1 best private schools in South Korea for international students. Description, rankings, 2023 fees

Today, South Korea occupies one of the first places in Asia along with China and Japan in terms of education. Children begin to learn to read at the age of 2-3, even at the level of the preschool system. They study math, English, and get homework assignments. Naturally, when they come to school, they are immediately actively involved in the learning process.

Compulsory education in South Korea is 9 years in primary and secondary grades. Three–year pre-university preparation in high school is for those who want to continue their studies at the university. The education system is divided into stages: primary classes, where children study for 6 years, 3 years – secondary school, where the number of subjects increases, the last 3 years – preparation for admission to university.

The school year is divided into 2 semesters: from March to July, from the end of August to February. Holidays are provided between semesters: 2 weeks at the end of February, a month and a half in July – August. Koreans act in accordance with European traditions: kids are accepted into the first class from the age of 6. They are taught by one teacher who introduces students to the peculiarities of their native language and the basics of mathematics.

Below the specifics of studying in private school in South Korea are provided:

• For students up to 12 years old, the main thing is to get a good education in Korean and mathematics, the ability to navigate the world around them.
• In secondary school, children master the basics of subjects, improve their knowledge of the English language. For those who are interested in how schoolchildren study in Korea, it can be noted that studying lasts for 12 hours daily – at home and at school.
• High school prepares for admission to the university in the chosen specialty. Education in high school, as well as in colleges is not mandatory.

From the third grade, children officially learn English, although introductory lessons begin already in kindergarten and in the first two grades of school. In addition to languages, mathematics and the basics of natural sciences, children master social disciplines, music, and fine arts.

An elementary school in South Korea can be private – then its cost reaches $ 130 per month. The program of such an educational institution may include additional subjects, and the requirements for children here are much higher. Usually private schools in South Korea require wearing a special uniform, whereas in public schools children go to classes in ordinary clothes.

There is no need to take exams to secondary school – it is enough to come to the appropriate educational institution and apply. Subject teachers conduct classes, leading individual lessons.

Children sit in the same classroom: the cabinet system is practically not used, although physics and chemistry lessons can take place in specialized rooms.

Every day from Monday to Friday, 6 lessons of 45 minutes are conducted, if necessary, seventh or zero lessons can be held. On Saturdays, classes are held in circles.

The list of which lessons in Korean schools are considered mandatory includes mathematics, Korean and English, history, computer literacy, economics, physical education, ethics. The majority of children study in ordinary schools according to the residential area. Specialized schools with in–depth study of subjects are popular - they need to take entrance exams, and the list of subjects may be larger.

Studying in the high private school in South Korea differs in the directions of education: natural science specialization, in-depth study of languages, art schools and others. Students choose them according to their preferences.

The exams that are taken upon admission are not competitive – they should give an idea of the level of knowledge of specific students. There can be up to 11 subjects in the program, and the schedule of classes is very stressful: 6-7 lessons daily, the studying lasts the whole day, including self-preparation and additional classes.

Below the main requirements are provided:

• Educational visa
• Enrolment in private schools in South Korea for foreign students can be conducted on a competitive basis or on a general basis. It all depends on the chosen institution, but in any case, a foreign citizen will definitely need a document translated into Korean or English and notarized by a notary about previous studies with a list of subjects and grades.
• Copy of passports of parents, birth certificate of student.

The absolute majority of schools accept documents throughout the school year.

The tuition fee depends on many factors, such as location, ranking of school, chosen educational program, number of extracurricular activities. On average, the cost of studying varies from 16,000 to 32,000 USD per academic year.

• Seoul private School “Yonghun” is a traditional school that provides high–quality education. 98.1% of graduates enter universities.

• Seoul private school “Devon" – author's developments are used here, 98.5% of graduates enter universities.

• Private school “Chonshim” in Gapen province – all its graduates enter their chosen universities.