Complete Guide to International Schools in Thailand 2025
Everything expat families need to know about international schools in Thailand - curriculum options, costs, admission requirements, and choosing the best school for your child.
International School Overview
Thailand offers numerous high-quality international schools following various curricula. With over 180 international schools nationwide, families have excellent options from kindergarten through grade 12, though costs can be significant.
Elementary School
฿150,000-600,000
Per year (Kindergarten-Grade 5)
Middle School
฿200,000-750,000
Per year (Grades 6-8)
High School
฿250,000-900,000
Per year (Grades 9-12)
Premium Schools
฿400,000-1,200,000
Top-tier international schools
Popular Curriculum Types
International schools in Thailand offer various curricula to meet different educational philosophies and university preparation needs:
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Globally recognized, inquiry-based learning approach:
- •PYP (Primary Years): Ages 3-11, holistic development focus
- •MYP (Middle Years): Ages 11-16, interdisciplinary learning
- •DP (Diploma Programme): Ages 16-19, university preparation
- •Benefits: University recognition, critical thinking, global perspective
- •Cost: Generally higher due to IB accreditation requirements
British Curriculum
Following English National Curriculum structure:
- •Early Years Foundation Stage: Ages 3-5
- •Key Stages 1-3: Primary and lower secondary
- •IGCSE: International General Certificate of Secondary Education
- •A-Levels: Advanced level qualifications for university entry
- •Recognition: Strong acceptance at UK universities
American Curriculum
US-style education with grade-based system:
- •Elementary: Kindergarten through Grade 5
- •Middle School: Grades 6-8
- •High School: Grades 9-12 with Advanced Placement (AP) options
- •Graduation: High school diploma with GPA system
- •Benefits: Familiar to American families, strong STEM programs
Other Curricula
- •Australian Curriculum: Similar to British but with Australian focus
- •Canadian Curriculum: Provincial curricula, particularly Ontario
- •Singaporean Curriculum: Math and science emphasis
- •Montessori/Waldorf: Alternative educational philosophies
Top International Schools by City
Here are some of the most reputable international schools in Thailand's major expat centers:
Bangkok Schools
- •NIST International School: IB curriculum, ฿400,000-750,000/year
- •International School Bangkok (ISB): American curriculum, ฿600,000-900,000/year
- •Bangkok Patana School: British curriculum, ฿500,000-800,000/year
- •Shrewsbury International School: British curriculum, ฿400,000-700,000/year
- •KIS International School: IB curriculum, ฿300,000-600,000/year
Chiang Mai Schools
- •Chiang Mai International School: American curriculum, ฿200,000-400,000/year
- •Prem Tinsulanonda International School: IB curriculum, ฿350,000-550,000/year
- •American Pacific International School: American curriculum, ฿180,000-350,000/year
- •Lanna International School: British curriculum, ฿150,000-300,000/year
Phuket Schools
- •British International School Phuket: British curriculum, ฿300,000-600,000/year
- •United World College Thailand: IB curriculum, ฿400,000-700,000/year
- •QSI International School: American curriculum, ฿250,000-450,000/year
- •Kajonkiet International School: Multiple curricula, ฿200,000-400,000/year
Pattaya Schools
- •Regents International School Pattaya: British curriculum, ฿350,000-650,000/year
- •International School of Chonburi: American curriculum, ฿200,000-400,000/year
- •Tara Pattana International School: IB curriculum, ฿250,000-450,000/year
School Selection Criteria
Choosing the right international school requires careful consideration of various factors beyond just cost and location:
Academic Factors
- •Curriculum Match: Aligns with future university plans
- •Academic Results: University placement rates and exam scores
- •Teacher Qualifications: Certified international teachers
- •Class Sizes: Student-teacher ratios (ideally 1:15 or better)
- •Language Support: ESL programs for non-native speakers
School Environment
- •Campus Facilities: Libraries, science labs, sports facilities, arts centers
- •School Culture: Values, diversity, community involvement
- •Safety & Security: Campus security, health facilities, emergency procedures
