Compare British Curriculum International Schools in Taiwan

Location: 6 Xuecheng Road, Section 1, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 840302. The IIS campus sits on the I-Shou University grounds in Dashu District, Kaohsiung, providing access to university facilities and a campus environment oriented toward higher education. The school operates a transportation network with Eda Bus Company to move hundreds of students to Kaohsiung City and surrounding areas.

Levels: NK-K2 Pre-School; Primary G1-G5; Middle Years G6-G8 (MYP); IGCSE G9-G10; Diploma G11-G12 (DP); Secondary Bilingual Programme G7-G12; Grade 7-12 National is also offered.

School type: Private, co-educational, international/bilingual day school with a Boarding House option for some year groups.

Additional learning support: The Student Support program provides life guidance and counseling; IIS counselors support personal growth and career goals, and if additional resources are needed, the school will work with the student and family to access appropriate help.

Country affiliation: The school is based in Taiwan and is accredited by the Taiwan Ministry of Education; it is not listed as affiliated with a specific country.

Religious affiliation: No explicit religious affiliation is listed; IIS presents itself as a bilingual international day/boarding school.

Day structure: The school year runs from early September to late June. School hours are 8:00 a.m.–4:25 p.m. (grades 1–12) from Monday to Friday, with 8:00 a.m.–3:05 p.m. on Wednesdays for grades 1–12.

School bus service: IIS partners with the Eda Bus Company to transport hundreds of students across Kaohsiung and surrounding areas, with more than a dozen buses and four dedicated routes to Tainan. Buses arrive at school between 7:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and depart at 5:10 p.m.; buses are modern, air-conditioned, and equipped with video cameras and GPS tracking.

Boarding is available for students in grades 6–12, with residence offered on all days of the week. Boarders have a living space and belong to a house group, with daily routines and after-school activities designed to support academics and personal development. Facilities include shared bedrooms, a student common center with a kitchen, lounge, meeting rooms, and a game room, plus a gym and laundry facilities. The cafeteria provides buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner for boarders, and night study is supervised each evening.

Uniforms are compulsory for all students. There are different uniforms for different age ranges, and separate sports and formal wear are used for activities and occasions.

Lunch is provided daily. Primary students have a snack during the afternoon break. Grades 9–12 students eat lunch in the university food court, and lunch fees are not included in tuition.

I-Shou International School uses a House System to promote positive student relationships, a sense of belonging, and school identity. Students are assigned to a house group and can participate in house activities and competitions.

The school is privately owned and independent, governed by a Board of Governors as prescribed by Taiwan law and best practice guidelines set forth by the Council of International Schools. The Board comprises 11 members and is responsible for the school's overall direction, financial stewardship, and administration.

The school is an IB World School authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), and to teach the Taiwan Ministry of Education National Curriculum for Grades 9–12. The Primary Department in Grades 1–6 completes the PYP and MYP in a blended IB and MOE programme in a bilingual environment with dual-homeroom teachers. The MYP runs from Grade 6 to 10, and Grades 9–10 can follow the Cambridge IGCSE as part of a dual-track junior pathway, while Grades 11–12 pursue the IB Diploma Programme. The Diploma Programme core components are Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service, with DP subjects across six groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics and the Arts. A National/MOE pathway is available for Grades 7–12, and the school emphasizes inquiry-based learning, international-mindedness and university admissions support for both local and international destinations.

I-Shou International School provides Life Guidance and Counseling to support Social and Emotional Learning, offering a safe environment to express thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, set personal goals, and explore potential with counselors who coordinate with families if additional resources are needed.

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, staff, or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution.

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL provisions; there is a Secondary Bilingual Programme (G7-G12), but no published EAL policy.

Mental wellbeing is supported through Life Guidance and Counseling, which helps students develop positive skills, personal growth, and career planning in a confidential setting.

Safeguarding is addressed through confidential counseling with mandated reporting for imminent harm and reporting to Taiwanese Child Protection Services in abuse or related under-18 cases.

Step 1: Submit Application and Supporting Documents. Submit a completed Application Form for I-Shou International School along with identification documents. For Taiwanese citizens, include a copy of the applicant's passport; for international applicants, include copies of the passport and the Alien Resident Certificate. Official transcripts or report cards from the previous two academic years must be provided, and if the school is outside Taiwan, authorization of the two academic years' report cards is required. An application fee of NT$3,000 per child is payable upon submission and is non-refundable. Admission remains subject to age eligibility, fulfillment of selection criteria, the school having a place in the appropriate year, and payment of enrolment fees and the first term's tuition, along with written acceptance of the Terms and Conditions.

