Educating Children Like Mencius' Mother

How to Find Hidden Elite Schools in Your Area

Finding the right school requires effort and research. If your child isn’t attending a specialized high school (such as a science or foreign language school), it’s important to gather information about other options. The key question is whether the school provides a high-quality education with the same level of commitment as elite schools.

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1. Check university admissions results from the past three years

Most schools have websites where they share information about their academic performance, especially at the start of a new school year. Many schools post the number of students accepted into top universities, particularly in Seoul. However, this isn’t mandatory, and some general high schools choose not to disclose this data to avoid ranking comparisons.

If the information isn’t available online, calling the school administration can be a useful alternative. When reviewing university acceptance numbers, people often focus on how many students got into Seoul National University (SNU). However, just because a few outstanding students were admitted doesn’t mean the overall academic level of the school is high. Instead, look at the percentage of students who got into universities in Seoul. This gives a better picture of the school’s overall academic environment.

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2. Focus on the percentage of current students admitted to universities in Seoul

With recent changes in university admissions, top universities in Seoul now admit students through both early and regular admissions, with a roughly 50-50 split. In contrast, universities in other regions admit about 80% of students through early admissions.

A crucial detail to check is whether the university acceptance numbers include both current students and those who are retaking the college entrance exam (often called "repeaters" or "re-examinees"). Many schools include both groups in their statistics to enhance their reputation. However, repeaters often study independently or attend private academies rather than relying on their high school’s curriculum. To truly assess a school’s effectiveness, find out how many of the admitted students are current students. If more than 3% of the total student body gets into top universities in Seoul, it suggests that the school has a strong academic program.

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3. Check whether the student population is growing

Due to declining birth rates, student numbers are decreasing nationwide. However, if a general high school maintains or even increases its student population while other schools in the area see declines, it is likely gaining a reputation as a strong academic institution.

One simple way to check is by visiting the school’s website. Additionally, the "School Info" (학교 알리미) website provides official data on elementary, middle, and high schools across Korea.

 

 

Many people assume that only private academies (학원) can provide reliable information about good schools. However, you can often find hidden elite schools simply by analyzing the data available online. By identifying schools with strong curriculums and passionate teachers, you can help your child receive an excellent education—no relocation necessary.

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