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Taipei American School

Taiwan, Taipei

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NT$214,711 - 236,778
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2370
Type Co-educational
Opened 1949
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Mandarin
Typical class size 21
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Taipei American School (TAS) is a private international day school in Taipei's Tianmu area offering an American-based education for KA through Grade 12. The language of instruction is English, with Mandarin taught as an additional language from Kindergarten onward. TAS is hosted on a 15-acre campus in Tianmu, a northern suburb of Taipei, featuring a dedicated Arts Center, science and technology labs, multiple gymnasia, and extensive athletic facilities. The school provides AP and IB pathways within an American framework and serves a diverse expatriate community of around 2,400 students annually. TAS maintains bus service for many Taipei-area residents and emphasizes a co-educational environment without on-campus boarding.

The Essentials

Taipei American School has 2,370 pupils, typical class sizes of 21, instruction in English.

Location
Taipei American School is located in the Tianmu neighborhood of Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan. The campus address is 800 Zhongshan North Road, Section 6, Taipei 11152. The nearest public transit options include Zhishan MRT Station (about a 25-minute walk) or a short bus ride on routes such as the 606. There is no guest parking on campus; nearby public parking is at the Tianmu circle, and taxi travel from Taoyuan International Airport typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Stages
TAS is organized into three divisions: Lower School (KA through Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and Upper School (Grades 9–12).

Type
Private, nonprofit international day school. It is co-educational.

Additional learning support
Support for Additional Learning Needs includes Learning Support for mild learning differences and English Language Development; there are guidance counselors, speech-language pathologists, and educational psychologists available.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation; TAS provides an American-based education as a private international school.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation.

School day structure
The official school day runs from 7:45 AM to 3:45 PM; divisions dismiss at different times, with the overall dismissal window typically between 2:15 PM and 3:45 PM.

Bus service
TAS operates a school bus service with routes across Taipei and surrounding areas. Morning buses arrive before the first class, afternoon buses depart about 10 minutes after dismissal, and a late bus runs at 5:30 PM for after-school activities. The service uses the Transportation Office, with more than 40 bilingual bus monitors and around 78 routes; for routes, registration and safety guidelines contact the Transportation Office.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The Snack Bar is open Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM, offering beverages, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods, with daily grab-and-go entrées; most items are made from scratch in the kitchen from fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients representing a variety of food cultures from around the world. The Cafeteria opens 11:00 AM–1:30 PM for hot lunch with four components (milk, vegetables, fruit or dessert, and a protein entree); entrées may be purchased individually or as a complete meal, and there are self-service salad and fruit bars, a Mexican bar, a pizza bar, and a potato bar. The Fitness Cafe on the fourth floor operates 7:30 AM–4:00 PM and provides healthy drinks, small meals, and snacks; a weekly menu is available.

Governance and Ownership
The TAS Board of Directors governs the school. The board is a hybrid structure of up to 14 members: nine elected and five appointed, including one appointed representative from the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). The Board is responsible for the long-term viability of the school, financial oversight, and governance, and it hires and supports the Head of School. The school is registered as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and is included in the Private School Promotion Foundation (PSPF) under Article 62 of the Taiwan Private School Law.
Fees

Annual tuition at Taipei American School ranges from TWD 214,711 to TWD 236,778 for 2026/27.

Annual tuition at Taipei American School ranges from NT$ 933,526 to NT$ 1,340,026 depending on year group. That works out at roughly NT$ 933,526 to NT$ 1,340,026 for the early years, NT$ 933,526 to NT$ 1,140,650 for primary, NT$ 1,029,470 to NT$ 1,140,650 for secondary, NT$ 1,029,470 for sixth form. Expect an application fee of NT$ 10,000 and an enrolment fee of NT$ 50,000 on enrolment.
Academics

