International School in Daejeon for Global Families

An established English-medium K–12 IB school for families living and working in Daejeon and central Korea.

Families come to Daejeon from around the world for research, university, business, healthcare and other professional opportunities. Alongside the practical decisions involved in living in Korea, parents need to find an education that will protect their child’s academic progress, support their transition and prepare them for wherever life may lead next.

Taejon Christian International School (TCIS) provides an internationally recognized education within a caring, English-speaking community in Daejeon. Students are known personally, challenged purposefully and prepared to grow with confidence and lead with purpose.

A Credible International Education Close to Home

TCIS has served international and globally minded families in Korea since 1958. The school is fully licensed by the Korean Ministry of Education, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and authorized to offer all three International Baccalaureate programmes.

The IB continuum at TCIS begins with the Primary Years Programme, continues through the Middle Years Programme and culminates in the Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12.

This connected pathway helps students develop progressively. They learn to ask thoughtful questions, communicate clearly, investigate ideas, apply knowledge, reflect on feedback and become increasingly independent.

For internationally mobile families, the IB provides a widely recognized educational framework. It can help preserve continuity when students arrive from another international school or may eventually move to another country.

Explore TCIS accreditation and IB authorization

An Authentically International Community

International education is more than studying a foreign curriculum or attending occasional cultural events. At TCIS, students learn every day with classmates and teachers whose experiences, languages and perspectives may differ from their own.

The TCIS community includes approximately 535 students representing more than 20 nationalities. Faculty members also bring educational and cultural experience from more than 14 nationalities.

Students learn to listen across differences, communicate respectfully, reconsider their assumptions and collaborate with people who may approach the same question in another way.

This happens through classroom discussions, collaborative projects, advisory, arts, athletics, activities, service and ordinary relationships throughout the school day.

Learn more about the TCIS community

Purposeful Academic Challenge

At TCIS, academic rigor does not simply mean giving students more work. Students are challenged to think deeply, revise their ideas, create, communicate and apply what they have learned.

High expectations are paired with specific feedback and guidance. The aim is to help students build academic confidence, curiosity and the habits required for advanced study.

The Class of 2026 provides current evidence of this approach. TCIS students achieved:

• An average IB Diploma score of 34
• A highest Diploma score of 44
• An average subject grade of 5.12 out of 7
• Approximately 72% of subject grades at 5 or higher
• 108 subject grades of 6 or 7

The same graduating class received offers from 106 universities and colleges across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and Australia.

These results matter because they reflect years of inquiry, feedback, persistence and increasingly independent work. The goal is not to direct every student toward the same outcome. It is to help each student prepare for a future pathway that fits their strengths, interests and ambitions.

View Class of 2026 results and graduate highlights

A Portable Pathway for Internationally Mobile Students

Changing countries or school systems can raise important questions. Parents may need to understand grade placement, transferred credits, English readiness, curriculum alignment and whether a student can continue progressing toward graduation.

TCIS reviews each applicant individually. Previous schooling, academic records, age, assessment results, English readiness and personal circumstances may all be considered.

Students arriving from another IB World School or a Western-style international school can often continue into the corresponding grade. However, school calendars, course sequences and graduation requirements can differ. Families should allow Admissions to review records before assuming a particular placement.

High school transfers require additional planning. Counselors work with the Secondary Principal and IB Coordinators to review courses, transferred credits, graduation requirements and readiness for the IB Diploma Programme.

TCIS generally welcomes new students at the beginning of the school year in August. A smaller January intake may be possible when space and programme fit allow. Mid-semester entry is not normally offered, although exceptional international relocation circumstances may be considered individually.

Read the complete guide to transferring to TCIS

Known and Supported When Joining the School

Entering a new school is both an academic and social transition. Students need to understand classroom expectations, develop relationships and begin to see themselves as part of the community.

At the beginning of the regular school year, transition experiences may include first-day orientation, time with a student ambassador, parent welcome events, grade-level experiences and opportunities to meet teachers and other families.

These include New Parent Coffee, the community welcome cookout, early grade-level retreats, Spiritual Emphasis Week and Meet the Teacher Night. The specific experience varies according to the student’s division and grade.

Students entering in January receive orientation appropriate to their entry point. This may include division-specific orientation, a student ambassador partner and an invitation for parents to attend New Parent Coffee.

Teachers, advisors, counselors and school leaders help new students understand the school’s expectations and available support. A 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio helps create opportunities for teachers to notice students’ strengths, needs and progress.

These structures cannot guarantee that every transition will be effortless. They create opportunities for students to ask questions, meet people, participate and gradually develop confidence and belonging.

