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Hsinchu International School

Taiwan, Taipei

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NT$82,800 - 114,080
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 180
Type Co-educational
Opened 1981
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French, Mandarin
Typical class size 14
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, High School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Located in Hsinchu City's Xiangshan District, Hsinchu International School sits on Niu Pu East Road near Xiangshan Elementary School. Founded in 1981, it is an international school offering a Western program taught in English. The school is fully licensed and holds Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation, with ECIS listing. It serves Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade 12 and draws students from around 20 nationalities. Class sizes range from 10 to 20 students, with an average teacher‑student ratio of about 14:1. The curriculum focuses on developing the whole child, combining core academics with arts, languages and real‑world experiences. Students study Chinese, and French is available as a subject; ESL supports learners who need extra help. The campus provides a bus service and a broad range of after‑school activities, including chess, orchestra and swimming. The Head of HIS is Rowena Lines, and the school aims to prepare students for university admission globally.

The Essentials

Hsinchu International School has 180 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English.

Location
Hsinchu International School is located at No. 290, Niu Pu East Road, Hsinchu 30091, Taiwan (ROC). The address is provided on the school's contact page, which also notes the nearby access routes and suggests taxi options from Chupei HSR station or Hsinchu railway station if you're arriving by public transport. For driving, the site gives directions from both the north and the south and includes a Chinese address for taxi drivers.

Stages
HIS provides education from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, with separate Elementary and Secondary departments. The site describes its continuous Pre-K to 12 program on the “HIS at a glance” page.

Type
HIS is a private, independent international school. It has historic roots tied to the Netherlands, but today it operates as an independent, English-language international school (with an English-language Western curriculum) and does not list a boarding program on its site.

Additional learning support
The school runs an English as a Second Language (ESL) department to support students with limited English proficiency. Other Special Educational Needs (SEN) provisions are not detailed on the site.

Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation stated on the HIS website. Historically, the school is noted as having Dutch origins and being licensed via the Dutch Trade Office, but it currently presents itself as an independent international school.

Religious affiliation
The HIS site does not indicate any religious affiliation; it presents a secular, values-based approach to education.

School day structure
The site does not publish daily start/end times or a detailed daily schedule publicly. It does publish a school calendar with term dates and holidays, and the calendar is available on the site for planning purposes. For exact daily timings, families are advised to contact the school.

Bus service
HIS lists four bus routes (Bus 1–Bus 4) serving various areas around Hsinchu (e.g., Guanxin area, Costco area, TIEDAO/Bade Road area, and Downtown) with pick-up points and community stops noted on the Bus Route page. The site does not publicly publish bus operator details or exact schedules; families should contact the school for current routes, timings, and arrangements.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The campus has a cafeteria on site. Lunch fees apply and are calculated based on academic quarters.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a fully licensed, independent international school. It was founded in 1981 and is run by the Head of School and Elementary Principal, Mrs. Rowena Lines.
Fees

Annual tuition at Hsinchu International School ranges from TWD 82,800 to TWD 114,080 for 2026/27.

Hsinchu International School (HIS) publishes separate fee schedules for Elementary and Secondary. The current published fee year is 2025–2026, and HIS operates on two semesters per academic year (first semester and second semester). Fees are quoted in New Taiwan Dollars (NT$).
Academics

