Comparing 5 schools side by side in USD.
IBST sits on the National Nanke International Experimental High School campus in the Southern Taiwan Science Park, Xinshi District, Tainan. The campus address is No. 1, Lane 888, Xilaya Blvd., Xinshi District, 744094, Taiwan. The school is located within Taiwan's science-park belt, adjacent to other research and tech facilities.
IBST serves students from Grades 1 through 12. The elementary grades are complemented by a secondary program (Grades 7–12) that operates on a college-preparatory, English-language model with Mandarin as a required component. In 2025–2026 the school profile notes 146 students across Grades 1–12, including 61 high school students.
IBST is a public, co-educational, college-preparatory program built on a western-style curriculum. It began as part of National Nanke International Experimental High School (NNKIEH) and serves students from primary through secondary levels on the NNKIEH campus.
Special Education Services are available. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed with input from special education staff, homeroom teachers, subject teachers, and parents. Supports may include curriculum modifications, assessment accommodations, social/learning-skills classes, and related therapies; generally, students remain in regular classes.
IBST does not have a formal country affiliation. It is a public school governed by Taiwan's Ministry of Education and the National Science and Technology Council and is located in Taiwan.
No religious affiliation is indicated; IBST operates as a secular public school.
The school day starts at 8:00 a.m. for Grades 1–12. G7–12 classes run 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on most days, while elementary students have a half-day on Wednesdays (dismissal at 12:40 p.m.); Grades 1–2 also have adjusted dismissal days on certain days.
IBST does not operate a dedicated school bus service. Transportation for students is managed through family arrangements, and the campus provides guidelines for student-owned vehicles (bicycles, motorcycles/electric motorcycles, electric bicycles) including parking permits, routes, safety rules, and speed limits.
IBST is the Bilingual Department of National Nanke International Experimental High School (NNKIEH), a public, multicultural, co‑educational school located in the Southern Taiwan Science Park. IBST enrolls 109 students from 14 nationalities out of NNKIEH's total 2,348 students; 83% of IBST parents hold advanced degrees.
IBST follows the MOE calendar with a two-semester, 200-day school year and a one-month winter break, and its curriculum aligns with a blend of North American and Taiwan national standards. It is a bilingual program with English instruction from grade 1 to 12 in total immersion, alongside a Mandarin Chinese program for Levels 1-12. Upper grades offer Honors and Advanced Placement tracks, including AP English Literature and Composition, AP Statistics, and AP Economics, with additional AP options in science and arts and access to VHS online courses. Standardized assessments include MAP for grades 2–8, PSAT 8/9 for grade 9, and PSAT-NMSQT for grades 10–11, with an English Language Learner (ELL) program targeted for 2025–26. Graduation for grades 9–12 requires 23 credits across core subjects (Chinese, English, Social Studies, Math, Science) plus PE and electives, four years of secondary schooling, attendance requirements, and associated awards guidelines for cohorts in G6, G9, and G12.
IBST's Student Support Team (SST) fosters students' academic, social, and emotional growth, with a Disciplinarian, Guidance Teachers, a Special Education Teacher, a Guidance Curriculum Teacher, and a College Counselor delivering a structured guidance curriculum and embedding Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) across classrooms.
Special Education Services provide IEP-based support for students who qualify after professional evaluation, including curriculum modifications, assessment accommodations, social skills training, and therapy (speech/occupational); ADHD, learning disabilities, language difficulties, and autism are cited as example needs, with generally integrated classroom support rather than a dedicated SEN resource.
An ESL program exists within Academic Affairs, and the School Profile states IBST offers an all-English program with Mandarin as a mandatory second language.
School Counseling is provided by professional counselors or on-campus psychologists; counseling is confidential except in cases of mandatory reporting, and sessions are typically held weekly with scheduling arranged to minimize impact on academics, in collaboration with parents and teachers.
Safeguarding is supported through confidential counseling practices and mandatory reporting where required, with information shared only among directly involved staff, and counseling not affecting academic records or future admissions.
