A total of 18 schools in Seoul have been designated self-regulated private schools.

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education said Tuesday that after consultations with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, it decided to convert 13 schools, including Joong Dong High School and Hangaram High School, into self-regulated private schools next year.

In 2011, the city will place a similar designation on five additional schools, including Dae Kwang High School.

The education office said it selected the schools based on their financial status, determination and quality of specialization study programs.

The office says it plans to select applicants to such schools based on middle school academic reports.

Self-regulated private schools are given the power to design 50 percent of their curriculum but are unable to receive financial support from the government.