Hsinchu International School teaches Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
Hsinchu International School (HIS) in Xiangshan, Hsinchu City, Taiwan offers a Pre-K through Grade 12 international program taught in English, with full WASC accreditation and a long-standing ECIS listing. Elementary Dept. curriculum (ages 4 through Grade 6) uses a scope-and-sequence spiral program covering English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science daily, with Chinese Studies from Grade 1–6, plus French, Orchestra, Chess, Swimming, and strong library/technology resources. Secondary Dept. curriculum is organized around three Learning Institutes (grades 7–8, 9–10, 11–12) with a Personal, Relevant and Rigorous framework, and emphasizes exhibitions and mastery, requiring 26 credits over four years to graduate. The program offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses such as AP Psychology, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, and AP World History, with Anthropology described as IB-based in the course catalog. In addition, HIS emphasizes experiential learning through field trips and internships and requires public Exhibitions at the end of each Institute, aligned with Student Outcomes focusing on critical thinking, effective communication, active learning, community contribution, and high character.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
1) Social and emotional learning (SEL) The Secondary Department at Hsinchu International School assigns the lead for SEL to the School Counselor, who oversees SEL, student wellbeing, and safeguarding. The faculty page identifies this counselor as responsible for coordinating SEL initiatives and student wellbeing across the secondary division. The counselor also coordinates the SHIINE student peer support team, indicating a peer-led element to wellbeing support. This arrangement shows SEL and safeguarding activities integrated under counseling leadership within the school.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
2) Special Educational Needs (SEN) The HIS website does not publish a dedicated SEN policy or description of SEN provision on publicly accessible pages. The site does publish English language support under ESL/EAL as a separate area. There is no publicly available evidence of a dedicated SEN staff or specialist SEN facility on the public pages. Because explicit SEN information is not publicly disclosed, it is not possible to confirm which SEN needs the school can support or whether HIS operates as a specialist SEN institution. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEN.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
3) English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing
4) Mental Wellbeing The Secondary School Counselor is noted as overseeing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and student wellbeing, which includes mental health supports as part of SEL. The school also features the SHIINE peer support team coordinated by the counselor, reflecting peer-based wellbeing support. Public safeguarding materials reference a Suicide Prevention Policy and procedures for identifying and responding to mental health concerns, including a 24-hour mental health emergency line and Mandarin hotlines. Staff are described as being trained in safeguarding practices as part of the school's wellbeing framework.

Safeguarding
5) Safeguarding The school states a Child Safeguarding Policy developed in line with Taiwan's child protection laws and international best practices (including UK standards). It outlines a robust reporting protocol requiring staff to report concerns to supervisors, the counseling team, or divisional principals, with avenues to report suspected abuse to authorities. The policy emphasizes confidentiality and protection for reporters and the child involved, and specifies involvement of authorities as required. It includes a Suicide Prevention Policy with procedures and emergency contacts, and a zero-tolerance stance on bullying/harassment along with a non-discrimination policy. The site provides a linked Child Safeguarding page as part of its safeguarding resources.
Parent Experience

History
Hsinchu International School was founded in 1981 by Philips Electronics as a company school for expatriate families in Hsinchu. Although officially named Hsinchu Holland International School, the curriculum has always been taught in English and follows an American/international program. In 1988 the school became fully independent, registered and licensed through the Dutch Trade Office, reflecting changes in expatriate demographics as Philips reduced its presence in Taiwan. The school expanded from a K–7 program to include a secondary department, with the secondary program later achieving full accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In 2007 the campus moved to a purpose-built five-story site in Xiangshan, shaping its development into today's facilities.

Community
HIS describes its community as a diverse international environment, with over 180 students representing 20 nationalities. The school's News section highlights student participation in international competitions, such as the UK Biology Olympiad, and charitable activities, including gifts for the Syin-Lu Social Welfare Foundation. The campus is portrayed as a purpose-built space designed to support both academics and the arts, contributing to a warm, secure atmosphere conducive to learning.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The HIS website does not publish a dedicated PTA page. Public information about parent involvement appears in the News section rather than a formal PTA calendar. News items include student achievements in competitions (e.g., the UK Biology Olympiad) and charitable activities (such as gifts for the Syin-Lu Social Welfare Foundation). The 'HIS at a glance' page emphasizes social and emotional development as a core part of the student experience, which often involves family participation. If parents want details on PTA meetings or volunteer opportunities, they should contact the Elementary or Secondary departments directly.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus is purpose-built to provide the best teaching and learning environment. It includes custom-built, state-of-the-art science labs with cutting-edge technology, fully-featured classrooms, a spacious auditorium, a cafeteria, a lobby, and dedicated performance and play areas. The campus is described as beautiful and stimulating and was designed by a team of school architects and experienced educators to support learning. It is the city's educational environment for foreign nationals with its own purpose-built campus.

Sports Facilities
All students participate in school-based physical education, enhanced by regular use of the neighbouring Hsinchu Hsiang Shan Elementary School Sports Stadium.

Academic Facilities
Our facility features custom-built, state-of-the-art science labs equipped with cutting-edge technology, as well as fully-featured classrooms, a spacious auditorium, a cafeteria, a lobby, and dedicated performance and play areas. Libraries form a vital part of the learning process: each classroom has its own grade-specific library area, and the central school library is vibrant and heavily used with a wide range of fiction and reference materials. Students have library education classes and access to a Wi‑Fi-enabled environment for research.

Extra Curricular Facilities
From French to Orchestra, Chess to Swimming, HIS offers an extensive range of after-school clubs and activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is a fully licensed, independent international school in Hsinchu, Taiwan, offering education from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.

