ICA at a Glance
Founded in 2005, Ivy Collegiate Academy (ICA) is a private coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school enrolling students in grades 7-12. ICA follows the American AP curriculum offering an AP Capstone Diploma to eligible students. The robust activities program is modeled after American boarding schools. ICA is an innovative and vibrant student-centered school which encourages students in their pursuit of becoming responsible leaders of their generation. The mission of ICA is to provide a supportive residential community that stimulates the intellectual, ethical and physical development of each of its students. In an educational environment with attention to individual needs, a highly trained international faculty equips students with the skills and knowledge to enter first class universities worldwide. ICA’s goal is to cultivate responsible citizens who engage with the world around them and contribute to the common good of their communities. Towards this end, the ICA experience fosters the development of self-reliance, integrity, critical thinking, effective communication, worldliness, and social awareness.
Leadership
Superintendent: Dr. John C. Cheska
Headmaster: Dr. Christos Perez
Assistant Headmaster: Dr. Shannon Perez
Director of Residence Life: Kristine Tsao
Director of College Counseling: Sarah Marwood
Athletic Director: Sarah Griffith
Activities Coordinator: Lila Manstein
Curriculum Coordinator: Amanda Jones
Faculty
Full-time Faculty: 43
Resident Advisors: 9
Adjunct Faculty: 6
Student-Faculty Ratio:
Students
Student Population: 175
Boarding Students: 94
Day Students: 81
Foreign Students: 56
History of Ivy Collegiate Academy
Founded in 2005 by Dr. Lee Yuan Hei, Ivy Collegiate Academy (ICA) stands as a beacon of excellence in American-style boarding education. Dr. Lee’s visionary outlook, aimed at nurturing future leaders, has been the driving force behind our institution’s ethos and curriculum.
This ethos was continued and built upon by Dr. John Cheska, the founding head of school. For twenty years, Dr. Cheska guided the school through major transitions, laying a firm foundation of leadership, service, and scholarship. Dr. Cheska implemented many programs which are still cornerstones of the school today!
At ICA, the foundational leaders’ visions were not just a concept; they are a living, breathing part of our daily life. Embedded within our curriculum and student activities is a strong emphasis on ethics and leadership. Every senior engages in a leadership symposium, delving into the intricacies of ethical decision-making and leadership principles.
Moreover, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility, we empower students to actively participate in the management of our school. Through initiatives like our student government (STUGO), peer tutoring services, and various committees addressing key aspects of school life, students learn the value of collaboration and service.
Our prefect system further reinforces this culture of responsibility, with senior and junior prefects working alongside resident hall advisors to ensure smooth dormitory operations.
Central to our mission is the belief in Leadership through Service. Our entire school community engages in service projects, exemplified by events like Common Good Day and community service projects developed by National Honors Society.
In our commitment to social responsibility, ICA has forged partnerships with organizations like the Ren Shen Nursing Home, engaging in joint programs and cultural support efforts. Additionally, our annual fundraising initiatives extend support to causes such as aiding earthquake victims in Nepal and Taiwan.
Driven by innovation and student-centered principles, Ivy Collegiate Academy is more than just a school; it’s a vibrant community that nurtures and empowers students on their journey to becoming responsible leaders of their generation.
ICA faculty, students, and leadership continue to look for ways to move our community forward through innovative teaching practices, experiential hands-on learning, collaborative projects, and attention to the most pressing issues facing our global community. Together, we believe we can change the world for the better, one step at a time.
Academics
Classrooms: 29
Science Labs: 7
English Labs: 1
Arts & Music Labs: 5
Boarding
Dormitory Rooms: 47
Resident Advisor Rooms: 20
Student Lounge: 1
Outdoor meeting areas: 2
Athletics
Basketball Courts: 4
Volleyball Courts: 3
Soccer Fields: 2
Tracks: 1
Pools: 1
Weight Rooms: 1
Curriculum Overview
ICA is an international boarding school following an American curriculum. Curriculum is written with the intention that students will be prepared to successfully complete Advanced Placement (AP) coursework. ICA is one of three schools in Taiwan that offer an AP Capstone Diploma to eligible students. Through high academic rigor and hands-on learning experiences such as laboratory experiments and field trips, ICA students are well equipped to succeed in higher educational institutions post graduation. We aim to prepare students for the next phase of their lives through the development of:
| Self Reliance | As a self-directed and lifelong learner An organized, knowledgeable individual able to adapt, evaluate and apply their skills in a variety of different situations. Able to access information and resources independently for continued research and learning. |
| Integrity | As a reflective individual who can decipher right from wrong. A person who has developed a set of core values and adheres to them. |
| Worldiness | Having an aesthetic appreciation of the Fine Arts. With an understanding and acceptance of culture diversity. Being a well rounded individual with a wide range of knowledge. |
| Social Awareness | As a responsible productive and involved citizen, with respect for self and others. Having knowledge and concern for the global community. |
| Critical Thinking | As an informed thinker with the ability to collaborate and solve problems creatively. A critical thinker able to innovatively analyze and evaluate information in a logical and meaningful manner. |
| Effective Communication | As an effective communicator, with proficient skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening at the appropriate grade levels. Able to use technology appropriately and effectively. |
Athletics
Men’s/Women’s Soccer
Men’s/Women’s Basketball
Men’s/Women’s Volleyball
Men’s/Women’s Swimming
Men’s/Women’s Cross Country Running
Men’s/Women’s Track & Field
Men’s/Women’s Badminton
Men’s/Women’s Horseback Riding
Activities
Yoga
Weightlifting
Skateboarding
Biking
Hiking
Model United Nations
Student Government
Painting
Sketching
Painting
Singing
Knitting
Calligraphy