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I-Shou International School

Taiwan, Kaohsiung

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NT$4,602 - 8,762
Ages 6 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 600
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2004
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, British Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum, French Curriculum, Indian Curriculum, Vietnamese Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages English, Mandarin
Typical class size 6
Strengths Languages, STEM, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School, Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

I-Shou International School is a private, co‑educational international/bilingual school in Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Founded in 2004, it offers multiple pathways for international-minded learners, including the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), together with the Cambridge IGCSE for some grades and Taiwan's national curriculum for selected cohorts. The campus sits in the E‑Da community area of Kaohsiung and features a boarding house for students in grades 6–12, a diverse programme of global trips, and extensive sports and activities. The school emphasises bilingual education and inquiry-based learning, delivering English as the core language of instruction, with Chinese language study and bilingual options in the upper grades. It is led by Principal Chien Wei (Roger) Lee (since 2022) and is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Taiwanese Ministry of Education, with IB programmes and Cambridge IGCSE in its international pathways. The school maintains a strong university admissions track record for graduates and offers a wide range of co‑curricular activities, including Model United Nations, robotics, chess, and a large sports/activities programme.

Section 1, Xuecheng Rd, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 840302

The Essentials

I-Shou International School has 600 pupils, typical class sizes of 6, instruction in English.

Location

Location: 6 Xuecheng Road, Section 1, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 840302. The IIS campus sits on the I-Shou University grounds in Dashu District, Kaohsiung, providing access to university facilities and a campus environment oriented toward higher education. The school operates a transportation network with Eda Bus Company to move hundreds of students to Kaohsiung City and surrounding areas.

Stages

Levels: NK-K2 Pre-School; Primary G1-G5; Middle Years G6-G8 (MYP); IGCSE G9-G10; Diploma G11-G12 (DP); Secondary Bilingual Programme G7-G12; Grade 7-12 National is also offered.

Type

School type: Private, co-educational, international/bilingual day school with a Boarding House option for some year groups.

Additional learning support

Additional learning support: The Student Support program provides life guidance and counseling; IIS counselors support personal growth and career goals, and if additional resources are needed, the school will work with the student and family to access appropriate help.

Country affiliation

Country affiliation: The school is based in Taiwan and is accredited by the Taiwan Ministry of Education; it is not listed as affiliated with a specific country.

Religious affiliation

Religious affiliation: No explicit religious affiliation is listed; IIS presents itself as a bilingual international day/boarding school.

School day structure

Day structure: The school year runs from early September to late June. School hours are 8:00 a.m.–4:25 p.m. (grades 1–12) from Monday to Friday, with 8:00 a.m.–3:05 p.m. on Wednesdays for grades 1–12.

Bus service

School bus service: IIS partners with the Eda Bus Company to transport hundreds of students across Kaohsiung and surrounding areas, with more than a dozen buses and four dedicated routes to Tainan. Buses arrive at school between 7:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and depart at 5:10 p.m.; buses are modern, air-conditioned, and equipped with video cameras and GPS tracking.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding is available for students in grades 6–12, with residence offered on all days of the week. Boarders have a living space and belong to a house group, with daily routines and after-school activities designed to support academics and personal development. Facilities include shared bedrooms, a student common center with a kitchen, lounge, meeting rooms, and a game room, plus a gym and laundry facilities. The cafeteria provides buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner for boarders, and night study is supervised each evening.

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are compulsory for all students. There are different uniforms for different age ranges, and separate sports and formal wear are used for activities and occasions.

Food Options

Lunch is provided daily. Primary students have a snack during the afternoon break. Grades 9–12 students eat lunch in the university food court, and lunch fees are not included in tuition.

House System

I-Shou International School uses a House System to promote positive student relationships, a sense of belonging, and school identity. Students are assigned to a house group and can participate in house activities and competitions.

Governance and Ownership

The school is privately owned and independent, governed by a Board of Governors as prescribed by Taiwan law and best practice guidelines set forth by the Council of International Schools. The Board comprises 11 members and is responsible for the school's overall direction, financial stewardship, and administration.
Fees

Annual tuition at I-Shou International School ranges from TWD 4,602 to TWD 8,762 for 2026/27.