- •Student Diversity: Mix of nationalities and backgrounds
- •Technology Integration: Modern IT infrastructure and digital learning
Practical Considerations
- •Location & Transport: Commute time, school bus availability
- •School Calendar: Start dates, holidays, term structure
- •Extracurricular Activities: Sports, arts, clubs, competitions
- •Parent Involvement: Communication policies, volunteer opportunities
- •Flexibility: Mid-year entry, credit transfers, course changes
Admission Process & Requirements
International school admissions can be competitive, especially for popular schools. Start the process early:
Required Documents
- •Application Form: Complete online or paper application
- •Academic Records: 2-3 years of previous school transcripts
- •Birth Certificate: Official copy with English translation
- •Passport Copies: Student and parents
- •Medical Records: Immunization records, health forms
- •Photos: Recent passport-style photographs
- •Teacher References: Recommendation letters from previous teachers
Assessment Process
- •Entrance Testing: Academic assessment in core subjects
- •English Proficiency: Language assessment for non-native speakers
- •Student Interview: Personality and motivation assessment
- •Parent Interview: Understanding family expectations and commitment
- •Trial Day: Some schools offer observation days
Application Timeline
- •Early Applications: October-December for following August start
- •Regular Admissions: January-April for August entry
- •Late Applications: May-July (limited availability)
- •Mid-Year Entry: December-January for February start
- •Processing Time: 2-6 weeks for admission decision
📚 Application Tips:
Apply to multiple schools as backup options. Popular schools often have waiting lists. Consider visiting schools during open houses or arranging private tours to get a feel for the environment.
Complete Cost Breakdown
International school costs extend beyond tuition fees. Budget for these additional expenses:
Tuition & Fees
- •Annual Tuition: Varies by grade level and school tier
- •Registration Fee: ฿5,000-25,000 (one-time)
- •Application Fee: ฿2,000-10,000 (non-refundable)
- •Development Fund: ฿10,000-100,000 (usually refundable)
- •Technology Fee: ฿5,000-20,000 per year
Additional Costs
- •School Bus: ฿20,000-50,000 per year depending on distance
- •Lunch Program: ฿15,000-30,000 per year
- •School Uniforms: ฿5,000-15,000 per year
- •Books & Supplies: ฿10,000-25,000 per year
- •Extracurricular Activities: ฿5,000-20,000 per activity
- •Field Trips: ฿2,000-10,000 per trip
Payment Options
- •Annual Payment: Usually 3-5% discount for full year payment
- •Semester Payment: Split into 2-3 payments per year
- •Monthly Payment: Some schools offer 10-month plans
- •Corporate Rates: Some companies negotiate group discounts
- •Sibling Discounts: 5-10% discount for multiple children
Transitioning to Thai International Schools
Moving children to an international school in Thailand requires preparation and adjustment time:
- •Academic Alignment: Review curriculum differences and potential gaps
- •Language Support: Arrange ESL support if needed
- •Credit Transfers: Ensure smooth transition of academic credits
- •Cultural Adjustment: Prepare children for multicultural environment
- •Social Integration: Encourage participation in activities and clubs
- •Parent Involvement: Join parent associations and school events
💡 Pro Tips:
- • Visit multiple schools and attend open houses before deciding
- • Check university placement statistics and alumni success stories
- • Ask about class sizes and teacher turnover rates
- • Consider the school's accreditation and international recognition
- • Factor in total costs including transportation and activities
- • Read parent reviews and join school Facebook groups
⚠️ Things to Watch For:
- • High teacher turnover rates (instability indicator)
- • Limited support for students with learning difficulties
- • Hidden fees not mentioned in initial pricing
- • Overcrowded classrooms despite premium pricing
- • Limited university counseling and guidance services
- • Poor communication between school and parents
🎓 Alternative Options:
Consider online international schools, homeschooling cooperatives, or bilingual Thai schools as alternatives. Some families also choose boarding schools in Singapore, Malaysia, or home countries for high school years.