Why Choose TCIS?

At TCIS, we understand that education is an investment – not only in a future career but also in shaping the very essence of a child. Our commitment is to nurture competent, creative, compassionate, and balanced learners who are ready to excel in any path they choose.

The key question that most families ask is,

"What does my child gain at TCIS?"

Since 1958, TCIS has been a leader in international education in Korea. Over a period of nearly 70 years, we have built a robust, comprehensive education for children. While we deal in many positive initiatives for learning and growth among students, we specialize in three main areas that are ultimately valuable for most families (and two further areas for families with specific requirements.)

Children Gain a Globalized Education

Most families see the way that the world is increasingly becoming interconnected. Education, business, politics, ecology, communications – it all happens on a global scale, and success in any area depends on one's ability to understand it from an international and intercultural perspective.

At its most foundational level, TCIS is focused on preparing internationally-minded learners for university and beyond. TCIS works to create a format that cultivates and prepares children to understand the intercultural nature of this connected world. We do this in impactful ways:

TCIS boasts a diverse faculty from around the world, each bringing unique cultural knowledge to enrich students' perspectives both in the classroom and in everyday interactions.
As an English-speaking school, TCIS offers advanced subject learning in English, with targeted support through our ESL/ELL Department.
As a Three-Programme IB World School, TCIS provides an internationally recognized curriculum that prepares students holistically for lifelong learning. Universities worldwide respect the IB for developing globally-minded, well-rounded students.
Activity programs offer opportunities for international travel and engagement through conference athletics, service programs, and performing arts collaborations.
TCIS is accredited by WASC and authorized by the IB, with memberships in global educational organizations like ASCD, the College Board, NACAC IACAC, and EARCOS, ensuring the highest standards for students with international university goals.
Our programs naturally lead to top universities worldwide, including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, China, and Europe. With an international curriculum and experienced faculty, TCIS graduates are well-prepared to succeed and adapt to life in diverse cultural settings.

[* TCIS is a fully-licensed, fully-accredited, and fully-authorized foreign school in Korea.]

A diverse group of elementary students pose in traditional Korean clothing at a celebration of local culture

Children Gain a STEM/STEAM Education

We believe that children who are truly prepared for the future will have essential skills that are developed through learning in a combination of STEM and Arts disciplines. No matter what a student wants to pursue for study or as a career, STEM and Arts education are vital. TCIS has always approached education with this belief, but we have spent considerable time building a focused STEM+Arts program, and have committed to this as an area for continued development into the future. TCIS is investing in STEAM development in the following ways:

At TCIS, STEAM education is woven into all subjects. Our Design Technology and Arts departments collaborate with other disciplines to enrich each subject with STEM and Arts components, providing a well-rounded, interdisciplinary approach.
At TCIS, STEM is more than subjects—it’s a mindset. By emphasizing the Design Cycle across all areas, students practice defining problems, researching, developing solutions, and refining ideas based on feedback. This process nurtures resilience and critical thinking, key qualities in STEM and other disciplines.
At TCIS, Science and Design Technology are essential study areas. All students begin with foundational concepts in elementary, and upper-grade students can choose advanced STEM and Arts electives tailored to their interests.
All students gain the benefits of foundational STEAM education, and interested students can expand their involvement through extra-curricular opportunities. TCIS is continually developing and expanding its offerings for engagement in Technology, Engineering, and Arts opportunities through electives, clubs, and competitions.
Our dedicated STEAM Coordinator and committee continuously refine our STEAM curriculum, strengthening connections across subjects and seeking out events and partnerships to expand students' real-world experiences..

TCIS is serious about STEM+Arts.

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Children Gain a Personalized Education

TCIS has always been a relatively small and close-knit educational community. Students who attend TCIS have access to similar opportunities as other schools, but they have the potential to experience them in much greater ways than may be done at other schools.

With an average class size of 12 and a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, TCIS students benefit from highly personalized attention, both in the classroom and during after-school activities.
The TCIS activities program offers a wide variety of options for students. With fewer students, there’s less competition, so more students can participate in sports, arts, and clubs—encouraging them to try new things and become deeply involved.
Parents and students alike value TCIS for its safe, supportive community. In this encouraging environment, students feel comfortable taking on academic challenges and exploring new opportunities with the support of teachers and peers.
We recognize the individual potential, values, and goals that are unique to each child and family. We strive to cultivate students to grow in their own unique ways, yet we build on common values of empathy, respect, and citizenship within local and broader communities.

Children Gain Access to a Legacy of Boarding Care
Children Gain Opportunities for Spiritual/Moral Growth

Children Gain Access to a Legacy of Boarding Care

Since 1900, TCIS has provided safe, high-quality boarding for globally-minded families, originally serving children of Christian ministry families across Asia. Reopened in Daejeon in 1958, TCIS continues this legacy with a boarding program focused on academic support, responsibility, and a family-like atmosphere for students from diverse backgrounds.

TCIS carries that legacy today. We offer the option for on-campus boarding care with three primary focuses:

Responsible Care & Supervision
With an 8:1 student-to-staff ratio, TCIS Boarding Care faculty are dedicated professionals focused on student well-being. Purpose-built dormitories prioritize safety, comfort, and supportive relationships.
Academic Support
TCIS boarding offers structured schedules that support academics, activities, and balanced personal time. Faculty maintain open communication with students and conduct regular academic check-ins to offer tailored support.
Family-like Atmosphere
TCIS boarding nurtures a family-like atmosphere, fostering healthy connections and support among students and staff, creating a home-away-from-home experience.
Personal Growth & Responsibility
The TCIS Boarding Care Program fosters personal growth and responsibility by guiding students to manage their time, care for themselves, and live independently. With support from caring dorm staff, students develop maturity, empathy, and accountability—preparing them for success in school and life.

With a history of commitment to students’ safety, academic growth, and well-being, TCIS offers a trusted, supportive boarding experience for families worldwide.

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The TCIS Adams Dorm students and faculty have a meal out at a Korean barbecue restaurant during Dorm Family Night

Five high school students, one wearing sunglasses, lean over a camera to take a photo toward the sky

A night photo of high school students around a campfire at TCIS during the Dorm Spiritual Retreat

Children Gain Opportunities for Spiritual/Moral Growth

Children Gain Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

At TCIS, we value a holistic education that nurtures students’ minds, character, and spirits. Alongside our strong focus on STEM/STEAM, we foster spiritual growth grounded in a Christian worldview. By cultivating skills like empathy, balance, and adaptability, we prepare students for both professional success and personal fulfillment.

Some points to note about our approach to education through a Christian Worldview:

Our community is built on Biblical values of love, respect, empathy, and reconciliation. These principles shape our approach to social interactions, pastoral care, and community service.
Students of all faiths are welcome at TCIS. While we incorporate Christian values, we respect each student’s personal beliefs, never pressuring them to make faith-based decisions.
TCIS is a non-denominational school, with ties to Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist traditions. Our faculty represent various denominations, unified by core Biblical principles that foster mutual respect.
TCIS emphasizes open discussions on personal faith, rather than specific religious practices or doctrines. Service learning is a central, unifying experience, engaging our community in meaningful ways.
Academic favor is NEVER given or withheld based on personally-held faith or religion.