Arts & Creative
The school provides a strong focus on academics and creative arts as part of its program and has a campus designed to support learning in both areas.

Cultural & Language
The Elementary curriculum includes English-language core subjects and Chinese Studies, with additional language and cultural experiences (e.g., French and orchestra) and after-school clubs.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers after-school clubs and activities such as French, orchestra, chess, swimming, and other arts and athletics options.

Community & Service
The curriculum emphasizes real-world learning, internships, field trips, and service-oriented experiences as part of its experiential learning approach.

Leadership & Professional
College counseling is available and the school supports college admission planning for graduates.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school aims to develop students' social and emotional well-being alongside academics, with an emphasis on a warm, supportive community.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for the core program. The school offers a complete western program taught in English. In Elementary, daily English core subjects are taught and Chinese Studies are provided for all students from Grade 1 to 6. ESL supports students with limited English proficiency to achieve academic success and engage socially and emotionally within the school community.
Reputation

Awards
- AP Computer Science A Female Diversity Award (College Board) — Recognizes high female representation in AP Computer Science A; HIS was among 225 schools honored in 2023 for the 2022–23 school year. The school's announcement was published January 18, 2024.

Accreditations
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — Full accreditation; indicates HIS meets internationally recognized standards for college-preparatory international schools and supports credibility with universities and transfer of credits.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Determine grade level and language eligibility. The online enrollment form asks applicants to specify the grade they are applying for and the entry grade, which is based on English proficiency. Applicants may need to provide ESL placement information as part of this step. This is reflected in the application form fields for Applying to Grade, Entry Grade (based on English proficiency), and ESL test considerations.

2. Prepare and submit the required documents via the HIS online application. When you submit the enrollment form, you should attach copies of your child's passport, health/immunization card, and the most recent school reports. The form also requests parent contact information, and asks for records authorization and a signed declaration. These document requirements are explicitly listed in the online application form instructions.

3. Review and understand the fees you will incur at enrollment. Elementary and Secondary levels have separate fee schedules with one-time items (Capital Fee and Registration), annual fees (Registration and Electronic Resource Licensing Fee, Insurance, Sports Kit), and semester tuition amounts. For Elementary, the Capital Fee is NT$40,000 per child (NT$60,000 per family if more than one child) and the Registration Fee is NT$35,000 per child (NT$45,000 per family). For Secondary, an Entrance Testing Fee of NT$5,000 applies to testing day, with Capital NT$40,000 per child and Registration NT$35,000 per child. Semester tuition for Elementary ranges per grade, and Secondary tuition is listed per semester; the school year is divided into two semesters and fees are due at the start of each term.

4. Complete any required assessments and place your child accordingly. For the Secondary Department, there is an Entrance Testing Fee payable on the testing day, and the Enrollment process includes an English-language placement element (ESL test results and entry grade). ESL-related placement is documented in the application form (ESL Test results and related fields). Ensure you complete these assessments as part of the admissions process.

5. Receive an admission decision and proceed to enrollment. While the site does not publish a step-by-step decision-notification timeline, it clearly outlines that fees (including the non-refundable Registration Fee) are required to secure a place for the following school year, and that fees/tuition are paid according to the two-semester schedule. After admission, you would complete the enrollment steps and pay the applicable fees as described in the school's fee schedules.

6. Pay tuition and fees according to the schedule to begin attendance. Tuition and other fees are due in NT dollars and must be paid before the student attends class; payments can be made at the accounting office or deposited to the school bank account. The first semester is due by August 20 and the second by January 14, with prorating for late enrollments as described in the fee documents.

7. Ongoing placement and arrival logistics. The school year is organized into two semesters, and the Registration Fee is used to secure a place for the next school year as described in the application and fees documents. Parents should track semester start dates and ensure timely fee payments to maintain eligibility for continued enrollment.

Scholarships
Hsinchu International School does not publish any scholarships or financial aid programs on its public site. There is no dedicated scholarships page or section in the available admissions/fees documentation. Families seeking financial assistance or alternate funding should contact the school directly to inquire about any potential options or considerations.

Waitlist
There is no explicit waitlist or pool system published on Hsinchu International School's site. The site provides an online application form, listed fees, and related policies, but does not describe any waitlist or pool mechanism. Families should assume placement depends on space availability and the standard enrollment process outlined in the fees/applications pages, unless the school communicates a waitlist option directly.
School Events
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