1. Admissions eligibility and classification. Applicants must meet at least one of the eligibility categories defined in the regulations for the Science Park bilingual schools. Categories include: children of employees of resident Science Park units (with conditions related to nationality, prior residence abroad, and higher degree qualifications), children of foreign employees, children of employees dispatched abroad, and other cases such as siblings of current IBST students or foreign professionals meeting specified criteria. In addition, first-year applicants must be at least six years old by September 1. The “foreign residence” rule generally restricts annual stays outside the ROC to no more than three months per year. 2. Application windows and admission testing. For the first semester, the first round runs from April 30 to June 10, 2026, with the admission assessment on June 17, 2026. The second round runs from July 6 to August 11, 2026, with the admission assessment on August 11, 2026. For the second semester, applications open from November 30 to January 6. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria in the first item may also arrange admission testing through the school's bilingual office. 3. Required documents and fee. Eligible applicants must submit the application form, copies of passports for foreign applicants, and the student's up-to-date academic records. Other required items include proof of entry/exit dates, birth certificates or guardianship documents, a letter from the applicant's current employer (with proof of employment), and, for international applicants, copies of foreign residence permits. A qualification screening fee of 200 Taiwan dollars is charged; the fee is nonrefundable if the applicant does not pass the qualification screening. 4. Language entrance testing and admission. Once an applicant qualifies under the eligibility rules, they must pass the school's language entrance test to receive an admission qualification. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the available seats in a grade level, admissions are decided by a priority sequence, and when candidates at the same sequence exceed seats, a lottery is used to determine who is admitted. 5. Priority sequencing for oversubscription and lottery. The priority order prioritizes certain groups (e.g., children of resident Science Park employees with qualifying credentials) before other eligible applicants; after applying the priority order, if the volume still exceeds seats, a lottery determines admission for those tied in the same sequence. 6. Expansion of eligibility to fill seats. If a grade level has not reached 80% of its authorized enrollment after applying the above rules, the school may admit additional applicants under expanded eligibility categories to fill the remaining seats. 7. Post-admission steps. Those admitted are notified of acceptance and proceed to enrollment formalities; after acceptance, families complete enrollment tasks (textbook ordering, after-school club enrollment, field trip consent forms, and other items) and receive information for the first day of school. 8. Example of actual admissions outcomes. The school posts admission results and lists admitted students; an official notification is sent to parents confirming enrollment. 9. Language of instruction and program context. IBST operates as the Bilingual Department of NNKI EH in the Southern Taiwan Science Park, serving the English-speaking community with an American college-preparatory orientation; the program is described as bilingual, with English-language instruction central to IBST in support of its international population. 10. Contacts for admissions questions. For further information regarding admission, contact the IBST registrar by phone or email. 11. References to formal documents and guidelines. The eligibility and admissions process are governed by the Regulation Governing the Admission of Students to Bilingual Departments of Schools or Bilingual Schools at Science Parks and the related IBST guidelines and application forms.
IBST participates in at least one scholarship program connected to an external foundation. The Cardiac Children's Foundation offers a scholarship for IBST students, and details are provided by the foundation's program (the IBST listing directs interested families to the foundation's site for specifics). In 2024, IBST announced the Cardiac Children's Foundation scholarship, with additional details available from the foundation's website. The school's tuition policies govern general fee collection and refund terms, while the scholarship program is described separately through the foundation.
There is no traditional waitlist. When the number of applicants exceeds the available seats for a grade level, admissions are allocated in a defined priority order. If applicants tied in the same sequence exceed seats, a lottery determines admission. If seats remain after applying the priority order, the school may broaden eligibility to fill up to 80% of capacity through expansion rules. This approach effectively serves as a lottery-based selection rather than a standing waitlist.
Grace Christian Academy is located at No. 67 Dong Sing Street, Nangang District, Taipei 115, Taiwan. The campus is described as being just off exit No. 3 at Housanpi Station; from the station, follow the road to the hospital and then past the park to the school. The school sits within Taipei's Nangang district, accessible via public transit and nearby amenities.
The school is organised into three levels: Elementary (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). Detailed grade configurations are listed under Elementary, Middle School, and High School sections on the site.
International school. The Republic of China (Taiwan) Ministry of Education recognizes Grace Christian Academy as an international school.
The Student Handbook specifies Academic Support, with a Student Support Services Coordinator who collaborates with teachers and families to provide accommodations, additional instruction, or modifications as needed. Parents are encouraged to communicate early if their child requires academic help.
Affiliation: Taiwan. The school is located in Taipei and is recognized by Taiwan's Ministry of Education as an international school.
Religious affiliation: Christian. The school presents a Christian mission and worldview, and Chapel services are held weekly as part of school life.
School days begin at 7:45 AM and end with the final class at 3:30 PM, with dismissal at 3:45 PM. Arrival starts around 7:30 AM. Students may bring lunch or participate in the school lunch program.
The Student Handbook references bus drivers as part of the staff, indicating transportation provisions exist, but there are no published bus routes or service details on the site. For transportation arrangements, contact the admissions office at 02-2785-7233.
Grace Christian Academy has a dress code for students. On performances, students wear black-and-white attire: boys wear black dress pants and a white dress shirt; girls wear a long black skirt and white blouse. For specific performances, the girls may wear ballet clothes, and the boys may wear a red GCA shirt with black dress pants.
Delicious and nutritious meals are served daily in the school cafeteria through the lunch program; meals are prepared from fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Grace Christian Academy is a ministry of the Nan Kang Grace Baptist Fellowship Church. It is recognized by Taiwan's Ministry of Education as an international school. It has held Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) full accreditation.
