Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Daegu

Daegu, the fourth-largest city in South Korea, offers a vibrant expat community with a handful of international and bilingual schooling options for expat children. While the city may not boast the same number of international schools as Seoul, it still provides quality education through its institutions. Among the most popular are Daegu International School and Daegu Chinese Elementary School, which cater to diverse student populations and offer international curricula.

Daegu International School (DIS)

Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Suseong-gu, Daegu
Website: www.dis.sc.kr

Daegu International School is known for its rigorous American curriculum and offers the Advanced Placement (AP) program for high school students. With state-of-the-art facilities, DIS provides a well-rounded education with a variety of extracurricular activities. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and has a diverse student body representing over 20 countries.

Daegu Chinese Elementary School

Grades: 1 through 6
Location(s): Dalseo-gu, Daegu

Daegu Chinese Elementary School offers a bilingual education in Korean and Mandarin. While primarily serving the local Chinese community, it also welcomes students from various backgrounds. The school focuses on fostering a multicultural environment where students can embrace both Chinese and Korean cultures.

International School of Daegu (ISD)

Grades: Nursery through Grade 12
Location(s): Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do (near Daegu)
Website: www.isd.ac

Located just outside of Daegu, the International School of Daegu offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for students from nursery to grade 12. ISD prides itself on its modern facilities, including a library, science labs, and sports fields. The school's extracurricular program is extensive, offering arts, sports, and various clubs.

Gyeongbuk International School

Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 9
Location(s): Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Website: www.gbintl.hs.kr

Gyeongbuk International School, also in the vicinity of Daegu, provides an English-medium education with a focus on global citizenship. The school follows an international curriculum and emphasizes the development of critical thinking and communication skills. It offers a range of extracurricular activities, including music, art, and sports.

Centum International School

Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Busan (reachable from Daegu)
Website: www.centumis.org

Although located in Busan, Centum International School is an option for families in Daegu willing to commute. The school offers the Cambridge Curriculum and prepares students for the IGCSE and A-Level examinations. Centum International School boasts a diverse student body and provides a variety of extracurricular activities to support student development.

Busan Foreign School

Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Busan
Website: www.busanforeignschool.org

Busan Foreign School is another viable option for Daegu residents, offering an American-style education with AP courses for high school students. The school has a strong emphasis on community and service, encouraging students to engage with both the school and the wider community. BFS provides a comprehensive education with a wide range of extracurricular activities.