Kaohsiung American School

Kaohsiung American School

Established in 1989, Kaohsiung American School (高雄美國學校 in traditional Chinese; Gāo xióng Mĕi guó xué xiào in pinyin; abbreviation KAS) is a private, non-profit pre-K through grade 12 college preparatory school, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. KAS has a multi-cultural perspective with a safe, caring and supportive environment. As of 2008-2009 school year, the current director is Dr. Thomas Farrell.

Mission Statement

According to the school website:

"Kaohsiung American School is a community of confident and responsible citizens. We are an accredited, pre K-12, non-sectarian, college preparatory school with an American based curriculum. We uphold critical thinking, multicultural perspectives and effective communication in a safe and caring environment. KAS promotes community involvement, physical and emotional well-being, and enhances creativity through enriched academic programs.

Academics

Elementary Division

The Kaohsiung American School's elementary division, beginning from Pre-K to grade six, allows students to receive classes from specialists each week in computer, science, art, music and physical education. In addition, students receive Chinese language or ELL (English Language Learners) for 220 minutes a week.

AP® (Advanced Placement)

KAS offers six AP courses with other AP courses offered on a bi-yearly basis.

AP® Recognition

Kaohsiung American School has been recognized as a school having an exemplary AP® Biology course, by having a wider segment of its student population achieve success on the AP® Biology Exam compared to other international students.

Activities

KAS is known for its twenty "student-created" extra-curricular activities and clubs. According to Dr. Nanos "I am very proud of the students in my school. They are just like my children. They are so creative and enthusiastic." There are a wide variety of extra-curricular activities including athletics, music, drama, Model United Nations, National Honor Society, Student Council and other cultural-promoting groups, such as Asian Club.

Community Service

"In order to qualify for community service, the student must engage in an activity that further develops his/her moral and ethical character by giving service to others."

Recognizing that school is more than an accumulation of credits and extra-curricular activities, KAS has implemented a Community Services Graduation Requirement. In order to qualify the KAS Community Service Graduation Requirement, student must have a minimum of forty (40) community service hours during their four years at KAS. If a student enrolls during the four years of KAS, the number of service hours is determined by the number of years left for high school graduation.

The mandatory requirements for community service are:

1. Hours must be verified, documented and signed-off by the Secondary Coordinator.
2. At least seventy-five percent of the hours (thirty hours) must be out-campus service.

Major Extra-Curricular Activities

* Student Council
* Model United Nations
* Athletic Council
* Cadenza Music Club
* Science Club
* World Games Newspaper Committee
* Global Issues Network
* Amnesty International "(pending)"

ee also

* Taipei American School
* National Experimental High School
* Morrison Academy
* American School in Taichung
* Pacific American School

External links

* [http://www.kas.kh.edu.tw Kaohsiung American School official website]
* [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=zh-TW&geocode=&saddr=22.676001,120.293185&daddr=&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=18&sll=22.6761,120.293518&sspn=0.003475,0.004501&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=22.675956,120.293287&spn=0.003475,0.004501&z=18 KAS on Google Maps]