Rethinking the Way We Handle the High School Credit System (고교학점제)

School should not be a place where every student is forced into the same mold, but a space where different talents and dreams are nurtured. The High School Credit System (고교학점제), scheduled to be fully implemented in Korea by 2025, is a bold step toward personalized learning. Its goal is to give students more choice in what they study — allowing them to take courses that match their interests, abilities, and future goals, much like in a university setting. But as the system moves from theory to practice, important challenges are emerging. To truly make this shift meaningful, we need to ask ourselves: what’s not working, and what must be done to ensure success?

◇ What’s Not Working?

While the idea of student choice sounds promising, the reality inside many schools still looks very traditional. One major challenge is infrastructure. Many high schools simply don’t have enough teachers or classrooms to offer a wide variety of elective courses. Students end up “choosing” from a limited menu, which defeats the purpose of the system.

There is also the issue of unequal access. In urban schools with more resources, students may have access to advanced subjects, arts programs, or career-specific courses. But in smaller or rural schools, options can be very limited — leading to a system where choice depends on your address, not your passion.

Furthermore, guidance and support are still lacking. Many students are unsure how to plan their course paths, especially when it comes to aligning high school choices with university entrance requirements. Teachers, too, are struggling to adapt to a new role as academic advisors, curriculum designers, and subject specialists — often without enough training or time.

◇ What Can Be Done?

To make the High School Credit System work as intended, we must rethink how we prepare schools, support students, and rethink college admissions. Here are three key steps:

1. Expand Course Variety Through School Networks
   Instead of expecting each school to offer every subject, nearby schools can work together to share courses and teachers. Online classes and regional learning centers can also help ensure that every student has access to diverse and meaningful learning opportunities.

2. Strengthen Career and Academic Counseling
   Every student needs personalized guidance to plan their academic journey. Schools should invest in trained counselors and advisory systems to help students set goals, choose appropriate courses, and adjust plans as needed.

3. Align University Admissions with the Credit System
   One of the biggest concerns for students is whether universities will recognize and value their course choices. Universities need to revise their admission criteria to reflect the values of the credit system — rewarding depth, passion, and exploration, not just test scores.

◇ A Call to Action

The High School Credit System is more than just an education policy — it is a statement of trust in students’ ability to choose, grow, and take ownership of their futures. But that trust must be supported with real opportunities, fair access, and strong guidance. If we continue to treat all students the same, we risk turning a great idea into another layer of stress. But if we invest in schools, train our teachers, and listen to what students need, we can create a system that not only teaches content, but also prepares young people for a future where learning never stops.