Seoul Foreign School, centered in Christ, inspires a passion for learning, pursues academic and creative excellence, and is dedicated to the service of others.
Welcome to Seoul Foreign School, where opportunities abound and every child can discover their passions. Thank you for considering us for your child’s educational journey. Whether you are a long-term resident or new to Seoul, whatever the age, interests or background of your child, we offer the very best education in the city. Our world-class 26-acre campus offers a dynamic environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
From age two, we educate and nurture our students, guiding them to become well-rounded, creative, intelligent, and compassionate global citizens.
Explore our story, look around our campus, engage with our passionate faculty, and witness our students pursuing their passions. Then make the decision to join the Seoul Foreign School community. I’m looking forward to seeing you on campus.
Colm Flanagan Head of School
Inspiring Excellence, Building Character - since 1912
AGES 2 - 18
50+ NATIONALITIES
Student Body, 1913. High School Students, 1933. Boys Tennis Team, 1987.
Theatre Production Pied Piper of Hamelin, 1930’s.
Founded in 1912 by missionaries, Seoul Foreign School holds a remarkable legacy in Korea and worldwide. Ethel Underwood, our first hired teacher, commenced our journey by educating children from expatriate families, marking the humble beginnings of our institution. From a modest room accommodating a single class of 10 students, SFS has grown into the educational hub it is today, housing four sections, two curricula, and a sprawling 26-acre campus.
Throughout our history, Seoul Foreign School has remained dedicated to academic excellence, a culture of service, and a globally diverse community, staying true to its original mission. This commitment has fostered deep loyalty among students, parents, teachers, and alumni, with only four Heads of School guiding the institution over the past century. Many alumni return as parents and educators, enriching the experiences of our community further.
With a strong commitment to innovation, SFS has managed to not only stay relevant over the years, but consistently be at the forefront of teaching and learning excellence.
The legacy of Seoul Foreign School lives on, and we invite your children to be part of this very special story.
Cheerleaders, 2024.
Girls Basketball Team, 1925.
Cheerleaders, 1919.
Elementary School (Pre-K2 - Grade 5)
British School (Foundation - Year 6)
Middle School (Grade 6 - Grade 8)
High School (Grade 9 - Grade 12)
We welcome students of all ages. In Primary, students can choose to follow the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB PYP) in the Elementary School, or the English National Curriculum in the British School. In Middle and High School, all students follow the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB MYP & IBDP).
AtSFS, your child will receive top-tier instruction regardless of their age or educational stage. Our faculty comprises over 200 experienced educators with an average of 15 years of teaching experience. Supported by more than 50 teaching assistants, our teachers ensure personalized attention and support for every student.
With over 70% of our faculty holding postgraduate degrees or doctorates, they bring a wealth of expertise to the classroom. Representing 27 different countries, their diversity enriches the learning environment with varied perspectives.
In addition to their teaching responsibilities, our faculty actively engages students in extracurricular activities, including overseas service trips, international sporting competitions, and arts programs.
Oneof the many reasons for choosing Seoul Foreign School is our incredible campus, often termed the “School on the Hill.” Situated on a sprawling 26-acre forested plot, the school boasts a plethora of amenities, including a 90 x 60-meter soccer field, two gymnasiums, a bouldering room, a 25-meter swimming pool, four playgrounds, and numerous green spaces. These facilities are second to none.
Our classrooms are meticulously designed to maximize inspiration and creativity, providing students with a safe and comfortable learning environment. With specialized instruction catered to throughout the school, students have access to stateof-the-art science labs, art rooms, design areas, and much more.
Seoul Foreign School is committed to continuous improvement and innovation. We continually reevaluate and enhance our facilities to meet the evolving needs and interests of our student population. These projects are a testament to our dedication to educational excellence, and SFS remains at the forefront of educational development both internationally and in Seoul.
“My favorite part about SFS is that everyone cares about each other.”
- Nora Chu, Elementary School Student
Elementary School (Pre-K2 - Grade 5)
AtSeoul Foreign Elementary School, students embark on a journey of discovery through the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). With a focus on nurturing their talents and fostering inquiry, our students cultivate a sense of strength, capability, and resilience as learners.