Step 3: Interview and Testing. Upon successful review, an oral interview and tests are scheduled; the applicant and family transfer the application and test fee of NT$3,000 prior to the interview and testing. The test and interview scope varies by program: PYP Grade 1-5 requires an oral interview plus English, Chinese, and Math; MYP Grade 6-8 and 10 require an oral interview plus English and Chinese tests; Cambridge IGCSE Grade 9 requires English and Chinese tests; Diploma Programme Grade 11-12 requires English and Chinese tests; National Programme Grade 7-12 requires a bilingual oral interview plus English, Chinese, and Math tests. Testing typically lasts 1 to 2.5 hours depending on age and requirements. An in-class morning/afternoon session may be included as part of the admissions review process., Step 4: Acceptance Decision. After testing and a final documents review, an acceptance decision is made. If accepted, tuition and fees must be paid by the designated due date to reserve the seat; failure to meet the deadline may result in forfeiture of enrollment and placement on the waiting list. An accepted applicant must provide Student Medical Information and Student Enrollment Information as a condition of enrollment; IIS will not discuss or release an applicant's information to anyone other than the applicant and the parent/legal guardian, and applications from educational agencies or consultants are not accepted. , Step 5: Enrollment Documentation and Confirmation. Following acceptance and written confirmation, the family completes enrollment paperwork, including medical and enrollment forms. All submitted documents become the property of IIS and are not returned after the application process; further, the school emphasizes confidentiality and does not release information to third parties without written consent. (Citations: Admissions Overview; Entry Requirements)

Step 2: Review and waitlist. After submission, the Admissions Office reviews the documents to determine whether an interview and test can be offered. If the applicant meets the criteria, the family is contacted to schedule an interview and testing. If no place is available in the requested year, the applicant is placed on a waiting list, and families are contacted as spaces become available. Depending on time since the last assessment, a further assessment may be required, and this second assessment may be offered at no charge.

TCS Experimental Education is located on the National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) Linkou campus in Linkou District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. The school sits within NTNU's Linkou complex and shares facilities with the university (e.g., auditorium, science labs, library). The campus is about 17 kilometers from downtown Taipei, with the NTNU campus address listed as No. 2, Ren-ai Rd., Sec. 1, Linkou District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, near the NTNU Research Complex Building A.

TCS operates two main levels: Middle School (G7–G9) and High School (G10–G12). The Middle School program is developed with National Taiwan Normal University and emphasizes project-based and exploratory learning, while the High School program follows the British Columbia (BC) offshore curriculum and leads to dual diplomas (Taiwan and BC). The High School pathway is specifically described as BC Offshore School Program (Dogwood Diploma).

TCS is a private international-leaning program offering BC-based high school and NTNU-based middle school. It does not provide boarding facilities; the Transportation page notes that no dormitory is provided, though school-run transportation is available. The school also promotes dual-diploma options (Taiwan diploma and BC Dogwood Diploma) for graduates.

The school highlights ‘Supporting Diverse Learners' within its BC curriculum, describing efforts to personalize instruction and assessment to meet individual needs. There is also a focus on inclusive, inquiry-based learning and mindfulness-oriented elements within the Middle School program. ELF (Experiential Learning Friday) provides hands-on, real-world learning experiences to complement classroom instruction.

Canada (British Columbia) is formally linked to the High School through the BC Offshore School Program, which grants the BC Dogwood Diploma alongside a Taiwanese diploma. The cooperation with BC's Ministry of Education is explicitly stated. Taiwan is the location for the local diploma issued by the New Taipei City Education Bureau as part of the dual-diploma arrangement.

The school does not publish a religious affiliation in its official materials. The published information focuses on international and Taiwanese curricula, inclusivity, and experiential programs.

Middle School (G7–G9) teaches core subjects Monday through Thursday with Friday dedicated to experiential and exploratory learning activities. High School (G10–G12) follows a concept-based, competency-driven BC offshore program, with additional Friday-focused experiential learning as part of the overall approach. The program emphasizes hands-on and integrated experiences across the week.

The school offers transportation services but does not provide dormitory housing. There are two types of transport: door-to-door pick-up and pick-up at a location arranged by the school, with the specific arrangement varying by semester.

No dormitory is provided. Transportation services are available; options include door-to-door pickup or pickup at a location arranged by the school, with arrangements varying by semester.

Hot meals are catered to the school every day; a sample menu is available.

The school was founded by a group of parents who studied and lived in the US and Canada. The high school program is run in cooperation with the Canadian Ministry of Education of British Columbia. The middle school program is jointly developed with National Taiwan Normal University based on the Jena Educational Philosophy.