Grace Christian Academy, Taipei offers a Christ-centered, American-style K–12 curriculum across Elementary, Middle School, and High School. In Elementary (Grades 1–5), Language Arts uses ABeka programs (Letters and Sounds, Language, Spelling and Poetry) with a Scott Foresman reading plan, and Grade 1–2 Math uses ABeka Arithmetic 1, followed by ABeka Arithmetic 3 for Grade 3 and ABeka Arithmetic 4–5 for Grades 4–5. Grade 3 covers Language Arts (ABeka Language Arts 3), Reading (Scott Foresman Celebrate Reading), Math (ABeka Arithmetic 3), Social Studies (ABeka Our American Heritage), Science (ABeka Exploring God's World), and Bible, with computer studies as well. Grades 4–5 continue with Scott Foresman reading, ABeka Arithmetic 4–5, ABeka Science Series, and social studies from McGraw Hill's Adventures in Time and Place, all within a Bible-centered framework. In Middle School (Grades 6–8), Language Arts emphasizes critical thinking and grammar, with Math using ABeka for 6th–7th and Holt for 8th to prepare students for calculus in high school; Science and Social Studies focus on standard American and world-history content and inquiry-based learning. High School (Grades 9–12) features a robust AP/Honors pathway in Math and Science (including AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics), a broad Foreign Language program (Spanish, French, Mandarin, with AP Spanish/French Language planned), and continued Bible-based and non-core options like Biblical Studies, Music and Art, and Athletics.
Grace Christian Academy Taipei supports social and emotional development through student leadership and service opportunities. The High School has two governing bodies: the Student Government (elected) and the Student Honor Society (nominated by teachers), which help disseminate information and coordinate activities. Community service is encouraged across all grades, with activities and quarterly reporting noted in school materials. The school lists a Dean of Students who serves as the College Counselor (Dr. Joseph Yang) and a Student Support Service Coordinator (Mrs. Wendy Evans), indicating formal student-support roles. These elements together provide opportunities for collaboration, responsibility, and peer engagement that relate to SEL. (Sources: Grace Christian Academy Taipei – Student Body; Administrators.)
Grace Christian Academy Taipei provides mental wellbeing support through named student-support roles. A Dean of Students who is also the College Counselor (Dr. Joseph Yang) offers counseling services, and a dedicated Student Support Service Coordinator (Mrs. Wendy Evans) indicates a formal point of contact for welfare support. The school also fosters leadership and community service opportunities (Student Government and Honor Society) that can contribute to students' sense of belonging and well‑being. The site does not publish a separate, standalone mental health program but these staff roles suggest available welfare support. (Sources: Administrators; Student Body.)
1. Admissions Process
Grace Christian Academy, Taipei (GCA) operates as an international school recognized by Taiwan's Ministry of Education, and it only admits students with foreign passports. This policy is stated on the school's admissions page and there are no published exceptions to it. Parents should be prepared to discuss visa/passport status early in the process.
2. Step 1 – Initial contact and appointment
Begin by calling the GCA office at (02) 2785-7233 to schedule an appointment. The school outlines this as the first step in the enrollment process, setting the stage for an in-person visit and next steps. During the call, you may discuss your child's current school situation and what may be required for the interview.
3. Step 2 – Online preliminary application
Next, fill out and submit the online preliminary application. This step is the formal start of the application and initiates the record review. Be prepared to provide basic family information and your child's educational background as part of the online submission.
4. Step 3 – Interview with parent/guardian present
A later step involves an interview of the child with a parent or guardian present. The school specifies that you should bring the student's foreign passport and a transcript including the most recent year of education to the interview. This helps GCA gauge readiness and fit for the program.
5. Step 4 – Complete the Application and Registration forms
After the interview, complete the Application and Registration Forms. The school requires an application fee of NT$1,000 at this stage. This step consolidates your application materials for final consideration.
6. Step 5 – Evaluation and contact from GCA
GCA will evaluate the applications, conduct reference checks, and be in contact with you soon after submission. This contact will typically outline next steps, potential timelines, and any additional documentation that may be requested. Documentation needed for submission is listed below.
Documentation Needed
Prepare the documents below and send them by registered mail to Attn: Secretary, Grace Christian Academy, No. 67 Dong Sing Street, Nan Kang District, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. 115. Items include the Application Form, Registration Form, Insurance Form, Household Registration, Copy of Health Records (Immunizations), Copy of the most recent School Records, Copy of Passport, and Four Recent Passport Photos.
Additional context and contacts
Grace Christian Academy's admissions page also notes the school's Ministry of Education recognition and the passport requirement, underscoring that foreign passports are a prerequisite for enrollment (no exceptions). The page also includes the option to contact the office for a tour by appointment.