Our state-of-the-art building provides spacious, wellequipped classrooms where students thrive. They enjoy access to playgrounds, a dedicated library, music and art rooms, as well as support facilities. Here, students are provided with an array of opportunities to develop an insatiable curiosity for learning.
In the Elementary School, we lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, empowering students to embrace challenges and pursue their dreams.
An inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning provides a supportive structure that meets the needs of a diverse range of learners and provides for a creative expression of ideas.
The approach to teaching and learning in the Early Years at SFS is centered around the belief that young children learn best through play.
Learning at a conceptual level of understanding ensures students can think critically and creatively and can construct and apply meaningful connections across the curriculum.
When our children graduate from the Elementary School, they are creative, rounded and resilient individuals with a passion for learning. They are prepared for great success in the Middle School.
“The British School has plenty of great teachers and the students are very welcoming and generous. The teachers in SFBS are some of the most caring teachers I ever had.”
- Matthew Alemania, British School Student
Seoul Foreign British School is the longest established English National Curriculum (ENC) School in Seoul, boasting a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1981. Nestled amidst the woods, the school began as a humble oneclass entity, and has since become a landmark for excellent British education in Korea.
At Seoul Foreign British School, we are big enough to enjoy great facilities and resources but small enough for our dedicated teachers to tailor instruction to each child’s unique needs. Every student receives comprehensive support, ensuring a nurturing and enriching learning environment.
In addition to upholding the core values of Seoul Foreign School, we infuse a distinctly British ethos into our educational approach. This cultural integration adds depth and diversity to our curriculum, fostering global perspectives and embracing the rich tapestry of our community.
To prepare them for tomorrow’s world, we instill in our students invaluable skills such as critical thinking, relevance, and collaboration. Utilizing the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) as our framework, we ensure our students develop social and international perspectives.
From the Foundation Stage, we firmly believe that young children learn best when they have fun while being challenged.
Students enjoy a warm, inspiring and challenging experience which contributes to their development as healthy, inquiring, capable and confident young adults.
We encourage our students to become life-long learners. When they leave the British School, they will have also learned to value others.
(Grade 6 - Grade 8)
We believe the Middle School is a crucial stepping stone between our Primary Years and High School.
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides a challenging framework of learning, which encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. We believe the journey of learning is as important as the destination.
Our Middle School builds upon the knowledge, skills and attitudes developed in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) or International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and prepares students to meet the academic challenges of the IB Diploma Programme (DP).
“I love SFS because it feels like a community where everyone knows each other and takes care of each other.”
- Kate Choi, Middle School Student
At a time of rapid intellectual and personal change, students strengthen their independent learning skills and begin to pursue specific learning interests.
Our faculty strives to create a learning environment that encourages challenge within a culture of exploration.
Students come to us as children, and they leave as young adults.
Our students are guided to develop knowledge, embrace positive attitudes and acquire the skills necessary to navigate complexity and assume responsibility for their future.
High School (Grade 9 - Grade 12)
Arobust and thriving High School serves as the focal point of Seoul Foreign School. In August 2018, we unveiled our new state-of-the-art High School building, purposefully designed to cater to the evolving needs of modern students on the brink of adulthood. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every student has access to exceptional teaching, while our dedicated faculty passionately guides them on their journey into the world.
Our High School students follow the IB MYP and DP programmes. Here, they are nurtured as individuals, with careful consideration for their present circumstances and future aspirations.
“Make the most of your short 4 years. It’ll go by faster than you can imagine. Learn to learn, but also learn to laugh and learn to love.”
- Janet Lee, High School Student
We firmly believe that the IBDP provides the best preparation for university success and beyond.
Whatever your passions and hopes, these four years will be a time of incredible experience and growth. We encourage all of our students to challenge themselves and get out their comfort zones.
Our aim is to nurture lifelong learners with a strong foundation of academic skills, a desire to be creative and the ability to work well both independently and in groups.
Through inquiry, experimentation and reflection, SFS students are exposed to the wealth of career paths available, while preparing for the next stage of the IB Programme. HS students go from the MYP to the DPsupported and nurtured every step of the way.