Application Fees

- Application fee: TWD 3,000 per child, payable upon submission of the application form. This application fee is non-refundable.

Tuition Fees (core tuition — per semester and per year)

- Primary Lower Level (G1–G3): TWD 185,000 per semester — TWD 370,000 per year.
- Primary Upper Level (G4–G5): TWD 187,500 per semester — TWD 375,000 per year.
- Middle Years Programme / G6: TWD 237,300 per semester — TWD 474,600 per year.
- International Middle Years (G7–G8): TWD 237,300 per semester — TWD 474,600 per year.
- Cambridge IGCSE (G9): TWD 242,000 per semester — TWD 484,000 per year.
- Middle Years / G10: TWD 270,800 per semester — TWD 541,600 per year.
- Diploma Programme (G11–G12): TWD 273,800 per semester — TWD 547,600 per year.
- National Programme (Bilingual) G7–G9: TWD 143,800 per semester — TWD 287,600 per year.
- National Programme (Bilingual) G10–G12: TWD 162,100 per semester — TWD 324,200 per year.

These amounts are listed as the core tuition charges (per semester) and can be doubled to calculate the annual tuition.

Required Fees (per semester unless otherwise stated)

- Lunch: TWD 12,000 per semester.
- Health examination: TWD 300 – TWD 1,325 (first semester only and subject to grade level).
- Parent Association fee: TWD 100 per household.
- Student insurance: TWD 200 per semester.

Additional Fees and Typical Ranges (per semester or as noted)

- Bus fee (subject to frequency of rides): TWD 20,000 – TWD 43,500 per semester.
- Boarding fee (subject to number of boarding days): TWD 62,000 – TWD 135,000 per semester. Daily breakfast and dinner are included. An TWD 8,000 medical emergency deposit will be withheld prior to check–in; the unused amount will be refunded at the end of each school year.
- Pastoral care for international students (where the school arranges guardianship support): TWD 15,000 per semester.
- Books (subject to grade level): TWD 2,000 – TWD 30,000 per semester.
- Uniform: TWD 5,000 – TWD 9,000 (subject to number of pieces).
- DP (Diploma Programme) exam registration & administration fee: TWD 4,200 per subject.
- E.X.P.L.O.R.E. Program Trips — overseas: TWD 120,000 – NTD 200,000 (per trip); on‑island trip TWD 15,000 – TWD 40,000 (per trip).

Note: fees do not include purchases such as school uniform, personal equipment or IT devices, external examination charges, excursions, school bus and overseas trips, and after‑school activities provided by external providers; some additional charges may require direct or advance payment.

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms

- Billing frequency and timing: Fees are payable on a term‑by‑term basis and must be paid in advance. Discounts are available for families with two or more children enrolled; please inquire for details.
- Payment options: online credit card payments, bank counters, ATMs, remittance, and online ATM transfers (payments are processed via the bank e‑billing system). After bank transfer or remittance, a scanned copy of the transfer should be emailed to the school or the transfer faxed; the school requests the full name of the child(ren) and entry grade level be included with payment documentation.

Refunds, Deposits and Related Policies

- Application fee: non-refundable.
- Boarding medical emergency deposit (TWD 8,000): the unused portion of this deposit will be refunded at the end of each school year.
Academics

I-Shou International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, British Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum, French Curriculum, Indian Curriculum, Vietnamese Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 6 to 18.

Curriculum

The school is an IB World School authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), and to teach the Taiwan Ministry of Education National Curriculum for Grades 9–12. The Primary Department in Grades 1–6 completes the PYP and MYP in a blended IB and MOE programme in a bilingual environment with dual-homeroom teachers. The MYP runs from Grade 6 to 10, and Grades 9–10 can follow the Cambridge IGCSE as part of a dual-track junior pathway, while Grades 11–12 pursue the IB Diploma Programme. The Diploma Programme core components are Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service, with DP subjects across six groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics and the Arts. A National/MOE pathway is available for Grades 7–12, and the school emphasizes inquiry-based learning, international-mindedness and university admissions support for both local and international destinations.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