Financial and enrollment documentation link
A “FINANCIAL INFORMATION” link is provided on the Admissions page to access the fee schedule and related details.
Source: Grace Christian Academy, Taipei – Admissions page and Financial Information (including the steps 1–5, and the documentation checklist).
2. Waitlist/Pool
Waitlist or pool information is not published on GCA's official Admissions page. The page presents an overview of the enrollment process, the required documentation, and how applications are evaluated, but it does not describe any waitlist or application-pool mechanism. If you need waitlist specifics, contact the admissions office directly using the phone number provided on the site.
3. Scholarships
Grace Christian Academy's site does not publish a dedicated scholarships or financial-aid program in the admissions materials. The Admissions section references a “FINANCIAL INFORMATION” link for fee details, and the separate Financial Information pages outline the annual and per-semester fees, but there is no explicit scholarship or grant program listed on the public pages. Families seeking financial assistance should review the fee schedules and consider contacting the school for any possible aid options or procedures outside of a published scholarship program.
Fees (overview based on published 2025-2026 schedules)
- The school publishes grade-band fee schedules (G1–G5, G6–G8, G9–G11, G12) for the 2025-2026 school year. The fees include an application fee of NT$1,000, a registration fee of NT$50,000, and a yearly tuition plus optional lunch and bus charges; insurance is also charged annually. See the specific PDFs for exact numbers by grade.
- Example (grade 1–5, 2025-2026): Application NT$1,000; Registration NT$50,000; Tuition NT$487,000/year (divided into two semesters); Insurance NT$1,000/year; Lunch NT$12,600 first semester / NT$14,000 second; Bus NT$40,500 first semester / NT$45,000 second; Total annual cost shown as NT$650,100. Payment methods include remittance to a local bank, cheque, or cash. Terms also outline pro-rating and discounts for siblings, as well as a refund policy.
- Example (grade 6–8, 2025-2026): Application NT$1,000; Registration NT$50,000; Tuition NT$517,000/year; Lunch NT$15,300 first semester / NT$17,000 second; Bus NT$40,500 first semester / NT$45,000 second; Total annual cost NT$685,800. Payment methods and policy details are the same as for G1–G5.
- Example (grade 12, 2025-2026): Application NT$1,000; Registration NT$50,000; Tuition NT$577,000/year; Lunch NT$17,100 first semester / NT$19,000 second; Bus NT$40,500 first semester / NT$45,000 second; Total annual cost NT$749,600.
Notes on fees and policies
- The PDFs show that lunch and bus fees are pro-rated depending on admittance date, and tuition discounts may apply for siblings (e.g., 10% off the largest tuition for subsequent siblings). All fees must be received before admittance to classes. Refund policies specify that certain fees are non-refundable (e.g., application, registration, insurance) and outline pro-rating rules for early withdrawals.
- The school provides several payment methods (bank remittance, cheque, cash) and includes banking details in the fee schedules.
Sources
- Admissions page (steps 1–5, foreign-passport policy, and documentation).
- Documentation list for registration documents.
- Financial Information page and grade-specific fee PDFs for 2025-2026 (G1–G5, G6–G8, G12).
- Payment methods and policy details from the PDFs.
If you'd like, I can pull out a quick comparison by grade level (fees, upfront costs, estimated annual totals) or draft a checklist you can share with the school during your inquiry.
Scholarships
- Grace Christian Academy, Taipei does not publish a dedicated scholarships or financial-aid program on its public pages. The site does provide a Financial Information section with the 2025-2026 fee schedules (including application, registration, tuition, insurance, lunch, and bus fees) and notes about payment and refund policies, but there is no explicit mention of scholarships. If you are seeking financial assistance, you may want to discuss potential options with the school directly or review the Financial Information PDFs for any internal procedures related to financial aid that may not be published publicly.
Waitlist/Pool
- The Grace Christian Academy, Taipei admissions page does not publish a waitlist or pool policy. The page outlines the enrollment steps, required documentation, and the process by which applications are evaluated, but it does not mention a waiting list, waitpool, or year-to-year carryover as part of admissions. If you need to know whether a waitlist exists for a specific grade or year, please contact the admissions office at the number on the site.
LIFT operates across two campuses in Taipei's Xinyi District. The Primary Campus is Liu Gong Junior High Establishment at No. 15, Lane 221, Fude Street, Taipei 110. The Secondary Campus is Yong Chun Senior High Establishment at No. 654, Songshan Road, Taipei 110. The Primary Campus is accessible by public transport: about a 15-minute walk from Houshanpi Station on the Blue Line and a 15-minute bus ride from Taipei 101/Xiangshan Station (buses run frequently). A Red Line terminal is planned to be located next to the campus in 2025.
