Busan Foreign School

Busan Foreign School (BFS; Korean: 부산외국인학교) is an international school located Busan, South Korea, with an American style educational philosophy and curriculum.^[1] It has been fully WASC accredited (Pre-K–12th grade) since 2003.^[2]

Busan Foreign School was established in 1996 . When it was founded, it started with small classes, but later expanded its grades and programs to become an international school with a kindergarten through 12th grade school system. The current campus, located in a residential area near Jangsan Mountain in Haeundae-gu, has high accessibility to natural environments such as Haeundae Beach and Jangsan Mountain.

Busan Foreign School is an international school based on the American educational curriculum and operates the following learning programs and certifications:

• Offers US-based Advanced Placement (AP) courses
• American Curriculum -centered education
• The elementary school curriculum is based on the American educational framework and national standards (Common Core).
• Early Childhood reflects the educational philosophy of the Reggio Emilia approach.

The school allows students to take the SAT and AP exams, and operates academic programs to prepare students for college admission in high school.

• Provides an international learning environment with English as the primary language
• Support individual student learning by operating small classes
• SHARK Values: Embedded core value system such as Socially Conscious, Hardworking, Active Communicator, Respectful, and Keep Learning
• A multicultural community environment where students from diverse cultural backgrounds learn.
• Participation in sports and extracurricular activities: running interscholastic sports competitions (e.g. SKAIS) and various other club programs.

Busan Foreign School offers study programs based on American educational standards:
• English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Electives courses
• Offers over 16 Advanced Placement (AP) course choices
• The admission rate to prestigious universities is high due to the operation of differentiated academic guidance and counseling programs for each grade.

Busan Foreign School has the following grade system:
• Early Childhood: Pre-Kindergarten ~ Kindergarten
• Elementary School: Grade 1 ~ Grade 5
• Middle School: Grade 6 ~ Grade 8
• High School: Grade 9 ~ Grade 12

The Busan Foreign School campus features a variety of indoor and outdoor learning facilities:

• Library and multimedia space
• Gymnasium
• Science laboratory
• Art and music room
• Outdoor playground and rooftop
• Maker Space and STEAM-related creative space
• Lunchroom and common study areas

The school has been continuously improving and upgrading facilities and is working to expand space to support student learning and activities.

Busan Foreign School offers a variety of on- and off-campus activities related to sports, academics, and the arts:
• Participation in SHARK Athletics clubs and competitions
• South Korea Association of International Schools (SKAIS)
• Korean International Schools Activities Conference (KISAC)

• Model United Nations, robotics club, music and art activities
• Korea International Music Educators Association (KIMEA)
• Academic conferences and presentation activities

Busan Foreign School also runs a variety of community events for students and families:
• International Fair and various school festivals
• Spirit Week and grade-level events
• Parent involvement programs and PTSO activities
• Community Partnership Program

Busan Foreign School provides college entrance guidance during high school, and graduates go on to universities at home and abroad, including the Ivy League . It is designated as an AP test achievement and SAT center , and test results are used when applying to college.

• Official web site