I-Shou International School provides Life Guidance and Counseling to support Social and Emotional Learning, offering a safe environment to express thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, set personal goals, and explore potential with counselors who coordinate with families if additional resources are needed.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, staff, or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL provisions; there is a Secondary Bilingual Programme (G7-G12), but no published EAL policy.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported through Life Guidance and Counseling, which helps students develop positive skills, personal growth, and career planning in a confidential setting.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is addressed through confidential counseling with mandated reporting for imminent harm and reporting to Taiwanese Child Protection Services in abuse or related under-18 cases.
Parent Experience

History

I-Shou International School was founded by Mr. Lin I-Shou, the chairman of the E-United Group, as part of a broader education vision that began with Kaohsiung Polytechnic in 1986 and I-Shou University in 1997. The school opened its doors in 2004 and quickly became a leader in education and teaching practice in Southern Taiwan. In 2008, Taiwan's Ministry of Education registered the school, completing the founder's plan for a complete education experience from kindergarten to university and fostering international mindedness. In 2012, I-Shou International School became the first school in Taiwan authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. In 2015, I-Shou International School was accredited by the Council of International Schools, and development continued with a new middle school planned for 2018 and a 7–12 dual-track model, with IGCSE implemented in 2024 and beyond.

Community

I-Shou International School maintains a bilingual, globally minded community with a diverse faculty and student body drawn from multiple nationalities. The school uses a four-house system—Ignis, Aqua, Terra, and Aethra—to foster interaction beyond the classroom, and the Student Council leads activities such as The 30 Hour Famine, talent shows, music concerts, and fundraising. The activities program offers more than 175 sport, art, culture, and service options each year, with over 25 additional clubs taught by part‑time teachers and participation in inter‑school competitions through ACAMIS and TISSA. The International Campus is located on the I-Shou University grounds, providing a campus life link to university settings, and IIS also runs a 7‑day boarding program for enrolled students.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) supports IIS families as they experience transitions at the school, serving as a source of strength, knowledge, and lifelong friendships. The 2025‑26 PTA President is Tung, Keng‑Yu, and the committee includes two vice presidents (Chen, Hui‑Ching and Lu, Hui‑Ping), a supervisor (Wu, Chut‑Fong), and a treasurer (Chang, Shu‑Pi). Committee members are Lin, Chih‑Chi and Li, Liang‑Tsen. The PTA can be contacted at iis@iis.kh.edu.tw, and the school address is 6 Xuecheng Road, Section 1, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 840302.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

I-Shou International School provides modern facilities to support IB programs and inquiry-based learning. The Atrium blends technology with the arts for immersive, interdisciplinary projects. The Immersive Learning Lab offers XR devices for cross-curricular exploration. The Maker and Design Imaginarium includes two design classrooms, a woodworking workshop, a well-equipped makerspace, and a digital lab with robotics kits and 3D printers. The Media & Design Lab supports visual arts and digital media with industry-standard software, and the library houses over 43,000 volumes with online databases. The International Campus on the I-Shou University grounds hosts International Secondary Department classes.

Sports Facilities

Sports facilities include a state-of-the-art gym facility that has been recently renovated and is available for student use after school and during Physical Education classes. The gym is located on the first floor of the Boarding House, providing convenient access for boarders and day students.

Academic Facilities

Academic facilities support inquiry-based learning and IB programs. The Immersive Learning Lab is equipped with Meta Quest XR devices for cross-curricular exploration. The Maker and Design Imaginarium provides two design classrooms, a woodworking workshop, a makerspace with a range of tools, and a digital lab with robotics kits and 3D printers. The Media & Design Lab offers computers with industry-standard software to support digital media and visual arts projects. The Library houses more than 43,000 volumes, 50 current periodicals, and 10 newspapers, and provides online databases, information retrieval services, and interlibrary loan.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Extracurricular spaces support student creativity and performance. The Auditorium seats 400 and is equipped for theatre, music performances, and school events. The CAS Center offers dedicated spaces for cooking, dance, presentation, and exhibition activities, supporting arts-based clubs. The Maker and Design Imaginarium, Media & Design Lab, and Library enable students to pursue clubs in design, robotics, digital media, and visual arts. The Common Room and boarding house facilities provide spaces for social activities, recreation, and informal gatherings.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

IIS offers a broad range of academic and intellectual activities beyond the classroom. Model United Nations (MUN) is a core program that develops research, argumentation, and public speaking. A wide selection of STEM and digital disciplines includes VEX robotics teams (IQ, V5) and FRC, Creative Coding, Python for Beginners, Web Design, App Design, and 3D Printing and Modeling. The school also supports Global Issues Network and InterAct programs to foster global awareness and service-minded learning.

