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On December 11, Jung Sang-Hyun, CEO of Kids on Edu Korea Co., Ltd., the parent company of Banowilly Language Academy, located in Lotte Department Store, and Park Jun-ho, Chairman of Washington School (K-12), signed an agreement to establish the Washington International Academy, the Busan branch of Washington School.

With this agreement, Washington International Academy will offer a hybrid approach to the Washington School international curriculum, spanning elementary through high school. Students will also have the opportunity to manage academic records and officially acquire international school diplomas for elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Established in 2006, Washington School is an IB DP Candidate School, preparing for IB accreditation in the first half of 2025. The school currently implements a student-centered Pre-Learning Curriculum as part of its transition.

The IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum is divided into three main programs tailored to students’ ages and developmental stages, fostering creativity and autonomy in learning:

1. PYP (Primary Years Programme):

Designed for students aged 3 to 12, PYP helps children explore the world, think creatively, and develop inquiry-based learning. Students build a solid academic foundation by asking questions and finding answers.

2. MYP (Middle Years Programme):

Targeted at students aged 11 to 16, MYP emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and provides opportunities to apply knowledge to real-life projects.

3. DP (Diploma Programme):

Aimed at students aged 16 to 19, DP prepares students to earn the IB diploma, which is recognized worldwide for university admission.

To become an IB-accredited school, institutions must go through a rigorous process—Interest, Application, Candidacy, and Authorization as an IB World School—typically taking about three years under the management of the Switzerland-based IBO.

In response to the rapid technological advancements and societal changes, educational innovation is accelerating. The introduction of hybrid learning post-pandemic signals a paradigm shift in education. To address these global trends and move away from uniform teaching methods, the South Korean Ministry of Education has begun incorporating the IB curriculum into public education, with pilot programs now underway in Busan.

The IB accreditation is becoming a global benchmark, signifying a school’s adherence to the IBO’s rigorous standards.

To align with this trend, Banowilly Language Academy is transforming its traditional teaching methods. It has signed a groundbreaking agreement as the first language academy to partner with an international school. From January 2025, it will operate as Washington International Academy. The academy will introduce a free IB curriculum for students from kindergarten to 12th grade at its branches in Lotte Department Store Gwangbok, Lotte Department Store Dongnae, and Lotte Outlet Gwangju Suwan.

By completing the IB Diploma Program, students can gain admission to top universities worldwide, including domestic institutions. Washington International Academy offers trial IB programs, enabling students to earn internationally recognized diplomas without studying abroad. This dual academic credential system provides both domestic and international qualifications, paving the way for students to become global leaders.