TCS Experimental Education in New Taipei City, Taiwan, runs a middle and high school program that blends Taiwanese and Canadian educational concepts to deliver a concept-based, competency-driven inquiry learning model. The program follows the Jenaplan (Jenaplan/Jena Educational Philosophy) framework, anchored on four pillars—Work, Play, Celebration, and Dialogue—to support holistic student development. In both middle and high school, curricula emphasize inquiry- and project-based learning, with questions generated by students and teachers guiding investigations. The school runs Experiential Learning Friday (ELF), a weekly platform that pairs classroom instruction with hands-on practicum from NTNU professors or local experts, plus workshops, field trips, and service learning. High school follows a British Columbia curriculum model with an all-learning Know-Do-Understand framework. Graduates in the high school program receive dual Taiwanese and Canadian diplomas, and the school is registered with College Board (US).

TCS Experimental Education supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a school-wide mindfulness program and mindfulness courses, including the Basics and Practice of Mindfulness Guidance developed with National Taiwan Normal University, with whole-school mindfulness exercises led by teachers to help with concentration and emotional regulation.

The school's public pages do not disclose any Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision or state whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution.

The site does not publicly disclose a dedicated EAL program, though the school describes a bilingual environment.

Mental wellbeing is supported through mindfulness-based practices and a focus on emotional intelligence, with mindfulness exercises integrated into daily routines and efforts to reduce stress and support students' mental health.

Safeguarding is addressed via the Code of Conduct, supervised campus safety, and clear policies around maintaining a safe learning environment and respecting students' rights.

1. Admissions Process
High School (G10–G11)
Step 1: Info Session Registration. Families register for a scheduled information session and attend it as the first step in the process. In parallel, students complete a student English proficiency evaluation as part of the initial screening. This step helps staff understand language readiness and program fit before proceeding.
Step 2: Application and Required Documents. The next step is to submit the TCS student application form along with transcripts and attendance records from the past two years. The school also notes that additional profiles are optional but strongly recommended, such as recommendation letters and evidence of extracurricular activities to provide a fuller view of the applicant.
Step 3: Interview. Applicants participate in a student interview with the Principal and a separate parent interview with TCS representatives. The interviews assess communication, motivation, and alignment with the school's approach and values.
Step 4: Acceptance and Enrolment. If offered, families confirm enrolment by paying a deposit and submitting required enrolment documents listed in the offer letter to finalize registration.

Middle School (G7–G9)
Step 1: Info Session Registration. Families register for an information session and attend it; an English workshop is scheduled concurrently with the info session in this track. This helps gauge language readiness and ensure parents and students understand the program.
Step 2: Application and Required Documents. As with the high school track, demonstrate readiness by submitting the application form, transcripts, and two years of attendance records. Optional but strongly recommended are additional profiles (evidence of extracurricular activities and up to two recommendation letters) to round out the applicant profile.
Step 3: Interview. The middle school process includes a student interview (a 5-minute English self-introduction during the interview with an English teacher) and a parent interview with TCS representatives. This step evaluates language use, presentation, and fit with ELF/Jena-informed inquiry learning.
Step 4: Acceptance and Enrolment. An offer letter is issued if the applicant is accepted; enrolment is confirmed by paying the deposit and submitting the required documents listed in the offer letter to complete registration.

Sources: TCS Experimental Education admissions pages, including the Application section with steps for both High School and Middle School.

3) Scholarships
The official TCS Experimental Education site does not publish information about scholarships, merit-based awards, or need-based financial aid. There is a Tuition & Fees page that covers refund policies and agency-related fees, but no dedicated scholarships section or guidance on applying for financial aid is provided publicly on the site. Families seeking financial assistance should contact Admissions to confirm whether any internal scholarship programs or external aid options exist and to learn about potential eligibility.

Sources: Tuition & Fees page (refunds and non-refundable items) and the Admissions/Application pages (no scholarship information published).

HCAS is located in Zhubei City, Hsinchu County, Taiwan. The campus sits in central Zhubei with convenient access to local amenities and transportation. It is about a five-minute walk from the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) Zhubei station. The address is No. 189, Gaotie 2nd Rd., Zhubei City, 302.

HCAS provides education from Pre-K through Grade 12 on a single campus.

Independent, co-educational, college-preparatory international day school.

The school has a Student Support Services (SST) framework. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports students from non-English-speaking backgrounds (grades 1–10) with push-in and pull-out support. A social-emotional counselor assists with well-being and works with staff, parents, and government, and the SST develops individualized education plans under an RtI approach when needed.

The school follows an American-based curriculum and is accredited by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC); it is licensed by the Taiwan MOE and Hsinchu Education Bureau.

