Kaohsiung American School

Kaohsiung American School was founded in the mid-1980s when Robert Griffiths, an AIT employee, joined Steve Carroll and Joe Cuthbertson to address the need for an English-language school for expatriate families in Kaohsiung; it opened in 1989 with 16 K–8 students in apartments at the Chang Gung Hospital compound. In the 1990s, KAS earned Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation and moved to Fudong Municipal Elementary School, expanding to about 150 students, and a volunteer parent group evolved into the PTA. During the 2000s, the school relocated to Sheng Li Elementary School campus, grew to approximately 280 students, established a college-preparatory program, and drew many North American teachers, with the library expanding to support evolving programs. In the 2010s, KAS became an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme and the Middle Years Programme, and the campus earned LEED certification for the Academics/Arts complex and the Thomas Farrell Athletics Complex; the school offered more than 50 after-school clubs and hosted major events. In the 2020s, KAS celebrated its 30th anniversary, enrollment exceeded 780 students, and campus upgrades included a new elementary makerspace, high-school science labs, and the Future Leaders Program.

KAS maintains a diverse, globally minded community that includes expatriate and local families, with a strong emphasis on service, collaboration, and holistic learning. The school hosts a range of events and cultural programs, including high-profile activities such as the World Scholar's Cup, STMUN, ACAMIS tournaments, swim meets, and extensive arts and music offerings. The Kaohsiung community is engaged through service initiatives organized by the school and its families, such as charity drives and participatory projects with local organizations. Family involvement is encouraged through ongoing family events, volunteer opportunities, and alumni engagement that strengthen ties across generations.

The Kaohsiung American School PTA is a volunteer organization that supports KAS in delivering education aligned with Balanced Individuals, Independent Learners, and Global Citizens. It promotes collaboration, communication, and family involvement, and it arranges activities and special events to complement academic programs, while coordinating volunteer recruitment and fundraising to enhance facilities, programs, and student opportunities. The 2024–2025 PTA leadership includes roles across elementary, middle, and high school levels, such as a PTA President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and various coordinators. A notable PTA activity is the Family Charity Bazaar, which features student-run booths, performances, and food, with proceeds donated to education projects in the Kaohsiung region and beyond. The PTA also supports art programs, athletic activities, and lunch-catering coordination through dedicated volunteers across grades.