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Taught languages Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin, French, English
Typical class size 12
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction
Kaohsiung American School (KAS) is a private PreK–12 international school founded in 1989 in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It delivers American standards-based curricula alongside the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, with English as the language of instruction and Chinese taught as a national language option. The school serves students from early years through high school, supported by English as an Additional Language and learning support services. The campus is LEED-certified and features a 400-seat performing arts theater, five science laboratories, a state-of-the-art elementary STEAM makerspace, a library, and the Thomas Farrell Athletics Complex, including a swimming pool and rooftop tennis court. KAS offers the Future Leaders Program, Global Online Academy electives, and a broad range of clubs and activities. Tuition is charged per semester, with additional required and capital fees. The school emphasizes student-centered learning, service, and global citizenship within a diverse, multinational community for new families.
No. 889, Cuihua Rd, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 81352
Gallery
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Vibes and Culture
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The Essentials
Kaohsiung American School has 700 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.
Location
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.
Stages
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).
Type
Private, co-educational international school. The school operates as a private, fee-paying institution and is co-educational.
Additional learning support
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).
Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation; KAS is described as a fully accredited international school.
Religious affiliation
There is no religious affiliation stated by the school.
School day structure
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.)
Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper
The school has not added this information
Fees
Annual tuition at Kaohsiung American School ranges from TWD 7,554 to TWD 8,894 for 2026/27.
Application / Assessment Fees - Assessment fee (if required for new applicants): TWD 5,000. Assessment fee must be paid in cash when requested by the school.
Tuition (per semester) and equivalent annual amounts (calculated as 2 × semester) - PreKindergarten–Grade 5: TWD 236,050 per semester (equivalent to TWD 472,100 per academic year, calculated as 2 × semester). - Grades 6–8: TWD 261,400 per semester (equivalent to TWD 522,800 per academic year, calculated as 2 × semester). - Grades 9–12: TWD 277,950 per semester (equivalent to TWD 555,900 per academic year, calculated as 2 × semester).
Required, one-off and recurring fees - Annual registration fee (all students): TWD 35,000; this fee is non-refundable and is payable for the full academic year even when a student starts in the Spring semester. - Capital fees: - New student, first-time capital fee (one-time): TWD 200,000. - Existing student capital fee (per semester): TWD 10,000; discounts apply for additional children from the same family (TWD 2,500 per semester discount for second child; TWD 5,000 per semester discount for third and subsequent children). - Middle School Comprehensive Technology Program Fee (mandatory, one-time for students entering Middle School): TWD 35,000; fee covers a 14-inch convertible Chromebook, parental management software, and three years of support; the fee is non-refundable and the device ownership transfers to the family when leaving KAS or Middle School. - English Language Learner (ELL) fees (per semester, assessed by WIDA level when ELL support is required): - WIDA 0–2: TWD 65,000 per semester. - WIDA 3–4: TWD 50,000 per semester. - WIDA 5–6: TWD 35,000 per semester. - WIDA 6+: TWD 10,000 per semester. Fees for ELL services must be paid within 30 days of receiving the invoice.
Other costs and optional services - Lunch: available for purchase through the school for a fee; families may elect to order lunch. - Transportation: optional daily school bus service available for a fee. - Additional possible charges during a semester: fees for field trips and excursions, replacement costs for lost or damaged textbooks/workbooks/library books/laptops, fees for specialist assessments and therapies (e.g., speech & language, educational psychology), fees for after-school or off-campus activities provided by outside providers, and other incidental charges. - Textbooks and workbooks are included in tuition; ELL and other listed fees are excluded and must be paid separately.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Academic year structure: two semesters (Fall and Spring). Tuition and fees are billed per semester. - Default payment due dates (if no other invoice date is stated): Fall Semester payments due on or before May 15; Spring Semester payments due on or before November 15. Registration fee for existing students is due on or before March 15 if no invoice due date is specified. - Proration: tuition may be prorated for new students who enroll after a semester has begun (proration applies when enrollment starts more than 20 School Days after the semester start; tuition is calculated using a daily rate). - Sibling discount: a 15% tuition discount applies to the third and any additional students from the same family; the discount is applied to the lowest tuition rate among the siblings. - Late payment charges: a late payment penalty of 2% of the outstanding fees plus late payment interest at 5% per annum (calculated daily) will be charged on unpaid balances. The school may suspend student access to services or refuse to hold a seat if fees are unpaid.
