12 applications for science high schools in Gyeonggi Province...Preliminary designation at the end of this month

The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education said a total of 12 applications were made, including nine new and three general high schools, as a result of the preliminary designation contest for science high schools.

Goyang, Gwangmyeong, Guri, Gimpo, Siheung, Icheon, Yongin, Pyeongtaek, and Hwaseong are the nine places that applied for the establishment of science high schools.

Bucheon High School, Bundang Jungang High School in Seongnam, and Seongpo High School in Ansan hoped to switch from a general high school to a science high school.

Preliminary designation results will be announced later this month.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education will evaluate the feasibility of establishment and specialized curriculum after appointing science high school curriculum management and school establishment experts as judges.

The number of preliminary designated schools has not yet been determined.

However, superintendent Lim Tae-hee has said at meetings that "Considering the number of students in Gyeonggi Province, three to four science high schools are appropriate."

The preliminary designated school will be opened through deliberation by the special purpose high school designation and operation committee, consent from the Minister of Education, and designation and examination of the superintendent of Gyeonggi-do.

The goal is to open a general high school transition science high school in March 2027 and a new science high school in March 2030.

Currently, Gyeonggi Buk Science High School, which opened in Uijeongbu City in 2005, is the only science high school in Gyeonggi Province.

However, as voices of educational diversification grew, the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education pushed for a new designation of science high schools for the first time in 20 years.