yiss Motivated from within. Empowered to excel.
Preparing students for success in a culturally diverse and interconnected world. At Yongsan International School you’ll find a warm, inclusive community of students, parents, and Christian educators. Here, we welcome families and students of all religions and worldviews from more than 50 countries, providing a rich multicultural student experience anchored in the core principles of truth, excellence, and diversity. Within this nurturing, close-knit environment, a shared commitment to individual student success is fostered by a team of highly qualified, passionate faculty and staff who inspire a love of learning and unleash each student’s potential to achieve. It’s an extraordinary educational experience that empowers students and prepares them to excel in college and beyond, anywhere in the world.
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YISS
Yongsan International School of Seoul is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and is recognized by the Seoul Metropolitan Board of Education.
Challenging academics. Outstanding results.
YISS offers a challenging college-preparatory curriculum focused on developing students who are motivated from within and empowered to excel. The school’s commitment to academic excellence is fostered within a uniquely nurturing and supportive learning environment. Here, each student feels accepted and secure in their ability to explore, ask questions, and take risks. Based on the U.S. educational model, the rigorous academic program includes an extensive array of AP courses that provide YISS high school students with university-level classwork and credentials. A comprehensive extracurricular program includes a rich array of athletics, performing and fine arts, community service, and leadership programs which develop the whole child, enabling students to pursue their passions and talents. The YISS educational experience fosters confident, well-rounded, independent critical thinkers, ready to excel in whatever they pursue. 2
“ Our children excel here, but they are also happy. The faculty and staff foster an atmosphere where students aspire to do well because they are motivated from within.” — YISS parent
State of the Art Campus in the Heart of Seoul Conveniently located on a hilltop in the heart of Seoul’s foreign community, the YISS campus is a secure enclave where ample green space complements modern buildings. State-of-the-art facilities include the latest learning technology, two libraries, two gymnasiums, a spacious cafeteria, a 500-seat auditorium, a full-size turf soccer field, and a beautiful indoor aquatics center. It’s all part of a highly energized campus that captures students’ imaginations and facilitates a world-class education.
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At YISS, our numbers all add up to excellence. In 9th -12th grades, Advanced Placement (AP) courses connect students to university success and opportunity. The most widely used academic program in the world, AP classes provide students with university-level academic course work, giving them an advantage when applying to, and entering university. Both the AP and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs are recognized throughout the world, but AP is more widely used. It is recognized by approximately 4,000 major universities in over 60 countries. The AP program allows students the freedom to focus on areas of study that they most enjoy. It is flexible and affordable and compliments the YISS liberal arts curriculum by providing a well-rounded education that maintains our academic rigor.
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3+
One laptop for each 6th - 12th grade student is provided by YISS.
AP Exams Taken
In 2013, YISS students earned passing scores of three or higher on 90 percent of all AP exams.
2014 SAT Average
The YISS Class of 2013 had an average SAT score of 2014 — far above the U.S. national average of 1498.
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“ YISS opened new avenues in my career path and expanded my scope of experience. The opportunities here helped me cultivate a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and direction. YISS enables students to appreciate interests different from their own, as every dot and speckle harmonize in a painting.” — Hanna Chang, Class of 2014
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Our student-teacher ratios are ideal. Our student-teacher relationships are extraordinary.
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Our faculty has on average ten years of teaching experience and many hold advanced degrees. 90 percent of our teachers are from North America.
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90%
Full-Time Teachers
When you lead with passion, success follows. One of the hallmarks of the YISS experience is the mentoring relationship between faculty and students. Leading by example, passionate Christian educators demonstrate their commitment on a daily basis. Our teachers are highly qualified and many hold advanced degrees. Small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios allow for ample individual attention. Motivated students flourish in this safe, caring and supportive learning environment. Beginning on day one, students are introduced to “The Guardian Way” — an honor code that instills the virtues of discipline, honor, caring, and respect. Freed from typical distractions, students are able to focus on learning in an atmosphere of trust, consideration and camaraderie. In this close-knit family atmosphere, YISS becomes a home away from home — a distinction that makes all the difference to students who look forward to each new day of school and parents who want the best possible educational experience for their child.
The Student Learning Center (SLC)
English Language Learner (ELL)
is designed to meet the diverse learning needs of our student population, specifically those students who require additional services in order to be successful in the mainstream classroom. This includes specialized class instruction from our SLC teachers in the areas of mathematics and reading. Teachers and/or parents may recommend a student for academic testing to assess gaps in the student’s skills. There is an additional fee if students require support from the Student Learning Center.
is an instructional program for non-native speakers of English. ELL helps students attain a certain level of English proficiency in the areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, bringing them to the appropriate academic level. YISS offers the program to a limited number of students each year. The student’s English language abilities will be assessed during the admissions process. There is an additional fee to participate in the ELL program.