No religious affiliation is stated.

School days run Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 17:00.

HCAS provides a school bus transportation service; arrangements are coordinated through the bus transportation contact (Nunu Sun) and the appropriate transportation channels.

The school requires a uniform; uniform purchases are handled by the Parent Services team.

The school provides daily lunch prepared by a culinary team led by Chef Huang. Meals include meat, vegetables, soup, fruit, and a protein such as tofu or egg, with allergen information provided. Kindergarten through grade 4 receive snacks in the afternoon. A monthly lunch menu is published and parents can submit lunch suggestions via a form.

The school uses a four-house system: Green Dragons, White Tigers, Red Phoenixes, and Black Turtles. Students in grades 1–12 are assigned to a house; teachers are matched with groups of seven to nine student mentees in grades 5–12, while grades 1–4 are mentored by the homeroom teacher or another staff mentor. The house curriculum supports the Seven Cs—Compassion, Collaboration, Community, Contribution, Creativity, Critical-thinking, and Communication—and houses compete in academics, sports, service projects, and other events.

The school is governed by a Board of Directors and a Board Advisor. The Governing Board provides overall governance and strategic oversight and collaborates with the Principal to support the school and ensure fiscal sustainability. The founder is Dr. Jing Wang; the Board Chair is Peter Huang, the Vice Chair is Vivien Lin, and other Board Members include Shawn Shen, Josh Fan, Jay Fang, and Sonam Tashi; a Board Advisor, Min Yeh, also serves the school.

HCAS is an independent, college-preparatory, co-educational day school in Zhubei City, Taiwan serving grades K–12 on one campus with a capacity of 360 students. The Dalton Plan guides instruction to educate the whole person and develop lifelong learners who are healthy, creative, social, and globally minded, able to think independently and critically. The curriculum is balanced across core disciplines, the Arts, and technology and is organized around the Seven Cs: Compassion, Collaboration, Community, Contribution, Creativity, Critical thinking, and Communication. In the Upper School, English, History, Languages, Math, and Science are core subjects; a full course load yields 26 credits, graduation requires a minimum of 22 credits, and students complete Arts, Health, PE, and Service Learning requirements over about 180 school days per year. AP courses are offered with prerequisites; the 2020–2021 list includes AP Biology, AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, AP Spanish, AP Statistics, AP Music Theory, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C (E&M and Mechanics), AP Drawing, AP 2-D Art and Design, and AP United States Government and Politics.

The school prepares students for higher education through a college-preparatory program and college counseling; graduates pursue higher education at universities and pursue opportunities aligned with their AP coursework and academic interests.

1. Campus Tour. Campus tours are offered year-round. The tour provides an opportunity to see classrooms and facilities and to meet staff. The admissions process seeks families who fit the school's Seven Cs values on and off campus. 2. Online Application. An online application form must be received before a student can be considered for admission. Applications are processed in the order they are received, and acceptance decisions are communicated in a timely manner. The admissions process includes reviewing submitted information and space availability. 3. Documents Submission. Submit official report cards or transcripts from previous schools. Grade-by-grade documentation: Grade 1 needs no prior records; Grade 2-4 require the previous year and current year; Grade 5-8 require the previous two years and the current year; Grade 9-12 require the previous three years and the current year. A copy of the student's passport is required; Taiwanese students must hold a second passport. For faster processing, submit records in English; records in another language can be accepted. 4. Admissions Test. The Admissions Department will schedule the admissions test(s). The appointment is confirmed once the test fee has been paid (K3 – 2,000 NTD; Grades 1-3 – 3,000 NTD; Grades 4-12 – 5,000 NTD). 5. Internal Review. An internal review of the application, documents, and admissions test results will be conducted. A staff member may contact the family for additional information or clarification; timely responses are needed to move the review forward. 6. Admissions Result and Enrollment. If admitted, the family will receive a date to collect the new student folder. Once enrollment documents are completed and the tuition payment is made, a tuition slip will be issued with a due date. The admissions team will confirm with internal departments and issue a start date; onboarding takes place on the working day before the start date. 7. Entry Times. Entry times are year-round with campus tours and applications accepted continuously. Kindergarten 1 and 2 use rolling enrollment; Kindergarten 3 (typically 5) is preferred by Oct 1 or start of Semester 2, but rolling enrollment is possible. Grades 1-8 are preferred by Oct 1 or start of Semester 2; Grades 9-12 prefer the end of the first week of school or start of Semester 2, with rolling enrollment as needed.

The school reports that graduates receive scholarships; the Class of 2025 (28 students) has been awarded scholarships totaling over NT$58.4 million.

