FAQ

What is the relationship between Daegu International School and Lee Academy?

Daegu International School (DIS) is affiliated with Lee Academy in Lee, Maine, USA, which has over 180 years (since 1845) of educational history and traditions. DIS offers the same quality college preparatory education as an American private school. Students can earn a Lee Academy diploma as well as a DIS diploma.
 

What is your current enrollment (as of March, 2024)?

Our current enrollment is approximately 350 students, representing 16 nationalities.

• Elementary School (Grades K to 5): 150
• Middle School (Grades 6 to 8): 90
• High School (Grades 9 to 12): 110

What are your student capacity and class sizes?

We have a building capacity of 680 students and usually do not have more than 30 students per grades with two classes per grade level, except for Kindergarten.

What are your school start and end dates?

Typically, our school year includes 178 teaching days starting in August and ending in May. Please refer to ‘Calendar’ for more detailed information. Holidays are as below:

• Korean national holidays
• A week at Chuseok & Lunar New Year
• 3 weeks at Christmas
• A week for Spring break

What are your school hours?Students attend school Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. After school activities in ES, MS and HS generally run from 2:45 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.

Is DIS accredited? What does this mean?

DIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) which is the same accrediting authority as schools in California, other western states in the U.S. and many international schools. Accreditation by an organization such as WASC is a guarantee of good quality education. Accreditation is very important for schools which operate outside of public education systems. Accreditation is also required for our high school credits and diploma to be recognized in the USA. DIS is the first international school that has been accredited by the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

How is the curriculum coordinated?

We offer a rigorous program based on the Maine Learning Results, the Common Core, and the Advanced Placement system of the College Board. It is the goal of DIS to prepare all of our students academically, socially, and emotionally to enter post-secondary education in some of the finest Universities and Colleges in the USA, Korea, and worldwide. Please refer to ‘Academics' on our website for more detailed information.

Where are your teachers from?

While most of the teachers are Americans, we also have teachers from other countries. All teachers are certified in the U.S. to teach in their subject area.

Do you offer an ESL (English as a Second Language) program?

Yes. ESL is offered at all grade levels. Students’ English proficiency levels are assessed through our admission test, through the ESL department, and through their classwork. No additional fees are charged for ESL program.
 

Do you offer foreign languages?

World languages (Chinese and Spanish) are offered as part of our enrichment program (grades 3-6). Starting in grade 7, students choose either language as one of their subjects.
 

What diploma will students receive upon graduation?

Provided students meet the proper criteria, they will receive dual diplomas; one from Lee Academy and another from Daegu International School, the first accredited international school in Korea.
 

Is it possible to achieve the acknowledgement of Korean education while studying at DIS?

Yes. Anyone who wishes acknowledgment of Korean education may take 34 weeks (136 hours) of the following courses per year (Currently, the Korean government only allows Korean citizens the opportunity to receive this diploma. However, all DIS students are welcome to take part in the classes).
• Elementary school students: Korean Language & Social Studies
• Middle school & High school students: Korean Language & Korean History

What is the acceptance rate for the 2023-2024 school year?

Yearly enrollment data regarding students can be found yearly on International School Information website.

What are your requirements for application?

DIS is open to students of all nationalities and the applicants are categorized into two groups; international students, and Korean students. Korean students do not need to have a record of a three year overseas residency, as is required for many other international schools in Korea. The admissions committee will evaluate each student’s English proficiency, thinking skills, and past educational history as well as the applicant’s social skills, character, and adaptability. The application process includes an interview, an entrance exam, a review of records, and recommendations from previous teachers.

What are your criteria for admission?

The process for applying for admission at DIS starts with completing an application form and turning in the required documents. As spots open at DIS, qualified applicants are asked to meet for an interview and to take an entrance exam. Acceptance is based on the applicant’s previous educational experiences and the results of the admissions process in comparison to other students who are interviewed. DIS is allowed to have 30% with an additional 10% Korean nationals with restrictions from Daegu Department of Education (DDOE), so the admission process can be competitive. DIS is actively recruiting additional international students to promote a more global community.

If my child is accepted, how is grade level determined?

Students who meet our admissions criteria are placed in a grade level after due consideration of their previous grade level, previous school system, achievement level, and maturity. The school will determine the appropriate grade placement for students. Students who have not completed a full year of a given grade by the start of the school year will be enrolled in the same grade level. For High School students, we will also take into consideration the number of high school credits earned towards graduation.

What is the enrollment rate for international students and Korean students?

According to current Korean laws and regulations that affect international schools in Korea, Korean students will make up no more than 30% with an additional 10% Korean national with restrictions from Daegu Department of Education (DDOE) of DIS’ total capacity.    

What is your admissions schedule?

Please see the schedule below 'Process'  tab under Admissions. International students are accepted on a rolling admissions basis.

How long does the application process take?

Once all of the required application and supporting documents are received, the candidate can be considered for admission if space is available at the appropriate grade level and the application is approved. If a grade level is at capacity, we will maintain a waiting list.

What are the tuition and fees?

Please see the information below 'Tuition' tab under Admissions.

What kind of extracurricular activities do you offer?

Extra-curricular activities include a variety of clubs and activities. The list of clubs and activities will change from quarter to quarter depending on student interest and instructor availability. You can find more information about some of our extracurricular activities below 'Extracurriculars' tab under Community.

Do you provide dormitory service?

We provide a boarding program for up to 120 students. We can accommodate students from grade 5 or higher. Please contact the Admissions office for additional information about our student dorm life.

Do you provide school bus service?

We provide school buses serving residential areas throughout the city. Although we do our best to serve all students, we will process bus request forms on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please contact the main office or refer to ‘Bus Schedules’ under ‘Student Life’ and ‘School Bus Service’ on our website (www.dis.sc.kr) for pick-up and drop-off times throughout Daegu.
 

Do you have cafeteria service?

All students are served lunch in the cafeteria. Menus are available on the school website under Quick Links and 'Cafeteria.' 

Do you require uniforms?

DIS has uniforms. We offer several choices for uniforms and places to purchase them. Uniform information is available through our Admissions Department.