Taipei American School teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP) for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
Taipei American School offers a KA–12 (PreK–12) American‑based program with instruction in English and Mandarin available from Kindergarten, and provides both the IB Diploma and Advanced Placement (AP) pathways alongside college preparatory classes. The written curriculum is guided by Understanding by Design and is aligned across KA–12 to support a holistic, student‑centered approach. Lower School (PreK–Grade 5) covers Art, Language Arts, Library, Mandarin, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, Social‑Emotional Learning, and Technology & Design. Middle School (Grades 6–8) features ten curricular areas with eight class periods per day, offering a mix of required courses and electives. Upper School (Grades 9–12) centers on student choice with 22 required credits and extensive AP and IB pathways; AP courses begin in Grade 10 and IB courses in Grade 11, with GOA options and opportunities to pursue the full IB Diploma (the school notes substantial IB/Capstone uptake, including a 15% IB Diploma rate and AP Capstone Diplomas). Taipei American School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Taipei American School supports students' social, emotional, and mental well-being through a comprehensive counseling model across Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. Counselors deliver classroom lessons, small groups, 1:1 meetings, and family meetings to develop social, emotional, mental, academic, and multicultural competencies. The program emphasizes that student well-being is at the heart of the educational approach and fosters a sense of belonging, diversity, and ongoing collaboration between home and school. In addition to direct student support, TAS offers parent education events and workshops throughout the year. School psychologists and counselors promote wellness and resilience and provide appropriate supports and referrals as needed.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
TAS provides Learning Support for students with mild learning differences (KA-12) and speech/language therapy (KA-12), with services designed to help students access grade-level curriculum. The Learning Support teams offer individual and small-group instruction, executive functioning coaching, and self-advocacy development, plus accommodations and alternative instructional strategies as identified by internal or external assessments. The school notes dedicated in-house educational psychologists (three) and a student-support team to assist learning, behavior, and mental health needs. TAS is not a specialist SEN institution and, per school policy, admits only students with no more than mild learning differences. Speech-language therapy is provided after a formal referral and evaluation, with services available across KA-12.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language Development (EAL) at TAS operates without a separate, fee-based EAL program for Grades KA-8, in a multilingual environment where all teachers support English language development across learning experiences. In Lower and Middle Schools, a sheltered immersion model groups students of varying English proficiency together to access the curriculum. Beginning in Grade 3, curriculum expectations assume English language development is ongoing to access content independently. Upper School does not offer EAL support. All teachers contribute to language development, and there is no separate EAL program or fee for KA-8.

Mental Wellbeing
TAS supports mental wellbeing through counseling services and school psychologists who work with students across KA-12 to promote wellness and resilience. In Upper School, wellbeing lessons during Advisory address mental health topics such as anxiety, wellness, gratitude, and self-care, including related skills and resources. The counseling program emphasizes proactive planning, including life after TAS, and ongoing access to individual or group support. For mental health emergencies outside school hours, TAS directs families to the Community Services Center after-hours Crisis Line (0932-594-578) or the 24-hour Mandarin line (1925). School psychologists provide diagnostic evaluations and referrals to support learning and mental health as needed.

Safeguarding
Taipei American School frames safeguarding as everyone's responsibility, with the safety and well-being of students as the school's highest priority. The school aligns with global safeguarding best practices, prohibits harm or exploitation, and maintains an inclusive approach for all students. A Schoolwide Safeguarding Lead (Zanthe Ng) and a safeguarding team handle concerns, with formal policies and procedures for reporting and safeguarding interactions. Policies include Child Protection, Suicide Prevention, Harassment & Bullying, Gender/Affirmation policies, privacy, and acceptable use guidelines, with ongoing staff training and parent collaboration. The school provides age-appropriate lessons on personal safety, digital wellbeing, and bullying prevention, and emphasizes confidential reporting and partnership with families.
Parent Experience

History
Taipei American School was founded on September 26, 1949, starting in the basement of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary with eight students. It grew with support from American missionaries and expatriates and expanded to a larger campus on Chang'an East Road in the early 1950s. In the 1950s–1970s, TAS served as a U.S. Department of Defense contract school for the children of U.S. military personnel in Taiwan. After diplomatic relations with the ROC evolved in 1979, TAS reorganized as a private international school governed by the Taipei American School Foundation, and in 1989 it relocated to its current 15-acre Tianmu campus. The school has marked major anniversaries, including its 50th in 1999, its 70th in 2019, and its 75th in 2024-25.