Arts & Creative

IIS provides extensive arts and creative activities beyond the classroom. Students participate in music and performance groups such as Rock Band, Music Ensemble, Drama, and Dance, and engage in visual and media arts through Animations, Art Studio, Arts and Crafts, Sculpture, Stop Motion Animation, and Manga and Anime Club. Additional opportunities include Chinese Drama Tricks and other performance and exhibition formats aligned with annual arts events.

Cultural & Language

IIS fosters cultural awareness and global understanding through clubs and events that emphasize cross-cultural learning. The Global Issues Network and InterAct provide platforms for international perspectives and community engagement. The school marks global awareness days such as UN Day and World AIDS Day, and includes culture-focused clubs like Manga and Anime and Chinese Drama Tricks.

Social & Hobbies

IIS offers recreational clubs and informal interest groups beyond academics. Students can join the Student Council and participate in House activities and yearbook projects that foster collaboration. Hobby and social clubs include Chess and Board Games, Strategy Games, Manga and Anime, Rock Band, Dance, and various performing arts, all taking place after the regular school day.

Community & Service

IIS emphasizes service and outreach through the Service Learning program and related clubs. The Global Issues Network and InterAct support community projects and partnerships with local primary schools. The program includes awareness days such as World AIDS Day and UN Day, and fundraising and service events such as The 30 Hour Famine.

Leadership & Professional

Student leadership is cultivated through the Student Council, which enables students to organize activities and lead events such as fundraisers, talent shows, and music concerts. The House system and organized student-led assemblies promote teamwork and leadership across the school. Technical and creative clubs such as VEX robotics, Python for Beginners, Web Design, App Design, and the Computer Science Club develop collaboration, problem-solving and project management skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

IIS runs a robust sports and activities program to support wellbeing. The middle school program focuses on volleyball, basketball, softball, and soccer, while high school competes in soccer, basketball, and volleyball; the school participates in Taiwan International Schools Sports Association (TISSA) and the Association of Chinese and Mongolian International Schools (ACAMIS) for inter-school tournaments. The program also includes after-school activities such as Yoga, Physical Conditioning, Running Club, Martial Arts, and Cross Country Running, plus a House system that promotes community.
Languages

Language Provision

English and Chinese are the core languages of instruction. English is taught by both overseas and host-country teachers, using international language-learning resources to support language development. The school offers IB PYP, MYP and DP pathways, plus a National Programme, with language support for non-native speakers and explicit emphasis on mother-tongue language development across the curriculum.

Bilingual Teaching

Yes. I-Shou International School offers a bilingual English–Chinese programme across its Primary and Secondary divisions. In Primary Years G1-G5, small classes foster a bilingual environment with a dual homeroom teacher system (overseas and host-country teachers). Preschool NK-K2 also uses bilingual homeroom teachers. In Secondary G7-G12, the Secondary Bilingual Programme provides English–Chinese instruction taught by both international and local teachers, with English delivered by experienced overseas and host-country staff to develop language proficiency in an international learning context.

Immersion Programs

Language immersion is embedded in the school's bilingual model, with language learning integrated across the curriculum through the dual homeroom teacher approach. The International Summer Camp provides language immersion experiences, including Language Programs such as Practical Chinese for Beginners and interactions with native speakers, supported by camp assistants from the USA offering full English interaction. The campus features an Immersive Learning Lab to support language-rich experiences.
Reputation

Awards

Awards (past 5 years): No awards publicly published by IIS for 2021–2026 are listed on the IIS site. The site's public materials emphasize IB/CIS/ACAMIS/AAIE/ACMIBS accreditation and MOE evaluations rather than post-2020 awards. For context, older Taiwan MOE evaluations noted by IIS include 2019 High School Evaluation – A+, 2017 Middle School Evaluation – A+, 2013 High School Evaluation – 1st Prize, 2013 Middle School Evaluation – A+, and 2010 High School Evaluation – A+. These older MOE recognitions are the most recent awards the site explicitly records in its public pages. (Citations: Accreditation page; History page.)

