Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Daejeon
Summary: If you're moving to Daejeon with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Daejeon
As a mid-sized city known for its research and development centers, Daejeon, offers a handful of international and bilingual schooling options for expat children. While the city may not boast the extensive selection found in metropolises like Seoul, there are still reputable institutions that cater to the educational needs of expat families. Among the most popular are Taejon Christian International School and Daejeon International Christian School, which provide a diverse and international curriculum. Here are some of the schools within or near Daejeon that are suitable for expat and digital nomad families:
Taejon Christian International School (TCIS)
Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Techno Valley in Daejeon
Website: www.tcis.or.kr
TCIS offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and boasts a diverse student body representing over 20 countries. The school is equipped with modern facilities, including science labs, art studios, and sports fields. Extracurricular activities are abundant, ranging from athletics to arts and service clubs. Enrollment is competitive, and the school is known for its strong academic track record and college preparatory programs.
Daejeon International Christian School (DICS)
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Daejeon
Website: www.dics-korea.org
DICS provides a Christian-based education with an American-style curriculum. The school offers a range of classes including Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students. Facilities include computer labs, a library, and a gymnasium. Extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and drama are available to students. The school community is tight-knit, with a focus on character development and service.
Yongsan International School of Seoul (YISS)
Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Seoul, within a reasonable commute from Daejeon
Website: www.yisseoul.org
Although located in Seoul, YISS is an option for families in Daejeon willing to commute or relocate for a prestigious international education. The school offers an American curriculum with a Christian worldview. YISS has state-of-the-art facilities, including a performing arts center, indoor gymnasium, and a 25-meter swimming pool. The school also has a wide range of extracurricular activities and competitive sports teams.
Seoul Foreign School (SFS)
Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Seoul, accessible from Daejeon
Website: www.seoulforeign.org
Seoul Foreign School is one of the oldest international schools in Korea, offering British and American curricula, including the IB Diploma Programme. The school's facilities are extensive, with a fine arts center, multiple sports fields, and advanced STEM labs. SFS is known for its robust arts program and competitive sports teams. The school's community is diverse, with students from over 50 countries.
Seoul International School (SIS)
Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Seoul, commutable from Daejeon
Website: www.siskorea.org
SIS provides a rigorous American curriculum with a wide array of AP courses. The school's facilities include a performing arts center, a design technology lab, and a variety of sports facilities. Extracurricular activities are plentiful, with clubs and organizations catering to a wide range of interests. SIS is known for its academic excellence and preparation for universities worldwide.
Please note that while some schools listed are in Seoul, they are included due to the high quality of education they provide and the feasibility of commuting or relocating for families who prioritize educational opportunities for their children.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.