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Elementary School Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade are nurtured academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually with an international education designed to lay a solid foundation for life and lifelong learning. Elementary school classrooms, curriculum, and activities encourage students to explore new ideas, interact with peers, develop positive character traits, gain critical skills, and cultivate a love of learning. YISS students come from many backgrounds and have many different learning styles. Our curriculum is taught in a way that incorporates all learners. Individualized instruction allows students to master the basics while discovering innovative ways to apply knowledge, meet challenges, and solve problems. Parents are invited to be part of an educational process in which the rigors of academic work is balanced with activities that recognize all aspects of a child’s development.
Elementary Academics
Spelling
Science
Reading
Writing
Bible
Character Education
Art
Music
Mathematics
Mandarin
Physical Education
Social Studies 8
Cooking
Ceramics
After School Activities
Drawing & Painting
Orchestra
Band
Hip Hop Dance
Ballet
Basketball
Crossfit
Soccer
Taekwondo
Seoul Seekers
Compassion Club
Arts & Crafts
Swimming
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Middle School YISS Middle School strives to provide a learning environment where students feel accepted and appreciated, and are free to share ideas, express thoughts, and ask questions. Middle School students are living through one of the greatest periods of transition they will ever encounter. A secure and nurturing environment allows them to grow and learn while being encouraged to develop the habits of enthusiasm, inquisitiveness, and accomplishment. The challenging academic program is designed specifically with Middle School students in mind. A variety of teaching strategies and tools are used to engage students in the content and enhance their learning experiences. A rich array of electives provides opportunities for students to explore interests and develop talents in areas such as language, technology, and the arts. Additionally, faculty and staff partner with parents to help guide their young adolescents through these exciting yet challenging years as they help students solidify the values and ideals that will shape their character and their futures.
Block Schedule
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Grade 6/7/8
Day 1 (A)
Day 2 (B)
Day 3 (A/B)
Day 4 (A)
Day 5 (B)
7:50-9:20
A Block
E Block
A Block
E Block
A Block
9:20-9:30
Break
Break
Break
Break
Break
9:30-11:00
B Block
F Block
B Block
F Block
B Block
11:05-12:35
C Block
G Block
C Block
G Block
C Block
12:35-1:00
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
1:05-2:30
D Block
H Block
D Block
H Block
D Block
2:35-3:10
Flex Reteach/Enrich
Flex Reteach/Enrich
Flex Reteach/Enrich
Flex Advisory/Chapel Reteach/Enrich (50 Min-Friday)
Middle School Facts • Approximately 250 students • 36 course offerings • Algebra 1 and Geometry are offered for HS credit • Extensive exploratory program including Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish in 7th-8th grades • Week Without Walls: Experiential learning trips • One-to-one laptop program (provided by YISS) • Faculty includes 30 teachers and administrators • Teacher-to-student ratio is 8:1 • Average class size of 20 students • Korean-American Interscholastic Activities Conference (KAIAC) offer the following competitions: Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Swimming, and Volleyball Academic: Science Olympiad and Spelling Bee • Block schedule with students participating in four blocks each day with a combination of two core classes and a rotation of electives. The school day culminates with an academic enrichment period designed to assist students who need additional help or those who may wish to take the subject matter to a deeper level.
