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Washington International School in Taichung (WIST)

Taiwan, Taichung

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Chamorro, Mandarin, English, English, Chamorro
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2000
Type Co-educational
Opened 1999
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Taught languages English, Mandarin
Typical class size 5
Strengths Sport, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School
Introduction

Washington International School in Taichung (WIST) offers a Grades 7–12 American-styled curriculum with English as the main language of instruction. In Junior High, Chinese Literature, Math and Science are taught in Chinese, while other subjects follow U.S. Common Core standards. The high school program supports SAT and AP exams, and mock TOEFL testing is provided for Grade 9 and 10 students; many Grade 11–12 students take SAT or ACT alongside TOEFL or IELTS, and AP courses are commonly pursued. WIST provides a broad range of extracurriculars, including Student Council, team sports and clubs, a Debate Team, Culture Clubs, Community Service, and the Student Newspaper MUN. In 2025, WIST became an IB World School, offering the Diploma Programme in addition to AP pathways, enabling an AP/IB dual-track approach. The campus is located at No. 26 Buzaikeng Road, Taiping District, Taichung City, Taiwan. Admissions guide students from Grade 7 to Grade 11, supported by a college counseling program that prepares them for universities worldwide.

No.26, Buzaikeng Rd., Taiping Dist., Taichung City 411, Taiwan

The Essentials

Washington International School in Taichung (WIST) has 2,000 pupils, typical class sizes of 5, instruction in English, Chamorro, Mandarin, English, English, Chamorro.

Location
The Washington International School in Taichung is located at No. 26, Buzaikeng Road, Taiping District, Taichung City 411012, Taiwan. The hillside campus is near a bus stop and about a 20-minute commute from downtown Taichung. The address is publicly listed on the school's materials.

Stages
WIST offers Grades 7-12, with both junior high and senior high. The curriculum is American-styled, with English as the primary language of instruction and some Chinese instruction in junior high (Chinese literature, math, and science).

Type
Private, coeducational. Boarding facilities are available on campus for eligible students.

Additional learning support
WIST maintains an Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Policy that emphasizes an inclusive learning environment and provides for support of students regardless of protected characteristics, including disability. The policy prohibits discrimination and outlines mechanisms to assist students facing protected characteristics.

Country affiliation
The school is located in Taiwan and operates within Taiwan; it follows an American-style curriculum and IB Diploma Programme but is not affiliated with a specific country as its governing affiliation.

Religious affiliation
There is no religious affiliation noted in the public materials.

School day structure
The school runs on a two-semester academic schedule, as shown by the Semester Calendar. Daily start/end times are not published on the public pages.

Bus service
The campus operates a school bus service; the Transportation office handles arrangements (Ext. 141).
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Lunch is provided on site. Menu details and dietary accommodations are not published on the school pages.

Governance and Ownership
Washington International School in Taichung (WIST) operates as the overseas division of Washington High School (WHS). The Overseas Preparatory Studies Program began in 2004 and was renamed Washington International School in Taichung (WIST) in 2021. WIST is an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme and is a candidate for accreditation with WASC, indicating governance within the WHS network.
Fees
Application fees

- Application / entrance assessment fee: TWD 1,000 (one-time fee charged for participation in the WIST English placement/entrance assessment).

Tuition fees by year group (per year and per term)

- No published annual or per-term tuition schedule for Washington International School in Taichung (WIST) was found on the school's public admissions, application, or school policy pages. The school's publicly posted admission materials reference the application/assessment fee and the placement process but do not publish a detailed tuition table by grade or term.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The school's admission pages state that a deposit and payment of certain fees are required to accept an offer of placement, but a detailed billing schedule (dates, instalment options, penalties for late payment) is not published in the publicly available admission or policy pages. Specific payment deadlines and terms are handled as part of the enrolment/contract process after placement is offered.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- There is no publicly available information indicating that WIST offers boarding, and no boarding fees or boarding arrangements are published on the school's admissions or policy pages. No boarding fee schedule was found.

Other costs and fees

- Admission-related costs that are explicitly published include the entrance/assessment fee (TWD 1,000). Other typical school charges such as uniforms, textbooks, activity/excursion fees, examination fees, instrument rental, transport or school lunch charges are not published in the school's publicly available admissions or policy pages. Any such ancillary fees are therefore not publicly listed on the school pages consulted.

Refund information

- No publicly posted refund policy or specific rules for refunds of deposits, fees, or tuition was found on the school's admission or policy pages. Refund terms are not published in the public admission material reviewed.