The Primary Campus serves CP to CM2 (grades 1–5). The Secondary Campus covers the French middle-school range, described as 6ème to 4ème (roughly grades 6–8).
LIFT is a French international, day school operating on two campuses; there is no publicly listed boarding facility. It is part of the AEFE network, serving as a French establishment in Taiwan.
Public materials do not describe formal SEN provisions. The school emphasizes a caring, inclusive, multilingual community. Families seeking details on Additional Learning Needs support should contact the school directly.
LIFT is a French international establishment affiliated with the AEFE network (France's international education system) in Taipei.
No religious affiliation is indicated in public materials; the school presents a secular, international program.
School days are listed as weekday sessions, with a timetable around 07:30–17:00; Saturday and Sunday are not listed as school days.
LIFT does not publish a dedicated school bus service in public materials. Access is via public transport: the Primary Campus is about a 15-minute walk from Houshanpi Station (Blue Line) and a 15-minute bus ride from Taipei 101/Xiangshan Station, with buses every few minutes. Families rely on public transit rather than a school-provided bus.
The school is a non-profit establishment financed by tuition, sponsorship and donations; it has no private investment and any surplus is reinvested into LIFT development. LIFT was established in 2022, and governance is transparent, inclusive and participatory, with a Board of 9 members consisting of parent representatives, the Head of School and representatives of the French business community. Operational management is led by the Head of School along with the teaching and administration team.
LIFT follows the French national education curriculum for primary and secondary education, organized into three cycles: Cycle 2 (CP–CE2), Cycle 3 (CM1–CM2), and Cycle 4 (5e–3e), with core subjects including French, mathematics, science, history-geography, civic education, arts, and physical education. From CP onward, students follow a trilingual model in French, English, and Mandarin, with two language tracks available: French–English or French–Mandarin; all students study all three languages within the timetable, with instruction delivered by teams of native-speaking teachers. Language instruction hours vary by cycle and track, for example in Cycle 2 English LV1 is 5 hours per week and Mandarin LV2 is 2 hours, while in Cycle 3 English LV1 is 6 hours and Mandarin LV2 is 2 hours. LIFT positions itself to align with AEFE's Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) framework, with the school indicating that the BFI will certify studies in the future. The Secondary program covers 6ème to 4ème and maintains the same trilingual, AEFE-aligned approach as students prepare for higher education in a multilingual, multicultural context.
LIFT states that pupil well-being and benevolence are at the heart of its educational project. The school supports SEL through regular civic education, class and students' councils, and philosophy discussions aimed at building empathy and conflict-resolution skills. The policies include a structured approach to prevent harassment, with steps such as civic-education sessions, student-class and student-council activities, and philosophical discussions to foster empathy and conflict management. Families are invited to participate in co-education through the Parents' Club, reinforcing SEL across home and school. The curriculum also includes citizenship and digital-literacy awareness to promote safe and respectful interaction among students. The school governance structures (School Council and Students' Council) provide channels for student voice and participation.
LIFT notes inclusive practices and provides individualized tracks for pupils with disabilities. The school is described within the AEFE network, aligning with French national standards for education and inclusion. The public materials emphasize inclusion and differentiated support rather than describing a dedicated SEN department. This SEN-related information is drawn from the school's Choosing the French School page and AEFE network listing.
LIFT presents a true trilingual program across French, English, and Mandarin. From the start of schooling (CP), families choose between two language tracks (French/English or French/Mandarin) while all students learn all three languages. The school provides an integrated and free French as a Foreign Language (FLE) program, plus English and Mandarin language support to ensure access to the curriculum. Differentiation and personalized pacing accompany the multilingual approach, supported by a three-teacher-per-class model delivering instruction in the three languages. The institution emphasizes language development as a core part of wellbeing and academic success.
Pupils' well-being is a priority in the French educational framework, and LIFT articulates a holistic, well-being–oriented approach within its policies. The curriculum promotes a climate of benevolence and safety, with attention to social and emotional development through regular civic activities and discussions. The school highlights the importance of feelings, self-regulation, and social skills as part of its everyday approach. Activities across sports, arts, and culture support emotional and social growth and contribute to self-confidence. The emphasis on living together in differences underpins a respectful and inclusive school culture.
LIFT outlines a formal stance against all forms of harassment, aligning with Education Nationale expectations and placing student well-being at the center. The policy describes a three-part approach: preventive education (civic education, class and student councils, philosophical discussions), effective intervention via a protective staff committee, and family involvement through workshops and a resources platform. There is a clear commitment to a climate of safety and respect, with digital-citizenship awareness included as part of safeguarding. The school's governance includes the School Council and the Students' Council, which support safeguarding through student representation and feedback. The AEFE network listing confirms LIFT's alignment with international safeguarding standards.
