In Spring 2024, Fulton Science Academy Private School announced its global expansion with the planned opening of Fulton Science Academy Atherton in Jeju Island, South Korea in partnership with AIS Global. In this joint case study, Dr Kenan Sener, Executive Director at FSAPS and Sang Hyuck Yoon, CEO of AIS Global, share the story of their partnership, ISC Research’s role in its fruition, and their shared long-term vision.
Fulton Science Academy Private School (FSAPS) in Alpharetta is Georgia’s top ranked private school for STEAM Education. Their mission emphasises preparing students not just for college but for meaningful careers and lives, reflecting a commitment to cultivating well-rounded individuals equipped for the challenges of a global society.
Their expansion into South Korea aims to mirror the strengths of their main campus in a new and global environment, supporting the school’s vision of becoming an internationally recognised institution.
Jeju Island: An education hub
South Korea is globally renowned for its dynamic culture, technological advances and strong educational ethos making it an ideal location for international expansion. Its appeal is strengthened by the South Korean government’s commitment to develop Jeju Global Education City and related supportive policies and infrastructure. Jeju Island’s strategic location and proximity to major East Asian cities, provides convenient access for international families seeking diverse educational opportunities.
“Korea is a country with a very high passion for education, and parents’ expectations of educational institute are also very high. In my opinion, the common goal of both parties is to create a world class international school, and this makes our partnership strong.”
Sang Hyuck Yoon, CEO of AIS Global
The start of an international partnership
The partnership between FSAPS and South Korean Investment company, Atherton International School (AIS) Global was facilitated by ISC Research, whose expertise in connecting educational institutions played a crucial role in bringing them together. ISC Research identified FSAPS as an ideal match for AIS Global’s vision of establishing a high-quality international school in South Korea, given their shared values and educational aspirations.
“As a leading provider of data and intelligence on the international schools’ market, ISC Research leveraged its extensive knowledge and resources to identify potential partners that aligned with FSAPS’s mission, vision, and educational philosophy.”
Dr Kenan Sener, Executive Director at FSAPS
Photo: Fulton Science Academy Atherton
AIS Global and FSAPS share a commitment to provide transformative education that prepares students to thrive in a global society. The foundation of Fulton Science Academy Atherton seeks to build on these core values and aspirations. AIS Global’s ambition to create a top school in the region aligned perfectly with FSAPS vision to build world-class educational institutions further strengthening their partnership.
To ensure a strategic fit between AIS Global and FSAPS, ISC Research evaluated and analysed the compatibility of both organisations and provided essential data and insights into the international schools’ market in South Korea. This included market trends, competitive analysis and regulatory considerations all of which equipped both parties with the tools to confidently embark on this project.
Global expansion
The opening of Fulton Science Academy Atherton in 2026 is just the beginning for FSAPS who have aspirations of establishing future schools both in the United States and internationally. To facilitate this ambitious expansion their school board has established Premier School Management and Education Services to oversee their global projects. All efforts keep FSAPS’ ethos of advancing global education and fostering academic excellence at its core.
If you are interested in learning more about Investor Partnerships and how ISC Research can help you to identify the best location opportunities that meet rising demand for international education, as well as brand or expert partners and school management support click here.
