At Busan Foreign School (BFS), we’re proud to be the only school in Busan offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses, giving our students a meaningful head start on their university journey. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), grades and the strength of a student’s high school curriculum are consistently rated as the most important factors in the college admission process.

At BFS, AP courses represent our highest level of academic rigor — the most challenging, university-aligned coursework available — ensuring our students are well-prepared, confident, and competitive..

What is AP?

The Advanced Placement Program, created by the College Board, offers high school students the chance to take college-level courses right here at BFS. These classes are designed to push students academically, challenge their critical thinking, and develop the kind of skills that stand out on a university application.

At the end of each AP course, students take an externally graded exam that may earn them college credit or advanced standing at thousands of universities worldwide. But AP is about more than just exams — it’s about rigor, growth, and preparation for the future.

Why Take AP?

• Colleges Notice: Admissions officers look closely at transcripts, and AP courses show students are willing to take on real academic challenges.

• Global Recognition: Universities around the world view AP as a trusted measure of excellence.

• Skills for Life: AP students learn to research, write, collaborate, and problem-solve at a high level.

• Potential Credit: Strong AP scores can translate into tuition savings and advanced placement in college.

“Taking AP Classes and passing the exams helped me get a number of course exemptions in my first year at McGill university, which ultimately let me complete my program in 3 years rather than 4. I was able to get credit for some core courses towards my degree as well as electives. AP Classes are also a great way to get exposure to what an introductory college course is like. I strongly recommend BFS students to push themselves and try AP courses that are the best fit for them”  (Jeong Min Park, BFS 2016, McGill University, 2019)

AP at BFS

BFS offers one of the widest ranges of AP courses in Korea, with nearly 20 subjects available each year across STEM, the humanities, languages, and the arts.

Here’s the full lineup at BFS:

• STEM: Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics 2, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A

• Humanities & Social Sciences: World History, U.S. History, Psychology, Economics (Macro & Micro)

• English & Languages: AP English Language & Composition, AP English Literature & Composition, AP Seminar, AP Research, AP Spanish Language & Culture

• Arts: Studio Art (Drawing & 2D Design)

Why It Matters

For our students, AP is not just about boosting a transcript — it’s about exploring passions, building resilience, and proving they can thrive in the most rigorous learning environments.

At BFS, AP means challenge, opportunity, and preparation for the future — and our students are taking full advantage.