St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju (SJA Jeju)
Jeju English Education City
Curriculum
American (30 AP courses)
Grades
PreK-Grade 12
Annual Tuition
~40-47M KRW/year
Enrollment
~975 students
Korean Student Admission
As a 국제학교 in Jeju's Global Education City, SJA Jeju is fully open to Korean nationals with no overseas residency requirements or enrollment caps. The majority of students are Korean.
Overview
St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju is the Jeju campus of St. Johnsbury Academy, a respected American school founded in Vermont in 1842. Located in Jeju English Education City, SJA Jeju offers a comprehensive American curriculum with an impressive 30 Advanced Placement courses, making it the strongest AP program among the Jeju schools. In 2024, 96% of SJA Jeju students scored 3 or higher on AP exams, demonstrating strong academic preparation. With approximately 975 students, the school has experienced a 7.9% enrollment decline from the previous year, part of a broader trend affecting Jeju international schools.
What parents like
- +Strongest AP program in Jeju with 30 courses available and a 96% pass rate (3+ scores)
- +American curriculum is familiar and well-suited for students targeting US universities
- +Both day and boarding options provide flexibility for different family situations
- +NEASC accreditation is well-recognized by American universities
- +Affiliation with St. Johnsbury Academy Vermont provides curriculum continuity and resources
- +Solid academic results that demonstrate effective preparation for university-level work
Things to consider
- -Requires relocation to Jeju island, away from Seoul and mainland Korea
- -Enrollment declining by 7.9%, reflecting broader challenges for Jeju international schools
- -Less internationally diverse than NLCS Jeju, with a predominantly Korean student body
- -The American curriculum focus may be limiting for families targeting UK or European universities
- -Jeju island lifestyle is a significant adjustment, with limited urban amenities compared to Seoul
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Academics
SJA Jeju's academic program centers on a rigorous American curriculum with the broadest AP offering of any Jeju school. The 30 AP courses span sciences, mathematics, humanities, social sciences, world languages, and the arts. The school's 2024 results are notable: 96% of students who sat AP exams scored 3 or higher, indicating effective teaching and student preparation. The curriculum structure is familiar to American-educated families and aligns well with US university admissions expectations. Class sizes are moderate, and the school provides academic advising and university counseling with a strong focus on US college placements. The school also offers standard courses for students not pursuing the AP track.
Admissions
Admissions are open to all nationalities, including Korean nationals, with no overseas residency requirements. The application process includes academic transcripts, assessments, teacher recommendations, and interviews. The slight enrollment decline may mean less competition for spots compared to peak years. Annual tuition ranges from approximately 40M KRW for lower school to 47M KRW for upper school. Boarding fees are additional for residential students. The NEASC accreditation provides confidence that the school meets rigorous American educational standards, which is relevant for families planning to apply to US colleges.
Campus and Facilities
The SJA Jeju campus in Jeju Education City features modern facilities built to support the American curriculum and a broad extracurricular program. The campus includes well-equipped classrooms, science and technology labs, a library and media center, performing arts spaces, indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, and boarding residences. The campus design reflects American school norms, with spaces for team sports, student organizations, and collaborative learning. The Jeju Education City environment is planned and well-maintained, and the natural beauty of Jeju island provides a unique backdrop for student life.
Community and Culture
The SJA Jeju community is centered around the American school experience, with traditions like homecoming, student government, and a range of varsity sports and clubs. The parent community is predominantly Korean, with families who have chosen the American curriculum pathway for university preparation. Boarding students, both Korean and international, add to the campus life dynamic. The school culture values academic achievement and well-roundedness. As with other Jeju schools, some parents are not physically based on the island, which can create a different dynamic compared to day schools where parents are locally present.
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