2023–24 Annual Report

Reflecting on Progress, Building for the Future

At KAS, we are always striving to grow, improve, and provide the best possible education for our students. As we move through the 2024–25 school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we made last year—and how it has set the foundation for an even stronger future.

Our 2023–24 Annual Report highlights the strides we made in academic excellence, student learning, and community building. Former Board Chair Susana Yeh shared: “Together, we are not just maintaining but raising the educational experience at KAS, ensuring that our students are not only prepared for the future but are also equipped to lead it.”

That’s why we invested in new programs, expanded student support, and created more opportunities for every learner at KAS.

A Commitment to Deeper Learning

One of our biggest priorities last year was ensuring students had access to high-quality, engaging, and personalized learning experiences. To achieve this, we:

  • Developed a Vision for Instructional Excellence to guide teaching and curriculum.
  • Expanded bilingual learning opportunities, adding daily Mandarin instruction in Pre-K and Kindergarten and increasing support for non-native Mandarin learners in middle school.
  • Strengthened college counseling services, providing more guidance to students preparing for university.
  • Grew the IB program, with 93% of our IB Diploma students earning their diploma—far above the global average.

Head of School Jim Laney emphasized the importance of this work: “Deeper learning happens best when learning is personalized. Learning can be individualized for students by building on their strengths and passions, integrating service learning opportunities, and expanding beyond-the-classroom and
extracurricular opportunities.”

This focus on personalized and passionate learning has carried into the 2024–25 school year, helping students find success in the classroom and beyond.

Investing in World-Class Teaching

Great teachers are the foundation of great schools. That’s why KAS made major investments last year in professional development, instructional leadership, and curriculum growth:

  • 350+ new curriculum units were developed, ensuring strong, well-rounded instruction.
  • Project AERO Math certification helped elementary teachers improve their math teaching.
  • 21 IB workshops kept our secondary teachers up-to-date with global best practices.
  • New Heads of Department (HODs) were introduced to lead curriculum development and teacher support.
  • Expanded faculty training on DEIJ, equipping teachers with tools to create culturally responsive classrooms and foster a sense of belonging for all students.

This year, KAS is continuing that momentum by expanding teacher training, providing more leadership and professional development opportunities, and ensuring our educators have the tools to support every student.

Expanding Student Opportunities

Beyond academics, KAS is committed to providing a well-rounded, enriching school experience. Last year, we introduced:

  • More electives in high school, including Film Studies, Choir Ensemble, and Personal Fitness.
  • A stronger emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning.
  • A continued focus on extracurricular and leadership opportunities, with students taking part in academic competitions, service projects, and global learning experiences.
  • Expanded athletic programs, including additional team sports.
Building on Progress: How Last Year’s Achievements Are Shaping KAS Today

With the second half of the 2024–25 school year underway, we are already seeing tangible results from last year’s progress. The initiatives launched in 2023–24 are shaping the student experience in real time:

  • Expanded college counseling services are giving students more personalized university and career guidance.
  • New internship opportunities with Shoushan Zoo, the Sports Development Bureau, and other partners are providing students with real-world career experiences.
  • Enhanced student support services are helping more students reach their academic goals and develop confidence.
  • A stronger sense of belonging is evident across campus, as our commitment to community-building and inclusivity continues to grow.

These changes reflect our dedication to ensuring that every student at KAS has the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.

The 2023–24 Annual Report captures a defining chapter in our school’s progress, but the work continues. We are excited to keep building on these successes, strengthening our programs, and creating an environment where every KAS student can reach their full potential.

Read the full report here