Fee payment options

- The school's publicly available admission pages describe the admissions steps and note that a deposit and fees are required to accept placement, but they do not publish the accepted methods of payment (for example, credit card, bank transfer, cheque) on those pages. Payment methods are not listed in the publicly available admissions or policy pages consulted.

Search summary (what was found and what was not published)

- Found and published: the entrance/assessment fee amount for participation in the English placement test is TWD 1,000. The admissions process requires submission of an application, a placement test, and payment of a deposit/fees when accepting an offer.

- Not found / not published in the school's public admissions, application, or policy pages: a full tuition schedule by grade (per term or per year), boarding fees, a detailed billing schedule and payment deadlines, itemised ancillary fees (uniforms, transport, meals), refund policy details, and the school's accepted payment methods.

If you need these specific tuition numbers, billing dates, refund terms, or payment-method details for the current academic year, those items are not listed on the school pages reviewed and must be obtained directly from the school's admissions/finance office to ensure accuracy.
Academics

Washington International School in Taichung (WIST) teaches American Curriculum for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
Washington International School Taichung (WIST) offers Grades 7–12 with an American-styled curriculum; English is the language of instruction for all classes, with Junior High Chinese Literature, Math and science taught in Chinese. The curriculum is built on the U.S. Common Core State Standards, with teachers writing semester plans aligned to these standards. The high school program prepares students for the College Board SAT and AP exams; mock TOEFL testing is available for students in grades 9–10, and grades 11–12 typically take SAT or ACT along with TOEFL or IELTS, with many taking AP and subject-specific SAT exams. In March 2025, WIST was authorized as an IB World School, enabling the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme to be offered alongside its English/Chinese language offerings. Beyond academics, WIST offers extensive extracurriculars, including Student Council, team sports and clubs, debate, culture clubs, community service, and a Model United Nations program.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
WIST supports social and emotional learning through a broad range of extracurricular activities—Student Council, teams, clubs, The Debate Team, Culture Clubs, Community Service, and the Student Newspaper/MUN—designed to nurture students' interests and talents, with involvement contributing to positive growth spiritually, emotionally, and academically.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
WIST has an Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Statement committing to an inclusive, equitable, and diverse learning community and to removing barriers for students disadvantaged by gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics, and it notes adherence to gender equity education; the school does not publish a list of specific SEN provisions or designate itself as a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the common language of instruction for most classes, with exceptions in some junior high subjects (Chinese Literature, Math and science); there is no publicly disclosed information about dedicated EAL programs or staff.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through emotional support and counseling as part of the safety framework; WIST provides emotional support and counseling and includes a campus bullying prevention and response policy with a designated team and counseling for victims.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is addressed via policies on bullying prevention and response, internet and digital safety, and safety, risk, and emergency procedures, including a dedicated Response Team for Prevention of School Bullying, explicit reporting procedures, and systematic emergency and safety measures.
Parent Experience

History
Washington High School was established in 1999. In 2004, the Overseas Preparatory Studies Program was introduced, and in 2021 that program was renamed Washington International School in Taichung (WIST). The school is described as having outstanding facilities and a dedicated team of educators who serve both junior and senior high school students.

Community
The WIST community features a broad range of student activities, clubs, and service opportunities that foster leadership and global awareness. Public updates show a variety of events and achievements, including the Washington High School WIST Frisbee Team's win at the 114th Taichung City Mayor's Cup Frisbee Championship, a Japan Education Trip combining campus visits with local experiences, and an iGEM team earning an international silver medal. Other highlighted activities include the AI Net-Zero Future Creation Camp (2nd place), charitable fundraising such as Afghan earthquake relief, a STEAM Fair, cross-disciplinary art exhibitions, and notable university admissions outcomes. The school emphasizes extracurriculars such as Student Council, Teams Sports and Clubs, the Debate Team, Culture Clubs, Community Service, and the Student Newspaper MUN."