1. Admissions overview and intake for 2025/26
LIFT currently lists intake for the 2025/26 establishment year as offering elementary levels CP to CM2 and classes for 6ème, 5ème and 4ème in the secondary program. This sets clear eligibility: your child would need to be in the appropriate level for CP–CM2 or 6ème/5ème/4ème to apply. Families should review the offered levels before scheduling the first meeting.
2. Schedule a family meeting with the Establisment Head
The first step in the admissions process is to schedule a family meeting. The Establishment Head meets with each family either online or on site to answer questions and help determine whether LIFT is the best fit for the child's education. Families are instructed to request a meeting through the online booking system. This meeting is a prerequisite to moving forward in the process.
3. Post-meeting follow-up and decision to enroll
After the family meeting, the school will remain in touch by email to continue the admissions conversation. The process notes that class sizes are limited to a maximum of 20 pupils, which underscores the importance of timely communication. If the family decides to enroll, the next step is payment of the registration fee to secure a place.
4. Registration and fees to secure a place
In the 2025/26 intake, the school requires payment of a one-time registration fee to confirm enrollment. The registration fee is published as 51,500 NT$ and is non-refundable once enrollment is official. Tuition is not included in this fee and is charged separately, in line with the semester-based schedule and other cost notes described in the school's financial policies. Families should also be aware that tuition is paid in two semesters and that the basic policy notes include deadlines and possible refunds as outlined in the Financial Regulations and Pricing Policy.
Note on documentation and timelines: The public pages describe the meeting and payment steps but do not list a detailed document checklist on the site. Families typically review document requirements and deadlines during the family meeting or via the admissions contact, so it is advisable to complete the online booking promptly and prepare for the meeting.
Scholarships and financial support
LIFT's Scholarships page describes establishment scholarships for French students residing abroad, reserved for institutions accredited by the French Ministry of National Education. French families enrolled at LIFT in primary education are eligible for establishment scholarships for the current year. The page directs readers to the AEFE general framework and to the French Office in Taipei's materials for details on scholarships for 2025–2026. LIFT also notes intent to develop an internal solidarity fund to finance scholarships, in collaboration with AEFE and the French Office.
Important caveats: Scholarship eligibility and application pathways are described in relation to French government/AEFE frameworks, which means scholarships are not automatically granted to non-French families. The French Office in Taipei's materials and the AEFE framework are the primary reference points for eligibility and application timelines. For 2024/25, the site notes that French families can contact the French Office in Taipei for information on government scholarships.
Kaohsiung American School is located at 889 Cuihua Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan (postal code 813035). The campus sits at the southern end of the Lotus Pond area and is accessible from Kaohsiung's rail networks, including the High Speed Rail and Taiwan Rail lines. The LEED-certified, modern campus serves PreK–12 in a setting described as green and expansive.
The school offers a PreK–12 program, with an Elementary School (Pre-K through Grade 5), a Middle School (Grades 6–8), and a High School (Grades 9–12).
Private, co-educational international school. The school operates as a private, fee-paying institution and is co-educational.
The school provides EAL (English as an Additional Language) and Student Support Services with a dedicated team that includes counselors and learning-support staff. The team offers social-emotional learning, language development, learning supports (in-class push-in, small-group or 1:1), and contracted services (Educational Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist).
There is no formal country affiliation; KAS is described as a fully accredited international school.
There is no religious affiliation stated by the school.
Elementary days typically run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. with a snack break (9:45–10:00) and a mid-day lunch/recess block (12:00–12:45). An early dismissal period (2:50–3:10) occurs on some days. (Hours shown for Elementary.)
The school offers optional daily transportation to and from school for a fee. Transportation details and routes are coordinated by KAS; inquiries should go through Admissions.
Lunch is offered; families may elect to order lunch for a fee. Lunch menus include Set A, Set B, and Vegetarian options, with sides.
Middle School uses BIG Time with house competitions.
The school is governed by a Board of Directors. The board meets monthly on campus. An AGM is held each Spring and is open to the KAS community. Minutes for open board meetings and AGMs are published. Governance documents include the KAS Charter and Board Policy Manual.
Kaohsiung American School offers a PK–12 curriculum that blends U.S. standards with the International Baccalaureate framework. Elementary School (Pre-K–Grade 5) follows American standards for core subjects—English, mathematics, science, social studies—with integrated English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and Chinese instruction, and includes STEAM, arts, PE, and music. Middle School (Grades 6–8) uses the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), with the MYP continuing into High School (Grades 9–10) and culminating in the Personal Project, along with advisory and enrichment experiences such as Envision Formosa. High School (Grades 9–12) combines the MYP through Grade 10 with the Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12, offering the IB Diploma, IB Bilingual Diploma, or DP subject certificates, while graduates receive a U.S. high school diploma. The school provides English language and learning support through EAL, Learning Support, and contracted specialists, with a full counseling team across levels.
