At a glance
Dominican International School Taipei, known locally as DIS, was established in 1957 by the Religious Missionaries of St Dominic and is one of the older foreign run schools in the city. It teaches an English medium, modified American curriculum from the early years through to Grade 12, adds Religious Studies in keeping with its Catholic character, and prepares students mainly for universities in North America. Classes are deliberately kept small so teachers can give focused attention, and the school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. For the wider market and how the city compares on curriculum and cost, start with our guide to international schools in Taipei.
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | Modified American; Advanced Placement; Religious Studies; English medium |
| Stages | Early years through Grade 12 |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) |
| Fee band | Mid (see the Taipei landscape) |
| Campus area | Dazhi, Zhongshan District, Taipei |
Curriculum and academics
Dominican runs a modified American curriculum that leads to a United States style high school diploma, with Advanced Placement courses offered in the senior years for students aiming at selective universities abroad. As a Catholic school it weaves Religious Studies and a faith based ethos through daily life, so it is closer in character to Morrison than to the secular campuses, though it welcomes students regardless of background. It is not an International Baccalaureate World School, which is the key distinction for families set on the IB Diploma. We describe the programme in the school own terms and do not publish examination figures we cannot verify, so ask the school directly for recent results and university destinations.
Dominican International School Taipei fees
Dominican International School Taipei sits in the mid band for the city, more accessible than the premium foreign run campuses yet above the most affordable bilingual options. Tuition rises by stage and the full cost of a place is more than tuition alone. We do not print a headline number here because rates are revised each year and the school issues the current schedule to applicants. Beyond tuition, budget for an application or registration fee, a place deposit and optional transport, and confirm which charges apply to your child grade. To weigh Dominican against other Taipei schools on cost and curriculum, use the Taipei fees guide or the comparison tool below.
Comparing Taipei schools?
Put Dominican next to two other Taipei schools side by side on fees and curriculum, or let the school finder shortlist three for your child.
Admissions
The main intake is for the August start of the academic year, with places in other grades where space allows. Families relocating to Taipei should apply early for the year they need, since established schools fill popular grades quickly. The process reviews prior school records and references, checks English readiness for older applicants and uses age appropriate assessment for the youngest children. As a Catholic school, admissions staff will also explain the faith based ethos and community expectations. The school confirms the documents it asks for, including transfer papers and residency information, during the application.
Location and who goes there
The campus sits in the Dazhi area of Zhongshan District in northern Taipei, a settled riverside neighbourhood near the Miramar district that is well connected by metro and school transport. Dominican draws Catholic and international families, returning overseas Taiwanese and households who want a North American pathway with a values based community. The right school in Taipei usually comes down to the curriculum and ethos you want, the fee band you can sustain and the commute, so it is worth visiting in person and comparing a shortlist before you decide. For the wider picture of where families settle and how the schools compare, return to the Taipei city hub.
Reviews
No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish parent reviews only once they are verified. If your child attends or has attended Dominican International School Taipei, you can submit a review to help other relocating families. We never display a star rating without real, checked reviews behind it.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Dominican International School Taipei fees?
Dominican sits in the mid band for Taipei, more accessible than the premium foreign run campuses but above the cheapest bilingual options, and tuition rises by stage. The school issues the current schedule to applicants, so budget separately for a registration fee, a deposit and optional transport, and ask the school for the latest rates as they are revised each year.
Is Dominican International School Taipei a good school?
Dominican is a long established Catholic school with a modified American curriculum and Advanced Placement, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Whether it suits your child depends on whether you want a values based North American education with small classes, the budget you can sustain and the commute to the Dazhi campus.
What curriculum does Dominican International School Taipei follow?
Dominican teaches an English medium, modified American curriculum from the early years to Grade 12, with Advanced Placement in the senior years and Religious Studies reflecting its Catholic character. It is not an International Baccalaureate World School, so families set on the IB Diploma should weigh that difference.
When do Dominican International School Taipei applications open?
The main intake is for the August start of the academic year, with mid year entry where space exists. Apply early for popular grades, and expect the process to include prior school records, references and an explanation of the school faith based ethos.
Where is Dominican International School Taipei located?
The school is in the Dazhi area of Zhongshan District in northern Taipei, near the Miramar district, connected to the wider city by metro and school transport.
