Welcome to Dewford International College
Learning should be joyful—and at our school, it is! We create a space where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, and grow into thoughtful, confident individuals. Through purposeful play, we help kids build meaningful friendships, think creatively, and develop a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
We believe that education should be engaging, meaningful, and student-centered. Through inquiry-based learning, we inspire curiosity and exploration, while our commitment to multicultural awareness helps students appreciate diverse perspectives.
As one of Korea’s first international kindergartens and elementary schools to adopt the IB PYP framework, we blend the best of early childhood language education with a hands-on, play-based approach. This integration fosters collaboration, communication, and a deeper understanding of key concepts from an early age.
Our diverse, multicultural student body reflects the global community of Itaewon, where we are proudly located. We celebrate different perspectives and cultures, helping students develop empathy and appreciation for diverse cultures.
In-sun Paik, CEO of Dewford International College
Dewford International College - Celebrating Diversity & Individuality
Business Registration No.
715 - 95 - 01413
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School Type
Language Academy
(Independent)
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Student Type
Pre-K, Kindergarten,
Elementary
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Medium
of Instruction
English
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Religious
Affiliation
None
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Our Curriculum and Programs
The Dewford academic programs are based on the IB curriculum, following a coherent educational trajectory that develops intellectual, social, and moral qualities. As an institution optimized for early childhood education in the global era, Dewford combines John Dewey’s experiential learning principles with the IB curriculum. Dewford’s approach goes beyond traditional teaching, encouraging students to engage with their surroundings, think critically, and make informed decisions while exploring interdisciplinary connections.
Toddler (4Y): Foster early development by reading, talking, and engaging them in play, song, and sensory experiences. Routine and structure create a safe, trusting environment where they can explore with confidence.
Pre-Kinder (5Y): Emphasizes learning through play, sparking curiosity and active engagement. Through hands-on experiences, children develop a natural interest in exploration and discovery.
Junior Kinder (6Y): Builds on the joy of learning through play while introducing more structured interactions. Children express their thoughts verbally and in writing, explore different book genres, and engage in in-depth individual and group projects.
Senior Kinder (7Y): Nurtures curiosity through exploration, critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation. Children make discoveries, develop observational skills, and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
Teaching Structure |
Native teachers work alongside bilingual Korean teachers to deliver lessons.
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Lesson Planning |
Teachers primarily follow lesson plans and instructional materials given by our staff but have the flexibility to add activities and supplementary materials. |
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EAL (English as an Additional Language) Program: Designed for students with beginner-level English proficiency who already speak other languages.
- Focus on developing phonemic awareness, high-frequency vocabulary, and essential literacy skills to foster independent reading.
Elementary Program: Encourage students to express their knowledge in speaking and writing in our debate class. Through the debates, the children learn to formulate their ideas, convince others, and learn to see the world from a different point of view.
Teaching Structure |
Native teachers work alongside bilingual Korean teachers to deliver lessons. |
Lesson Planning |
Teachers primarily follow lesson plans and instructional materials given by our staff but have the flexibility to add activities and supplementary materials. |
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Our curriculum emphasizes discussion, presentations, and debates on subjects like history, science, politics, and economics, modeled after American private high schools. Students explore current issues by watching CNN/BBC and actively participate in discussions and debates.
- Classes: Literature, Essay Writing, Novel Studies, Test Preparation, Grammar, World Affairs and Vocabulary
Da Vinci College Entrance Program (G6-9): Designed to prepare students for the CSAT and entrance into national universities.
Da Vinci Global Admission Program (G7-G9): Designed to prepare students for study abroad and international schools.
KNOX Power Reading Program
- Follows the ERDP Immersion Learning System, evaluates reading comprehension and vocabulary through regular assessments, such as Accelerated Reading (AR), Start Early Literacy, and Start Reading (SR).
- Students can choose from our large collection of physical books as well as the myON Reader e-book Library.
Teaching Structure |
Each class will have a bilingual Korean mentor teacher who will observe the students and regularly communicate with parents about their progress. |
Lesson Planning |
Teachers primarily follow lesson plans and instructional materials given by our staff but have the flexibility to add activities and supplementary materials. |
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Curriculum Levels
- Blueprint, Foundation, Cornerstone, Pillar, Roof, Installation, and Post-Construction.
Teaching Structure:
- Each class is led by both a Native Teacher and a Bilingual Teacher.
- Ratio of bilingual teachers may increase for upper levels.
Online Reading Program
- Renaissance Accelerated Reader (AR) & Star Reading (SR)
- RAZ Kids
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Grading & Reporting:
- Prepare students' progress reports and evaluations, as well as correcting and grading student work.
Daily |
Grade assignments and report student progress. |
Weekly |
Grade and provide feedback on writing assignments. |
Monthly |
Write monthly report cards. |
Quarterly
(3M)
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Grade quarterly mock exams and provide feedback to students.
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Non-teaching Duties:
- Participate in special events (open houses, drama concerts, annual events, etc.), which may held on Saturdays (once or twice per year)
- Attend weekly teacher meetings and workshops
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Our Facilities
With vibrant, brightly colored classrooms, an imaginary playground, a play gym, and an auditorium, our facilities are built to inspire creativity and encourage physical movement. In our multi-rooms, students explore different subjects in English, with tablets used to enhance engagement and learning.
Employment
Work Environment & Teacher Expectations
We foster a warm, family-like atmosphere where both students and teachers feel valued and supported. Collaboration is at the heart of our school culture, and teachers are encouraged to bring creativity, enthusiasm, and a passion for lifelong learning into the classroom. Our staff work closely with each other to maintain a supportive and professional school community. All our teachers hold a teaching license or a Bachelor's degree in Education.
Reasons to Work at Dewford International College
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A Globally Recognized Curriculum That Inspires – Our program follows the International Kindergarten PYP framework, which encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. As a teacher, you’ll guide students through inquiry-based learning, helping them develop essential problem-solving skills while making real-world connections.
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Small Class Sizes for Meaningful Teaching – We keep our classes small to provide personalized learning experiences. This allows teachers to focus on each student’s unique needs, ensuring they build confidence and essential language skills in a nurturing setting.
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A Diverse and International Student Body – Located in Itaewon, a neighborhood known for its international community, our school welcomes students from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
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Professional Development Opportunities: Professional growth is encouraged through regular workshops, training sessions, and opportunities to advance in leadership.
Hiring Period & Process
We accept applications prior to each semester (typically March, September), and selected candidates will be invited for interviews. Offers are extended after the interview and a thorough internal review process.