Student learning doesn’t stop at 3:00 PM at Seoul Foreign School. Our SWEP program supports the diverse interests of our students, whether they are artistic, athletic, strategic, spiritual, or academic. We offer a wide variety of activities to help students develop their talents and social skills, and explore new interests. Our program includes art, language, STEMrelated activities, performing arts, sports, and fitness.
Additionally, we provide opportunities for music lessons and sectional activities. Our club activities encompass a range of interests, and include:
• Robotics
• Coding
• Art & Design
• Aquatics
• Dance
• Chess
• Bouldering
• Choir
• Music
• Badminton
• Soccer
• Taekwondo
• Yoga
• Tennis
• Golf
• Gymnastics
Our students also stay engaged on weekends through our Saturday Sports Program. Talk to us about your passion.
Foreign School values the arts as integral components of a well-rounded education. We firmly believe that the study and creation of music, theatre, and art are essential for the holistic development of young minds, providing skills that can enrich their lifelong journey. Our school boasts three magnificent theatres and purpose-built art instruction spaces, including the Edie J. Moon theatre, an impressive 701-seater venue that rivals professional event spaces in Seoul.
Creativity thrives at our campus, where students have every opportunity to explore and express their artistic talents. As you stroll through SFS, you’ll witness the vibrant activity in our art rooms and the boundless creativity of our students’ minds.
Our comprehensive arts curriculum begins in the Early Years and culminates in the IB Music course of the IB Diploma Programme. Throughout their journey, students have the opportunity to experiment with a diverse selection of instruments until they discover their passions. If they so choose, they will be able to enter and find success in national and international music and arts competitions, such as APAC Choir, AMIS, or APAC Dance.
At SFS, art is omnipresent – on the walls, in the theaters, and integrated into the curriculum. We firmly believe that there is a place for everyone to discover and develop their talents. Music and art not only encourage students to express themselves creatively, but are also proven to enhance academic performance.
Seoul Foreign School has long been renowned for the exceptional quality of our performing arts. From mesmerizing musicals that transport audiences to Broadway to poignant plays that evoke laughter and tears, our stage productions captivate and immerse audiences in unforgettable experiences.
Our students have many opportunities to perform in front of a live audience, individually or as part of an ensemble. From Christmas concerts to plays, Spring concerts to dance shows, we give our students the encouragement and means to reach for the stars.
AtSeoul Foreign School, we offer an extensive sports program designed to cater to every student’s interests and abilities. From their first day at our school, students engage in physical education as part of their daily curriculum. Additionally, they have the option to participate in a variety of extracurricular sporting activities tailored to their preferences.
Our school boasts world-class facilities, including a 6-lane, 25-meter pool, along with fields and tennis courts where students regularly practice and compete. As active members of international sporting groups and competitions such as FOBISIA, KAIAC, and APAC, our students have the opportunity to represent our school regionally in sports like soccer, athletics, and swimming.
We firmly believe in the importance of establishing healthy habits for life. Research shows that physical activity not only promotes greater academic achievement but also fosters holistic fulfillment. There exists a well-documented link between a healthy body and a healthy mind.
Whether your child prefers team sports, individual competition, or simply being a supporter, our sports program caters to all ages and runs year-round. At Seoul Foreign School, we encourage our students to embrace the benefits of physical activity and sportsmanship for a wellrounded education and a lifetime of well-being.
We prioritize getting students active from the earliest stages of their education. From engaging in ball play during their early years to achieving success with our elite soccer squad in High School, we witness our students’ growth in confidence and skill.
Thanks to our world-class facilities, SFS hosts numerous sporting events throughout the year, creating a vibrant atmosphere on campus. Simply put, there is always something happening on campus, so put on your spirit wear and get your cheer on. Go SFS!
SFS is part of the best competitive associations regionally and internationally: APAC, KAIAC, FOBISIA, KASS. Competitive sports currently include: soccer, swimming, volleyball, basketball, cross country, tennis, wrestling, cheer, badminton, golf, table tennis and track & field. Talk to our Activities Office about your child’s potential.
