Korea International School Jeju (KIS Jeju)
Jeju English Education City
Curriculum
American
Grades
JK-Grade 12
Annual Tuition
~35-42M KRW/year
Enrollment
~988 students
Korean Student Admission
As a 국제학교 in Jeju's Global Education City, KIS Jeju is fully open to Korean nationals with no overseas residency requirements or enrollment caps. The student body is predominantly Korean.
Overview
Korea International School Jeju is the Jeju campus of the KIS network, which also operates in Pangyo on the Korean mainland. Located in Jeju English Education City, KIS Jeju offers an American curriculum from JK through Grade 12 and is the most affordable international school in the Jeju cluster. With approximately 988 students, the school has experienced a 6.8% enrollment decline from the previous year, consistent with the broader trend across Jeju international schools. The connection to the mainland KIS campus in Pangyo provides a unique advantage for families who may relocate between Jeju and the Seoul metropolitan area.
What parents like
- +Most affordable international school in Jeju, with tuition starting at ~35M KRW/year
- +Part of the KIS network with a mainland campus in Pangyo, providing transfer continuity
- +Boarding available from Grade 8, giving families flexibility without full Jeju relocation
- +WASC and CIS dual accreditation is well-recognized globally
- +Strong US university counseling and college preparation support
- +American curriculum is straightforward for families familiar with the US school system
Things to consider
- -Less distinctive brand identity compared to NLCS Jeju or Chadwick International
- -Enrollment declining by 6.8%, reflecting broader challenges for Jeju international schools
- -Requires relocation to Jeju island, away from Seoul and mainland Korea
- -Fewer AP course offerings compared to SJA Jeju's 30-course program
- -Predominantly Korean student body limits the international exposure experience
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Academics
KIS Jeju follows an American curriculum structure with a range of honors and AP course offerings. The academic program is designed to prepare students for US university admissions, with a focus on developing critical thinking, communication, and research skills. While the AP program is not as extensive as SJA Jeju's 30-course offering, it covers core subjects across sciences, humanities, and mathematics. Class sizes are moderate, and the school provides differentiated instruction and learning support. University counseling is a strength, with dedicated counselors guiding students through the US college application process. The school also offers extracurricular enrichment to complement the academic program.
Admissions
Admissions are open to all nationalities, including Korean nationals, with no overseas residency requirements. The application process includes academic records, assessments, and interviews. As the most affordable Jeju option, KIS Jeju may attract families who are price-sensitive but still want an international school education on the island. Annual tuition ranges from approximately 35M KRW for lower school to 42M KRW for upper school. Boarding fees are additional for students in Grade 8 and above who choose the residential option. The KIS network connection means families transferring from or to KIS Pangyo can expect curriculum continuity.
Campus and Facilities
The KIS Jeju campus in Jeju Education City includes modern classrooms, science labs, a library, performing arts spaces, sports facilities, and boarding houses for residential students from Grade 8 onward. The campus is well-maintained and designed for the American school model, with spaces for athletics, arts, and collaborative learning. Like other schools in Jeju Education City, KIS Jeju benefits from the planned infrastructure and safe environment of the zone. The natural surroundings of Jeju provide additional opportunities for outdoor education, field trips, and environmental programs.
Community and Culture
The KIS Jeju community shares characteristics with other Jeju international schools: a predominantly Korean parent body, a mix of day and boarding students, and a school culture oriented toward university preparation. The KIS network connection gives the community a broader identity, as families may have relationships with the Pangyo campus as well. The school organizes community events, parent meetings, and student activities to foster engagement. Boarding students from Grade 8 form their own sub-community, adding a residential dimension to school life. For families choosing between Jeju schools, KIS Jeju offers a solid, affordable option with the practical advantage of network continuity.
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