Kwangju Foreign School

Kwangju Foreign School opened in March 1999 as the first foreign educational institution in Gwangju, South Korea. It was founded by Robert Holley and began with an enrollment of 25 students. In August 2000, it received official recognition from the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education as the region's first formally recognized foreign school. KFS earned Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation in 2003. In 2012, after 13 years on its original Yangsan-Dong campus, it relocated to a purpose-built campus in Oryong-Dong adjacent to the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) to support its growing PK–12 program.

Kwangju Foreign School maintains a close-knit community that includes students, parents, faculty, and alumni. Volunteers, events, and activities foster collaboration and personal growth beyond the classroom. The school emphasizes diversity, character, and global perspectives, with students participating in service projects, clubs, and cultural events. The community extends into the local area and globally, reflecting KFS's commitment to a welcoming, international environment.

Kwangju Foreign School organizes parent involvement through a Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), which functions as the school's PTA-like body. The PTO strengthens the partnership between parents and educators through fundraising for school programs, equipment, and resources. It also organizes events that foster school spirit and community, such as the International Festival and other community celebrations. Volunteers support teachers and students during special events and activities. Official Parent-Teacher Conferences are held at the end of the first and third quarters to review student progress. The PTO notes that, while it promotes broad community involvement, it does not address individual student or classroom concerns.