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
There is no dedicated PTA page or public list of PTA officers on the site. Parent information appears in general sections such as For Parents (lunch options, bus routes, and online payment). The Bulletin includes announcements related to student activities (for example, the Diplomats/Young Diplomats activity recruitment results). Public materials show family engagement through school logistics and school-wide events rather than a separate PTA program. No formal PTA officers or committees are listed in the publicly available materials. If you need detailed PTA information, contact the school."
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Washington International School in Taichung (WIST) features a renovated cafeteria and a growing set of multifunctional arts and cultural classrooms. The on-site library provides access to the WHS Library, HeyRead eBooks, iRead eBooks, and IB DP Library resources, along with online databases such as JSTOR, Core, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and subject-specific resources like InThinking and Kognity. The school supports hands-on learning through STEAM activities, including robotics, 3D modeling, Arduino projects, and iGEM; STEAM Fair events showcase student work and international collaboration. The cafeteria renovation introduced a contemporary dining space with panoramic views, and the campus houses various learning spaces that integrate arts, design, and cross-disciplinary study. The campus participates in international exchanges and collaborations, reflecting its global orientation.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities focus on library and digital resources to support inquiry-based learning. The WHS Library offers access to the WHS Library collection, HeyRead eBooks, iRead eBooks, and an IB DP Library, plus online databases such as JSTOR, Core, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Open Library. Students can also access IB DP learning resources via InThinking and Kognity, strengthening program-specific study materials. The STEAM and design programs use digital design tools and hands-on projects such as 3D modeling and Arduino-based work.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular activities include Student Council, Team Sports and Clubs, Debate Team, Culture Clubs, Community Service, and The Student Newspaper MUN. STEAM-focused events such as STEAM Fair showcase robot projects, sustainable city models, and iGEM presentations, with international collaboration components. The school hosts international exchanges and university fairs, expanding students' global networks and opportunities; club activities are documented in campus galleries and news posts.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Washington International School Taichung (WIST) offers broad academic enrichment through a range of clubs and competitions, including Student Council, Teams Sports and Clubs, the Debate Team, Culture Clubs, Community Service, and the Student Newspaper MUN. The STEAM Fair showcases student-led STEM projects, such as robotics, sustainable city models, Arduino designs, and cross-disciplinary work, with external engagement and hands-on problem solving. The school supports robotics through a WIST VEX Team that competes in regional and national events, including the 2023 VEX V5 Taiwan Open and the 2025 VEX IQ Mix & Match, where the team placed second in the Team Challenge. The program also highlights participation in competitions like the KidWind wind-energy contest, expanding opportunities for applied science and engineering exploration.

Arts & Creative
Arts at WIST include singing and English drama competitions, reflecting a strong performing-arts emphasis. The Washington Cup Singing Competition (2023) and the English Drama Contest (2023) illustrate formal arts events, complemented by regular theatrical performances and school productions. The school also hosts field experiences like a Taichung National Theater visit as part of VP Arts, enriching students' understanding of theatre spaces, etiquette, and contemporary performance. Past events such as WIST Got Talent (2022) further demonstrate the school's ongoing commitment to creative expression and performance.

Cultural & Language
Cultural and language activities are supported by Culture Clubs as part of the campus-life program, providing opportunities to explore global perspectives. WIST also participates in international exchanges, such as the 2025 UBC (University of British Columbia) international exchange visit, which exposes students to a leading research university and cross-cultural engagement. The school emphasizes cross-cultural experiences and language development through its international programs and diverse campus life.

Social & Hobbies
Social and hobby activities are fostered through a vibrant club culture and annual club events, including broad student-interest clubs and community-building activities. The WIST Club Fair and ongoing club collections demonstrate opportunities across sports, arts, journalism, games, and environment topics. Social-service clubs, such as Caring for Life Society, organize charitable activities like desk-calendar fundraisers to support animal welfare and other causes. These programs provide peer-to-peer collaboration and informal venues for student socializing and skill-building.

Community & Service
Community service is a structured part of WIST's campus life, with clubs that organize charity initiatives and fundraising activities. Caring for Life Society ran a 2024 desk-calendar charity sale to support animal welfare organizations, illustrating student-led philanthropy and local impact. The integration of service projects with clubs and school events demonstrates a sustained commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership and professional development are supported through formal college counseling, which provides a timetable from grade 7 to grade 12 and helps students gain admissions to hundreds of institutions worldwide; the program includes college presentations and ongoing guidance to prepare for university pathways. Student leadership is also fostered via Student Council participation and other clubs that emphasize teamwork, initiative, and project ownership. The combination of leadership opportunities and structured college planning supports students' long-term goals and professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing and physical lifestyle are cultivated through school athletics, including basketball and Frisbee teams that compete in local and international events, with documented achievements such as a basketball team championship and Frisbee tournament participation. The school also promotes active, hands-on learning through outdoor arts experiences and field trips to cultural venues like the Taichung National Theater, supporting physical fitness, creativity, and cultural appreciation. These activities complement academic life by encouraging teamwork, resilience, and balanced development.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the primary language of instruction for most classes; Chinese is used for Junior High Chinese Literature, Math, and science. English and Chinese are listed as languages of instruction for the IB. The site does not list other target language offerings beyond English and Chinese; language support for non-native English speakers includes TOEFL/IELTS preparation and testing, as well as college admissions guidance.

