Seoul International School — A Legacy of Excellence Shaping Global Leaders

The Premier Brands: Premier Iconic Institute, High School

Introduction: A Half-Century of Pioneering Education

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Seoul International School (SIS) stands as a beacon of academic innovation and global citizenship in South Korea. Established in 1973 as the first foreign school fully recognized by the Korean Ministry of Education, SIS has evolved from its humble beginnings on Konkuk University’s campus to an 8-acre suburban oasis in Seongnam, blending traditional Korean architectural motifs with cutting-edge facilities. With a mission to cultivate “inquisitive, independent thinkers and collaborative learners,” SIS has become synonymous with excellence, producing over 2,800 alumni who lead industries, advocate for social justice, and drive global innovation.

Academic Distinction: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
At the heart of SIS’s success is its rigorous American curriculum, designed to prepare students for the world’s most competitive universities. The school boasts a 100% college matriculation rate, with graduates consistently admitted to Ivy League institutions, Stanford, MIT, and other top-tier universities. Key highlights include:

• Advanced Placement (AP) Excellence: Offering 22 AP courses, including the AP Capstone Diploma program, SIS students achieve an average GPA of 3.8/4.0, supported by SAT and ACT scores that far exceed global averages.
• Tech-Integrated Learning: A one-to-one Apple program for grades 4–12 ensures students master digital literacy, supported by on-site technicians and a 100% Macintosh environment.
• Global Language Proficiency: Students choose between Chinese and Spanish, while also engaging in cross-cultural initiatives like teaching Korean to non-native speakers.

The TIGER Values: Cultivating Compassionate Leaders
SIS’s ethos revolves around its TIGER values—Trust, Independence, Global Citizenship, Effective Communication, and Reflective Learning. These principles permeate every aspect of student life, from classroom debates on ethics to international service projects. For example:

• Service for Humanity: Annual fundraisers, such as donating books to children in third-world countries, and partnerships with Habitat for Humanity highlight the school’s commitment to empathy and global stewardship.
• Local Impact: Students collaborate with nearby communities to improve access to clean water and support homeless shelters, embodying the belief that “success is not just academic, but moral”.

State-of-the-Art Campus: A Hub for Holistic Growth
SIS’s campus is a microcosm of opportunity, featuring:

• Athletic Prowess: Three gymnasiums, a 25-meter heated pool, and Division 1/2 sports teams in soccer, basketball, and swimming.
• Arts and Culture: A renovated 350-seat auditorium hosts theater productions and concerts, while dedicated music rooms and art studios foster creativity.
• Sustainable Design: The seven-story elementary building, completed in 2013, integrates eco-friendly learning spaces with multipurpose facilities.

Alumni Network: Trailblazers of Tomorrow
SIS alumni are a testament to the school’s enduring legacy. From lawyers and doctors to tech entrepreneurs, graduates like Kwak Yang-min—now Deputy Director of Admissions—return to SIS, creating a multigenerational community rooted in loyalty. The school’s emphasis on intercultural competence ensures alumni thrive in diverse environments, whether leading multinational corporations or advocating for human rights.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Next 50 Years
As SIS enters its sixth decade, it remains committed to innovation. Recent initiatives include expanding its AP curriculum and enhancing cybersecurity measures following a 2025 PowerSchool data breach 2. With a faculty of 108 international educators and a student body of 850, SIS continues to prioritize “safe, orderly, and supportive” environments where every child smiles—entering and exiting its gates.

Conclusion: The SIS Legacy
Seoul International School is more than an institution—it is a family. As Admissions Director Irene De Shazo notes, “We rejoice with our students’ joys and stand by them in challenges” 15. For parents seeking a holistic education that balances academic rigor with moral integrity, SIS stands unrivaled, shaping not just scholars, but compassionate leaders ready to tackle the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

Explore SIS’s journey further at www.siskorea.org or schedule a visit to witness the TIGER spirit in action.

Editorial Team, The Premier Brands
February 12, 2025