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Middle School Academics
English Creative Writing & Speech English Literature
Integrated Science Chemistry Earth Science Life Science Physical Science
Mathematics Algebra I General Math (6th) Geometry Pre-Algebra
Social Studies Ancient Civilizations Eastern Hemisphere U.S. History
NICS/Oasis Bible Character Education
Electives Grade 6
12
Band Exploratory • Art, Music, Current Events, & Technology Language • Mandarin Language • Spanish Language Orchestra Physical Education
Electives Grade 7 Art (Altered Books) Art (Methods & Materials) Art History Band Cheerleading Choir Current Events General Music Language • Korean Language • Mandarin Language • Spanish Language Orchestra Photography / Yearbook Physical Education • Advanced Basketball • Advanced Soccer • Advanced Volleyball • Aerobics • Team Sports (Boys) • Team Sports (Girls) Robotics Technology
Electives Grade 8 Art (Drawing & Painting) Art History Band Book Club (Girls) Cheerleading Choir Digital Art Drama Language • Korean Language • Mandarin Language • Spanish Language Music Orchestra Photography / Yearbook Physical Education • Advanced Basketball • Advanced Soccer • Advanced Swimming • Advanced Volleyball • Aerobics • Team Sports (Boys) • Team Sports (Girls) Technology
Activities, Clubs and Sports
Cheer Club
Student Council
Crossfit Teens
Taekwondo
Arts & Crafts
Chess Club
Praise Band
Treble Makers
Science Olympiad
Scratch Computer Programming
Discipleship Groups
Missions & Service Trips
Basketball (Girls)
Cross Country (Girls)
Basketball
Cross Country (Boys)
Soccer
Swimming
(Boys)
(Girls)
(Girls)
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Volleyball
(Boys)
(Boys)
(Girls)
(Girls)
Clubs and Activities Tennis
Volleyball
(Boys)
(Boys)
Girls Sports Boys Sports
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High School In High School, our school’s college preparatory focus includes a robust Advanced Placement (AP) program, providing YISS students with an array of university-level academic courses that give them an advantage when applying to top colleges and universities around the world. The entire High School program is designed to connect students to university-level success and opportunity. Teachers create student-centered classrooms that enhance learning, accelerate achievement, and develop the critical thinking necessary for success in college and beyond. Extracurricular programs and athletics emphasize the development of the unique student interests, talents and achievements that demonstrate their commitment to excellence and ideals that will impact the world for the better.
High School Facts • Approximately 300 students • 100 course offerings • Faculty includes 42 teachers and administrators • Teacher-to-student ratio is 9:1 • Average class size of 14 students • Korean-American Interscholastic Activities Conference (KAIAC) offers the following: Sports: Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, and Volleyball Academic & Fine Arts Competitions: Model United Nations (MUN), Speech & Debate, Mu Alpha Theta, Robotics, Choral, Orchestra, and Band
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Block Schedule Y Day
S Day
7:50-9:15
A
E
9:15-10:10
Advisory/other
Advisory/other
10:10-11:35
B
F
11:40-1:05
C
G
1:05-1:45
Lunch
Lunch
1:45-3:10
D
H
The High School utilizies a simple rotating block schedule, providing teachers the class time they need to dig deeper into content. It also provides a 50-minute activity period each day that allows for chapel and assembly on Thursdays, and club meetings, break and study time four days per week.
Credits and Graduation Requirements In 9th-12th grade, one credit is awarded for each one-year course successfully completed. One-half credit is earned for completion of one semester. Students earn the YISS diploma by acquiring the requisite number of credits in the various subject areas and attaining a minimum of 24 credits while in 9th-12th grade.
Subject Area
Required for Graduation
Recommended for University
English
4 credits
4 credits
Mathematics
2 credits
3-4 credits
Science
2 credits *
3-4 credits
Social Studies
3 credits **
3-4 credits
Physical Education
1 credit
2 credits
Foreign Language
1 credit
3-4 credits
Fine Arts
2 credits
2-3 credits
Computer
1 credit
1 credit
Theology, Ethics & Values
4 credits
4 credits
Electives (noncompulsory credits)
4 credits
4 credits
* Credits must be from Biology, Chemistry, or Physics ** U. S. citizens and students attending U.S. universities are required to take U. S. History
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High School Academics
English
Social Studies
Fine Arts
American Literature British Literature ELL (Beg/Int) European Literature Literature for Life World Literature AP Language & Composition AP Literature & Composition
Comparative Government/ Economics Introduction to Psychology (elective) United States History World History I World History II AP Art History AP Comparative Government AP European History AP United States Government AP United States History AP World History
Concert Band Digital Media Marketing Drama Drawing & Painting Foundations of Art & Design Jazz Band Journalism Sound Technology Speech & Debate Strings Studio Art Visual Design 2D/3D Yearbook Yongsan Chamber Choir Yongsan Singers AP Art History AP Music Theory AP Studio Art - 2D/3D/Drawing
Mathematics Algebra I Algebra II Calculus I Discrete Math (elective) Geometry Pre-Calculus w/Trigonometry AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Statistics
Physical Education Advanced Swimming & Lifesaving Conditioning & Weight Training Health & Physical Education Student Leadership • Recreation • Sports Management • Teaching PE
Computer Computer Applications • Design • Video
Science Biology Biology, Ecology, & the Environment Chemistry Chemistry in the Community Human Anatomy & Physiology Physics AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Physics 1 AP Physics C: Mechanics
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World Language
Theology, Ethics, Values (semester classes)
French I, II, III,IV Japanese I, II, III,IV Japanese Literature Korean I, II, III,IV Korean Literature Mandarin I, II, III,IV Spanish I, II, III,IV AP Japanese Language & Culture
Christian Theology I ~ II Ethics & Contemporary lssues History of Thought Introduction to Logic Introduction to Philosophy I ~ II Life Skills & Intro to Worldview Modern Philosophy Old Testament Survey Philosophy of Science Senior Seminar Survey World Religions
Activities and Clubs Art Club
Model United Nations
Business Preparation Club
Mu Alpha Theta
Caricature Club
Newspaper Club
