What are the schools in Taipei like?

"Taipei is home to a number of excellent international and bilingual schools. The Taipei American School (TAS) is one of the most prestigious international schools in the city. Founded in 1949, TAS offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the College Board. TAS also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The International School of Taipei (IST) is another top international school in Taipei. Founded in 1980, IST offers a comprehensive curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. IST also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Taipei European School (TES) is a top bilingual school in Taipei. Founded in 1985, TES offers a bilingual curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. TES also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Taipei Japanese School (TJS) is another top bilingual school in Taipei. Founded in 1972, TJS offers a bilingual curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school is accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. TJS also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art," said one parent with children at in Taipei.

"If you are coming from the states, it will be difficult for your child, as most students (although foreign passport holders) are from Taiwan. There are minimal native English speakers. The standards are incredibly high and you have a bunch of exhausted kids who subscride to their parents ideals for teens: ESS (Eat-Sleep-Study. Even high achieving studnts from the US will question their confidence and have trouble acclimating. That said, it is a quality education in a relatively safe environment. There are better options if you desire a whole-student approach," commented one expat when asked about Taipei American School in Taipei.