Academics at BDS

A World-Class Education
Built for Global Leaders

BDS offers a rigorous American-standard curriculum — from Elementary through High School — within a holistic, project-based environment that nurtures each student's unique talent, character, and global vision.

100%
University Acceptance Rate
G4–G12
Grade Levels Offered
5+
Foreign Languages
8:1
Student–Teacher Ratio
Our Foundation

Mission, Vision & Philosophy

Mission

Developing Inquisitive Global Leaders

Beyond Dream Global Leader Scholars aims to develop inquisitive and conscientious students that will strive to become global leaders and life-long learners — optimistic in all situations, contributing meaningful work to their local, national, and global communities.

Vision

Imagining Life Beyond the Dream

Beyond Dream is the idea that students will imagine a life after achieving their dreams. Through altruism and perseverance, BDS fosters a passion for learning through active participation in diverse activities — with the support of a caring and dedicated community that empowers students to become creators of their own future.

Philosophy

Learning Through Personal Growth

BDS believes that learning must take place in a fun and eco-friendly environment. Finding one's dream comes from a focus on personal growth rather than ruthless competition and test scores. In a safe and supportive space, students develop a love of school and become lifelong learners — which ultimately leads to better academic success.

Interdisciplinary Classification

School Road Map

BDS structures learning across three developmental stages — each designed to meet students where they are and prepare them for where they are going.

Elementary School
G4–G5
Grades 4 to 5
BDS ES
Grade-Free Projects
  • Project-based, grade-free learning environment
  • Focus on exploration, creativity, and foundational skills
  • Core subjects integrated through hands-on projects
  • English and Korean bilingual instruction
Junior High School
G6–G8
Grades 6 to 8
BDS JH
Subject-Based Classes
  • Departmental class rotations by subject
  • Introduction to specialized academic tracks
  • Career aptitude discovery and elective exploration
  • Building independence and critical thinking
High School
G9–G12
Grades 9 to 12
BDS HS
Grade-Level Classes
  • Grade-level departmental instruction
  • American Diploma & official transcript
  • SAT / TOEFL / College preparation tracks
  • University counseling and application support
Daily Program

A Full-Day Structure for Holistic Development

From morning academics through evening enrichment, BDS provides an end-to-end educational environment that supports every dimension of student growth.

9 AM

4 PM
Mon – Fri
The Academic Program

American Diploma & Transcript

A rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum covering all core subjects. Elementary (18 credits), Junior High (20 credits), and High School (24 credits) tracks — all leading to an accredited American diploma with official transcripts for university applications.

Language Arts Mathematics Science Social Studies World Geography Healing Yoga / P.E. Creative Arts Drama
4 PM

6 PM
Mon – Fri
The After-School Program

Clubs, Activities & Supplemental Academics

Students choose from a range of after-school enrichment options that develop leadership, physical skills, artistic talent, and social skills. Clubs and supplemental academic sessions provide depth beyond the core curriculum.

BDS Orchestra Screen Golf Violin Arts & Crafts Student Council Supplemental Academic
7 PM

10 PM
Mon – Fri
The Evening Program

English Core Classes + Korean GED & SAT/TOEFL

Evening sessions extend learning with focused English instruction, Korean academic preparation (GED / Korean History), and SAT/TOEFL prep for High School students. Study Hall and independent reading round out the residential evening schedule.

Study Hall / Reading Korean GED Prep Korean History SAT Prep TOEFL Self Study
What Sets BDS Apart

Five Educational Features

The pillars that define BDS's approach to academic excellence and character formation.

123 ABC
Official Languages
English (Regular Classes) + Korean (Extracurriculars)
Curriculum
Common Core State Standards + BDS Internal Standards
Culture
Polite and Proper Language, Well-Mannered Attitude
PBL's
Project Based Learning + Problem Based Learning
Academic Consulting
BDS Faculty + Outside Consultant
Recognition & Standards

Academic Accreditation

BDS holds internationally recognized accreditations that validate the quality of its curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes — giving graduates a diploma accepted by universities worldwide.

Founded
Sept
2020
1st Semester
Milestone
BDS Opens — First Semester Begins
BDS launches its inaugural semester with the mission to deliver a world-class, American-standard education in a holistic residential environment.
Accredited
Nov
2020
Accreditation
International School Accreditation
A·I
Accreditation International
Assuring Quality in Education Worldwide
A globally recognized accrediting body that certifies educational institutions meeting rigorous international standards of quality, governance, and student achievement.
NCP
SA
NCPSA
National Council for Private School Accreditation
The umbrella accrediting authority for private schools in the United States. NCPSA membership verifies that BDS meets the national standard for private school quality and diploma recognition.
Expanded
May
2024~
Ongoing
Curriculum & Assessment Partners
CB
CollegeBoard
Official partner for SAT preparation and AP course alignment, supporting students' U.S. university entrance readiness.
AERO
AERO
American Education Reaches Out — the curriculum standards framework used by accredited American schools operating overseas.
AmSci
Amplify Science
Research-based K–8 science curriculum adopted by BDS to deliver rigorous, phenomenon-based STEM instruction aligned to NGSS standards.
NWEA
MAP
NWEA MAP
Measures of Academic Progress — a globally trusted adaptive assessment system used to track each student's academic growth across grade levels.
What We Teach

Curriculum at a Glance

A balanced blend of core academic disciplines and meaningful electives — designed to develop the whole student.

