By Craig Winston White in Faith and Family — 09 May 2025

What Do You Do When No School Feels Right? A New Option for Expat Families in Seoul

For expat families in Seoul seeking meaningful, affordable education, Seoul Providence School offers a third path—where values, community, and academic excellence come together without compromise.

Seoul Providence School and Onnuri Church in Seoul, a well-known hub for Christian worship and youth outreach, framed by vibrant autumn foliage.

A growing number of expat families in Seoul are discovering a new education path — one built around values, community, and affordability.

Modern library checkout counter inside Onnuri Church Youth Center and Seoul Providence School, with organized bookshelves and clean interior design — The checkout area of the Seoul Providence School and Onnuri Church Youth Center library, blending functionality with a bright, modern aesthetic.

A Quiet Crisis for Expat Families

If you're an expat parent in Seoul, you already know the tension:

You want your child to thrive — academically, emotionally, and spiritually — but every option feels like a tradeoff.

Korean public schools may be free, but cultural and language gaps can feel overwhelming. International schools promise familiarity, but come with eye-watering tuition — often without employer support.

And homeschooling or online programs? That’s a full-time job many families can’t manage alone.

“It started to feel like quality education just wasn’t accessible unless we were willing to compromise our values or go into debt,” one expat mom shared.

Thousands of families are now stuck in limbo — especially those with shrinking relocation packages or no education allowance at all. But one new school in Seoul may be changing that.

Middle school students doing agility ladder drills in a gym at Seoul Providence School, guided by instructors — Students at Seoul Providence School participate in agility ladder training during physical education class — promoting fitness, focus, and fun.

✅ The Solution: Seoul Providence School

Seoul Providence School was created for this exact moment — when many globally minded families are quietly wondering if there’s a better option.

Opening this fall, SPS is:

Academically rigorous but nurturing

Internationally aligned but locally grounded

And most importantly for many families: Accessible without sacrificing quality

“Excellence and mission, made accessible.”

SPS is not trying to be the most expensive school in Seoul. It’s trying to be the most intentional.

Teacher and middle school students at Seoul Providence School join hands in a team huddle, promoting unity and encouragement — *Students and a teacher at Seoul Providence School gather in a team huddle — building community, confidence, and trust through shared purpose.*

💵 A Fresh Approach to Value and Mission

While many schools in Korea charge between 20 to 35 million KRW per year in tuition, SPS has purposefully designed its model to stay within reach for a wider range of families.

How?

Focused grades (5–8) = no bloated K–12 overhead

Lean administration = resources directed toward student support

Strong community and church partnerships = shared mission, shared investment

By focusing resources where they matter most — teachers, curriculum, and student care — SPS offers a global-standard education without global-standard pricing.

📚 What Families Can Expect

U.S.-aligned curriculum designed to meet international benchmarks
English-speaking Christian faculty committed to mentoring and character-building
Small class sizes for personalized learning and relationships
A supportive mix of students: 40% foreign, 40% Korean, 20% ministry-connected families
Spiritual formation woven into the school day — not tacked on

“We’re not just sending our kids to school,” said one founding parent. “We’re investing in who they’ll become.”

🌱 A School Rooted in Purpose

SPS was founded by experienced educators who saw a growing gap:

Expat families who felt spiritually disconnected from the classroom and financially shut out from international school pricing.

So they built a third path:

One where faith and affordability aren’t mutually exclusive
One where parents and teachers partner in raising whole humans
One where middle school students can grow without being lost in the shuffle of K–12 sprawl

And they’re inviting founding families to help shape it from the beginning.

🗓️ You're Invited: May 20 Open House

Curious if Seoul Providence School might be the right fit for your family? You're invited to attend the upcoming Open House on May 20 at 10:00 AM. Meet the educators, explore the vision, and see firsthand what makes SPS different.

Reserve your spot here

🙋 FAQ

What’s the catch? No catch. Smaller enrollment means more personalized attention — and more voice for founding families in shaping programs.

Is it only for Christian families? No. SPS is rooted in Christian values, but open to all families who align with the school’s mission.

What about accreditation? The curriculum is designed for seamless U.S. integration, including future AP readiness.

🧭 If This Resonates...

If you’ve been quietly struggling with the decision of where to send your child — hoping for a school that reflects your values and respects your budget — this may be your moment.

“What if international education didn’t require international school pricing?”

Learn more, book a visit, or join our founding family interest group.

You’re not just choosing a school. You’re helping shape what comes next.