Choosing the right school for your child can be one of the hardest parts of moving to Pyeongtaek. Many parents ask, “Where can my child attend school in Pyeongtaek?” It’s one of the most common concerns for families moving to the area. Often, parents explore multiple options, sometimes choosing different schools for each child or changing their choice depending on the situation. Below are some of the most common schooling options in Pyeongtaek.
Information Overview
This post focuses on elementary through high school education options in Pyeongtaek. If you’re looking for daycare, kindergarten, or preschool information, please refer to other posts on this blog.
Additionally, this guide covers options for families affiliated with the U.S. military under SOFA status, as well as international residents living in Pyeongtaek. For this reason, we include information about DoDEA schools, even though they are not open to the general public.
Homeschooling
Levels: Elementary – High School
School Year: Families Discretion
Homeschooling is a popular option for many expat families, especially those associated with the U.S. military. It offers a flexible, personalized approach to education, allowing children to thrive academically while adjusting to life in a new cultural environment. Whether you want to maintain your home country’s curriculum, follow international standards, or design a custom learning experience, homeschooling can be a great choice.
In South Korea, homeschooling can be supplemented with hagwon classes. Hagwons are private tutoring academies that specialize in subjects such as math, English, music, robotics, dance, martial arts, and science.
Legal Framework for Homeschooling
In South Korea, homeschooling is allowed but regulated under the country’s education laws. The Ministry of Education oversees the standards to ensure children receive a quality education.
- Notification Requirement: Parents must notify their local education office of their intent to homeschool, usually by submitting a formal declaration.
- Educational Standards: Homeschooled children are expected to meet educational standards similar to those in public and private schools.
- Assessment: Periodic assessments may be required to track academic progress.
Residency and Visa Considerations
Your visa status can impact how you homeschool your child in South Korea.
- SOFA Visa Holders: Families under SOFA visas (affiliated with the U.S. military) are not subject to South Korean education regulations. They follow U.S. legal requirements for homeschooling.
- International Residents: Families not affiliated with the military should check with immigration or a legal advisor to ensure their visa permits homeschooling. Most common visas, like the E-2 (Teaching) or F-2 (Resident) visas, allow homeschooling, but it’s best to confirm.
International Private Schools
Levels: Elementary – High School
School Year: August – July
A variety of families choose to have their children attend excellent international schools in South Korea
Located in Pyeontaek
International Christian School Pyeongtaek (ICS) : Founded in 1990, ICS is one of the leading international schools in Pyeongtaek, offering a college-preparatory curriculum for students from kindergarten through grade 12. Located in the heart of the international community, ICS provides a high-quality education that prepares students for both academic success and global citizenship.
All ICS teachers are certified professionals, with many holding advanced degrees. The school’s experienced faculty creates a supportive and challenging learning environment that encourages intellectual growth.
As part of the NICS (Network of International Christian Schools), ICS is connected to a network of 15 schools in 13 countries, representing over 100 nations. This network allows ICS to share resources and expertise globally, constantly improving their academic programs.
ICS is also one of three NICS schools in Korea, alongside Yongsan International School of Seoul (YISS) and Uijeongbu International Christian School (UICS). This ensures families receive the same high-quality, faith-based education across multiple campuses in South Korea.
Located Within 1 Hour of Pyeongtaek
School Year: August – July or March – January
In addition to Pyeongtaek-si’s international school, others exist in neighboring cities. Families who don’t mind a commute may enroll their students in school such as:
- Gyeonggi Suwon International School
- Yongin Global Christian School
- DA-NA S.I.
- Christian Sprout Intercultural School
U.S. Military High Schools
Levels: Elementary – High School
School Year: August – July
Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Force Base offer educational opportunities for children of military families through the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) schools. These schools provide an American-style education that mirrors schools in the U.S., helping students transition smoothly between schools during military relocations.
Eligibility and Enrollment
DoDEA schools, like Humphreys High School, are open exclusively to dependents of U.S. military personnel, DoD civilian employees, and other affiliates. Unfortunately, civilian expatriates and local residents cannot enroll their children in these schools. Families must provide proof of military affiliation, visas, and residence documentation during the enrollment process.
