Taiwan, Taipei: Taipei American School

Released by the Office of Overseas Schools
Washington, DC

Taipei American School

Web: www.tas.edu.tw

 

2008-2009

The Taipei American School (TAS) is an independent, coeducational day school that offers an educational program from prekindergarten through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The School was founded in 1949. The school year comprises two semesters. The first semester of the 2008-2009 school year begins on August 14 and ends on December 18. The second semester begins on January 5 and ends on June 5.

Organization: The School is governed by a nine-member board of directors elected for three-year terms by the Taipei American School Association. Membership in the Association is automatically conferred on the parents of children enrolled in the School.

Community: The School is located in Tien Mou, a northern suburb of Taipei, where many members of the expatriate community reside. High-rise apartment buildings and commercial enterprises characterize the landscape. The vast majority of parents work for local businesses or international corporations. The TAS parent body includes a sizeable contingent of professionals, various foreign government employees, and educators.

Curriculum: The curriculum at Taipei American School (TAS) offers the best of American education with an international perspective. The curriculum is built on KA-12 subject area standards and benchmarks that define what students should know and be able to do as a result of learning in a particular subject area. These learning goals represent the best examples of standards and benchmarks available from the United States. The upper school (grades 9-12) offers a rigorous, college-preparatory program. In addition, given our unique location, students experience Mandarin classes starting in Kindergarten that help them take advantage of the local environment. Knowing that the majority of TAS students will return to the United States to continue their education, our curriculum is aligned to prepare for a smooth transition into the United States educational system. TAS offers both English-as-a-Second-Language support as well as support for students with mild learning differences. Parents of students with learning needs should contact the school directly to be sure that TAS has the resources and programs to fit their needs. TAS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Faculty: In the 2008-2009 school year, there are 254 faculty members, including 156 U.S. citizens, 22 host-country nationals, and 76 third-country nationals.

Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, enrollment was 2,215 (786 in the lower school, 567 in the middle school, and 862 in the upper school). Of the total, 1,469 were U.S. citizens and 746 third-country nationals. Of the U.S. enrollment, 42 were dependents of American Institute in Taiwan employees, and 1,427 were dependents of other private U.S. citizens.

Facilities: The School occupies a campus of 6.5 hectares (approximately 15 acres). In addition to 120 regular classrooms, the School has 11 science labs, a large library-media center, music and art facilities, two theaters, multiple computer labs, sports facilities with an artificially surfaced playing field, and a cafeteria.

Finances: In the 2008-2009 school year, approximately 88% of the School’s income derives from tuition and fees. Annual tuition rates are as follows: lower school: $12,658; and middle and upper schools: $14,045. There is also an annual registration fee of $806 and a one-time capital fee of $4,839. Round-trip student transportation costs $1,200. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)

Released on November 25, 2008