Community
Taipei American School describes itself as a multicultural, multinational, multilingual community with a long history in Taipei. The student body includes nationals from many countries, with around 70% holding American citizenship and about 30% representing roughly 35 other nations; the faculty is similarly diverse, with a sizable proportion of staff from the United States and from Taiwan, plus colleagues from Canada, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. The TAS community emphasizes student mentorship, after-school activities, and a range of events that connect students, families, and alumni. The school maintains active alumni networks and family organizations such as the PTA and TAS Cultural Connection (TASCC), which help coordinate engagement and cultural exchange.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Taipei American School's PTA is a core part of the school's family involvement framework, alongside the TAS Cultural Connection. The PTA mobilizes volunteers to support school programs, organize schoolwide activities, offer educational opportunities, and raise funds for programs and facilities. It provides channels for parent participation, including a board with a nomination and election process, and it maintains newsletters and communication channels for families. There are specific signature events such as the PTA Fall Fair, and programs like Ambassador Family sign-up to help new families integrate. The PTA also links to resources like newsletters and board contact information to facilitate involvement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Taipei American School sits on a multi-building campus that serves the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, plus spaces for technology and the arts. The campus includes a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, a 400-meter all-weather track, three gymnasiums, covered and outdoor tennis courts, a synthetic turf field, and a dedicated golf center. The Arts facilities feature a dedicated arts center with multiple dance studios, music practice and recording spaces, visual arts studios, a film production studio with editing workstations, and three theaters including a large auditorium and a black box theater. Academic facilities include more than 250 classrooms with advanced science, robotics, and computer labs, plus a four-story library with an information commons and a media complex and a Tech Cube with 3D printers. On-site dining options include a cafeteria, pizza bar, snack bar, and fitness cafe, with parking facilities to support daily campus life.

Sports Facilities
The athletic facilities include a 25-meter indoor swimming pool with a Daktronics timing system and a full locker room. There are four indoor and outdoor tennis courts with Decoturf surfaces, a 400-meter all-weather running track, and three large gymnasiums. A strength and conditioning center supports training, and the synthetic turf soccer/rugby field accommodates team practices and games. These spaces support physical education, informal activities, and competitive play across the school.

Academic Facilities
The school has more than 250 classrooms, including advanced scientific, robotics, and computer labs. A four-story library, an information commons, and a media complex support research and study across grade levels. The Tech Cube provides technology resources such as 3D printers, and the campus includes a dedicated video production studio with editing workstations. Lower, middle, and upper school facilities are designed to integrate learning across disciplines.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Arts facilities include the 680-seat Guy Lott Jr. Auditorium, a black box theater, and the Harmony Theater, all equipped with lighting and sound technology. Three spacious dance studios with sprung flooring support dance training and performances. The spaces also include multiple music, film, and visual arts studios, a professional film production studio with high-end editing workstations, and a fully equipped darkroom. On-campus dining options, including a cafeteria, pizza bar, snack bar, and fitness cafe, complement a broad schedule of arts and other extracurricular activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Taipei American School offers a large lineup of extracurriculars that emphasize academic enrichment, STEM, and competitive experiences. The school notes there are over 100 clubs and activities across divisions, many of which focus on scholarly or competitive pursuits. For example, TAS Speech and Debate provides a formal NSDA-affiliated program with weekly trainings and participation in regional and international tournaments, and TAS Math Club centers on investigating advanced mathematical topics and competing in events such as COMAP, World Mathematics Championships, HMMT, and Purple Comet.

Arts & Creative
The school supports a range of arts and creative clubs and activities. The Vivace music group leads charity concerts and community performances, integrating performance with service. The Film Club cultivates filmmaking skills through screenings, technical discussions, and film projects, while Expression Magazine serves as TAS's journal for creative writing and visual art, including workshops and open performances.

Cultural & Language
Cultural and language clubs foster international awareness and language practice. The Spanish Society promotes language and cultural activities for the Upper School community, while Japanese Honor Society and Chinese Language Society focus on cultural promotion and language immersion. Additional clubs like Indigenous Impact and International Culture Club expand cultural understanding and cross-cultural exchange within TAS.

Social & Hobbies
Social and hobby clubs provide flexible, interest-driven participation. Middle School offerings include two formats: drop-in clubs and commitment clubs, with clubs rotating on a block schedule to accommodate busy student lives. Esports Club, Nintendo Squad, and other interest groups offer social and recreational opportunities that build community around shared passions.