Refund information and withdrawal - Withdrawal notice and refunds are handled in writing to the Admissions Office. Refund percentages for tuition, ELL, lunch and bus fees depend on the timing of the written withdrawal notice as follows: - Written notice received before the start of the semester: 75% refund of tuition, ELL, lunch and bus fees. - Written notice received on or within the first four calendar weeks of the semester: 50% refund of tuition, ELL, lunch and bus fees. - Written notice received on or after the first day of the fifth calendar week of the semester: no refund. - Other fees paid (including registration and capital fees) are not refundable unless the policy explicitly allows it; registration and capital fees are stated as non-refundable in the fee schedule. All fees are non-transferable. - No refunds are provided in the event of a force majeure event as defined in the school fee policy (this includes severe weather, epidemics/pandemics, government-mandated closures, and similar events).
Boarding - KAS operates as a day school (no boarding facilities); therefore there are no boarding fees.
Fee payment options and instructions - Payments must be made in cleared funds in cash or by remittance to the bank account nominated in writing by the school; assessment fees may be required to be paid in cash upon request. Parents must pay fees on or before the invoice due date.
Academics
Kaohsiung American School teaches American Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 4 to 18.
Curriculum
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.
Wellbeing
The school has not added this information
Parent Experience
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Facilities
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Extra-Curricular Activities
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Languages
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Reputation
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Admissions
Admissions
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.
Scholarships
KAS does not publish or advertise any scholarships on its admissions pages.
Waitlist
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
What curriculum does Kaohsiung American School offer?
Kaohsiung American School offers IB, American, International Baccalaureate curriculums. Kaohsiung American School offers a PK–12 curriculum that blends U.S. standards with the International Baccalaureate framework.
What age range does Kaohsiung American School cater for?
Kaohsiung American School accepts students from age 4 to 18. 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).
What are the fees at Kaohsiung American School?
Annual fees at Kaohsiung American School range from approximately 7,554 to 8,894. **Application / Assessment Fees** - Assessment fee (if required for new applicants): TWD 5,000. Assessment fee must be paid in cash when requested by the school.
Where is Kaohsiung American School located?
Kaohsiung American School is located in Taiwan. 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.
Is Kaohsiung American School co-educational?
Kaohsiung American School is a co-educational school. Private, co-educational international school. The school operates as a private, fee-paying institution and is co-educational.
How do I apply to Kaohsiung American School?
The admissions process at Kaohsiung American School: 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.
Does Kaohsiung American School offer scholarships or financial aid?
Kaohsiung American School offers scholarships and financial aid. KAS does not publish or advertise any scholarships on its admissions pages.
What learning support does Kaohsiung American School provide?
Kaohsiung American School provides learning support services. 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.
Does Kaohsiung American School offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
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.
What facilities does Kaohsiung American School have?
Kaohsiung American School sits on a spacious, green campus that is LEED-certified, supporting academics, arts, and athletics. A state-of-the-art 400-seat theater anchors performing arts and community events, and the campus includes a lecture hall for IB exams and other gatherings. Five science labs Sports facilities include: The athletics complex includes a 6-lane, adjustable-depth saltwater swimming pool, a full-size basketball court, a soccer field, a gym, and a dance studio.
What extra-curricular activities are available at Kaohsiung American School?
Kaohsiung American School offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Performing Arts at KAS includes music from elementary through high school, with opportunities to participate in choir and orchestra after school and to perform for the school community.
What languages are taught at Kaohsiung American School?
English is the language of instruction in most subjects, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for non-native speakers.
Who is the head of Kaohsiung American School?
The head of school at Kaohsiung American School is James Laney, Jr.
How many students attend Kaohsiung American School?
Kaohsiung American School has approximately 700 students. The school serves students from age 4 to 18.
When was Kaohsiung American School founded?
Kaohsiung American School was founded in 1989. 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
What accreditations does Kaohsiung American School hold?
The school is a fully accredited PreK–12 international school.
What is the parent community like at Kaohsiung American School?
KAS maintains a diverse, globally minded community that includes expatriate and local families, with a strong emphasis on service, collaboration, and holistic learning.
