Welcome to Berkeley Language School
At Berkeley, I see English as a tool for exploring the world, not something to be measured by tests or ranks. We focus on fostering real communication skills that help children learn naturally. I designed our Kindergarten program without homework or exams to create a stress-free space where kids could think and live in English. Our goal is to make English a part of their everyday lives through fun, hands-on experiences. We carry this philosophy into our elementary program, ensuring children grow into confident, fluent English speakers ready for the future. See Q&A
Soon-mi Kwon, Director of Berkeley Language School
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Berkeley Language School - Learn by Speaking, Not Just Studying
| Pioneering Educational Philosophy |
Berkley Language School has provided English education in Haeundae for over 20 years, serving learners from kindergarten to adults with conversation-centered learning.
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| Convergence-based Learning |
With a focus on convergence, our curriculum nurtures children's skills in English, Chinese, math, science, coding, and fosters creativity through music, Taekwondo, and art. |
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CEO
Hak-ryeol Baek
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Established Year
1999
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School Classification
Independent
(2 campuses)
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Operations
Private
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Academic System
American Play-based
Curriculum
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Student Type
Kindergarten,
Elementary
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No. of Teachers
Native: 8
Total: 32
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Class Size
12 ~ 13
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Student-Teacher
Ratio
6:1
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Medium
of Instruction
English, Korean
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Religious
Affiliation
None
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Business
Registration No.
536 - 86 - 02291
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Our Curriculum and Programs
Our curriculum emphasizes speaking while developing essential skills in reading, grammar, vocabulary, listening, and writing through hands-on activities.
See our sample schedules and programs
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Our kindergarten program follows the principles of native language acquisition, allowing children to learn English naturally through stories, songs, phonics, and reading. They also explore science through hands-on experiments, develop problem-solving skills with coding, and build confidence by performing in musicals.
- Classes: Art, Coding, Geography, Gym, Math, Number Blocks, Ready Action, Science, Sight words, Story Book, etc.
After-school Program
- Creative integrated programs: CREKA, Grit Genius Math, Twinkle Ballet, Co&Co Music, Thinker Toys, IQ-KEY Robotics, Early Essay Writing & P.E.
Special Class
- Held every Friday, events like cooking classes, pajama parties, etc.
| Teaching Structure |
A native teacher will lead instruction, while a bilingual Korean teacher will help manage the classroom and care for the students. For our 5-year-old class, there is an additional Korean care teacher to supervise the students. Students are rewarded for good behavior through a sticker system.
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| Lesson Planning |
Teachers primarily follow lesson plans and instructional materials provided in the school's Dropbox folders (scanned workbooks, PPT presentations, etc.). Teachers are required to submit weekly lesson plans one week in advance. |
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Our elementary program integrates core subjects like English, Korean, math, and science with extracurricular activities such as Jam coding, Taekwondo, Chinese, piano, and art, promoting holistic development.
| Teaching Structure |
Native teachers will lead instruction and manage the classroom independently. Classes are managed through a point system, where students collect points, which can be used for Market Day. |
| Lesson Planning |
Teachers primarily follow lesson plans and instructional materials provided in the school's Dropbox folders (scanned workbooks, PPT presentations, etc.). Teachers are required to submit weekly lesson plans one week in advance.
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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 correct student work.
| Daily |
Mark in-class materials as they are completed and report student progress when necessary. |
| Weekly |
Check for any missing work and mark books accordingly. |
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Quarterly
(3M)
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Write detailed feedback and progress reports for elementary students every 2–3 months:
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Non-teaching Duties:
- Attend teacher meetings and training workshops
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Our Facilities
Haeundae Campus
Our elementary and kindergarten programs are housed on different floors of the same building. Our campus offers lively, colorful classrooms for learning, play, and exploration, complete with a library and indoor playrooms.
See more of our facilities on our Berkeley Language School Haeundae Campus Tour
Dongnae Campus
Our new Dongnae campus, housed in its own dedicated building, features spacious classrooms, an indoor gym, and outdoor play areas.
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Employment
Work Environment & Teacher Expectations
Our team consists of native English speakers from around the globe, including the U.S., UK, Australia, South Africa, and Canada. We foster a collaborative and supportive work environment where teachers are encouraged to be creative and fun. Our focus is on making English a comfortable and enjoyable experience for young learners, and we encourage teachers to be patient and engaging in their teaching approach.
Reasons to Work at Berkeley Language School
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Work with a Diverse and Creative Team: Join a team of passionate, supportive teachers who work together to create a positive, engaging learning environment where everyone’s ideas are valued.
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Emphasizing Growth, Not Grades: We focus on developing lifelong learners through creative, play-based education instead of simply relying on homework and exams.
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Hands-On Learning, Real-World Skills: Our holistic curriculum blends phonics, songs, and interactive activities to ignite curiosity and creativity in students.
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Professional Development Opportunities: Professional growth is encouraged through regular workshops, training sessions, and opportunities to advance in leadership.
Teacher Training & Workshops
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New teachers participate in in-person, mandatory training to ensure they are fully prepared for their role and the school environment.
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Teachers participate in regular workshops organized by the Ministry of Education.
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Leadership and Members
Introducing Our Native Teacher Team Leader: Ms. Robyn
Hi! I currently serve as the Native Teacher Team Leader at Berkeley. I’ve worked here for about 7 years overall, and have worked as a Team Leader for a little over 4 years.
I am in charge of training Native Teachers, communicating expectations and feedback, assisting in classes when needed, and providing support in and out of the workplace. See full Q&A
