Taipei American School
Secular, Founded 1949
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
IB Diploma
Advanced Placement
WASCLanguages
English
MandarinTaipei American School is a leading independent, non-profit international school in Taiwan providing a high-quality, American-based education for students from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. It is recognized for its rigorous academic programs, including both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school's mission is to cultivate an enduring commitment to learning, personal well-being, and service through a broad American-based education with a global perspective. It emphasizes the development of character and the values of honesty, kindness, respect, courage, and responsibility. The school believes that failure is a critical, constructive aspect of the learning process that fosters resilience and a growth mindset.
Programmes
The school offers a standards-based American curriculum for students aged 4-18, utilizing the "Understanding by Design" framework. In the Upper School, students may pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including the AP Capstone Diploma. Mandarin language instruction is provided to all students starting in Kindergarten, with additional world language options available in Middle and Upper School.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides comprehensive support services, including English language development for non-native speakers and learning support for students with mild learning differences. The staff includes guidance counselors, college counselors, speech and language pathologists, and educational psychologists to support student well-being and academic success.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does Taipei American School offer?
- Taipei American School offers IB Diploma and Advanced Placement.
- How much is tuition at Taipei American School?
- Annual tuition at Taipei American School is NT$ 956.8k–NT$ 1.1M. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Taipei American School teach?
- Taipei American School enrolls students aged 4 to 18.
- Is Taipei American School a day or boarding school?
- Taipei American School is a day school.
- What accreditations does Taipei American School hold?
- Taipei American School holds accreditations including WASC and IB.
- Is Taipei American School co-educational?
- Taipei American School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Taipei American School located?
- Taipei American School is an international school in Taipei, Taiwan.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-27| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5 | 4–11 | NT$ 956.8k |
| Grade 6 to Grade 12 | 11–18 | NT$ 1.1M |
Other fees(9)
| Application fee· NT$10,000 for first time applicants, NT$5,000 for reapplications (only if you have applied for 2025-2026 school year) | NT$ 10k |
|---|---|
| Deposit· Enrollment Deposit, nonrefundable and applies to returning students and accepted new students. | NT$ 50k |
| Enrolment fee· One-time Capital Fee paid per student upon enrollment. | NT$ 350k |
| Registration fee· Annual Building Fee supporting capital building projects. | NT$ 6.5k |
| Bus / transport· Transportation fees vary by zone. Round Trip: Zone 1 NT$70,940, Zone 2 NT$73,060, Zone 3 NT$74,480 per year. One Way: Zone 1 NT$35,470, Zone 2 NT$36,530, Zone 3 NT$37,240 per year. | — |
| Mealsper meal· Lunch Set Menu. Recommended NT$30,000 per school year for Lower School, NT$40,000 per school year for Middle and Upper Schools. | NT$ 115 |
| Insurance· Optional Student Accident Insurance plan per year. | NT$ 672 |
| Materials· Required Lenovo laptop purchase for Grades 6-8. Outdoor program fees also apply: Grade 2 NT$3,500, Grades 3-5 NT$9,000, Grades 6-8 NT$9,680. | NT$ 43.5k |
| Uniform· PE Uniforms and supplies: NT$4,000-NT$5,000 for Middle School, around NT$10,000 for Upper School. | — |
Admissions
Taipei American School is an independent, non-profit institution serving students from pre-kindergarten (KA) through Grade 12. Prospective families are encouraged to inquire, attend open houses, or schedule campus tours through the admissions office. The application process requires an application fee, and enrollment is finalized upon payment of tuition and fees.
Calendar
The school maintains an academic calendar with key dates published each fall, alongside a digital system for current families and employees. The school year includes designated "Late Start Days" for professional development. Families are encouraged to use the school's mobile app to access the full, up-to-date calendar.
Facilities
About the campus
The 15-acre campus features over 250 classrooms, including advanced science, robotics, and computer labs. Facilities include a dedicated arts center with three theaters and dance studios, a four-story library, and extensive athletic amenities such as three gymnasiums, an all-weather track, two artificial turf fields, a golf center, and a 25-meter indoor swimming pool. The Solomon Wong Tech Cube, opened in 2017, provides specialized spaces for STEM learning.
Co-curriculars
Students have access to a wide range of activities, including athletics, the arts, and service-learning opportunities. The school is a member of the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asia Schools (IASAS), facilitating high-level competitions and events in sports, Model United Nations, and the arts. Additionally, students may participate in student-run clubs and various off-campus trips.
- Mr. David FrankenbergHead of School
Mr. David Frankenberg joined Taipei American School as our 17th Head of School in July, 2024. He holds a Masters in Education on School Leadership from Harvard University Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies from Wesleyan University. His previous experience includes serving as Head of School at the Drew School in San Francisco and as Middle and Upper School Principal at Oakwood School in Los Angeles.
- Dr. Tara SimeonidisInterim Deputy Head of School
Dr. Tara Simeonidis has been an educational leader for over 25 years in both independent and international schools. She served as Lower School Principal at Taipei American School from 2014 to 2025 and for the 2025-2026 school year she will serve as Interim Deputy Head of School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, a Master’s in Curriculum Development, and an Ed.D from USC.
- Mr. Kevin HeffelDeputy Head of School
Mr. Kevin Heffel is the Deputy Head of School.
- Ms. Caroline BaughChief Advancement & External Relations Officer
Caroline joined Taipei American School in 2023, bringing broad experience in advancement, strategic communications, community engagement, and enrollment management at leading independent schools in the United States and Europe. Prior to TAS, she served as Director of Enrollment Management, Communications, and Community Relations at the American School of Paris. She holds a Bachelor of Arts.
- Dr. Max GygaxChief Financial Officer
Max joined TAS in 2024 after a career that has taken him all over the world. He has served as CFO and COO at The American School in Switzerland (TASIS), the American School of Dubai, and Hawaii Preparatory Academy. He holds a BA, MBA, and PhD.
- Mr. Larry KrautChief Operating Officer
Larry Kraut joined TAS in 2017 with an MBA from Drexel University, an MA from Temple University and a BA from the University of Idaho. Larry served as the Finance and Operations Director at the American School of Warsaw for seven years and previously worked as the Business Manager at Cairo American College.
- Ms. Amanda JacobDirector of Teaching and Learning
Prior to joining the leadership team, Amanda Jacob served as the Lower School Literacy Coordinator at Taipei American School. She has been a teacher and literacy coach for over twenty years in the US, Haiti, The Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Poland, and Taiwan. She holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a Master's degree.
- Ms. Carol ChenDirector of Human Resources
Ms. Carol Chen is the Director of Human Resources.
- Ms. Rachel CaldasDirector of Strategic Communications and Marketing
Ms. Rachel Caldas has spent over 15 years in international education across the U.S., U.K., and Europe. Most recently, she served as Senior Director of Student Services at EF International Language Campuses in Oxford. She holds a Bachelor of Arts.
- Mr. Joseph GorskiDirector of Student Success
Joe has spent 20 years overseas, working at schools including Copenhagen International School, Canadian Academy in Kobe, GEMS American Academy in Dubai, and the Anglo-American School of Sofia. He is joining TAS in SY25–26. He holds a BA and an MA.
- Mr. Rick DaSilvaDirector of Belonging and Social Impact
Mr. Rick DaSilva is the Director of Belonging and Social Impact.
- Mr. Michael O'NeillDirector of Admissions
Mr. Michael O'Neill is the Director of Admissions.