Acton Academy Taipei operates two Taipei campuses. The elementary studio is a two-minute walk from Xinbeitou MRT Station, with nearby parks, a public library, galleries, and hiking trails. The middle/high school studio is a three-minute walk from Guting MRT Station, with access to indoor gym and science labs and opportunities for university research apprenticeships; a high school studio for grades 10–12 is planned to launch in Fall 2026.

Acton Taipei serves grades 1–6 in an elementary studio and grades 7–9 in a middle school studio. A high school studio for grades 10–12 is planned to launch in Fall 2026.

Acton Taipei is a non-profit learning organization within the Acton Academy network. It describes itself as learner-driven and not Montessori, and uses multi-age cohorts.

The school aims to be inclusive and notes that high-functioning students with learning differences can thrive with the right support from family and outside therapists; each child's needs are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

There is no country-affiliation formal label for the school. It is Taiwan-based and is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools (based in the United States) and approved by the Taipei City Government as an experimental education group; it is a non-profit foundation registered in Taiwan.

There is no religious affiliation; Acton Taipei states that children and families of all faiths are welcome.

Elementary day starts at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. The academic year runs from late August/early September to late June/early July.

The official site does not list a school bus service. The campuses are within short walking distance of Xinbeitou and Guting MRT stations, suggesting transportation primarily via public transit.

The campus has a kitchen for cooking and baking activities; lunch and recess are taken at the public playground daily, weather permitting.

Acton Taipei is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools; approved by the Taipei City Government as an experimental education group (愛騰共學團); and a non-profit foundation registered in Taiwan (台灣愛騰實驗教育協會).

Acton Academy Taipei currently serves grades 1–9 and plans to launch a high school program in Fall 2026. The curriculum is learner-centered and project-based, organized around Learn to Do, Learn to Learn, and Learn to Be, with real-world quests such as the Medical Biology Quest and an Architecture Quest. Core Skills cover foundational subjects (reading and math) at each student's own pace, using adaptive software and hands-on work, while the program avoids homework and traditional grades. The program also emphasizes collaboration and creating, supporting social-emotional development and the production of tangible, hands-on results from projects. Learn to Be focuses on character and leadership, including Servant Leader Badges and Socratic Discussions as part of a Hero's Journey.

Acton Academy Taipei supports social-emotional learning within its learner-centered model. The school emphasizes collaboration across ages to help students form real friendships and develop personal accountability. Character development is integrated into daily practice through 'Learn to BE,' including Servant Leader Badges and Socratic discussions. The school also uses 'Running Partners'—peer partners who meet to set goals and hold each other accountable. Overall, SEL is woven into core practices such as collaborative projects, guided self-direction, and reflective discussions.

The school describes itself as inclusive and states that high-functioning students with learning differences can thrive with the right support from family and outside therapists. It indicates that assessment of children with learning differences is done on a case-by-case basis. The site does not list dedicated SEN staff or specialist SEN programs. There is no public description of formal SEN qualifications or a dedicated SEN department. Families are encouraged to discuss unique needs with the school to determine suitable support.

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL.

Wellbeing is addressed indirectly through the school's SEL-focused framework. The emphasis on collaboration and multi-age grouping fosters supportive peer relationships and social connectedness. 'Learn to BE' emphasizes character development, critical thinking, and accountable decision-making, which contribute to emotional resilience. The use of peer-run structures like Running Partners supports peer support and social-emotional growth. There is no separate, publicly described mental health service or wellbeing program beyond these SEL elements.

The school does not publicly disclose safeguarding or child protection policies on its website.

1. The school notes that you can arrange either a virtual or in-person tour, which is helpful for families outside Taipei. Acton Taipei has two campuses: the elementary program is near Xinbeitou MRT, and the middle/high program is near Guting MRT, so the tour can help you understand which campus fits your child. The school also states that a high school for grades 10–12 is planned to launch in Fall 2026. (Virtual tours are available; in-person tours are offered at the Beitou and Güting locations.)

3) Step 3 – One-week trial: After the online application, the school invites the child to a one-week trial. The trial fee is 10,000 NT$, which is non-refundable, and any materials or subscriptions ordered for the trial will stay with the school; these items are subsequently returned if the child does not enroll. If the child enrolls, the trial fee is credited toward the first semester tuition.

2) Step 2 – Online application after the tour: If both sides feel there could be a good fit after the tour, you'll be asked to fill out an online application form. As part of the application, you must provide the email address of your child's current teacher, and the school cannot move forward until they hear back from that teacher. This step emphasizes getting a teacher reference before the process proceeds. (Email to start: hello@actontaipei.org.)