Kwangju Foreign School
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| Kwangju Foreign School | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 | |
| Coordinates | 35°13′59″N 126°50′51″E / 35.232976°N 126.847500°E |
| Information | |
| Type | Private |
| Motto | Character and Knowledge |
| Established | 1996 |
| President | Robert Holley |
| Principal | Mark Stock |
| Staff | 6 |
| Faculty | 18 |
| Number of students | 100 |
| Color(s) | Gray, Blue, White |
| Mascot | Cougar |
| Website | www.kwangjuforeignschool.org |
Kwangju Foreign School is an international school in the city of Gwangju, South Korea. It was opened in response to city officials needing an international school to attract foreign business.
School philosophy and curriculum
Students attend international schools because the classes are taught in English, and to gain acceptance into universities in the U.S. The course curriculum is therefore identical to that of U.S high schools, and counseling services in the schools provide the students with direction as to the appropriate activities to be involved in and the preparation necessary for the special entrance exams for non native English speakers. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
The school has an ESL program for students with limited English skills. Some of the core subjects are taught as ESL subjects until such a time that the student can make the transition to the regular classes.
Teaching staff and administration
The teaching staff at Korean International private schools are on what are called E-7 visas as opposed to the E-2 visas. that are issued to English teachers at educational institutes (hagwon) or public schools. The issuance of E-7 visas now requires that applicants have 2 years of relevant experience. There is 1 kindergarten teacher, 5 elementary school teachers, 3 middle school teachers, 6 high school teachers, 1 art teacher, and 1 music teacher. Chinese is the foreign language currently offered.
Location and facilities
In August 2012, KFS moved to a newly built campus in Oryong-dong, Buk-gu, on the outskirts of the city of Gwangju just north of Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology.
Facilities in the new complex include a gymnasium, music room, library, computer lab, mulipurpose room, and cafeteria. Outdoor facilities include a full basketball court, playground, and soccer field.
Activities
KFS is one of the founding members of the South Korean Athletic Conference (SKAC), which includes international schools in Busan, Daejeon, Sacheon, Pohang, and Jeonju. KFS student athletes compete with other SKAC schools in basketball, soccer, and cross-country at tournaments scheduled throughout the school year.
Teachers are very active in involving the students in cultural extracurricular activities. Organized extracurricular clubs include newspaper, dance, orchestra, choir, and rock band. The performing arts groups are regular fixtures in the school's concerts, and talent shows. A community outreach club volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and organizes other acts of service. Eleventh and 12th grade students who demonstrate excellent scholarship, leadership, service, and character may be admitted to the KFS chapter of the National Honor Society.
There are several annual activities in which all students participate. These include:
- Speech Contest
- Science Fair
- International Festival
- Spelling Bee