Online International Schools
Levels: Elementary – High School
School Year: August – July
For families seeking flexibility, online schools can be an excellent option. They allow students to study from home while following a structured, accredited curriculum. This is especially helpful for families who frequently relocate or who want an alternative to traditional schooling.
There are many online schools offering K-12 education, including U.S.-based, British, and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. These schools provide a flexible way for students to maintain academic consistency, no matter where they live.
Korean Public Schools
Levels: Elementary – High School
School Year: March – January
International students can attend public schools in Pyeongtaek, with entry requirements varying by age and level of schooling.
- Elementary School: International students can attend elementary school without needing to take a language test.
- Middle School: As of 2024, two middle schools in Pyeongtaek, Songtan Middle School and Jinwi Middle School, offer Korean language instruction for international students. Students take six months of Korean classes, followed by an exam to determine if they are ready to join regular classes.
- High School: High school in South Korea is not mandatory. Some schools, such as Jinwi High School, accept international students with varying levels of Korean language proficiency.
The Choice is Not Easy
Pyeongtaek offers a range of education options for international families, from homeschooling and international schools to U.S. military and local public schools. The right choice depends on your family’s needs, your child’s learning style, and your legal or visa status. Additionally, online information remains limited. Support for vetting the different education options also remains limited.
Here’s a simple table that outlines the benefits and challenges of each schooling option in Pyeongtaek:
| Schooling Option | Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Homeschooling | – Flexible schedule tailored to your child’s needs | – Requires a lot of time and effort from parents |
| – Personalized curriculum and pace | – Limited social interaction unless supplemented with group activities | |
| – Ability to maintain home country’s education standards | – Legal and visa requirements may vary, especially for non-military families | |
| International Christian School (ICS) | – College-preparatory curriculum | – Tuition can be expensive |
| – English-based instruction | – Limited to faith-based education (Christianity) | |
| – Strong academic and extracurricular programs | – May require commute depending on location | |
| U.S. Military High Schools | – Follows U.S. curriculum, easing transitions between schools for military families | – Only available to U.S. military-affiliated families |
| – Accredited American-style education | – Not accessible to civilians or non-DoD employees | |
| – Access to extracurricular activities and sports | – Enrollment may depend on space availability | |
| Online International Schools | – Flexible learning environment and ability to study from home | – Requires strong self-discipline and parental oversight |
| – Can choose from multiple curriculums (U.S., British, IB) | – Limited social interaction unless supplemented with local activities | |
| – Ideal for families who frequently move | – Quality of education depends on the online provider | |
| Korean Public Schools | – Affordable, as public schools have little or no tuition | – Language barrier: Classes are taught in Korean |
| – Cultural immersion for international students | – Academic pressure and intense competition in Korean schools | |
| – Opportunity to learn Korean language | – Limited flexibility in curriculum and pace of learning |
Pyeongtak Living 101 is a PIEF (Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation) Program that supports international residents living in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do. The program provides classes, workshops, and information to make integration into Korean life smoother.
The Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF), established in 2014, is a key organization in promoting global exchange and fostering international relations in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. PIEF’s mission centers around enhancing cultural understanding and cooperation, especially with the United States Forces Korea (USFK), local foreign residents, and citizens of Pyeongtaek, with the goal of becoming a globally recognized city.
PIEF operates three main centers: the Paengseong International Community Center, Songtan International Community Center, and the Pyeongtaek English Education Center. These centers provide various services, such as language education, cultural programs, and support services for foreign residents. The foundation focuses on strengthening the ROK-US alliance through community-building events, cultural festivals, and educational programs that aim to integrate both locals and international residents. Additionally, PIEF facilitates programs to support foreign residents in Pyeongtaek by providing interpretation, legal and immigration counseling, and other resources to help them settle in Korea.
By organizing diverse programs, such as the Global Supporters and Global Citizenship Fostering initiatives, PIEF actively promotes cultural exchange and global citizenship among Pyeongtaek’s residents. The foundation also seeks to enhance the city’s global reach through collaborations with other cities worldwide and through public diplomacy initiatives, aiming to position Pyeongtaek as a leading international city in Korea.
