Global Christian Foreign School Seoul and International Christian School Uijeongbu are both in Seoul, about 25 km apart. Both schools offer American and Christian programmes. Published annual fees are close, at ₩20,729,259 - 23,729,259 for Global Christian Foreign School Seoul and ₩22,644,698 - 25,396,983 for International Christian School Uijeongbu. Global Christian Foreign School Seoul takes pupils from 5 to 18, and International Christian School Uijeongbu from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 100 and 80 pupils. Typical class sizes are 5 at Global Christian Foreign School Seoul and 8 at International Christian School Uijeongbu.
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G
Global Christian Foreign School Seoul
Seoul, South Korea
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I
International Christian School Uijeongbu
Seoul, South Korea
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year ₩20,729,259 - 23,729,259 | Fees / year ₩22,644,698 - 25,396,983 |
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Age range
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Age range 5 - 18 years | Age range 3 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type — | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum | Curriculum American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum |
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Pupils
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Pupils 100 | Pupils 80 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 5 | Typical class size 8 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened — | Opened 1983 |
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Bus service
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Bus service Yes | Bus service Yes |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location Global Christian Foreign School Seoul is located in Yongsan District, Seoul, in the Hannam-dong/UN Village area (near Hannam The Hills). The official address is 115 Dokseodang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04419. The area is central to Seoul's expatriate community with convenient access to international amenities and public transport. | Location ICSU is located in Uijeongbu, a city in Gyeonggi Province just north of Seoul. The campus address is Jindeung-ro 28, Uijeongbu 11608. It serves families in Uijeongbu and the northern part of Gyeonggi Province and is accessible by local public transport. Google Maps or Naver Maps are recommended for directions. |
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Stages
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Stages GCFS operates Kindergarten through Grade 12, with elementary, middle, and high school divisions. The school serves students roughly from age 5 to 18. | Stages ICSU serves students in elementary through secondary education, specifically 4th through 12th grade. The school is organized into Elementary, Middle School, and High School divisions. |
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School type
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School type GCFS is a private, international, co-educational school. | School type ICSU is a co-educational, day school. Boarding is not offered. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support English as a Second Language (ESL) is available as an optional program with an associated fee. Published information on formal SEN provisions is not available from primary sources. | Additional learning support ICSU provides English Language Development (ELD) for English learners and has Special Needs Services. ELD uses a structured program with ELL teachers, and counselors support academic, social-emotional, and spiritual development. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation. | Country affiliation ICSU is affiliated with the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS) and follows an American curriculum. |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation The school has a Christian emphasis, with a Christian curriculum and chapel services. | Religious affiliation ICSU is a Christian international school; biblical worldview is integrated into academics and spiritual formation is part of student life. |
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School day structure
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School day structure The school day typically runs from about 7:30 to 16:30, with a lunch break. | School day structure School hours are 7:40 AM to 3:50 PM during the school year; summer hours are 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details A school bus service is available. Bus fees vary by area: KRW 2,400,000 for Hannam-dong and Oksu-dong areas, KRW 2,600,000 for all other areas. | Bus service details ICSU offers a school bus service. Public details about routes and providers are not published on the school site; contact ICSU for current arrangements. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application and one-time entry fees - Processing fee: KRW 200,000. - Registration fee: KRW 400,000 (one-time). - Capital (entrance) fee: KRW 3,000,000 (one-time). Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts and currency structure) - Tuition structure: annual tuition is split into a U.S. dollar–denominated portion and a Korean won–denominated portion; invoices show both currency components. - Kindergarten / Early Years (example summary): USD 5,000 + KRW 12,000,000 per year. - Primary (elementary) years (example / lower primary): commonly shown around USD 5,000 + KRW 12,000,000–KRW 13,000,000 per year depending on grade. The first year for a Grade 1 example shows a KRW portion of KRW 13,000,000 plus the USD portion (total first-year cost also includes one-time fees). - Middle school (upper primary / lower secondary): USD 5,000 + KRW 15,000,000 per year (typical published level amount). - High school (upper secondary): USD 5,000 + KRW 16,000,000 per year (typical published level amount). - Representative annual totals (excluding new-student one-time fees): examples published by grade show annual totals in the range of KRW 21,269,093 to KRW 24,269,093 depending on grade. These totals reflect the combined USD and KRW components after local conversion. Per-term detail / billing frequency - Fees are presented as annual amounts; the school applies separate one-time new-student charges (processing, registration, capital) in the first year in addition to the annual tuition and student fees. Annual tuition figures are the basis for billing; directories list the total annual charge and the separate one-time items for first-year billing. Billing schedule and payment terms - One-time fees (processing, registration, capital) are charged at application/acceptance for new students. Annual tuition and recurring annual fees are invoiced on the school's billing schedule. - Installment payments are referenced in school fee notes in directories; one published note indicates that tuition may be paid in installments but that tuition paid in multiple installments may not be eligible for refund under the school's refund rules. Parents should expect the school's invoice to state the exact due dates and any surcharge for installment plans. Boarding fees - Boarding is not part of Global Christian Foreign School's published offerings; no boarding fees are listed. The school is presented as a day school (Pre-K to Grade 12). Other recurring and optional fees - Student fee (annual; covers items such as yearbook and student services): KRW 400,000 per year (typical). - Book / curriculum materials charge (annual; USD component shown in published breakdowns): a book fee appears as a USD-denominated component in published fee breakdowns (example converted amount shown in directories). - School bus (optional): published optional bus fees range by area — examples listed include KRW 2,400,000 (local area routes) and KRW 2,600,000 (other areas) per year. - ESL (English as a Second Language) supplemental class fee (optional where applicable): KRW 5,000,000 (example published as optional for students needing additional English support). - Senior / graduation fee (Grade 12): KRW 500,000 (example for graduation-related charges). - Uniform and other incidental costs: directories list uniform and activity costs as additional and variable; these are charged separately where applicable. Refund information - New-student one-time charges (processing, registration, capital) are published as one-time fees and are identified in listings as non-refundable. - Published example refund schedule (withdrawal-based) in school fee summaries: 90% of tuition & bus fee refundable if withdrawal is submitted by the day before the start of school; 50% refundable if withdrawal occurs within two weeks after the start of school; 10% refundable after two weeks up to the third quarter; no refund in the fourth quarter. The published notes also state that no refund will be made for tuition paid in multiple installments. Fee payment options - Tuition is shown as split between a USD-denominated portion and a KRW-denominated portion; invoices list both currencies. Expect to pay the USD portion in U.S. dollars and the KRW portion in Korean won as invoiced. - Direct bank/wire transfer is the commonly used payment mechanism for international-school tuition in Seoul directories and fee summaries; the school's published fee breakdowns reflect multi-currency invoicing that is typically settled via the finance office using the bank details on the invoice. Installment or card-payment options (where available) are governed by the school's payment terms and may carry specific conditions. Summary of the principal fees to expect at enrolment - Processing fee: KRW 200,000. - Registration fee: KRW 400,000. - Capital fee (one-time): KRW 3,000,000. - Annual tuition: combination of USD 5,000 (USD portion) + KRW (varies by level: commonly KRW 12,000,000–KRW 16,000,000 depending on grade). Example annual totals (combined, after conversion) are published in the approximate ranges of KRW 21,269,093 to KRW 24,269,093 depending on grade. If you require the precise invoice amounts, due dates, or the school's accepted payment methods for your child's specific grade and situation, those details are provided on the school's official fee invoice and finance communications. | Fee details Application and Registration Fees - Enrollment / Re-Enrollment Fee (non-refundable and not subject to discounts): USD 1,500 per student. - Capital Development Fee: USD 1,500 per student. For returning students, the Capital Development Fee is waived if Re-Enrollment and Technology Fees are paid by March 15. - Technology Fee: USD 650 per student. - Application Processing Fee (one-time): KRW 300,000. Annual Tuition by Year Group (currency shown as published) - Elementary (K–5): USD 4,250 per year; KRW 13,895,000 per year. - Middle School (6–8): USD 4,850 per year; KRW 15,827,000 per year. - High School (9–12): USD 4,850 per year; KRW 15,827,000 per year. Per-term amounts (calculated from the published annual tuition) - Per semester (annual divided by 2): - Elementary: USD 2,125; KRW 6,947,500. - Middle: USD 2,425; KRW 7,913,500. - High School: USD 2,425; KRW 7,913,500. - Per quarter (annual divided by 4): - Elementary: USD 1,062.50; KRW 3,473,750. - Middle: USD 1,212.50; KRW 3,956,750. - High School: USD 1,212.50; KRW 3,956,750. (Note: the per-term figures above are calculated from the published annual tuition amounts and shown for convenience.) Additional and Optional Fees - Student Activity Fee (annual): Elementary KRW 300,000; Middle & High KRW 400,000. - High School Graduation Fee (Grade 12 only): KRW 200,000. - Transportation Fee (optional, annual): within Uijeongbu KRW 2,800,000; outside Uijeongbu KRW 3,100,000. - Lunch Fee (optional, annual): Elementary KRW 1,500,000; Middle KRW 1,600,000; High KRW 1,700,000. - English Language Development (ELD) Fee (optional, annual): KRW 1,000,000 per student. - Sports Fee: Middle & High KRW 400,000 (applies to volleyball, basketball, soccer, and others). - High School online course fees (NorthStar): Half-semester / Full-year — Standard class USD 715 / USD 1,070; AP class USD 755 / USD 1,110. AP test fees per class USD 190 (in person and online). Boarding - There is no boarding program listed; boarding fees are not applicable. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - Both USD and KRW payments are required for tuition. Annual amounts are published in both currencies. - Preferred payment options and due dates: - Annual payment: due August 1. - Semester payments: due August 1 and January 1. - Semester, quarterly, and monthly payment options are available. A 1% maintenance fee is included for quarterly payment plans and a 2% maintenance fee is included for monthly payment plans. These maintenance fees are applied to the payment plan alternatives. Late Payment and Penalties - A 2% late fee is charged on all past-due fees. If a payment passes the current billing month in which it is due, an additional 3% of the total amount past due will be charged each month thereafter. Refunds and Early Withdrawal - Early withdrawal requires 14 days prior notice; the official withdrawal date is 14 days from notification. For the month of withdrawal there is no refund of tuition, transportation, lunch, or ELD. For months following the month of withdrawal, 100% refund of tuition, transportation, lunch, and ELD will be issued. All other fees are non-refundable. - Registration and other listed fees described as non-refundable remain non-refundable. Payment Methods and Instructions - Cash (USD): USD cash may be brought to the ICSU Business Office for registration payments. - Bank transfer (USD): Swift Code SHBKKRSE; Bank Name: Shin-han Bank; City/Country: Uijeongbu, Korea; Customer Name: International Christian School, Uijeongbu; Address: 176-22 Uijeongbu-dong, Uijeongbu, Korea 480-012. Account numbers for registration fee transfers vary by date of transfer: before July 1 — 180-004-721396; after July 1 — 180-002-706246. Other cost notes - The published registration items (Enrollment/Re-Enrollment Fee, Capital Development Fee, Technology Fee) are declared as non-refundable and not subject to discounts. - Tuition assistance is available through a Tuition Assistance Program and is provided on the basis of financial need. Questions regarding financial assistance are handled by the school business manager. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements The school does not offer boarding services. |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement — | Uniform requirement The school requires uniforms. Students purchase school uniforms after enrollment. |
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Food options
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Food options — | Food options Lunches are provided daily and prepared by Myeongin Foods, a professional food service company with a certified nutritionist. |
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House system
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House system — | House system — |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership — | Governance and ownership Operations and policies are implemented at the local school level by the Director who is overseen by and accountable to the NICS Board of Directors and designated NICS officials. ICSU is part of the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS) and is recognized by the Korean Ministry of Education as a foreign school. It is fully accredited by ACSI and WASC. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details GCFS Seoul offers an English-medium K–12 program serving students aged 5–18 in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The curriculum is an American Curriculum integrated with a Christian Curriculum, with Bible education and a doctrinal statement required from parents. GCFS is accredited by the Korean Ministry of Education and holds College Board, Association of Christian Schools International, and the Council of International School Administration in Korea memberships. It follows the Common Core State Standards as part of its standards framework and prioritizes college-preparatory pathways for graduates entering universities worldwide. The school operates with a relatively small capacity (about 100 students) and emphasizes leadership development through its Christ-centered program. | Curriculum details ICSU's instructional program is built on US Common Core Standards plus other US and international standards, with a biblical worldview integrated across academics. The school serves grades 4–12, with Elementary School for grades 4–5, followed by Middle School and High School. Advanced Placement courses are offered on-site, and NorthStar Academy provides additional AP options online. Graduation requires 25 credits for a Standard Diploma or 27 credits for an Honors Diploma (beginning with the Class of 2024), including English 4, Social Studies 3, Science 3, Mathematics 3 (4 for Honors), Foreign Language 2, Technology 1, Fine Arts 1–2, Bible 0.5 credit per semester, and College & Career Education 0.5 credit; AP credits count toward the diploma requirements. English Language Development follows the WIDA framework, and ICSU offers college and career counseling via the Cialfo platform. ICSU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), recognized by the Korean Ministry of Education as a foreign school, and is a member of the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS); its Expected School-Wide Learning Results define six outcomes: Investigative Learners, Perceptive Learners, Effective Communicators, Quality Producers, Cooperative Contributors, and Involved Citizens. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression — | Higher education progression — |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning GCFS publicly articulates a Christ‑centered education with biblical principles intended to shape character and personal responsibility. The mission states “Raising global Christian leaders through Christ-centered education,” and Biblical Principles emphasize standards of personal conduct, responsibility, and integrity. Extracurricular and experiential activities, such as Field Day, missions trips, and Spring Retreats, are described as teacher‑led experiences that foster community and peer relationships. A counselor is referenced in archived materials, indicating at least some counseling support existed. Publicly accessible materials do not describe a formal, school‑wide SEL program or dedicated SEL staff. | Social & emotional learning ICSU embeds social and emotional learning (SEL) through its Expected School-Wide Learning Results (ESLRS), which define six student profiles: Investigative Learners, Perceptive Learners, Effective Communicators, Quality Producers, Cooperative Contributors, and Involved Citizens. These ESLRS include development of personal and social relationships, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and responsible citizenship. The Grade 4-12 counselor acts as an advocate and guide to support students' academic, career, social-emotional, and spiritual development throughout their time at ICSU. Relationships and mentorship are emphasized across the faculty, with teachers aiming to foster character, confidence, and a biblically grounded sense of identity. Parent involvement and the Discipleship & Mentorship framework reinforce emotional and behavioral growth through regular communication and supportive school-community relationships. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) or dedicated SEN provisions in the archived materials available. The archived curriculum page confirms English as Second Language (ESL) is taught (mid‑level and high school), which indicates some language support, but there is no detailed description of SEN provision beyond EAL. The School Information page and related documents do not outline SEN staffing or facilities, nor identify GCFS as a specialist SEN institution. | Special educational needs (SEN) Special Needs Services are listed as a component of ICSU's academics, with a dedicated area indicated for Special Needs Services. The available public information does not specify which types of Special Educational Needs (SEN) the school can support, nor whether ICSU operates as a specialist SEN institution. The school's public materials confirm the existence of SEN-related services, but do not disclose detailed SEN categorizations or capabilities. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language GCFS's curriculum indicates English as Second Language (ESL) is offered in middle school, with ESL listed among middle/high school courses. The curriculum also notes an adoption trajectory toward Common Core State Standards, with accreditation work through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). In the high‑school curriculum, ESL is explicitly listed, alongside core subjects and electives. Taken together, these sources show formal ESL/EAL support within the curriculum. | English as an additional language ICSU provides English Language Development (ELD) for language learners, based on the internationally recognized WIDA framework. ELD teachers use an individualized approach to guide students in acquiring English language skills necessary for academic success at ICSU. The program emphasizes inclusive language support so students can participate meaningfully in classroom learning. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing A counselor contact appears in archived materials (counselor@gcfskorea.org), suggesting some counseling support existed historically. The site's field programs (Field Day, Missions Trip, Spring Retreats) are described as activities that build community and peer relationships, which can support wellbeing indirectly. There is no explicit, publicly disclosed mental health program or framework described in the archived materials. | Mental wellbeing The ICSU counselor serves as an advocate and guide for Grade 4-12 students, supporting their academic, career, social-emotional, and spiritual development. The ESLRS include social-emotional competencies under the categories of Cooperative Contributors and Involved Citizens, reflecting a focus on personal and social skills. Teachers are trained to mentor students to develop character, confidence, and healthy spiritual lives, reinforcing emotional well-being. Parent involvement emphasizes emotional and behavioral support through ongoing, open communication. Together, these elements support students' mental well-being within ICSU's holistic framework. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding The archived materials do not describe a formal safeguarding policy or program. The Vision and Mission page emphasizes a Christian education and biblical principles, but does not publish safeguarding policies. The contact page provides general office contact details rather than safeguarding contacts. The School Information page and linked PDFs do not publicly disclose safeguarding procedures or specific child-protection staff. | Safeguarding ICSU treats safeguarding as a priority; safeguarding and child protection are formal components of the school's operations. The policy states that safeguarding is the responsibility of every adult in the building and that staff are trained to act with integrity and professionalism in their interactions with children. ICSU is intentional about maintaining a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for children, upholding high safeguarding standards. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview — | Facilities overview ICSU Uijeongbu serves grades 4-12 with small class sizes and a focus on academic, spiritual, social, emotional, and physical development. The school supports technology-enabled learning with a 1:1 device program: Chromebooks for grades 4-12 and iPads for K-3, backed by a campus-wide wireless network and access to digital learning resources. The arts program includes visual arts and music (vocal and instrumental), with theatre in the early stages of development. ICSU's athletics program spans fall volleyball and cross-country, winter basketball and cheer, and spring soccer. A clubs program provides opportunities for student involvement beyond the classroom. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities — | Sports facilities — |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities — | Academic facilities ICSU provides technology resources to support learning, including a 1:1 Chromebook program for grades 4-12 and iPads for kindergarten through grade 3, backed by a reliable wireless network and access to digital learning resources. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities — | Extra curricular facilities Creative facilities include Visual Arts and Music spaces, with theatre in the early planning stages. The school offers an Athletics program with volleyball, cross-country, basketball, cheer, and soccer. There is also a Club Program that enables student clubs and activities beyond the core curriculum. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History Global Christian Foreign School was founded in 1996 by Rev. Joseph Song, starting with three students. It began as one of Seoul's earlier foreign schools and was originally located in the Itaewon area before relocating to Hannam-dong in Yongsan District. The school operates as an independent K-12 institution and has long served an international student body drawn from many nations. The Hannam-dong campus sits opposite the Hannam The Hills apartment complex in the UN Village vicinity. Archival materials describe a strong college-preparatory program, and graduates were reported to achieve a 100% college-acceptance rate. | History International Christian School Uijeongbu was founded in 1983 by Reverend Dr. Joe Hale as Liberty Christian School to serve missionary families in Uijeongbu. In 1988 a branch was started in Dongducheon to serve Seoul-area students, and two years later an elementary program opened in the Namsan area of Seoul with an additional branch in Songtan. ICSU became the first school in the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS), with sister schools in Seoul (YISS) and Songtan (ICSP). It pursued accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges starting in 1988 and received a full six-year accreditation after a 1991 visit, subsequently achieving dual WASC-ACSI accreditation through multiple self-studies through 2022-23. As military bases closed in the region, ICSU broadened its mission to serve Korean, Chinese, and international families and positioned itself as an integral part of Uijeongbu and surrounding areas. |
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Community
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Community GCFS organizes an active student community with regular events. Field Day takes the entire student body offsite for team-building activities. The school runs annual Missions Trips in which middle and high school students travel to countries such as Malaysia, Cambodia, and the Philippines to support local communities. Spring Retreats provide bible-focused experiences for elementary students as well as middle and high school students, with themes such as Jungle from the previous year. Chapel services are held twice weekly, with the principal serving as chaplain, and teachers are described as missionaries while students are not required to be Christian. | Community ICSU serves the children and families of the Uijeongbu and the northern Gyeonggi province community and has done so since 1983. A vibrant spiritual community is fostered on campus through services, campus activities, and athletics that guide students to pursue Jesus in all aspects of life. Campus life includes arts, music and theatre, athletics, technology, spiritual formation, and a club program. The school emphasizes academic growth alongside character development, aiming to prepare students for future success. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association GCFS has a PTA-like structure that coordinates parent involvement through volunteering and fundraising. A major fundraising effort documented in the donations section is the Tabernacle Project, intended to fund new school facilities such as science labs and an auditorium. Donors can designate gifts to scholarships, missions, or general needs, and the page explains various giving options. The school also maintains prayer partnerships documented on the Prayer page, which provides monthly prayer requests and testimonies. Volunteer and employment channels exist through sections such as Working at GCFS and Job Openings, indicating ongoing opportunities for family involvement in school life. Governance materials, including Vision and Mission and staff pages, reflect an organized community that includes active parent participation. | Parent teacher association ICSU does not currently have a formal parent-teacher organization. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication between teachers and families via emails, calls, and newsletters, and a weekly update from the director. Parents are invited to a monthly Head of School Coffee Meeting with the Head of School and other administrators to discuss timely topics. A range of parent resources is available through the Community section, including a Parent Student Handbook and related communications. The school notes that it is actively taking steps to move toward establishing a formal PTA structure in the future. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual — | Academic & intellectual ICSU runs a Club Program that includes academic enrichment opportunities and leadership development beyond the classroom. The program encompasses student government, arts clubs, honor societies, and community service initiatives, among others. Many clubs are student-led, providing opportunities for students to organize activities and lead peers. These clubs supplement academics and help students apply learning in real-world contexts. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative — | Arts & creative ICSU offers Visual Arts, Music, and Theatre as part of its arts programming. The arts offerings focus on both visual and performing arts through a cohesive arts curriculum. The school's Arts section and dedicated Visual Arts, Music, and Theater pages indicate a structured pathway for creative expression. Students are encouraged to participate in arts-related clubs and performances. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language — | Cultural & language — |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies — | Social & hobbies ICSU's Club Program provides social and hobby-oriented activities beyond class time. Student government and arts clubs are among the offerings, with many clubs led by students themselves. These clubs promote involvement in the school community and help students develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Participation in clubs is encouraged as part of a well-rounded student life. |
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Community & service
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Community & service — | Community & service Community service is a core component of ICSU's character development. The school emphasizes service to local and global communities, aligning with its mission and values. For Honors Diploma students, a minimum of 30 hours of community service is required each year. Clubs actively include community service initiatives to foster stewardship and practical service. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional — | Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities are embedded in the Club Program, including student government and other student-led clubs. Many clubs are led by students, providing mentoring and opportunities to develop organizational and leadership skills. Participation helps students practice project planning, collaboration, and professional communication outside the classroom. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing — | Lifestyle & wellbeing ICSU's athletics program offers a variety of team sports and extracurricular sports opportunities. These activities promote physical health, teamwork, and personal growth. The school also supports wellbeing through Spiritual Formation, including weekly Chapel services and Spiritual Emphasis Week. Overall, extracurricular life integrates physical activity with spiritual and personal development. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision — | Language provision The language provision includes English as the language of instruction. English Language Development serves non-native English learners using the WIDA framework. Foreign language offerings in high school include French, Spanish, Latin, Chinese, and ELD, with a four-year, two-credit foreign-language requirement. ELD is listed alongside foreign languages as a supported program for students developing English proficiency. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching ICSU Uijeongbu is a 4th–12th grade school. All grades and courses are taught in English. English Language Development (ELD) supports students who require language learning, using the WIDA framework. There is no formal bilingual teaching program listed for ICSU Uijeongbu. |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs There is no immersion language program described for ICSU Uijeongbu. Instruction is conducted in English, with English Language Development (ELD) support for non-native speakers. Foreign languages are offered as separate courses (e.g., French, Spanish, Latin, and Chinese) rather than immersion tracks. |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations — | Accreditations - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) – ICSU is fully accredited by WASC. WASC is a regional accrediting body that verifies school quality and helps with transfer credits and credential recognition. - Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) – ICSU is fully accredited by ACSI. ACSI accreditation reflects alignment with Christian mission and ongoing educational standards for Christian schools. - Korean Ministry of Education recognition as a foreign school – ICSU is recognized by the Korean MOE as a foreign school, which supports regulatory compliance and international credential recognition in Korea. |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Inquiry and program overview: Global Christian Foreign School Seoul offers an American-style curriculum with a Christian orientation and English-language instruction. The school serves students from age 5 through 18, covering preschool through grade 12. It is located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul. Families typically initiate contact to learn about grade availability, program details, language of instruction, and campus logistics to determine fit and scheduling. 2. Application submission and initial fees: After inquiry, families complete an application and submit required documents as specified by the admissions team. Public fee components include a Processing Fee of KRW 200,000, a Registration Fee of KRW 400,000, and a Capital Development Fee of KRW 3,000,000 for new students. The first-year total can approach KRW 24.8 million, reflecting tuition and additional charges. Some items may be billed in KRW and others in USD depending on the component. 3. Admissions assessment and interview: Applicants are typically invited to participate in an admissions assessment and/or interview as part of the decision process. The evaluation may consider prior academic performance, readiness for a college-preparatory program, and alignment with the school's mission. Scheduling is coordinated with the admissions team; families are informed of any testing requirements or interview dates. 