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Hsinchu County American School has 310 pupils, typical class sizes of 8, instruction in English.
Location
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.
Stages
HCAS provides education from Pre-K through Grade 12 on a single campus.
Type
Independent, co-educational, college-preparatory international day school.
Additional learning support
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.
Country affiliation
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.
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated.
School day structure
School days run Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 17:00.
Bus service
HCAS provides a school bus transportation service; arrangements are coordinated through the bus transportation contact (Nunu Sun) and the appropriate transportation channels.
Fees
Annual tuition at Hsinchu County American School ranges from TWD 11,434 to TWD 24,819 for 2026/27.
Application and admissions fees
- Admissions test fees (payable to confirm the test appointment): K3 (Kindergarten 3) – NTD 2,000; Grades 1–3 – NTD 3,000; Grades 4–12 – NTD 5,000.
- No separate, specific ‘‘application fee'' amount for general admission is published in the school's public admissions information; the admissions test fee above is the only application-related fee itemised.
Tuition fees by year group
- The school's public pages do not publish a term-by-term or year-by-year tuition schedule (no numeric tuition rates per grade or per term were posted on the accessible admissions or FAQ pages). A tuition pay slip is issued once enrollment documents are completed and returned.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- After acceptance and completion of enrollment documents, a tuition pay slip is issued with a due date; the pay slip is the billing instrument used to request tuition payment.
- The admissions test appointment is confirmed only after the test fee is paid; that test fee can be paid in cash at the Parent Services Desk according to the admissions guidance.
- No detailed public schedule of tuition instalments, semester/term breakdowns, or standard payment deadlines (for example: annual vs. per-term billing, or instalment plans) was published on the school's admissions or FAQ pages.
Boarding fees (if applicable)
- Hsinchu County American School operates as a day school; no boarding programme or boarding fees are published or described.
Other costs and fees
- English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is charged as an additional fee when required; participation in the EAL programme is mandatory if assigned.
- Families are responsible for purchasing required student devices (mandatory in Grades 7–12; encouraged in Grades 5–6) and for textbooks and course materials as required by grade level.
- Uniform purchases and related parent-service transactions are handled through the Parent Services office (an email contact is provided for Parent Services). Specific uniform prices were not published on the public pages.
- No itemised lists of other miscellaneous fees (for example: transport fees, activity/workbook fees, facility fees, or technology fees with fixed amounts) were published on the accessible admissions or FAQ pages.
Refund information
- No comprehensive refund policy for tuition or fees (for example: pro‑rata refunds for withdrawal by week or semester) was published on the accessible admissions and FAQ pages. The public admissions information does not list specific refund rules.
Fee payment options
- The school issues a tuition pay slip for payment after enrollment; the admissions test fee can be paid in cash at the Parent Services Desk to confirm the test appointment. No explicit, published details on other payment methods (for example: credit card acceptance, online payment portal, or bank transfer instructions) were found on the public admissions, FAQ, or contact pages.
Summary of findings and missing details
- Available, specific fee items located on the school's public pages: admissions test fees (K3 / Grades 1–3 / Grades 4–12), a statement that EAL incurs additional fees, device/textbook responsibility, and administrative contact points (Parent Services).
- Missing from the publicly accessible admissions/FAQ/contact pages: numeric tuition rates by grade or term; a published billing schedule (term dates and instalment options); a detailed refund policy; published prices for uniforms, transportation, or other recurring charges; and explicit payment method instructions (bank transfer details or credit card acceptance).
- Pages checked during this review include the school admissions and FAQ pages, the contact/Parent Services information, and the school home page.
If you require these specific numeric tuition amounts, billing dates, refund terms, uniform prices, or payment instructions for a database entry, those items were not posted on the school's public admissions/FAQ/contact pages and will need to be obtained directly from the school's admissions or Parent Services office using the contact details provided.
Academics
Hsinchu County American School teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum) for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
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.
Higher Education Progression
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.
Wellbeing
Admissions
Admissions
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.
Scholarships
The school reports that graduates receive scholarships; the Class of 2025 (28 students) has been awarded scholarships totaling over NT$58.4 million.
FAQs
Where is Hsinchu County American School located and what grades does it serve?