Kaohsiung American School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a dedicated team of four full-time counselors who work to foster trusting relationships and support students, teachers, and parents in social-emotional growth, behavior management, and personal relationships. SEL is integrated into classrooms through lessons, curriculum development, wellness programs, and 1:1 and small-group counseling. The School's Student Support Team includes teachers, specialists, and administrators who collaborate in a team-based approach to differentiation, ensuring all students have access to the curriculum. Counselors operate across elementary, middle, and high school levels, providing guidance and modeling healthy social-emotional skills. The program emphasizes mental wellbeing and proactive wellness initiatives as part of daily school life.
Kaohsiung American School offers inclusive education with a Student Support Team comprising teachers, specialists, and administrators who support access and inclusion through collaboration and differentiation. Learning Support is provided by a team of learning support teachers and assistants offering in-class push-in support, small-group or 1:1 instruction, and modified curricula, with Elementary having dedicated Learning Support Coordinators (e.g., Sil Lee). The EAL program supports language development and places students into an appropriate class with the least restrictive environment. For more intensive needs, the School contracts external specialists, including Educational Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Psychiatrists, Speech Therapists, and Occupational Therapists. The school describes its approach as inclusive education focused on meeting students where they are, rather than presenting itself as a specialist SEN institution.
The EAL program is designed to provide a learning environment that enables students to gain the language skills needed to transition into main subject classes, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students are placed into an appropriate class with the least restrictive environment. The EAL Handbook outlines program details and policies, and Elementary staffing includes dedicated EAL instructors to support younger learners.
Mental wellbeing is supported through SEL and wellness initiatives led by a dedicated team of four full-time counselors who serve as role models and provide 1:1 and small-group counseling. Counselors support students, teachers, and parents in social-emotional growth, behavior management, and personal relationships, with SEL embedded in classroom instruction and curriculum. The counseling team operates across elementary, middle, and high school levels, aligning with the school's SEL framework and wellness programming.
Kaohsiung American School safeguards students by endorsing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and adhering to Taiwan's Protection of Children and Youth Welfare and Rights Act, in collaboration with Taiwan's Bureau of Education and Ministry of Social Welfare. The Child Protection and Safeguarding Handbook outlines staff background checks, training to recognize signs of abuse and neglect, and a team-based safeguarding response process. Age-appropriate safeguarding lessons are embedded in the PreK–12 curriculum, and a Code of Conduct for all adults and visitor guidelines support safeguarding efforts.
1. Online application: Submit the online application for the upcoming school year. Applications are accepted year-round, and the admissions process for the next year begins in the spring. After you submit the application, the admissions team will contact you to schedule a campus visit and to answer any questions you may have.
2. Schedule a campus visit: A campus visit is arranged through the admissions team, and families are encouraged to visit on campus. Visits are offered Monday through Friday at 9:30 AM or 1:30 PM and typically last about one hour. The visit provides an opportunity to see classrooms, meet staff, and get a sense of the school culture.
3. Entry requirements: Each applicant must hold a valid foreign passport. For grades PK-2, fluent English is not required, but stronger English skills improve the likelihood of acceptance due to limited ELL spaces. For grades 3–12, a student must be able to read and write in English to have a chance at passing the English proficiency exam required before acceptance. Students in grades 8–12 must have good academic English proficiency to be successful in the program.
4. Admissions screening: After screening, there is a placement exam and an English language evaluation. Families may also interview with teachers or school principals as part of the process. The screening helps determine grade placement and readiness for the curriculum.
5. Admission decision: The admissions committee reviews applications and informs families of the status, which can be accepted, waitlisted, or declined. Decisions are communicated formally to allow families to plan next steps.
6. Onboarding for admitted students: Once admitted, families begin the onboarding process, and students join the Dragon community with an orientation or welcoming activities. The onboarding is designed to integrate new students into their grade cohort and school routines.
7. Waitlist/pool: If there are no spots available in a student's grade, the family is placed on a waitlist. The school contacts families as soon as space becomes available, and waitlisted families may move into a spot earlier if higher-priority candidates enroll.
8. Tours and ongoing questions: Families can schedule additional campus tours or ask questions as they consider KAS. The admissions team remains available to provide information on timelines, grade-level specifics, and placement criteria.
KAS does not publish or advertise any scholarships on its admissions pages.
KAS uses a waitlist for grades where spaces are not currently available. If there are no spots in your child's grade, your family is placed on the waitlist and will be contacted as space becomes available. This waitlist can shift if higher-priority applicants enroll.
The Primacy Collegiate Academy is situated in the Shilin District, a bustling urban neighborhood in northern Taipei. It is highly accessible within the city context, positioned just a 5-minute walk from the Shilin MRT station on the red line.
Grades 9–12. The program leads to an American high school diploma and offers AP courses in addition to regular classes.
