Transferring to TCIS
Changing schools is an important decision. Families naturally want to know whether their child will be placed appropriately, receive credit for previous learning, and make a successful transition into a new curriculum and community.
Taejon Christian International School welcomes transfer applications from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Because every student’s educational history is different, TCIS considers previous schooling, academic records, age, assessment results, English readiness, and individual circumstances when reviewing an application.
The Admissions team is available to help families understand the process and determine the appropriate next steps.
For Returnee and Bilingual Families
For Korean families returning from overseas, transferring schools is often about more than choosing a new campus. Parents may be concerned about preserving their child’s academic progress, English-language development, international outlook, and sense of belonging.
TCIS provides an English-medium K–12 pathway through the International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP, and DP. Students transferring from international, IB, and Western-style schools can often continue into a corresponding grade and learning pathway. Because school calendars, course sequences, and graduation requirements differ, TCIS reviews each student’s previous schooling, academic records, English readiness, and individual circumstances before confirming placement.
Teachers, counselors, school leaders, and IB Coordinators help students understand new expectations, select appropriate courses, and adjust to the TCIS community. Students continue learning in English while joining an internationally minded environment where varied cultural, linguistic, and educational experiences are part of everyday school life.
For families living too far from Daejeon for daily travel, boarding may also provide a way for students in Grades 6–12 to continue an international educational pathway while returning to Korea.
When Can Students Transfer to TCIS?
Most new students enter TCIS at the beginning of the school year in August. This provides the most natural transition into classes, activities, and the wider school community.
A smaller number of students may be admitted at the beginning of the second semester in January. January admission depends on available space, the student’s academic circumstances, and program suitability. TCIS may also consider the relocation circumstances of international families moving to Korea from overseas.
Families considering a January transfer should contact Admissions early. Space may not be available in every grade or program.
How Is Grade Placement Determined?
TCIS does not make placement decisions based on a single factor. The school considers the student’s age, most recently completed grade, previous curriculum, academic records, admissions assessments, and individual circumstances.
Students transferring from another IB World School or a Western-style school can often continue into the corresponding grade at TCIS. However, school calendars, course sequences, graduation requirements, and grade-level expectations can differ. Families should therefore allow TCIS to review the student’s records before assuming a particular placement.
Placement for younger students is based more closely on age. From Grade 2 onward, previous enrollment and academic records become increasingly important. Final placement is determined through the admissions review process.
Transcripts and Previous Academic Records
Previous report cards and transcripts help TCIS understand what a student has studied and how that learning connects with the TCIS curriculum. These records become especially important for secondary students because they may affect course selection, transferred credits, graduation planning, and preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Courses completed at an accredited school are generally considered for transfer. However, each transcript must be reviewed to determine how previous courses correspond with TCIS requirements. Completing a course at another school does not necessarily mean that it will satisfy every TCIS graduation or IB requirement.
Families should consult the current application checklist or contact Admissions for the specific records, recommendations, and supporting documents required for their child’s grade.
Admissions Assessments and Interviews
Admissions assessments help TCIS understand a student’s current academic readiness and determine whether additional support may be appropriate. Testing includes MAP English Reading and Mathematics assessments, along with a writing sample when required for the applicant’s grade.
Additional WIDA English-language testing may be used when more information about a student’s English proficiency is needed.
Elementary applicants and students applying for the TCIS boarding program also participate in an interview. These conversations help the school learn more about the student and consider whether the program will provide an appropriate fit.
Moving From the Korean School System
Students transferring from a Korean school may notice differences in both classroom language and approaches to learning. Students coming from a more textbook- or memorization-focused environment may need time to adjust to the inquiry-based approach of the International Baccalaureate.
At TCIS, students are encouraged to ask questions, explain their thinking, participate in discussion, work collaboratively, apply knowledge, and reflect on their learning. Teachers help students understand these expectations as they become more confident and independent learners.
Students with developing English proficiency may be admitted depending on their assessed level. English-language support is provided within mainstream learning so that students continue participating in the academic and social life of their grade rather than completing their education through an entirely separate program.
Qualifying Korean-national students may apply to TCIS without having previously lived or studied overseas. Families can learn more on the Eligibility & Requirements page.
High School Credits and IB Continuity
Transferring during high school requires additional planning. Counselors work with the Secondary Principal and IB Coordinators to review previous courses, evaluate transferable credits, recommend appropriate classes, and identify remaining graduation or program requirements.
Students may enter Grade 11 through the regular admissions process. Because Grades 11 and 12 form the two-year IB Diploma Programme, course selection and previous academic preparation must be considered carefully.
TCIS does not generally admit new students into Grade 12. Special circumstances may sometimes be considered, so families exploring a Grade 12 transfer should speak with Admissions before beginning a full application.
Supporting a Successful Transition
Curriculum continuity is not simply about matching course names. A successful transfer also involves helping a student understand new academic expectations, develop relationships, and find a sense of belonging.
Teachers, counselors, school leaders, and IB Coordinators work together to help students understand their academic pathway. When support is needed, TCIS can consider English-language readiness and other learning needs as part of the admissions and transition process.
Starting in August usually provides the strongest opportunity to enter the full rhythm of the school year. Regardless of entry point, students are encouraged to participate in classroom learning, activities, service, athletics, the arts, and community life as they become part of TCIS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child transfer to TCIS in January?
January admission may be possible when space is available. TCIS considers grade-level capacity, academic circumstances, program suitability, and—in some cases—the relocation needs of international families arriving from overseas.
Will my child enter the same grade they attended previously?
Often, but not automatically. TCIS considers age, previous enrollment, academic records, curriculum background, assessment results, and individual circumstances before confirming grade placement.
Will previous high school credits transfer?
Courses completed at an accredited school are generally considered for transfer. Counselors and school leaders review the transcript to determine how previous coursework applies to TCIS graduation and IB requirements.
Can a student transfer from a Korean school to TCIS?
Yes. Qualifying Korean-national students may apply without previous overseas residence. Students should be prepared for English-language instruction and the inquiry-based, participatory learning style of the IB curriculum.
Can students with developing English attend TCIS?
Students with developing English may be admitted depending on their assessed proficiency. MAP English Reading, a writing sample, and WIDA testing when needed help TCIS evaluate readiness and determine whether English-language support may be appropriate.
Can a student transfer into Grade 12?
TCIS does not generally admit new Grade 12 students because of graduation requirements and the continuity of the two-year IB Diploma Programme. Special circumstances may occasionally be considered. Families should contact Admissions before beginning an application.
Talk With TCIS Admissions
Families do not need to determine grade placement, credit transfer, or English readiness on their own. These decisions are made through the review of academic records, admissions assessments, and the student’s individual circumstances.
If you are considering a transfer to TCIS, begin with a general inquiry. Tell us about your child’s present school, current grade, curriculum, anticipated transfer date, and any circumstances our Admissions team should understand.