Core Projects
Foundational subjects delivered through project-based, interdisciplinary instruction
Language Arts
Reading, writing, literature, and communication
Mathematics
Arithmetic through Geometry and beyond
Social Studies
World Geography, History, and Civics
Science
Biology, Earth Science, project-based inquiry
Electives
Student-chosen courses that develop identity, skills, and personal interests
Creative Arts
Visual art, drama, music, and BDS Orchestra
Career & Aptitude
Self-discovery, vocational exploration, goal setting
Ethics & Debating
Moral reasoning, public speaking, critical discourse
P.E. — Yoga & Sunmudo
Physical wellness through healing yoga and Korean martial arts

Mathematics: Algebra to Calculus

A rigorous, sequential pathway from foundational algebra through advanced calculus. Grades 9–12 follow an American standard sequence aligned with AP preparation.

  • Algebra I Foundations of linear equations, functions, and systems
  • Algebra II Advanced polynomials, exponentials, and complex numbers
  • Pre-Calculus Trigonometry, sequences, and limits
  • AP Calculus Differential and integral calculus for university-ready students

English: Proficiency to Fluency

Comprehensive English instruction organized by skill domain. High School students refine academic writing and presentation; Middle School students build reading and vocabulary foundations.

High School
  • TOEFL Writing
  • Speaking & Presentation
  • Debate & Argumentation
  • Advanced Conversation
Middle School
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary & Lexicon Development
Signature Program

I.S.T.C

Interdisciplinary Student-led Teaching Curriculum — a unique Thursday block where students demonstrate mastery by teaching peers. Builds leadership, public speaking, and deep academic ownership.

Student-led instruction
Cross-disciplinary projects
Peer collaboration & leadership
World Languages

Foreign Languages

BDS students become global communicators. Beyond English and Korean, students have access to four additional world languages throughout their schooling.

🇨🇳
Chinese
中文 (Mandarin)
🇩🇪
German
Deutsch
🇯🇵
Japanese
日本語
🇪🇸
Spanish
Español
Residential Life

End-to-End Management for Holistic Education

BDS manages every hour of the day with purpose — from morning meditation to evening study and weekend enrichment.

Time Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
7:00 – 9:00 Wake Up & Morning Meditation — Miracle Morning
9:00 – 16:00 Regular Classes
(ES 18 / JH 20 / HS 24 credits)
Weekend Stay Program
· Community Service
· Creative Experience
· Farm / Workshop
16:00 – 18:00 After-School Electives
19:00 – 22:00 Evening Dormitory Program Weekend Stay
22:00 – 7:00 Lights Out
2026–2027 Academic Year

What This New Semester Sets Out to Grow

Rather than simply adding more class hours, our curriculum carries students through learning → experience → growth, so that they think and act for themselves and build a story of their own.

Learn deeply. Think independently. Act with purpose.

Through 2026–2027, BDS will walk alongside students as they grow beyond being good learners — into students who think and act for themselves, and author their own story.

Class Schedule

BDS Bell Schedule

A structured day that balances academic rigor with personal development, physical wellness, and creative expression.

Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
08:00–09:00 Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast
09:00–09:50 Group 1: E.S.L.
Group 2: World History
Group 3: American Lit
Group 1: E.S.L.
Group 2: American Lit
Group 3: TOEFL Writing
Group 1: Conversation
Group 2: Arts and Crafts
Group 3: Creation & Composition
Group 1: American Lit
Group 2: TOEFL Writing
Group 3: SAT Math
Group 1: Beginner Russian
Group 2: Beginner French
Group 3: Beginner Japanese
10:00–10:50 Group 1: Creation & Composition
Group 2: Conversation
Group 3: Arts and Crafts
Group 1: American Lit
Group 2: Lyrics
Group 3: SAT Math
11:00–11:50 ISTC Sunmudo Kevin House Project S.T.U.C.O Academic Counseling
12:00–12:50 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
13:00–13:50 Group 1: Science / Chemistry
Group 2: TOEFL Voca
Group 3: Stage Starters
Group 1: World History
Group 2: Design Thinking Project
Group 3: Global-Issues Debate
Group 1: Arts and Crafts
Group 2: Creation & Composition
Group 3: Conversation
Math / Self-Study 3 PM Departure
(Weekend Stay Available)
14:00–14:50 Group 1: TOEFL Voca
Group 2: Stage Starters
Group 3: Chemistry
Group 1: American History
Group 2: Global-Issues Debate
Group 3: Design Thinking Project
Math / Self-Study TOEFL Vocab Test Review
15:00–15:50 Group 1: Stage Starters
Group 2: Biology / Chemistry
Group 3: TOEFL Voca
Science Presentations
Self-Study
Yearbook Club / Self-Study TOEFL Vocab Test
16:00–16:50 Group 1: Bookworm
Group 2: Self-Study
Group 1: Sports Club
Group 2: Self-Study
Group 1: Band Club
Group 2: Math / SAT Math
Group 1: Self-Study
Group 2: Band Club
17:00–17:50 Group 1: Bookworm
Group 2: Math / SAT Math
18:00–18:50 Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner
Time Block Mon–Wed Thu Fri
8:00–8:30 Morning Start Community Breakfast
8:30–9:00 Miracle Morning Homeroom Morning Meditation Homeroom
9:10–10:00 Block 1 Language Arts E.S.L Career & Aptitude
10:10–11:00 Block 2 Library Social Studies Chinese
11:10–12:00 Block 3 Healing Yoga & Meditation P.E. Show & Tell
13:10–14:00 Block 4 DRAMA I.S.T.C HOUSE PROJECT
15:10–15:00 Block 5 Creative Arts BDS Orchestra
15:10–16:00 Block 6 Sci Project Math 3 PM Departure
(Weekend Stay Available)
16:10–17:00 After-School 1 Screen Golf Club: Arts & Craft
17:10–18:00 After-School 2 Violin
19:10–20:20 Evening P Reading & Magazine Korean History
Time Block Mon–Wed Thu Fri
8:00–8:30 Morning Start Community Breakfast
8:30–9:00 Miracle Morning Homeroom Morning Meditation Homeroom
9:10–10:00 Block 1 Language Arts Language Arts Elective: Spanish
10:10–11:00 Block 2 Library World Geography Ethics
11:10–12:00 Block 3 Healing Yoga / P.E. Sunmudo Meditation Career & Aptitude
13:10–14:00 Block 4 World Geography Required Foreign Language: Chinese HOUSE PROJECT
15:10–15:00 Block 5 Creative Arts Geometry
15:10–16:00 Block 6 Biology Debating 3 PM Departure
(Weekend Stay Available)
16:10–17:00 After-School 1 GOLF TOEFL
17:10–18:00 After-School 2 Korean History Club: Student Council
19:10–20:20 Evening P SAT GED Prep & Self Study
Time Block Mon–Wed Thu Fri
8:00–8:30 Morning Start Community Breakfast
8:30–9:00 Miracle Morning Homeroom Morning Meditation Homeroom
9:10–10:00 Block 1 Language Arts Language Arts Elective: Spanish
10:10–11:00 Block 2 Library World Geography Ethics
11:10–12:00 Block 3 Healing Yoga / P.E. Sunmudo Meditation Career & Aptitude
13:10–14:00 Block 4 World Geography Required Foreign Language: Chinese HOUSE PROJECT
15:10–15:00 Block 5 Creative Arts Geometry
15:10–16:00 Block 6 Biology Debating 3 PM Departure
(Weekend Stay Available)
16:10–17:00 After-School 1 GOLF TOEFL
17:10–18:00 After-School 2 Korean History Club: Student Council
19:10–20:20 Evening P SAT GED Prep & Self Study
Beyond Academics

Student Life & Enrichment

Learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through clubs, projects, and structured study time, BDS students develop leadership, creativity, and independent learning habits.

Student Clubs

Student-led organizations that foster community, passion, and peer leadership. Members choose clubs based on interests and commit to their growth and contribution.

  • Bookworm — Literary discussion & reading club
  • Sports Club — Soccer, volleyball, athletics
  • Band — Orchestra, ensemble, performance
  • Yearbook — Student publication & storytelling

Signature Projects

Student-centered, real-world problem-solving that connects learning to community impact and personal discovery.

  • Design Thinking — Innovation workshops & prototyping
  • Self-Directed Learning — Habit formation & goal setting
  • Community Problem-Solving — Chungju local impact projects

Structured Study

Dedicated time blocks support independent learning, reinforcement of core concepts, and skill development across all subjects.

Daytime Blocks
  • • Pre-reading: Literature & debate prep
  • • Math practice: Problem sets & review
Evening Study
  • • Korean GED & academic prep
  • • Science & social studies (online + lab)
  • • Music & art electives
  • • Self-study for non-club students

Ready to Learn More?

Schedule a campus visit or reach out to our admissions team to discuss how BDS can be the right fit for your family.

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