Taejon Christian International School

Frequently Asked Questions


Question: Is my child eligible to attend TCIS?
Answer: If either parent holds a passport from a foreign country (not Korea), the child is eligible to apply. If both parents are Korean citizens, then the child must have lived 1095 days outside of Korea, based on an official Certificate of Exit & Entry, or have school records showing 3 years of study abroad.

Question: How are admissions decisions made?
Answer: Admissions decisions are based on whether or not the school feels that a child can be successful in our rigorous educational programs. We examine a number of factors, such as previous school records, teacher recommendations, admissions testing results and others before making a decision.

Question: What if my child is still learning English?
Answer: Each student will be tested for English proficiency when applying for admission. TCIS accepts beginning English Language Learners (ELL) in elementary school, however, secondary students must demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency in order to be successful in learning content. Students who demonstrate a sufficient level of English proficiency, but need a bit of support to be successful may be given access to support through our ELL programs. Click here to learn about English support programs at TCIS.

Question: How long does the admissions process take?
Answer: This largely depends on how quickly documents are submitted and interviews/testing can be arranged. Typically, it takes about two weeks to process an application once all documents have been submitted and testing is finished (barring special application circumstances.)

Question: When does the TCIS school year begin and end?
Answer: The school year generally begins in early August and finishes in early June.

Question: What is the minimum age to begin school at TCIS?
Answer: Generally, four years old is the earliest that a child can begin in elementary classes. Our elementary programs begin as follows:

  • A child who is four years old by August is eligible to enroll in Kindergarten One (K1).
  • A 5-year-old can enroll in K2.
  • A 6-year-old can enter first grade.

After this, students are enrolled based on previous school records.

Question: What grade will my child enroll in? Will it hurt to skip a semester or repeat a semester when transferring from a different school system?
Answer: Most students currently enrolled in schools that begin in August or September will follow the same progression at TCIS.

  • If a student is transferring from a school system that begins in January or March, we strongly recommend repeating a semester rather than skipping to a higher grade.
  • Universities are very understanding of a student who repeats a grade or semester due to relocation to a different school system.

Question: Do you accept late applications, after the May 1st or Dec 1st deadlines?
Answer: We accept late applications, if there is space available.

Question: Can students transfer mid-term or mid-year?
Answer: Many students do start in January, which is the beginning of the second semester. Students may be able to enroll mid-semester depending on their grade level and how late they are applying. Generally, younger students can transfer at any time, but high school students may find it more difficult to transfer mid-semester. Beginning in grade 11, we generally do not accept students after the semester has begun, due to the rigor of the IB DP program. Please contact the Admissions Office for personal guidance.

Question: Are there any scholarships available?
Answer: TCIS offers merit scholarships for outstanding students in grades 10-11.
You can read about the Merit Scholarship Program here.

Question: Do all students have to live in the dormitories?
Answer: No. Students in grades 6-12 have the option of living in the dormitories as a convenience for families that do not live locally. Many students in our school live in or near Daejeon and commute to school. Students not in the residence program are expected to live with one or both parents and never on their own.

Question: How do I apply for entrance into the residence program?
Answer: Families interested in applying to the residence program should contact the admissions office. The process is very simple and involves filling in a questionnaire and a personal interview with the Residence Director.

Question: TCIS is a Christian school, but what if a student (family) is not Christian?
Answer: TCIS accepts students of any faith background or those who do not associate with any faith. About half of TCIS students are Christian. A respectful attitude is expected as is attendance at chapels and religious studies courses, but it is not expected that a student profess a Christian faith. Also, student faith never affects matters of grading or academic preference.