At Seoul Foreign School, we offer a diverse range of academic and STEAM-related extracurricular activities through our Academies program. These activities include engaging options such as VEX Robotics, Academic Quiz Team, and Model United Nations, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests beyond the traditional classroom setting. Just as our sports program promotes physical health and teamwork, Academies aim to foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills. With a focus on hands-on learning and collaboration, students develop problem-solving abilities and leadership qualities essential for success in today’s rapidly evolving world.
The thin atmosphere of Mars is made largely of this gas, whose year-average concentration in Earth’s atmosphere hit a record 416 parts per million in 2021. What gas is it? Did you answer this question correctly? Then you might just be ready to join one of our Academic Quiz Teams.
From Early Years, Robotics and Lego classes are offered in our SWEP Program. In Middle and High School, competitive VEX Robotics teams compete all the way to the VEX World Championships, bringing together the best Robotics teams from all around the world.
MUN is the ideal activity for students who are interested in world differences and public speaking and who would like to make a difference. Students follow the same format as the United Nations to try to solve issues currently facing the world.
Students of any faith background or non-faith background are welcome at Seoul Foreign School. Being a school “Centered in Christ” means that our daily life is anchored in the values of Christ himself: Love, Faith, Service, SelfControl, Compassion, Acceptance, Forgiveness, Integrity, Hope, and Joy.
From inquiring minds that may have questions about Christianity, to those who desire to grow genuinely in the faith, all interested students are welcome to experience a variety of activities through our Christian Ministries.
Christian Ministries also offers international and local community service opportunities. Students serve others via grade level activities throughout the school year. Talk to the Christian Ministries about opportunities to serve.
Acommitment to service is one of the cornerstone principles of life at Seoul Foreign School. From a very early age, our students are instilled with the value of serving the wider community, a commitment that extends through graduation and beyond. As integral members of the Seoul community, we view service to our neighbors as central to the SFS mission.
Service learning is deeply integrated into our curriculum, providing students with meaningful opportunities to apply their learning to real-world contexts and make a positive impact in their communities. Throughout the school year, we engage in a variety of service projects, ranging from climate actions to assisting medical centers and supporting local orphanages. These projects provide students with opportunities to actively participate in generating, planning, and implementing initiatives while fostering a sense of responsibility and community.
We believe that preparing our students to be the best for the world is a fundamental part of our educational mission. Through service, we instill in them a sense of responsibility, empathy, and global citizenship that will guide them to become compassionate and contributing members of society.
Seoul Foreign School is committed to providing the resources and support necessary to empower every student to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our team of on-site, full-time specialists help students reach their full potential and beyond. If a student is deemed to be in need of learning support, there will be an evaluation of whether the school can support those learning needs.
Throughout our support services, we prioritize the individualized development of literacy and numeracy skills, ensuring that each child progresses at a pace that aligns with their unique learning journey. Our support team consists of counselors in every section, EAL teachers, a psychologist, a speech and language therapist, and a range of extracurricular activities designed to promote student well-being and balance.
Counseling services are an essential component of our school community. Our counselors, located across all sections, adopt a proactive, child-centered approach to their work with students, parents, and teachers.
Guiding all our efforts, both on and off campus, is a comprehensive Child Protection Policy. The safety and security of our students are our utmost priorities, ensuring an environment where every child can thrive and be their best selves.
a campus as big as Seoul Foreign School necessitates an extensive support network, and amenities that run like clockwork!
Our fleet of 25+ yellow buses, operated by dedicated and loyal drivers, ensures the safe and convenient transportation of students all around Seoul, both in the mornings and after school. Additionally, we provide a late bus service, offering maximum convenience and safety for parents and students alike.
The world we live in has rapidly evolved into an informationbased society. We believe the use of technology should be an integral part of contemporary education. Committed to cultivating healthy technology habits in our students, our Digital Learning Team ensures that every lesson, from delivery to feedback, is optimized for excellence. We also have an active program of professional learning opportunities for teachers, and maintain a full-service support team for serving the assistance needs of our staff and students.
