Kaohsiung American School
KASSecular, Founded 1989
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
IB MYP
WASCLanguages
English
MandarinKaohsiung American School is a fully accredited, independent PreK–12 international school in southern Taiwan. It provides a holistic, student-centered education by blending U.S. curriculum standards with the inquiry-driven International Baccalaureate framework.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
Kaohsiung American School is committed to developing balanced, independent, and globally-minded students through a mission that challenges them to achieve academic excellence. Its core values include belonging, personalized learning, stewardship, wellbeing, and excellence. The school fosters a culturally responsive environment that prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, encouraging students to contribute positively to their local and global communities.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive PreK–12 education, utilizing U.S. standards (Common Core, NGSS, AERO) integrated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The curriculum is inquiry-based, focusing on interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and hands-on projects. Specialized programmes include a Chinese language track for both native and non-native speakers, as well as extensive arts, music, and physical education offerings.
Outcomes
Graduates receive an accredited American high school diploma, and students in the IB Diploma Programme may also earn the IB Diploma, IB Bilingual Diploma, or subject-specific certificates. Alumni have gone on to study at prestigious universities and colleges in the United States and around the world. The school emphasizes the development of balanced individuals, independent learners, and global citizens.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, with fees tiered based on the level of language assistance required. A dedicated team of counselors and inclusion coordinators/literacy specialists works to support students with diverse academic, social, and emotional needs. The school is committed to an inclusive environment and provides resources for students with intensive academic or behavioral challenges.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Kaohsiung American School offer?
- Kaohsiung American School offers IB MYP and IB Diploma.
- What ages does Kaohsiung American School teach?
- Kaohsiung American School enrolls students aged 4 to 18.
- Is Kaohsiung American School a day or boarding school?
- Kaohsiung American School is a day school.
- What accreditations does Kaohsiung American School hold?
- Kaohsiung American School holds accreditations including WASC and IB.
- Is Kaohsiung American School co-educational?
- Kaohsiung American School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Kaohsiung American School located?
- Kaohsiung American School is an international school in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The school accepts applications throughout the year for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. The admissions process includes a placement exam, an English language evaluation, and potential interviews with teachers or principals. Applicants must hold a valid foreign passport, and those in grades 3–12 must demonstrate English proficiency to pass the required entrance exam.
Calendar
The school operates on a semester-based system, with the fall semester beginning in August and the spring semester starting in January. The academic year includes various breaks, and the school provides a Google Calendar and downloadable PDF versions for families. New faculty orientation typically occurs in late July, preceding the start of the academic year.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features a 400-seat theater, five science labs, and an elementary school STEAM makerspace. The Thomas Farrell Athletic Complex includes a 6-lane adjustable-depth saltwater swimming pool, a full-size basketball court, a soccer field, a gym, and a dance studio. The school is LEED-certified and incorporates traditional Taiwanese courtyard designs to facilitate community gathering.
Co-curriculars
Students have access to over 50 after-school clubs, activities, and sports, including athletics, performing arts, and visual arts. The school hosts events such as the World’s Scholar’s Cup, Model United Nations (MUN), and various swim meets and basketball tournaments. Additionally, the Future Leaders Program offers high school students internship opportunities throughout Kaohsiung.
- James Laney, Jr.Head of School
Jim Laney began his teaching career in the US Peace Corps in Kenya in the early 1980s and has served in American and international schools across the globe. He has taught at all grade levels from K to 12 and has been a principal or director in three distinguished IB schools since 2005. He holds extensive experience in school leadership, having served as Head of School at the International Community School of Addis Ababa prior to his current role.
- Shan AhmedPrincipal, Elementary School
Shan has a BA (Honours) from De-Montfort University and an MBA in International Education from Keele University in the UK. He has extensive administrative experience, including eight years as an Elementary Principal in American program schools in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, and is a qualified teacher with a certificate of International School Leadership.
- Chelsea ArmstrongPrincipal, Middle School
Chelsea Armstrong is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and has taught and led schools in Vietnam, the Marshall Islands, Cairo, and Chicago. She holds a BA in Education from the University of New Mexico, an MA in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, Chicago, and is an Illinois-certified Learning Behavior Specialist.
- Kimberly D. ClarkPrincipal, High School
Kimberly Clark is a San Francisco native and educational leader who holds an Ed.S. from Mercer University, an Ed.M. from Harvard University, and a B.A. from Spelman College. Her professional experience includes serving as a Deputy Principal in Abu Dhabi, a Vice Principal and Instructional Coach in Houston, and an AP World History Teacher and Department Chair in Atlanta.
- Jennifer MitchellDirector for Teaching & Learning
Jennifer has taught in Colombia, Morocco, Singapore, Germany, Sudan, and Croatia, and has experience as a team lead and PYP Coordinator. She holds a Master’s in Education from Aurora University and is finishing her doctorate in Educational Sustainability through the University of Wisconsin.
- Hannah McIntoshDirector of Student Support Services
Originally from the southern United States, Hannah completed her BS in Psychology and MA in Counseling before moving to Taiwan. She is a licensed Associate Professional Counselor, School Counselor, and Special Education teacher in the United States, with previous experience implementing and coordinating Learning Support programs.
- Lisa FangDirector of Admissions
Lisa Fang joined KAS as an admissions officer before becoming the Director of Admissions. She graduated from Wenzao Ursuline College with a degree in German and an English emphasis and previously worked in management at BMW.
- Brian MeehanDirector Of Learning Technology
Brian is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in Applied Networking, Security, & Systems Administration. Before working in education, he was an engineer with Eastman Kodak Company and served as the Director of Information Technology for an independent school in Rochester, NY.
- Dr. Lawrence YuanDirector of Operations
Lawrence Yuan is a retired Rear Admiral with over 30 years of experience leading military units in the ROC Navy and holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at San Diego. He previously served as the Superintendent of Taiwan’s Naval Academy, where he oversaw large-scale training programs and infrastructure projects.