a curriculum based around the English National Primary Strategy and National Curriculum for Reception to Year 9. SFBS spans Year 1 to Year 9. The headteacher is Timothy J. Gray.

Elementary School

The elementary school (SFES) offers a curriculum based on standard U.S.-style grade school education. The grade levels are K through 5. The principal is John Gaylord. The Elementary school has recently been redone. br> Middle School

The middle school (SFMS) offers a curriculum based on standard U.S.-style middle school programs. The grade levels are 6 through 8. The prinicpal is Shirley Droese.

High School

The high school (SFHS) offers a curriculum based on standard U.S.-style high school programs. The grade levels are 9 through 12. During junior and senior year, the IB Diploma Programme is offered. The principal is Kevin Baker. The assistant principal and IB co-ordinator is Lynn Gaylord.

Admissions

The admissions process into Seoul Foreign School is quite detailed and competitive. First, to be a potential student, you and one of your parents (or guardians) must hold a foreign (non-Korean) passport. SFS requires an application that comprises of your transcript, teacher recommendations, and appropriate fees. Admissions is based on a series of academic, behavioral, and citizenship criteria. About 1 student for every 3 applicants is admitted.

Influences of Christianity

Seoul Foreign School, founded in 1912 by missionaries to Korea, has grown into a premier international college-preparatory school all the while holding to its Christian roots, philosophy, and ethos. In particular, it is committed to education within a caring Christian environment and consistent with the highest Christian values. The school provides programs designed to give an understanding of the Christian faith, both through a study of Bible and consideration of historical and contemporary understandings of Christianity. Through personal example and through certain extra-curricular activities, the school aims to encourage students to make the truths of the Christian faith a matter of personal commitment.

Discovery Week

Exclusive to the high school is Discovery Week, which is a mandatory 5-10 day program usually held around the last week of May to the first week of June. Extracurricular activities such as overseas trips and local activities are provided at a cost. Past overseas trips have been to places such as Mexico, Japan, France, and Guam. The cost of overseas trips range from $1800 USD to $3000 USD. Local activities can be things such as sports (golfing, basketball), city photography and excursions, and in-school activities such as computer gaming, or American Red Cross Lifeguarding. The cost range of local activities ranges from about $100 USD to $700 USD.

Fees

Seoul Foreign School, as a private school, demands separate tuition. Pricing is different for each school division. The tuition is paid in a South Korean won amount and a United States dollar amount. The cost range for tuition is approximately $10,000 USD to $25,000 USD . Separate fees also exist for things such as transportation (buses), IB (Junior/Senior only) fees, application and registration fees. School lunches are also available for about 3000 Won to 4000 Won (about 3 USD to 4 USD).

Grounds

The school grounds span from the Yonhi-dong main street to the grounds of Yonsei Univerisity. The separate school divisions are also physically divided. The British school has a city view of Seoul, and is situated close to the bus/parking garage. The elementary school sits next to the high school which is situated across from the middle school. The high school is located between the middle school and the soccer field. Teacher housing is located in apartment complexes built within the campus. The Lyso Center for the Performing Arts is also located at SFS and is the site for many of the school's plays and concerts. There is currently one cafeteria, and construction is underway to build another much larger one as well as a new theater to replace the decades old, "Robb Hall".

Athletic Facilities

Seoul Foreign School has an indoor sports complex which houses two gyms, each with several basketball courts, as well as one weight training room. Also, located outside are two more basketball courst (next to the soccer field). More basketball courts can also be found on the British school playground. There is a soccer (football) field and a running track. There is also an indoor pool and two tennis courts are situated above it. Two more tennis courts are situated adjacent to the British school playground. There is also a gymnastics room for various uses ranging from acrobatics workout to ballet practice.

Notable Alumni

• Ken Jennings: Frequent contestant on the quiz-show Jeopardy! whose earnings have grossed over $1,000,000
• Eddie Shin: Korean Pop Singer.
• Ien Chi: Successful cubist photographer

References

1. School Divisions
2. Eligibility Requirements
3. Discovery Week
4. Seoul Foreign School Tuition and Fee Schedule (for 2007 ~ 2008)
5. Campus Information

External links

• Official website

• Schools in South Korea
• International Baccalaureate schools
• Educational institutions established in 1912