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Hsinchu American School

Taiwan, Taipei

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NT$44,850 - 54,050
Ages 6 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 200
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages English
Typical class size 18
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Hsinchu American School (HAS) is a private, international school offering education from Grade 1 through Grade 12. It is accredited by Taiwan's Ministry of Education and the Hsinchu Education Bureau, registered with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), and holds Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation (six‑year terms in 2015 and in 2021). The campus sits on Chung Hua University grounds and provides facilities such as an indoor gym, a 300‑seat theater, a swimming pool, science and robotics labs, a library, music rooms, two art rooms, and a student activity center. HAS follows an American‑based curriculum with an AP program starting in Grade 6, built on Common Core and California State Standards. The academic program uses a rotating A/B day block schedule, with up to eight credits per year and AP courses integrated within the schedule. The school emphasizes university preparation, critical thinking, collaboration and communication, and offers access to university‑level coursework within a community‑oriented setting. The school also notes a bus service to the HSR station as part of its transportation options.

The Essentials

Hsinchu American School has 200 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
Hsinchu American School is located on Chung Hua University campus in Xiangshan District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan. The campus address is No. 707, Sec. 2, Wufu Road, Hsinchu City 300110, and the school describes itself as situated on the Chung Hua University campus. Campus hours are 08:00–16:20, with front gate hours of 07:30–09:00 and 14:50–16:30 for arrivals and departures.

Stages
HAS offers education from Grade 1 through Grade 12, described as a college-preparatory international school. This range positions HAS as a full-sided PK-12 program, with a stated focus on preparing students for tertiary study in English-language programs.

Type
HAS is a private international day school. Official materials identify HAS as co-educational and licensed by Taiwan's Ministry of Education and Hsinchu Education Bureau, with registration and an American connection through the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). The campus is on Chung Hua University grounds in Hsinchu.

Additional learning support
The HAS website does not publish a formal SEN policy; however, HAS provides an Academic Advising program for grades 6–12 to support students' academic planning and college preparation, with regular monthly meetings. Families seeking detailed SEN provisions should contact the school for current offerings.

Country affiliation
HAS is affiliated with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and is licensed by the Taiwan Ministry of Education and the Hsinchu Education Bureau. This reflects its American-inspired curriculum within Taiwan's international-school framework.

Religious affiliation
There is no religious affiliation listed for Hsinchu American School on its public materials.

School day structure
School/ campus hours run from 08:00 to 16:20 each day, with a front-gate entry window from 07:30–09:00 and a late-afternoon gate window from 14:50–16:30. Details about daily break and lunch schedules are not specified in the public pages; families should consult the calendar for grade-specific timing.

Bus service
HAS provides a school transportation service with door-to-door options across various districts in Hsinchu City and Hsinchu County, offering about ten designated routes. There are also shuttle arrangements from Hsinchu High-Speed Rail Station to campus. To enroll or inquire, contact Mr. Eric Huang at +886-3-520-3211, ext. 620.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school does not provide on-campus accommodation.

Uniform Requirement
The school has a Student Dress Code; details are in the Student/Parent Handbook.

Food Options
Lunch is provided by a professional catering company; the central kitchen is HACCP-certified; menus are designed by registered dietitians; meals are peanut-free and bone-in dishes are not included; seasonal ingredients are used.

Governance and Ownership
The school is licensed by the Taiwan Ministry of Education and the Hsinchu Education Bureau; it is registered with the American Institute in Taiwan; and it holds a six-year WASC accreditation for grades 1–12.
Fees

Annual tuition at Hsinchu American School ranges from TWD 44,850 to TWD 54,050 for 2026/27.

Hsinchu American School (HAS) – Fee overview for the 2025-2026 academic year (current as of January 2026). All figures are in NT$. Tuition is charged per semester, with annual equivalents shown where appropriate. The school also lists several mandatory annual fees and new-student charges. HAS publishes a downloadable 2025-2026 Tuition and Fees document for detailed breakdowns.
Academics

Hsinchu American School teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 6 to 18.