Private international high school with a Christian orientation; Cognia-accredited. The school identifies itself as a Christian international academy.
Learning Support (extra learning support) is available to assist students as needed.
No formal country affiliation; the school is in Taiwan and offers an American-style diploma with Cognia accreditation.
Christian orientation; the school is described as a Christian international academy.
School hours are Mon–Thu 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. The day is described as 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on some pages.
The school does not advertise a dedicated bus service. It is near Shilin MRT (about a 5-minute walk), so families typically use public transit.
Uniforms are required for Primacy students. There is a one-time Uniform Fee of NTD 16,800.
The Primacy Collegiate Academy is a Christian international high school in Taipei serving grades 9–12 and awarding an American high school diploma, with all instruction conducted in English. The curriculum covers core English, social studies, and STEM with standards-based coursework and a broad range of electives, including technology, computer science, robotics, and media production. Primacy offers both AP and regular classes, with the AP program being College Board approved and administered on site; current offerings include AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Physics 1, AP Computer Science A, AP English Language and Composition, AP Microeconomics, AP Pre-Calculus, and AP Chinese Language and Culture. Diplomas available include Standard and College Prep High School Diploma, and the program provides ELL and learning-support services; Primacy is an approved testing center for AP, SAT, and PSAT. The academy is Cognia-accredited, NCAA-eligible, and affiliated with the National Honor Society and Christian Schools International (ACSI).
The Primacy Collegiate Academy supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through its Four Pillars, with Live Healthfully promoting holistic well-being, self-care, and resilience within a supportive Christian community. The English-medium environment—where all classes, activities, and faculty interactions are conducted in English—fosters social engagement and emotional development. College Counseling provides a comprehensive SEL-support framework, offering one-on-one and group counseling and access to professional counseling systems and platforms to support personal growth. The Statement of Philosophy emphasizes learner-centered guidance, honoring individual voices, self-reflection, and informed decision-making, all of which contribute to SEL. The College Counseling program also delivers resources to help students navigate overseas university admissions, supporting their social and emotional readiness for transitions.
Learning Support is offered as an optional program within Primacy, with a Learning Support Teacher carrying a maximum caseload of five students. The program provides individualized goals, time management support, after-school tutoring, small-group instruction, and in-class modifications to help students master content. The Learning Support description states it is a referral program and that the learning support teacher does not assign grades, focusing on individualized academic progress. After School Support options include After School Study Support and After School ELL Program to assist with study and language needs. English Language Support and Testing are included in tuition, signaling formal EAL provisions within the school's offerings.
The school operates in an English environment, with all classes, activities, and staff interactions conducted in English to maximize language exposure. After School ELL Program provides additional English language support to help students boost language skills in order to handle Open High classes. English Language Support and Testing are included in tuition, indicating formal language assistance for learners. Open High coursework requirements suggest the ELL program is designed to enable language learners to access higher-level classes. The overall environment emphasizes English language acquisition as part of Primacy's provision.
Live Healthfully is one of Primacy's four pillars and promotes holistic well-being, self-care, and resilience within a balanced program and supportive community. It emphasizes self-care and resilience as core aspects of student welfare in a Christian, values-oriented environment. College Counseling provides One-on-One Counseling, Group Counseling, and access to Professional Counseling Systems & Platforms, offering resources that support students' well-being during the college planning process. The Learning Support program includes time-management strategies and academic coaching to reduce stress and support student wellbeing. After School ELL Program and related supports further contribute to student well-being by reducing language and academic pressures that can affect mental health.
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection policies. Live Healthfully emphasizes student welfare as part of the school's holistic approach to wellbeing. College Counseling includes consideration of safety, living environment, and access to support resources when guiding students toward suitable universities. Learning Support and ELL provisions contribute to safeguarding by ensuring appropriate academic adjustments and language support for students. No explicit safeguarding policy page is publicly accessible in the available school materials.
1. Step 1: Prepare Documents. Prepare Passports for Parent and Child (bring both if you hold passports from more than one country). Provide two copies of a recent 2" x 2" photo. Obtain transcripts from applicable grade levels (8th through 12th). Provide two recommendations from subject-area teachers, using the Student Recommendation Form or the Chinese Recommendation Form.
2. Step 2: Make a Visitation. Schedule and complete a visit to meet with the admissions officer and to tour the school facilities. The visit is an opportunity to ask questions about the program and to see classrooms and campus resources.
3. Step 3: Take placement test. The applicant will take a placement test, which can be scheduled on the same day as the visitation if convenient. The placement test helps determine appropriate course placement for the student.
4. Step 4: Wait for review. After completing the placement test, the admissions team reviews the application. Families are welcome to return for further discussion with the admissions officer and to take another campus tour if needed. When ready to apply online, click Apply Now to begin.