Chess Club
Operation Hearing Hearts
Choir
Pep Band
Community Service Club
Ping Pong Club
Compassion Club
Poetry Slam
Cooking Club
Praise Band
Dance Club
Science Club
Discipleship
Service Trips
Drama
Speech & Debate
Eco-Club
Strings
Engineering (Robotics) Fellowship of Christian Athletes Forensics
Talent Show Teens Helping Kids
Hitchhiker’s Guide (Literary Magazine)
Teens Helping Teens
International Food & Culture
The Beacon (Newspaper Club)
Japanese Food & Culture
Track Club
Literary Society
UNICEF
Mission Trips
Voice of Guardians
Mock Trial Club
Volunteer Music Club
Instrumental Ensembles
Cheerleading
Basketball
Student Council
Basketball (Girls)
Cross Country (Girls)
Cross Country (Boys)
Soccer
Swimming
(Boys)
(Girls)
(Girls)
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Volleyball
(Boys)
(Boys)
(Girls)
(Girls)
Clubs and Activities Tennis
Volleyball
(Boys)
(Boys)
Girls Sports Boys Sports
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Capable, confident, and college bound. The YISS community is dedicated to our students’ success — in college and in life. Each year, more than 100 representatives from colleges and universities around the globe visit our campus to recruit students. YISS college counselors use the Naviance program to assist students with college and career options that are the right fit for each individual student. Through Naviance, counselors and students search for universities and colleges, prepare applications, and track admissions status.
A Academy of Art University
G George Mason University
B
C
D
E
F
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Amherst College Art Center College of Design Asbury University Australian National University (Australia) Azusa Pacific University Barnard College Babson College Baylor University Bentley University Binghamton University Biola University Birla Institute of Technology and Science (India) Boston College Boston University Brandeis University Brown University Bryn Mawr College California College of the Arts California Institute of the Arts Calvin College Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design (UK) Colorado Christian University Colorado School of Mines Columbia University Conservatorio Di Milano Giuseppe Verdi (Italy) Cornell University Corvinus University of Budapest (Hungary) Cyprus International University (Turkey) Dartmouth College De Paul University Drexel University Duke University Emerson College Emmanuel Bible College Emory University EotvosLorand University (Hungary) Ewha Womans University Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Fashion Institute of Technology Fordham University
Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Glion Institute of Higher Education (Switzerland) Gordon College H Hamilton College - NY Hitotsubashi University (Japan) Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hope College Houghton College I Indiana University at Bloomington International Christian University (Japan) International University in Geneva (Switzerland) Iowa State University J James Madison University Johns Hopkins University Johnson & Wales University K Keio University (Japan) Knox College Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Korea University (South Korea) L LaSalle University Lafayette College Lehigh University Liberty University London College of Communication (UK) Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago M Marist College Massachusetts Institute of Technology McGill University Michigan State University Middlebury College Moody Bible Institute Mount Holyoke College N New York University Nilai University College (Malaysia) Northeastern University Northwestern University O Oberlin College Ohio University Ohio Wesleyan University Otis College of Art and Design Oxford College of Emory University
100% of YISS graduates gain admission to college, including many of the world’s most prestigious universities, such as MIT, Columbia, Cornell, West Point, Duke, UC Berkeley, University of St. Andrews (UK), and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
100%
P Parsons The New School of Design
University of California at Irvine
University of California at Los Angeles
University of California at Riverside
University of California at San Diego
University of California at Santa Barbara
University of Chicago
University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Denver
University of Edinburgh (Scotland)
University of Georgia
University of Hong Kong
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of Notre Dame
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rochester
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of Southern California
University of the Pacific
University of Toronto
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Portland State University Pratt Institute Princeton University Purdue University R Reed College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island School of Design Rice University Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey S San Francisco State University Savannah College of Art and Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of Visual Arts Seattle Pacific University Smith College Sophia University (Japan) Southern Methodist University Stony Brook University Syracuse University T Temple University (Japan) Texas A&M University Texas Christian University The Art Institute of Los Angeles The Cooper Union The Culinary Institute of America The George Washington University The Hague University (Netherlands) The Ohio State University The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of Texas, Austin Trinity Western University Tufts University Tyndale College & Seminary U Underwood International College (South Korea) University at Buffalo SUNY University College of London, Slade School (UK) University of Asia and the Pacific University of British Columbia University of California at Berkeley University of California at Davis
V Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
W Wake Forest University
Washington University in St. Louis
Wellesley College
West Point, U.S. Military Academy
Wheaton College, Illinois
Wheaton College, Massachusetts
Y York University (Canada)
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Admissions Application Procedures Eligibility Requirements In order to be eligible for admission, the applicant must be: (1) a child of foreign nationals residing in Korea (either parent being a foreign national), or (2) a child of Korean nationals having studied overseas for a minimum of three years. Students with dual citizenship are eligible for admission, provided they meet one of the above requirements.