Curriculum
Hsinchu American School (HAS) offers a US-based, college-preparatory curriculum for grades 1–12 and is licensed by Taiwan's MOE and Hsinchu Education Bureau, registered with the American Institute in Taiwan, with six-year WASC accreditation terms in 2015 and 2021. The program uses a rotating A/B day block schedule with up to eight credits (eight courses) per year, and AP courses are scheduled within this rotating block system. HAS runs an AP preparatory program starting in Grade 6, and AP courses are offered within the American-based framework (AP offerings have included courses such as Calculus AB/BC, Biology, Computer Science A, Physics C/Physics 2, Psychology, and economics/history; AP is open-enrollment). Graduation requires a University Transfer Degree (26 credits) distributed across English, Science, Mathematics, Foreign Language, Social Studies, Humanities/Arts, Physical Education, and Electives, with multiple AP options across these disciplines (e.g., AP English Literature, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP World History, AP US Government & Politics, AP Micro/Macro Economics, AP Studio Art, AP Computer Science). The Elementary program emphasizes caring, homeroom-based oversight aligned to HAS standards and school-wide learner goals, with AP readiness beginning in Grade 6 as part of the overall curriculum that aims to prepare students for university-bound study.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
HAS operates an Academic Advising Program for students from Grade 6 through graduation. Advisors meet monthly to review academic progress, attendance, course selections, testing opportunities, and college planning. In 6th–7th grade, advising emphasizes establishing and pursuing yearly goals, developing proper study habits, conflict resolution, stress management, and building peer relationships. In 8th–12th grade, it focuses on goal setting, course planning, AP/Pre-AP decisions, college-testing (TOEFL/SAT/ACT), university research, and completing college applications. The program is framed as personal and academic guidance to prepare students for post-secondary English-language study, though the site does not label it explicitly as SEL.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The HAS website does not publicly disclose information regarding SEN. The Advising Program addresses personal and academic development but does not specify SEN supports in its descriptions. There is no visible listing of specific SEN staff, facilities, or types of SEN HAS can accommodate on the HAS site. The absence of publicly disclosed SEN details means we cannot confirm whether HAS operates as a specialist SEN institution. For definitive details, parents should request information directly from HAS admissions or the main office.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL. There is no explicit EAL program page or staff listing on the HAS site. The Advising Program includes personal and academic development and references language testing (e.g., TOEFL/SAT/ACT) as part of college planning, but does not describe a dedicated EAL program. The Our School page notes students communicate in English with a proficiency in English, which suggests an English-language environment but not an EAL program description. For precise EAL details, contact HAS directly.

Mental Wellbeing
HAS includes mental health support as part of its safeguarding framework. Safeguarding policies explicitly cover mental health support and online safety. The safeguarding approach emphasizes a culture of vigilance among staff, students, parents, and visitors. Staff are required to read and sign the child protection policies and to undergo background checks (e.g., FBI or equivalent). Anti-bullying initiatives and online safety measures are also part of the safeguarding provisions.

Safeguarding
HAS safeguarding practices cover child protection policies, online safety, mental health support, and anti-bullying initiatives. The school states it adheres to Taiwanese child-protection law and has its own rigorous child protection policies. All teachers are required to read the child protection policies and sign an agreement, and they must pass FBI (or equivalent) background checks with reference checks to work at HAS. The anti-bullying policy is designed to prevent bullying in all forms and to address incidents swiftly with appropriate support. The school also maintains social media policies to guide online conduct and privacy, including parental guidance, professional boundaries, and cyberbullying prevention.
Parent Experience

History
The Hsinchu American School (HAS) was established to meet the educational needs of international students and to provide an American-based program for Grades 1–12. The school is located on the campus of Chung Hua University in Hsinchu and is described as the area's only fully licensed international school serving grades 1–12. It is licensed by the Taiwan Ministry of Education and the Hsinchu Education Bureau, registered with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), and has held Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation with a six-year term starting in 2015 and a subsequent six-year term in 2021. In April 2022 HAS signed a long-term lease with Chung Hua University for a new campus and announced plans to move into CHU facilities during 2023, signaling expansion and closer collaboration with the university. The school's School Wide Learner Goals were first established in the fall of 2011, illustrating early development of its framework for student learning.

Community
HAS supports a vibrant student life with programs such as Student Council, Model United Nations, World Scholar's Cup, and various clubs. The school's News & Stories pages feature ongoing community and cultural events, including a 2025 Christmas Party, a Winter Performance, and service activities like Andrew's Charity Organization. Family-friendly events are also highlighted, such as a PTA-organized Book Fair held on campus. The site also notes an Alumni section, indicating an ongoing connection with graduates.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The HAS PTA serves to foster collaboration between parents and teachers and to enhance school programs. It organizes events and activities that promote school spirit and student engagement, and provides a platform for communication among parents, teachers, and school administrators. The PTA raises funds to support educational programs, resources, and initiatives. Current PTA leadership includes President Karen Turng, Vice President Fuan Chang, Treasurer Sharon Chang, and Secretary Vicky Hu. The PTA maintains a LINE group for volunteers and uses Facebook and Instagram for updates; inquiries can be directed to pta@has.hc.edu.tw.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is located on the campus of Chung Hua University in Hsinchu City, and the campus offers walking trails and scenic views. The school provides an indoor gymnasium, a 300-seat theater, and a swimming pool. The building features state-of-the-art science and robotics labs, a library, and specialized music rooms. All classrooms have interactive touchscreen displays and wireless internet. Classrooms are organized by division across separate floors, with two art rooms, a weight room, and a student activity center with ping-pong tables.

Sports Facilities
The campus has an indoor gymnasium and a swimming pool. It also provides access to track and field and an auditorium.

Academic Facilities
The school has state-of-the-art science and robotics labs, a library, and specialized music rooms. All classrooms are equipped with interactive touchscreen displays and wireless internet.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Model United Nations is a comprehensive diplomacy and international relations program with participation in conferences around Taiwan and internationally. World Scholar's Cup is a team-based competition featuring debates, writing, and a Scholar's Bowl. The school also offers Student Council, World Scholar's Cup, Model United Nations, Student Publication, and other Activities & Clubs as part of student life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
HAS serves grades 1–12 with an American-based curriculum. AP courses are offered. The program uses a rotating A/B day block schedule with a maximum of eight credits per year. HAS is AIT-approved and WASC-accredited, and it is licensed by the Taiwan Ministry of Education and by the Hsinchu Education Bureau.