Community & Service
Community service and outreach are central to many TAS clubs. Feeding Taiwan runs regular outings to prepare and distribute meals to underprivileged populations, while I Care partners with local organizations to engage in arts and crafts with visually impaired participants. Teach and Reach blends service with English-language learning for elementary students, complementing broader TAS outreach efforts.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership and professional development are fostered through several programs. The National Honor Society at TAS selects members based on scholarship, leadership, service, and character, with active chapter responsibilities. Rise Up is a student-led initiative focused on intersectional feminism and leadership development, including a leadership summit, and the Yearbook Club provides experiences in publishing, collaboration, and project management. These options support students in taking on responsibilities and developing organizational skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing and fitness are supported by a range of sports and activity clubs. Triathlon, Ultimate Frisbee, and Water Polo offer both competitive and recreational pathways, with regular practices and opportunities to participate in competitions. Middle School clubs also include flexible, wellness-oriented activities that emphasize balance between academics and physical health.
Languages

Language Provision
Mandarin Chinese is taught from Kindergarten, with daily instruction beginning in the Lower School. In Middle School, world languages include Mandarin, Spanish, and Classics; in Upper School, Mandarin, Spanish, and Japanese are offered with multiple levels and a third-year proficiency requirement for graduation. The program also provides English as an Additional Language support with dedicated staff, and offers home language support and translational services to families. Additionally, TAS maintains a Chinese Library to support Mandarin language learners, and translational services help families maintain home languages.

Bilingual Teaching
The school is not a true bilingual institution. The language of instruction is English across all grade levels. Mandarin is taught as a world language from Kindergarten through Grade 12 with a heavy emphasis and multiple proficiency pathways. The program is described as bicultural rather than bilingual.

Immersion Programs
English Language Development uses a sheltered immersion model in Lower and Middle School, allowing multilingual learners to participate in the same classes as their peers. There is no separate ELD fee or stand-alone program; English development occurs within regular instruction. Mandarin is taught as a world language across K-12 rather than as a Mandarin immersion track, and students access Mandarin instruction daily starting in Kindergarten. TAS does not offer a Mandarin immersion program.
Reputation

Awards
2021: FIRST Global Innovation Awards — TAS FRC Team 4253 (Raid Zero) was selected as a Global Innovation Challenge Finalist, recognizing a top global project among FIRST Global teams.
2021: FIRST Global Innovation Awards — Team also earned the Skills Competition Finalist Award, the Innovation Challenge Semi-Finalist, and the Regional Chairman's Award, highlighting multiple facets of STEM outreach and project development.
2022: TAS Wins THINK Award at Remote VEX World Championships — The team earned the THINK Award for Best programming strategy and codebase in a world-championship online event.
2022: TAS Terminus (Middle School 4813A) — Won Division Championship at the VEX World Championship, marking a historic team achievement for TAS and Taiwan.
2023: FIRST Robotics Competition, Canadian Pacific Regional — Team 4253 Raid Zero earned Regional Finalists, Quality Award, and Wildcard honors at the regional event.
2024: CASE Circle of Excellence Bronze — TAS won bronze in CASE Circle of Excellence for the Community Giving Campaign “3 Weeks to 300,” recognizing excellence in educational advancement communications and fundraising efforts.
2024: FIRST Robotics Competition, Canadian Pacific Regional — Team 4253 Raid Zero earned Regional Finalists at the Canadian Pacific Regional.
2025: FIRST Robotics Competition — Hawaii Regional — Gracious Professionalism Award awarded to Team 4253 Raid Zero for sportsmanship, professionalism, and teamwork.
2025: FIRST Robotics Competition — New Taipei City Regional — Regional FIRST Impact Award (a team-level award recognizing impact and outreach).
2025: FIRST Robotics Competition — Canadian Pacific Regional — Regional Engineering Inspiration Award (team-level award for outreach and engineering inspiration).
2025: National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament — TAS Debate Team won first place in Policy Debate and earned the Unger Cup for the strongest post-season performance.

Accreditations
1. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — TAS is accredited by WASC, a regional accrediting body that visits and reviews schools to ensure standards of quality, governance, and student learning are met.
2. International Baccalaureate (IB) authorization — TAS is an official provider of International Baccalaureate courses and the IB Diploma in the Upper School, indicating authorization to offer IB programs and meet IB standards.
3. Advanced Placement (AP) program provider — TAS is an official provider of AP courses and the AP Capstone Diploma in the Upper School and serves as a PSAT/SAT test center, reflecting alignment with College Board programs and college readiness pathways.
Admissions

Waitlist
Taipei American School does not publish a formal waitlist or pool process. Admissions are described as rolling placements based on space availability, with many grades filling by April for Semester 1. Families are encouraged to apply early and check space availability. (Sources: How to Apply – rolling placements; Important Dates – “Most Semester 1 admission decisions are communicated… on a rolling basis” and “space availability.”)
School Events
The school has not added events
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