4. Decision and notification: Families receive notification of acceptance, waitlist status, or denial based on space availability and assessment results. If accepted, families are given a deadline to confirm enrollment. The enrollment process may require submission of records from previous schools and proof of immunizations as part of the enrollment steps. 5. Enrollment and fee payment: Upon acceptance, enrollment is completed by signing an enrollment agreement and paying the required fees (Capital Development KRW 3,000,000; Registration KRW 400,000; Processing KRW 200,000) and arranging tuition payment. Additional documents such as academic records and immunization records may be requested. The school calendar generally follows the Aug–June academic year, with orientation and onboarding for new students. 6. Start of school and orientation: The academic year runs August to June, with new student orientation scheduled before the start of classes. Start dates and orientation logistics are coordinated with the admissions office and may vary by intake. | Admissions 1. Initiate contact and understand the admissions approach. ICSU uses a rolling admission process based on space available, and applications for the 2025-2026 school year are currently being accepted. The school does not sponsor student visas and does not host exchange students. Eligibility documents must be updated each year during re-enrollment. 2. Determine eligibility category and required documents. There are three categories: Non-Korean; Korean Ethnic; and Korean Citizens. Each category requires specific documents, such as Alien Registration Card, Diplomatic ID, SOFA, and a domestic residence card for Non-Korean applicants; Korean Ethnic applicants need a Korean Family Registry; Korean Citizens require a Certificate of Entry and Exit and a Korean Family Registry. 3. Review acceptance criteria. ICSU admits students based on grades from current and previous report cards, high-quality behavioral and academic references, fulfillment of citizenship eligibility as applicable, MAP testing for Grades 2-12, and a screening of English proficiency for all PreK-12 applicants. The MAP test helps determine placement and readiness for ICSU's program, and English proficiency screening assesses fit for the curriculum. 4. Introduction to ICSU and planning a visit. Schedule your personal campus tour with Admissions and meet with the administration as part of the process. Consider scheduling a Shadow Day for Grades 6–12 (recommended; not available during summer). 5. Admissions procedure. An application (one per student) must be submitted for all students who desire to attend ICSU. Supporting documents include the Student Packet, transcript/grades from the previous three years, immunization records, birth certificate, copies of passports, Certificate of Entry and Exit (Korean students), Alien/Residence Card for foreigners, standardized test results, and payment of the Application Processing Fee. Intake MAP testing, meetings with the Principal and the Business Manager, and English Language Development testing (if applicable) are part of the process. Acceptance is communicated when approved, with the enrollment decision typically completed within a week; conditions or probationary status may be required. 6. Required ICSU forms. An application packet must be submitted, and IO forms or hand-delivery of documents is possible. The Enrollment Agreement Contract and designation of a payment option are required at enrollment, and the enrollment is considered complete when all steps and paperwork are finalized. 7. After enrollment. Once enrolled, families purchase school uniforms, create a class schedule (secondary students), receive locker assignments, set up the Eagle account and Bible, and provide transportation information if applicable. 8. Financial confirmation and planning. The school provides guidance on enrollment timing and payment arrangements as part of the enrollment steps, ensuring families understand when and how to pay. 9. Fees overview. For planning, note the 2025-2026 fee structure includes Enrollment/Re-Enrollment fees, Capital Development Fee, Technology Fee, annual tuition by grade (USD and KRW), and various additional and optional fees. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships No school-specific scholarships are publicly published for Global Christian Foreign School Seoul. Public information describes fees and general program details but does not mention internal financial-aid programs, merit scholarships, or need-based assistance. Families may consider external funding options, but there is no documented scholarship program listed by the school in public sources. | Scholarships ICSU offers a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to help families with financial need. The school does not have an endowment and works with families within its financial framework to provide aid where possible. To apply for tuition assistance, contact the school's business manager to obtain the necessary application forms. |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist There is no publicly published waitlist policy for Global Christian Foreign School Seoul. Public sources do not describe a formal waitlist or pool system, and admissions appear to be handled based on space availability. Families should expect a decision based on current enrollment capacity rather than an explicit waitlist process. | Waitlist ICSU uses a rolling admission process based on space availability, and applications for the 2025-2026 year are currently being accepted. The school does not publish a separate waitlist or pool system; admissions proceed as space allows. If space is not immediately available, the rolling process continues until a slot opens. |
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