Arts & Creative
HAS offers a range of arts-and-creative clubs, including drama, movement, STEM, culture, media, and sports clubs, with offerings varying by year. The school hosts Art Night and other arts-focused events as part of student life.

Cultural & Language
Model United Nations and World Scholar's Cup are part of student life, reflecting HAS's global orientation. The school maintains a diverse, American-based curriculum with AP courses as part of its college-preparatory program. Graduates have gained admission to universities worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Taiwan.

Social & Hobbies
Clubs and activities vary by year and cover a range of interests. Student Life includes a Student Council and other leadership opportunities. MUN and WSC activities provide forums for collaboration and competition.

Community & Service
The high school program has a strong focus on community service. An active Parent-Teacher Association exists to engage families in school life.

Leadership & Professional
Student Council provides student leadership opportunities. Model United Nations and World Scholar's Cup develop leadership and teamwork. College acceptances demonstrate preparation for higher education.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
HAS offers athletics as part of its program and maintains a 10:1 student–teacher ratio. School bus transportation provides door-to-door service, with routes to various districts and connections to Hsinchu High-Speed Rail Station.
Languages

Language Provision
The school operates an English-based program for Grades 1–12 within an American-based curriculum. The curriculum is aligned with the Common Core and California State Standards. A foreign language is required for graduation, with a minimum of two full years in the same language.
Reputation

Awards
WASC six-year accreditation (re-accreditation) completed June 2021: This is a formal, periodic recognition by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges that the school meets US-based accreditation standards for a 1–12 program.

Accreditations
- Taiwan Ministry of Education license: Hsinchu American School is licensed by Taiwan's Ministry of Education to operate as an international school serving grades 1–12.
- Hsinchu Education Bureau accreditation: The school is licensed/accredited by the local education authority (Hsinchu Education Bureau).
- American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) approval/registration: HAS is registered with/approved by AIT, reflecting U.S. administrative recognition of the school as an American-style international school in Taiwan.
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation: HAS holds a six-year WASC accreditation term; the school has been continuously accredited by WASC, with a re-accreditation in 2021.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Apply & Schedule Entrance Exam: To begin, fill out and submit the online HAS application form. Once the application is received, HAS will arrange admission testing and notify you by email or phone about the next steps. If your initial application is not admitted, HAS notes a re-application option that allows applicants to re-apply three months after the previous application date. Placement decisions at this stage depend on the entrance exam results, the interview, and the applicant's accompanying records.

2. Entrance Fee: After submitting the application, you must pay an Entrance Exam Fee of NT$5,000 by bank transfer. The school's Financial Department will email payment instructions after receiving the application, and the admissions office will reserve an exam slot once payment is confirmed. The entrance exam fee is non-refundable, and the fee covers testing, credit evaluation, and/or interview as part of the admissions process.

3. Exam & Interview: English and Math tests are administered prior to admission, followed by an interview with the Principal. Admission is contingent on the exam and interview outcomes, as well as a review of placement factors such as years of schooling and age. Testing, interviews, and review of pertinent records are used to determine the proper placement for new students.

4. Decision: The Principal makes admissions decisions, offering or rejecting admission accordingly. Applicants who cannot be enrolled due to space in a particular grade are placed on a waiting list. This decision step determines whether the student will be offered a place or moved to the waitlist.

5. Acceptance: If admitted, HAS sends an acceptance letter by email with further admission instructions and payment information. Accepted applicants must submit the required documents (previous English transcripts for the last two years, copies of passports, immunizations for Grades 1–6, and a 1-inch photo). Enrollment details specify that capital and registration fees must be paid within two weeks of acceptance, and seats are allocated on a first-come basis with no seat reserved until payment is received. The acceptance process also notes that applications expire if these fees are not paid within the two-week window.

6. Try-Out (if offered): After completing the entrance exam and interview, some students may be offered a five-day try-out period. The try-out fee is NT$10,000, which will apply to tuition in the same semester if the student officially enrolls. The try-out fee is nonrefundable for unenrolled students, and there are no transportation provisions during the try-out period.

Scholarships
3) Scholarships: HAS does not publish information about scholarships or financial aid on its official admissions or tuition pages. The Tuition & Fees page lists mandatory fees and optional extras but does not include a scholarships or financial-aid section. For families seeking scholarship options, the school's published pages do not provide details, and you may need to contact the Admissions Office directly for current offerings.

Waitlist
2) Waitlist/Pool: HAS states that if there is no space available in a grade level, applicants will be placed on a waiting list. When space becomes available, students may be offered enrollment, but seats are not reserved in advance. The school's enrollment terms indicate that acceptance follows a first-come basis for seat availability, and there is a two-week window to pay capital and registration fees after acceptance; otherwise, the application may expire.
School Events
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