Accreditations

1) International Baccalaureate (IB) – Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) authorisations. IIS is an IB World Continuum school, authorized to offer all three IB programmes, which indicates alignment with IB's globally recognized inquiry-based framework. 2) Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum – IIS is listed as offering the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum, reflecting Cambridge's international secondary credential. 3) Council of International Schools (CIS) – IIS is associated with CIS, reflecting ongoing international school standards and accreditation processes. 4) Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) – IIS is associated with AAIE, a global network supporting international schools. 5) Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS) – IIS is associated with ACAMIS, a regional international schools network. 6) Association of Chinese and Mongolian IB Schools (ACMIBS) – IIS is associated with ACMIBS, linking IB schools in the Chinese/Mongolian context. 7) Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) – National accreditation/evaluation: IIS has MOE-initiated recognitions such as High School and Middle School evaluations. Specific MOE evaluations listed by the school include: 2019 High School Evaluation – A+; 2017 Middle School Evaluation – A+; 2013 High School Evaluation – 1st Prize; 2013 Middle School Evaluation – A+; 2010 High School Evaluation – A+. 2008 Taiwan MOE registration is noted as part of the school's registration history. These MOE recognitions reflect Taiwan's national oversight of the school's compliance and quality as an international/private institution. (Citations: Accreditation page; Vision page; History page.)
Admissions

Admissions

Step 1: Submit Application and Supporting Documents. Submit a completed Application Form for I-Shou International School along with identification documents. For Taiwanese citizens, include a copy of the applicant's passport; for international applicants, include copies of the passport and the Alien Resident Certificate. Official transcripts or report cards from the previous two academic years must be provided, and if the school is outside Taiwan, authorization of the two academic years' report cards is required. An application fee of NT$3,000 per child is payable upon submission and is non-refundable. Admission remains subject to age eligibility, fulfillment of selection criteria, the school having a place in the appropriate year, and payment of enrolment fees and the first term's tuition, along with written acceptance of the Terms and Conditions.

Scholarships

Step 3: Interview and Testing. Upon successful review, an oral interview and tests are scheduled; the applicant and family transfer the application and test fee of NT$3,000 prior to the interview and testing. The test and interview scope varies by program: PYP Grade 1-5 requires an oral interview plus English, Chinese, and Math; MYP Grade 6-8 and 10 require an oral interview plus English and Chinese tests; Cambridge IGCSE Grade 9 requires English and Chinese tests; Diploma Programme Grade 11-12 requires English and Chinese tests; National Programme Grade 7-12 requires a bilingual oral interview plus English, Chinese, and Math tests. Testing typically lasts 1 to 2.5 hours depending on age and requirements. An in-class morning/afternoon session may be included as part of the admissions review process., Step 4: Acceptance Decision. After testing and a final documents review, an acceptance decision is made. If accepted, tuition and fees must be paid by the designated due date to reserve the seat; failure to meet the deadline may result in forfeiture of enrollment and placement on the waiting list. An accepted applicant must provide Student Medical Information and Student Enrollment Information as a condition of enrollment; IIS will not discuss or release an applicant's information to anyone other than the applicant and the parent/legal guardian, and applications from educational agencies or consultants are not accepted. , Step 5: Enrollment Documentation and Confirmation. Following acceptance and written confirmation, the family completes enrollment paperwork, including medical and enrollment forms. All submitted documents become the property of IIS and are not returned after the application process; further, the school emphasizes confidentiality and does not release information to third parties without written consent. (Citations: Admissions Overview; Entry Requirements)

Waitlist

Step 2: Review and waitlist. After submission, the Admissions Office reviews the documents to determine whether an interview and test can be offered. If the applicant meets the criteria, the family is contacted to schedule an interview and testing. If no place is available in the requested year, the applicant is placed on a waiting list, and families are contacted as spaces become available. Depending on time since the last assessment, a further assessment may be required, and this second assessment may be offered at no charge.
School Events
The school has not added events