Most of the best-known international schools are in Taipei, but there are also excellent options in Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Hsinchu. Below are five of the top international high schools in Taiwan, known for their academic rigor, outstanding facilities, and global recognition.
1. Taipei American School (TAS)
Number of students: 2,332
Ages: 4 to 18
Curriculum: American, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB)
Founded in 1949, Taipei American School (TAS) is one of the oldest and most respected international schools in Taiwan. Its rich history reflects a deep commitment to learning, student well-being, and community service.
The school has an expansive 15-acre campus equipped with top-tier sports and academic facilities. These include a 25-meter indoor swimming pool with a Daktronics timing system, a synthetic turf soccer/rugby field, a dedicated Strength and Conditioning Center, and multiple tennis courts, dance studios, and gymnasiums. TAS offers a broad selection of extracurricular programs, ranging from arts to STEM fields, and encourages students to pursue their passions through hundreds of co-curricular opportunities.
Academically, TAS students consistently score far above average on standardized tests like the SAT. In the 2017–2018 academic year, TAS students took over 1,100 AP exams and more than 200 IB exams. Many graduates go on to study at Ivy League universities and other prestigious institutions across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia.
2. Taipei European School (TES)
Number of students: 1,750+
Ages: 3 to 18
Curriculum: British – International Baccalaureate (IB), French Baccalaureate, and German
Taipei European School (TES) is a unique institution that combines the Taipei British School, Ecole Française de Taipei, and Deutsche Schule Taipei into a single organization. These three schools were officially integrated in 2003 to form TES. As a result, the school offers three distinct curricula—British, French, and German—serving a broad European and international community.
TES promotes a culture of lifelong learning grounded in values such as respect, creativity, participation, and perseverance. As a member of CATES (Council of Administrators of Taiwan Expatriate Schools) and FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia), the school enables students to participate in academic, athletic, and artistic competitions throughout the region. TES operates across two campuses, both of which are well-equipped with modern facilities, including libraries, amphitheaters, fitness centers, science and robotics labs, and performance spaces.
TES students consistently demonstrate academic excellence. The IB Diploma Programme boasts an impressive average score of 37 points with a 100% pass rate, while the French Baccalaureate section also maintains a flawless pass rate—highlighting the school’s rigorous academic standards. Graduates from TES gain admission to prestigious universities worldwide, including top institutions in the United States such as UCLA and Northwestern University, as well as leading universities across the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
3. Kaohsiung American School (KAS)
Number of students: 700-800
Ages: 4 to 18
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
Kaohsiung American School (KAS), located in southern Taiwan, was founded in the mid-1980s and has since grown into a well-respected IB World School. Recognized as a U.S. State Department-assisted overseas school, KAS is known for its high educational standards and inclusive environment. With a student body of 700–800 students from 15 different nationalities, the school offers a dynamic and culturally rich learning environment.
The expansive green campus provides ample space for academics, sports, and the arts. KAS is particularly known for its innovation in STEM education. One notable event was the CubeSat Challenge, Taiwan’s first Space Camp, where students participated in hands-on workshops, built their own CubeSats, and interacted with astronauts from NASA and the European Space Agency.
Academically, KAS students perform above the global IB average in all six subject areas. Its graduates gain admission to top-tier universities in the United States, including the University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, and UC Berkeley, as well as other esteemed institutions worldwide.
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4. Morrison Academy Taipei
Number of students: 300
Ages: 5 to 18
Curriculum: American, Advanced Placement (AP)
Morrison Academy Taipei is part of the larger Morrison Academy system, which also includes campuses in Taichung and Kaohsiung. Established in 1961, the Taipei campus provides a faith-based American curriculum that integrates biblical values into all areas of study. The school is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Morrison offers a rigorous academic program that includes AP classes, alongside a supportive community that fosters critical thinking, personal growth, and spiritual development. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities ranging from athletics and arts to service learning and student government. The school boasts modern facilities, including science labs, libraries, performing arts rooms, and an art and production studio.
Morrison students consistently score in the top 20% on the PSAT, with more than half of Grade 11 students scoring in the top 5%. They also perform exceptionally well on SAT, ACT, and AP exams, reflecting the school’s academic strength.
5. American School Taichung (AST)
Number of students: 277
Ages: 5 to 18
Curriculum: American, Advanced Placement (AP)
The American School in Taichung (AST) is a non-profit international school in central Taiwan. With a small student body of 277, AST provides a highly personalized educational experience based on the American curriculum, which prepares students to easily transition to other international schools worldwide.
AST places a strong emphasis on civic responsibility and sustainability. Students participate in various community service and environmental initiatives through clubs such as the Red Cross, Eco-School Club, Project C, and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance. The school is also home to the Taiwan Model United Nations (TAIMUN), the island’s first Model United Nations conference, which AST initiated in 2001.
Academically, 89% of AST students score a 3 or higher on their AP exams. In the 2023–2024 school year, 87% of students earned AP Scholar recognition, comprising 19 AP Scholars, 10 AP Scholars with Honor, 4 AP Scholars with Distinction, and 4 AP International Diploma recipients. Graduates have been accepted into top universities globally, including UC Berkeley, New York University, King’s College London, and the University of Toronto.
Taiwan offers a diverse and high-quality international school environment that equips students for academic success and global citizenship. Whether families are looking for a large, resource-rich campus in Taipei or a smaller, close-knit community in Taichung or Kaohsiung, they’ll find excellent options across the island. These five schools stand out for their academic achievements, world-class facilities, and commitment to developing well-rounded, globally minded students.
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