Our campus hosts two cafeterias that offer a variety of fresh and healthy choices so that even our pickiest eaters look forward to lunchtime. Our two cafes are famous among parents and students for their high quality coffee and delicious snacks.
Each section features its own library and media services, staffed by passionate specialists who offer invaluable guidance on literacy best practices to students, parents, and teachers alike. Notably, our Middle Year library received awards for its innovative design and installation in 2018.
The safety and well-being of our students are paramount concerns at Seoul Foreign School. To this end, we maintain a fully equipped and staffed schoolwide medical department on campus. Furthermore, all staff members undergo yearly CPR training, further enhancing our emergency response capabilities and prioritizing student safety.
Whenfamilies join our school, it’s not only the students who become part of our community; the entire family is welcomed from Day One. We pride ourselves on creating a warm and inclusive community that becomes a “home away from home” for many families. There are various ways families can engage with the school and contribute to our vibrant community. For new families, the school hosts Transition Meetings to ensure that they feel supported in their transition to SFS.
Our Parent Association serves as the backbone of the SFS community. The PA supports our families as they experience the transitions often associated with international school life, including relocation, cultural adjustment, and educational transitions. Whether families are arriving, leaving, or staying, the PA is a source of strength and support, offering knowledge, experience, and a place where many of our families find lifelong friends.
The PA is also the catalyst for many of the main community events on campus, such as the International Fair, Christmas Bazaar, and Ice Cream Social. Within each section, they also support student and teacher initiatives by organizing events and celebrating the main holidays with fun activities.
Fromthe moment students set foot on our campus, we begin preparing them for their future. Whether they join us in the Early Years or in High School, whether they pursue the full International Baccalaureate program or the High School Diploma, and whether they aspire to academic excellence, vocational pursuits, or passionate endeavors, we support each and every one of our students in realizing their dreams.
At Seoul Foreign School, we recognize and celebrate the unique journey of every student. Throughout their high school years, students collaborate closely with individual counselors to chart a course that aligns with their aspirations and goals.
The vast majority of our students choose to pursue higher education, and we take immense pride in their university placements. While about 70% of them pursue college in the USA, students are currently attending universities in 14 countries, and this number continues to grow. SFS graduates are enrolled in prestigious institutions worldwide, including Yale, Cornell, Brown, UC Berkeley, King’s College London, University of Cambridge, and Sciences Po Paris. Others pursue careers in the arts at esteemed institutions such as Berklee, Parsons, and the Courtauld Institute of Art.
Above all, our students are encouraged to choose the path that resonates with their individual aspirations and ambitions. At SFS, we are committed to nurturing each student’s unique potential and guiding them toward a future that aligns with their goals and aspirations.
SFS alumni are our Mission in Action. To understand the impact of an SFS education, look no further than our Alumni, both locally and globally. Over the span of our 110+ year history, we have gathered over 6000 SFS alumni globally, spanning all continents. Our alumni form a vibrant and engaged network, actively contributing to the school’s legacy and mission. They serve as mentors, offer internships, participate in social events, and engage in shared service opportunities.
We prioritize connecting alumni with current students, facilitating mentorship and guidance during their academic journey and transition into professional life. Additionally, we organize reunions around the world, fostering connections and camaraderie among alumni from different graduating classes and geographical locations. The enduring commitment and involvement of our alumni community underscore the lasting impact of an SFS education.
Seoul Foreign School is a truly independent, non-profit school and all tuition fees go towards developing, nurturing and educating your children.We invite all parents to give back to the school with their time, experience, spirit, and consider making a financial donation. There are numerous ways to contribute to the present and future of Seoul Foreign School, which is essential for the school’s financial well-being and enables us to provide the world-class education that SFS students deserve.
By making a contribution, you will be joining hundreds of parents, faculty and staff, alumni and friends who have already expressed their desire to help our school provide extraordinary learning opportunities. Your donation, irrespective of amount, will make a profound statement of support.
The generous philanthropic support of our community has helped fund and build the new High School building, new playground, the Soccer Pitch, and a variety of technology programs at SFS. Please contact the Advancement office to learn more about philanthropy at SFS.
