Comparing 5 schools side by side in USD.
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.
Kaohsiung American School is located at 889 Cuihua Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan (postal code 813035). The campus sits at the southern end of the Lotus Pond area and is accessible from Kaohsiung's rail networks, including the High Speed Rail and Taiwan Rail lines. The LEED-certified, modern campus serves PreK–12 in a setting described as green and expansive.
The school offers a PreK–12 program, with an Elementary School (Pre-K through Grade 5), a Middle School (Grades 6–8), and a High School (Grades 9–12).
Private, co-educational international school. The school operates as a private, fee-paying institution and is co-educational.
The school provides EAL (English as an Additional Language) and Student Support Services with a dedicated team that includes counselors and learning-support staff. The team offers social-emotional learning, language development, learning supports (in-class push-in, small-group or 1:1), and contracted services (Educational Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist).
There is no formal country affiliation; KAS is described as a fully accredited international school.
There is no religious affiliation stated by the school.
Elementary days typically run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. with a snack break (9:45–10:00) and a mid-day lunch/recess block (12:00–12:45). An early dismissal period (2:50–3:10) occurs on some days. (Hours shown for Elementary.)
The school offers optional daily transportation to and from school for a fee. Transportation details and routes are coordinated by KAS; inquiries should go through Admissions.
Lunch is offered; families may elect to order lunch for a fee. Lunch menus include Set A, Set B, and Vegetarian options, with sides.
Middle School uses BIG Time with house competitions.
The school is governed by a Board of Directors. The board meets monthly on campus. An AGM is held each Spring and is open to the KAS community. Minutes for open board meetings and AGMs are published. Governance documents include the KAS Charter and Board Policy Manual.
Kaohsiung American School offers a PK–12 curriculum that blends U.S. standards with the International Baccalaureate framework. Elementary School (Pre-K–Grade 5) follows American standards for core subjects—English, mathematics, science, social studies—with integrated English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and Chinese instruction, and includes STEAM, arts, PE, and music. Middle School (Grades 6–8) uses the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), with the MYP continuing into High School (Grades 9–10) and culminating in the Personal Project, along with advisory and enrichment experiences such as Envision Formosa. High School (Grades 9–12) combines the MYP through Grade 10 with the Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12, offering the IB Diploma, IB Bilingual Diploma, or DP subject certificates, while graduates receive a U.S. high school diploma. The school provides English language and learning support through EAL, Learning Support, and contracted specialists, with a full counseling team across levels.
Kaohsiung American School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a dedicated team of four full-time counselors who work to foster trusting relationships and support students, teachers, and parents in social-emotional growth, behavior management, and personal relationships. SEL is integrated into classrooms through lessons, curriculum development, wellness programs, and 1:1 and small-group counseling. The School's Student Support Team includes teachers, specialists, and administrators who collaborate in a team-based approach to differentiation, ensuring all students have access to the curriculum. Counselors operate across elementary, middle, and high school levels, providing guidance and modeling healthy social-emotional skills. The program emphasizes mental wellbeing and proactive wellness initiatives as part of daily school life.
Kaohsiung American School offers inclusive education with a Student Support Team comprising teachers, specialists, and administrators who support access and inclusion through collaboration and differentiation. Learning Support is provided by a team of learning support teachers and assistants offering in-class push-in support, small-group or 1:1 instruction, and modified curricula, with Elementary having dedicated Learning Support Coordinators (e.g., Sil Lee). The EAL program supports language development and places students into an appropriate class with the least restrictive environment. For more intensive needs, the School contracts external specialists, including Educational Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Psychiatrists, Speech Therapists, and Occupational Therapists. The school describes its approach as inclusive education focused on meeting students where they are, rather than presenting itself as a specialist SEN institution.
The EAL program is designed to provide a learning environment that enables students to gain the language skills needed to transition into main subject classes, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students are placed into an appropriate class with the least restrictive environment. The EAL Handbook outlines program details and policies, and Elementary staffing includes dedicated EAL instructors to support younger learners.
Mental wellbeing is supported through SEL and wellness initiatives led by a dedicated team of four full-time counselors who serve as role models and provide 1:1 and small-group counseling. Counselors support students, teachers, and parents in social-emotional growth, behavior management, and personal relationships, with SEL embedded in classroom instruction and curriculum. The counseling team operates across elementary, middle, and high school levels, aligning with the school's SEL framework and wellness programming.