Stipulations Concerning Admissons Students applying for kindergarten must be age five (60 months) by September 30th of the academic year of entrance. In most cases, students applying from schools with calendar year school years (i.e., January or February until November or December, as in Australia and Singapore) will be considered for admission to the grade that extends their current school year.
Priority for Admissions Yongsan International School of Seoul values the diversity contained within its student body, which results from a variety of cultural backgrounds, international experiences, previous school experiences, philosophies, and abilities of our students. Yongsan International School of Seoul is open to students of all nationalities; however, because the school cannot admit all applicants, priority for admission is applied as follows: (1) applicants of families who are foreign residents in Korea; (2) all other applicants based on qualitative critera to help determine the match between the student’s abilities and needs and Yongsan International School of Seoul’s resources and capabilities.
Other criteria considered within these categories: • English Ianguage proficiency • Student records from previous school(s) • Parent’s employment by a company with direct investment in Korea • Extracurricular activities • Teacher recommendation • Number of years in an English-speaking school environment • Family language background • Any additional factors deemed relevant by YISS The criteria are not listed in any given priority order. Yongsan International School of Seoul reserves the right to administer selective enrollment when deemed necessary, proper and in the best interest of the school.
Waitpool Information Qualified applicants who are not accepted due to space availability are placed in our waitpool and will be considered if spaces become available. In an effort to maintain a balance in gender and diversity and to ensure academic success and availability of needed programs or classes when a space become available, the admissions office may consider these factors, along with admission’s priority categories, when selecting an applicant that best complements the class. The waitpool does not have a chronological or predetermined order based on order of receipt of application. Consequently, the admissions office cannot provide numbers for students in the waitpool or predict availability as the number can change daily. However, we will try to be realistic with families about their chances of being admitted in a certain grade at a particular time. If you continue to have a strong interest in your child’s acceptance during the school year, it is important to keep the application current by sending recent school records. In the event of a mid-year vacancy, immediate decisions can be made only on complete and current files. The waitpool is maintained for the applying year only; all applicants who are interested in any subsequent year must reapply.
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General Information Calendar and Hours The academic calendar consists of 180 instructional days, made of two 18-week semesters, each divided into nine-week marking periods. The instructional week is five days spanning from Monday through Friday. Yongsan International School of Seoul traditionally begins the school year in mid-August and concludes in early-June. Our school observes nearly all official Korean holidays and American Thanksgiving. Most years, there is a three-week vacation at Christmas, a Fall Break near Chuseok and a week-long Spring Break. School Hours : 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Kindergarten-5th Grade) 7:50 a.m. - 3:10 p.m. (6th-12th Grade)
Cafeteria The cafeteria offers a choice of nutritious, well-balanced hot meals as well as a variety of sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and desserts. Both a Korean set menu and international set menu are prepared on-site each day. Prices : Kindergarten-5th Grade W3,900 6th-12th Grade W4,200 Each student is given an electronic lunch card that functions as a debit card at the cafeteria counter. Students who choose not to purchase a hot meal may bring their own lunch from home or supplement their meal with a purchase from the deli.
Bus Information Yongsan International School of Seoul offers school bus transportation to assist parents with their child’s transportation to and from school. Our fleet of 21 buses services a large region that includes nearly all major areas of Seoul and Bundang. School bus service is based on route and space availability.
Guardian Store The Guardian Store offers a convenient place for students and parents to purchase school supplies. It also carries P.E. uniforms, school uniform shirts, school sweatshirts, and other spirit gear. The Guardian Store opens at lunchtime until school closing and is operated as a service to our school community.
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285 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea 140-210 Tel (82-2) 797-5104 / Fax (82-2) 797-5129 www.yisseoul.org