English Readiness and Support

TCIS is an English-medium school, and English readiness is considered during the admissions process. Applicants complete English and mathematics assessments, with a writing sample required for applicable grades. Additional WIDA testing may be used when more information about English proficiency is needed.

Students with developing English may be admitted depending on their grade, assessed proficiency, learning needs and programme fit. Elementary students may enter with a lower level of English readiness than would normally be appropriate for secondary students.

When support is available and appropriate, English-language development takes place in connection with mainstream learning. The aim is to help students continue participating in the academic and social life of their grade rather than separating them from the wider school experience.

Because the level of support available may vary by grade and student need, families should discuss their child’s current English experience with Admissions.

Learn about English-language learning at TCIS

Learning, Relationships and Life Beyond the Classroom

Students build confidence and friendships through more than academic classes. TCIS offers opportunities in arts, athletics, activities, leadership, service, spiritual life and outdoor learning.

These experiences allow students to explore interests, contribute to shared goals and connect with peers outside their immediate classroom. They also help internationally mobile students develop relationships and establish a sense of place within the school.

Participation will look different for every student. Some find belonging through a team or ensemble. Others connect through service, student leadership, creative work, clubs or the ordinary rhythm of advisory and school life.

A Clear and Welcoming Christian Identity

TCIS is a non-denominational Christian school. Its Christian identity shapes how the school understands learning, relationships, character, responsibility and service.

Students are not required to be Christian to apply or attend. They are not expected to profess Christian faith as their own or make a decision to become Christian during their time at TCIS.

Students from other faith backgrounds are not expected to participate in acts of Christian worship. They do attend community events and are expected to remain respectful during times that recognize Christian observances.

Every member of the community is expected to respect other people and their beliefs and to contribute to an atmosphere of peace, unity and acceptance.

TCIS hopes every student will feel loved and accepted. The school also hopes students will learn about God’s love as expressed through the life and message of Jesus Christ, feel free to explore questions of faith, and grow in selflessness and service.

If a student chooses to embrace Christian faith, TCIS believes that decision should be personal and authentic. It should never be made to please a teacher, school leader, parent or peer.

Academic preference is not given or withheld based on a student’s professed faith or religious practice.

Read the complete explanation of Christian worldview at TCIS

Living in Daejeon and Joining TCIS

TCIS is located in Daejeon’s Daedeok Research and Development District. School bus transportation currently serves areas of Daejeon, Sejong and Cheongju, with routes reviewed according to student locations and operational needs.

The school’s organized transition support focuses on helping students and parents enter the TCIS community. TCIS does not operate a formal relocation or general acclimatization service for living in Korea.

Families should arrange housing, immigration, healthcare, banking and other settlement needs through their employer, relocation provider or appropriate external services. Admissions can answer questions about the school, application, eligibility and enrollment process.

Is TCIS the Right Fit for Your Family?

TCIS may be a strong fit for international families who value:

• A stable English-medium school community in Daejeon
• A connected and internationally recognized K–12 IB education
• Purposeful academic challenge supported by feedback and relationships
• Continuity across international school systems
• Opportunities in arts, athletics, activities, leadership and service
• A diverse community where students can participate and belong
• A Christian identity communicated with transparency, welcome and respect

Every student’s circumstances are different. Admissions considers eligibility, academic history, English readiness, grade-level space and programme fit before making an enrollment decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TCIS an English-speaking school?

Yes. English is the primary language of instruction. English readiness is considered during admissions, and support may be available depending on the student’s grade, assessed proficiency, needs and programme fit.

Is TCIS accredited and internationally recognized?

Yes. TCIS is accredited by WASC, authorized to offer the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, and licensed by the Korean Ministry of Education.

Can my child transfer from another international school?

Yes. TCIS considers applications from students coming from other international and national school systems. Grade placement, previous courses, credits and curriculum continuity are reviewed individually.

Can students begin in January?

A limited January intake may be possible when space and programme fit allow. Families considering January entry should contact Admissions early rather than assuming that space will be available.

Does my child need to be Christian?

No. Students are not required to profess Christian faith or become Christian. They are expected to attend community gatherings, respect the school’s Christian identity and show respect for people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Does TCIS help families relocate to Korea?

TCIS provides orientation and transition support for joining the school community. It does not provide a formal service for housing, immigration, banking, healthcare or general acclimatization to life in Korea.

Does TCIS provide school transportation?

TCIS currently operates school bus service in areas of Daejeon, Sejong and Cheongju. Routes are reviewed regularly and may depend on student locations and operational considerations.

How should our family begin?

Start with a general inquiry. Tell Admissions about your child’s age, current grade, school system, expected enrollment date, English experience and any relocation circumstances that may affect your timeline.