Kaohsiung American School safeguards students by endorsing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and adhering to Taiwan's Protection of Children and Youth Welfare and Rights Act, in collaboration with Taiwan's Bureau of Education and Ministry of Social Welfare. The Child Protection and Safeguarding Handbook outlines staff background checks, training to recognize signs of abuse and neglect, and a team-based safeguarding response process. Age-appropriate safeguarding lessons are embedded in the PreK–12 curriculum, and a Code of Conduct for all adults and visitor guidelines support safeguarding efforts.
1. Online application: Submit the online application for the upcoming school year. Applications are accepted year-round, and the admissions process for the next year begins in the spring. After you submit the application, the admissions team will contact you to schedule a campus visit and to answer any questions you may have.
2. Schedule a campus visit: A campus visit is arranged through the admissions team, and families are encouraged to visit on campus. Visits are offered Monday through Friday at 9:30 AM or 1:30 PM and typically last about one hour. The visit provides an opportunity to see classrooms, meet staff, and get a sense of the school culture.
3. Entry requirements: Each applicant must hold a valid foreign passport. For grades PK-2, fluent English is not required, but stronger English skills improve the likelihood of acceptance due to limited ELL spaces. For grades 3–12, a student must be able to read and write in English to have a chance at passing the English proficiency exam required before acceptance. Students in grades 8–12 must have good academic English proficiency to be successful in the program.
4. Admissions screening: After screening, there is a placement exam and an English language evaluation. Families may also interview with teachers or school principals as part of the process. The screening helps determine grade placement and readiness for the curriculum.
5. Admission decision: The admissions committee reviews applications and informs families of the status, which can be accepted, waitlisted, or declined. Decisions are communicated formally to allow families to plan next steps.
6. Onboarding for admitted students: Once admitted, families begin the onboarding process, and students join the Dragon community with an orientation or welcoming activities. The onboarding is designed to integrate new students into their grade cohort and school routines.
7. Waitlist/pool: If there are no spots available in a student's grade, the family is placed on a waitlist. The school contacts families as soon as space becomes available, and waitlisted families may move into a spot earlier if higher-priority candidates enroll.
8. Tours and ongoing questions: Families can schedule additional campus tours or ask questions as they consider KAS. The admissions team remains available to provide information on timelines, grade-level specifics, and placement criteria.
KAS does not publish or advertise any scholarships on its admissions pages.
KAS uses a waitlist for grades where spaces are not currently available. If there are no spots in your child's grade, your family is placed on the waitlist and will be contacted as space becomes available. This waitlist can shift if higher-priority applicants enroll.
Taipei American School is located in the Tianmu neighborhood of Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan. The campus address is 800 Zhongshan North Road, Section 6, Taipei 11152. The nearest public transit options include Zhishan MRT Station (about a 25-minute walk) or a short bus ride on routes such as the 606. There is no guest parking on campus; nearby public parking is at the Tianmu circle, and taxi travel from Taoyuan International Airport typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
TAS is organized into three divisions: Lower School (KA through Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and Upper School (Grades 9–12).
Private, nonprofit international day school. It is co-educational.
Support for Additional Learning Needs includes Learning Support for mild learning differences and English Language Development; there are guidance counselors, speech-language pathologists, and educational psychologists available.
No formal country affiliation; TAS provides an American-based education as a private international school.
No religious affiliation.
The official school day runs from 7:45 AM to 3:45 PM; divisions dismiss at different times, with the overall dismissal window typically between 2:15 PM and 3:45 PM.
TAS operates a school bus service with routes across Taipei and surrounding areas. Morning buses arrive before the first class, afternoon buses depart about 10 minutes after dismissal, and a late bus runs at 5:30 PM for after-school activities. The service uses the Transportation Office, with more than 40 bilingual bus monitors and around 78 routes; for routes, registration and safety guidelines contact the Transportation Office.
The Snack Bar is open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM, offering beverages, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods, with daily grab-and-go entrées; most items are made from scratch in the kitchen from fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients representing a variety of food cultures from around the world. The Cafeteria opens 11:00 AM–1:30 PM for hot lunch with four components (milk, vegetables, fruit or dessert, and a protein entree); entrées may be purchased individually or as a complete meal, and there are self-service salad and fruit bars, a Mexican bar, a pizza bar, and a potato bar. The Fitness Cafe on the fourth floor operates 7:30 AM–4:00 PM and provides healthy drinks, small meals, and snacks; a weekly menu is available.
