Cities / Singapore / Singapore Korean International School
Singapore Korean International School
Singapore Korean International School is a specialized institution serving Korean-speaking families in Bukit Timah, offering a unique blend of Korean national curriculum with American AP courses and trilingual instruction. With fees ranging from SGD 13,424-25,007 annually, it provides affordable Korean-focused…
In brief
SKIS operates as a niche school exclusively for Korean-speaking students, combining the Nuri Korean preschool curriculum with Korean national standards and American AP programs for high school preparation. The school runs on a March-to-February academic year and emphasizes trilingual education in English, Korean, and Chinese, alongside cultural programs including taekwondo and STEAM initiatives. Under Principal Kang Hye Young's leadership, the school maintains its Korean cultural identity while preparing students for international university pathways through AP coursework.
Located in Bukit Timah, the school positions itself as an affordable alternative to Singapore's premium international schools, with annual fees averaging SGD 18,000 compared to the SGD 25,000-50,000+ range typical of established international institutions. However, SKIS maintains virtually no presence in Singapore's active international school parent forums or teacher recruitment discussions, operating well below the radar of the city-state's mainstream expatriate education conversations. This suggests the school serves a highly specific Korean expatriate community rather than competing in Singapore's broader international education market.
Strengths
- Affordable fees (SGD 13,424-25,007) compared to other Singapore international schools
- Trilingual instruction in English, Korean, and Chinese
- Cultural programs including taekwondo maintain Korean heritage
- American AP pathway for university preparation
- STEAM program integration
- Serves specific Korean expatriate community needs effectively
Considerations
- Exclusively for Korean-speaking students, limiting accessibility
- Very low profile in Singapore's international education discussions
- Limited public information about facilities, exam results, or university outcomes
- March-to-February academic year may not align with other school systems
- No apparent international accreditation mentioned
- Minimal teacher or parent feedback available online for assessment
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 4 | Annual | SGD 10,319 |
| Elementary 1 | 6 | Annual | SGD 10,826 |
| Elementary 2 | 7 | Annual | SGD 10,826 |
| Elementary 3 | 8 | Annual | SGD 10,826 |
| Elementary 4 | 9 | Annual | SGD 10,826 |
| Elementary 5 | 10 | Annual | SGD 10,826 |
| Elementary 6 | 11 | Annual | SGD 10,826 |
| Middle School 1 | 12 | Annual | SGD 15,479 |
| Middle School 2 | 13 | Annual | SGD 15,479 |
| Middle School 3 | 14 | Annual | SGD 15,479 |
| High School 1 | 15 | Annual | SGD 19,222 |
| High School 2 | 16 | Annual | SGD 19,222 |
| High School 3 | 17 | Annual | SGD 19,222 |
| Admission Fee | One-time | SGD 2,440 |
Reviews
- Parent commentary online is light. The school serves a mainly Korean expat community in Singapore's Bukit Timah education belt, with the Korean Nuri curriculum at the core and Cambridge International Primary at elementary level.
- Reviews describe small classes (around 15 to 20), personalised teacher attention and after-school tutoring for elementary pupils who fall behind.
- Trilingual offer in Korean, English and Chinese is the main draw for non-Korean families; a small number of parents mention a positive experience for non-Korean children.
- No active Reddit or English-language parent forum discussion surfaced; most online detail comes from directory listings and the school's own communications.
Head of school
Yoo Sam-mok
Yoo Sam-mok is the 12th Principal of Singapore Korean International School, appointed in August 2024. He is listed as the current principal by the Korean Ministry of Education's overseas education portal.
Accreditations
- Korean Ministry of Education — overseas Korean schools 01
- SG_MOE 02