Bilingual Teaching
WIST uses English as the common language of instruction for Grades 7-12. Most classes are taught in English, with Junior High Chinese Literature, Math, and science taught in Chinese. The International Baccalaureate program lists English and Chinese as languages of instruction, confirming a bilingual setup within the school's program. English-language readiness is supported through TOEFL/IELTS preparation and mock TOEFL testing for younger students.

Immersion Programs
The Overseas Preparatory Studies Program began in 2004 to support international students adjusting to WIST and Western educational culture. The program provides services to ensure an enjoyable and productive learning experience, including guidance for living abroad and college planning. The admissions section highlights overseas opportunities and language testing (TOEFL/IELTS) as part of the international pathway.
Reputation

Awards
- 2025-12-19: 114th Mayor's Cup Frisbee Championship — High School Boys Division Champion. The WIST Frisbee Team won the championship in Taiwan's Mayor's Cup Frisbee event.
- 2025-11-19: ISTM International Cup Basketball Invitational — Champion. The WIST basketball team earned the championship at the ISTM Invitational.
- 2025-11-07: Taiwan Climate Action Expo “AI Net Zero Future” Creators Camp (national) — Second place, high school/secondary group. A WIST team achievement at a national climate-action competition.
- 2025-11-04: iGEM International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition — Silver Medal. The WIST iGEM Team earned a Silver Medal for its project RiceGuard.
- 2025-10-27: VEX IQ Mix & Match Robot Invitational — Team Challenge Second Place. The WIST robotics team placed second in the team challenge.
- 2025-03-20: Asia Cup Junior Equestrian (Alice 7-2) — Third Place. The Washington International School International Division earned third place in an Asia Cup equestrian event.
- 2025-03-19: Royal Ritz Cup International Music Competition — Violin First Place. A WIST student achieved first place in the violin category at an international music competition.
- 2025-03-18: Young Diplomats National Finals — Merit Award. A school team/participants earned a merit award at the national finals.
- 2025-03-17: iGEM International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition — Gold Medal (12-1 Bryan). The iGEM team earned a Gold Medal.
- 2025-03-14: KidWind Wind Energy Asia League — Merit Award. The team received a merit award in the KidWind competition.
- 2025-03-13: 2024-2025 VEX Taiwan Open VIQRC Middle School — Fourth Place (Team). A middle school VEX team placed fourth in the national event.
- 2025-03-12: 113th National Junior High School Billiards Championship — Fifth Place (Junior High Boys 9-ball individual). A student achievement in a national billiards event recognized on the school page.
- 2025-03-20 to 2025-03-19: (Additional 2025 items above cover multiple school teams across domains).

Accreditations
- WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) — WIST is a candidate for accreditation and is approved by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This indicates the school is pursuing accreditation by a U.S.-based regional accrediting body.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) — WIST is IB World School officially authorized to offer the Diploma Programme. This signifies that the school meets IB standards and can deliver the IB Diploma Programme.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Submit an application form. Applicants are encouraged to visit on Open Days or arrange a personal visit, and a booking in advance is required. After you submit the application form, an admissions officer will guide you through the rest of the admissions process and answer any questions you have. The school targets applicants in Grades 7–11 (G7–G11). The language of instruction is primarily English, with some junior high subjects taught in Chinese; this may be relevant for families planning bilingual or language-specific considerations.

Step 2: Take the Placement Test. Applicants take an English placement assessment (covering speaking, reading, listening and writing) and a Math assessment. The results from these tests are used to determine the appropriate placement in the study program.

Step 3: Offer a Placement. An official letter notifies the family of the placement decision. If you accept the offer, you will be asked to pay a selection of fees (including a deposit) and provide certain documents to advance the application. This step confirms the placement and starts the enrollment process.

Scholarships
Scholarships: Public materials indicate the existence of merit scholarships within WIST's overseas program. An Our Story post from April 11, 2023 notes that the overseas program awarded scholarships totaling TWD 80,000,000 (80 million New Taiwan Dollars) to students. The Alumni section for the Class of 2023 references Merit Scholarships totaling TWD 68,000,000 (68 million NT) and presents Merit Scholarships as a defined category.

Waitlist
Waitlist/Pool: The Admission Statement states that when the school is at full capacity, new applicants may be placed on a waiting list.
School Events
The school has not added events
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