HCAS is in Zhubei City, Hsinchu County, Taiwan at No. 189, Gaotie 2nd Rd. The campus brings Kindergarten through Grade 12 onto a single site and serves students aged roughly 3 to 18, with levels including Kindergarten, the First Program, and Middle/Upper School.
What curriculum does HCAS follow and what are the Seven Cs?
The school uses a Dalton Plan-based education to guide its balanced curriculum across core subjects, the Arts, and technology. It is anchored by the Seven Cs: Compassion, Collaboration, Community, Contribution, Creativity, Critical-thinking, and Communication.
Is HCAS a boarding school, and what are the typical school hours?
HCAS is a day school with no boarding program. The typical day runs Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 17:00, with Kindergarten through Grade 12 students on one campus.
How much are the admissions test fees by grade, and how are they paid?
Admissions test fees are 2,000 NTD for K3, 3,000 NTD for Grades 1–3, and 5,000 NTD for Grades 4–12. The test appointment is confirmed after the fee is paid, and payments can be made in cash at the Parent Services desk.
Does HCAS publish a full tuition schedule publicly?
No. Tuition amounts are not published as a grade-by-grade table; after enrollment documents are completed, a tuition slip with the amount due is issued. There are no publicly posted term-by-term schedules or instalment plans.
What other costs should families budget for beyond tuition?
EAL support (if required) is charged as an additional fee. Uniforms must be purchased through the Parent Services desk (prices aren't published). Lunch is provided on-site as an optional service with a monthly menu, and textbooks and student devices may incur additional charges as needed.
What is the Dalton Plan and how does it shape learning at HCAS?
The Dalton Plan guides a balanced, project-based learning approach across core subjects, the Arts, and technology, with emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and independence. The Seven Cs (compassion, collaboration, community, contribution, creativity, critical-thinking, and communication) underpin everyday learning.
What college counseling and higher education support does HCAS offer?
HCAS provides College Counseling to help students build an appropriate college list (typically 8–10 schools) and supports a holistic process. The school is a UCAS Centre for UK admissions and offers 10 AP courses, with AP exams in May. Counseling covers SAT/ACT/TOEFL and is available in Mandarin and English.
Are AP courses available at HCAS and how much do AP exams cost?
Yes. HCAS offers 10 AP courses, with AP exams held in May. Each AP exam costs USD 125.
Are exam results publicly published?
There is no publicly published data on exam results in the materials provided.
What facilities does the HCAS campus have?
The campus includes 30 classrooms, two science labs, a robotics lab, a computer lab, a library, an art studio, a music room, a dance studio, a gymnasium, a kindergarten play area, a cafeteria, and an audiovisual room. Outdoors, there is a soccer field, a basketball court, and two play areas, all within a short walk of the Taiwan High Speed Rail station.
What sports facilities are available for students?
There is a gymnasium for indoor activities plus outdoor facilities like a soccer field and a basketball court for team sports and PE. The Athletics department supports practices and competitions, with several sports teams across different grades.
Are there specialized labs for STEM and arts?
Yes. There are two science labs, a robotics lab, and a computer lab, plus spaces for art, music, and dance to support STEM and arts learning.
Which clubs and academic teams can students join?
Students can participate in World Scholar Cup (G6–12), Model United Nations (G7–12), and VEX Robotics (G6–12). These teams travel to local and international conferences and competitions.
What leadership opportunities exist at HCAS?
The Student Council is elected by peers each year to represent students and organize activities. The house system and Lion Pride initiatives also offer leadership and service opportunities across the school.
How does the house system work at HCAS?
Students are assigned to one of four houses—Green Dragons, White Tigers, Red Phoenixes, and Black Turtles—which compete in academics, sports, and service projects to foster school spirit and teamwork.
Does HCAS offer EAL support and how is it delivered?
Yes. EAL support is available for grades 1–10, with push-in and pull-out services based on WIDA and MAP assessments, coordinated by the Student Support Team to create individualized plans.
Is there mental health or counseling support on campus?
Yes. The school provides social-emotional counseling and has a School Nurse to support student well-being and safety.
How does safeguarding work at HCAS?
Safeguarding is a priority; the school monitors illness and other concerns to keep students safe, with ongoing oversight from staff and health personnel.
Is HCAS a boarding school, and what about the uniform?
HCAS is a day school, not a boarding facility. Uniforms are required and can be purchased through the Parent Services desk, though specific prices aren't publicly published.