The TAS Board of Directors governs the school. The board is a hybrid structure of up to 14 members: nine elected and five appointed, including one appointed representative from the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). The Board is responsible for the long-term viability of the school, financial oversight, and governance, and it hires and supports the Head of School. The school is registered as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and is included in the Private School Promotion Foundation (PSPF) under Article 62 of the Taiwan Private School Law.
Taipei American School offers a KA–12 (PreK–12) American‑based program with instruction in English and Mandarin available from Kindergarten, and provides both the IB Diploma and Advanced Placement (AP) pathways alongside college preparatory classes. The written curriculum is guided by Understanding by Design and is aligned across KA–12 to support a holistic, student‑centered approach. Lower School (PreK–Grade 5) covers Art, Language Arts, Library, Mandarin, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, Social‑Emotional Learning, and Technology & Design. Middle School (Grades 6–8) features ten curricular areas with eight class periods per day, offering a mix of required courses and electives. Upper School (Grades 9–12) centers on student choice with 22 required credits and extensive AP and IB pathways; AP courses begin in Grade 10 and IB courses in Grade 11, with GOA options and opportunities to pursue the full IB Diploma (the school notes substantial IB/Capstone uptake, including a 15% IB Diploma rate and AP Capstone Diplomas). Taipei American School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Taipei American School supports students' social, emotional, and mental well-being through a comprehensive counseling model across Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. Counselors deliver classroom lessons, small groups, 1:1 meetings, and family meetings to develop social, emotional, mental, academic, and multicultural competencies. The program emphasizes that student well-being is at the heart of the educational approach and fosters a sense of belonging, diversity, and ongoing collaboration between home and school. In addition to direct student support, TAS offers parent education events and workshops throughout the year. School psychologists and counselors promote wellness and resilience and provide appropriate supports and referrals as needed.
TAS provides Learning Support for students with mild learning differences (KA-12) and speech/language therapy (KA-12), with services designed to help students access grade-level curriculum. The Learning Support teams offer individual and small-group instruction, executive functioning coaching, and self-advocacy development, plus accommodations and alternative instructional strategies as identified by internal or external assessments. The school notes dedicated in-house educational psychologists (three) and a student-support team to assist learning, behavior, and mental health needs. TAS is not a specialist SEN institution and, per school policy, admits only students with no more than mild learning differences. Speech-language therapy is provided after a formal referral and evaluation, with services available across KA-12.
English Language Development (EAL) at TAS operates without a separate, fee-based EAL program for Grades KA-8, in a multilingual environment where all teachers support English language development across learning experiences. In Lower and Middle Schools, a sheltered immersion model groups students of varying English proficiency together to access the curriculum. Beginning in Grade 3, curriculum expectations assume English language development is ongoing to access content independently. Upper School does not offer EAL support. All teachers contribute to language development, and there is no separate EAL program or fee for KA-8.
TAS supports mental wellbeing through counseling services and school psychologists who work with students across KA-12 to promote wellness and resilience. In Upper School, wellbeing lessons during Advisory address mental health topics such as anxiety, wellness, gratitude, and self-care, including related skills and resources. The counseling program emphasizes proactive planning, including life after TAS, and ongoing access to individual or group support. For mental health emergencies outside school hours, TAS directs families to the Community Services Center after-hours Crisis Line (0932-594-578) or the 24-hour Mandarin line (1925). School psychologists provide diagnostic evaluations and referrals to support learning and mental health as needed.
Taipei American School frames safeguarding as everyone's responsibility, with the safety and well-being of students as the school's highest priority. The school aligns with global safeguarding best practices, prohibits harm or exploitation, and maintains an inclusive approach for all students. A Schoolwide Safeguarding Lead (Zanthe Ng) and a safeguarding team handle concerns, with formal policies and procedures for reporting and safeguarding interactions. Policies include Child Protection, Suicide Prevention, Harassment & Bullying, Gender/Affirmation policies, privacy, and acceptable use guidelines, with ongoing staff training and parent collaboration. The school provides age-appropriate lessons on personal safety, digital wellbeing, and bullying prevention, and emphasizes confidential reporting and partnership with families.
Taipei American School does not publish a formal waitlist or pool process. Admissions are described as rolling placements based on space availability, with many grades filling by April for Semester 1. Families are encouraged to apply early and check space availability. (Sources: How to Apply – rolling placements; Important Dates – “Most Semester 1 admission decisions are communicated… on a rolling basis” and “space availability.”)
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.)
