American Pacific International School - Main Campus vs Prem International School
American Pacific International School - Main Campus and Prem International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 21 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Prem International School also offers IBCP and Reggio Emilia. Published annual fees are THB 315,000 - 499,800 at American Pacific International School - Main Campus and THB 399,000 - 780,000 at Prem International School, which puts Prem International School roughly 45% higher. American Pacific International School - Main Campus takes pupils from 11 to 18, and Prem International School from 3 to 19. The two are similar in size, at around 400 and 500 pupils. Typical class sizes are 20 at American Pacific International School - Main Campus and 25 at Prem International School.
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils
Pupils
400
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1997
Opened
2001
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The APIS Main Campus is located at 158/1 Moo 3, Hangdong–Samoeng Road, Banpong, Hangdong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand. It sits approximately 25 km southwest of Chiang Mai city centre, in a rural, mountainous area. The campus is reachable by car and school transport, and is within a reasonable distance of Chiang Mai International Airport for boarding families. The surrounding area includes farms, resorts, and quiet residential communities.
Location
Prem International School is located in Mae Rim, about 25 km north of Chiang Mai, Thailand, on a spacious 100-acre campus nestled in a rural setting. The campus is accessible by car and bus and provides a tranquil, nature-filled environment with forests, ponds, and meadows that serve as part of the educational experience.
Stages
Stages
The Main Campus offers education from Grade 5 through Grade 12. The structure includes Middle School (Grades 7–10) and High School (Grades 11–12), with Grade 5 and 6 transitioning students into the IB curriculum and boarding environment. Students follow IB programmes with U.S. curriculum integration at each level.
Stages
The school serves students aged 3 to 19, covering Early Years (EY1–3), Primary (Grades 1–5), Middle Years (Grades 6–10), and Senior School programs, including the IB Diploma and Career-related Programmes in Grades 11–12.
School type
School type
APIS is a co-educational school offering both day and boarding options. Boarding is available from Grade 5 onwards, with weekly and full boarding arrangements and separate facilities for boys and girls.
School type
Prem is a co-educational international school offering both day and boarding options. Boarding is available for Grades 3–12, with full (7-day) and weekly (5-day) arrangements in modern dormitories, apartments, and short-stay residences.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school offers English Language Learning (ELL) support for students in Grades 5–12 whose native language is not English. Placement is based on classroom performance and assessments, and fees apply. Additional academic support and referrals are coordinated by a learning specialist, but there is no formal SEN department.
Additional learning support
Students in Grades 3–8 who require extra English support attend the Intensive English Programme (IEP), which focuses on building language skills in literacy, math, science, and humanities, alongside creative and outdoor learning activities.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
APIS does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country.
Country affiliation
Prem has no affiliation with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
APIS does not have a religious affiliation and operates as a secular, international school.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
While specific daily schedules are not published, the school follows a typical IB day schedule with lessons in the morning and afternoon separated by breaks and a lunch period. Boarding students follow a separate supervised daily routine.
School day structure
Specific start/end times or break schedules aren’t listed publicly on the school's website.
Bus service details
Bus service details
APIS provides a coach service for day and boarding students. Seats must be requested after acceptance and are subject to route availability.
Bus service details
A school transport service is available for day students, with fees ranging from THB 16,125–19,500 per term based on home-to-school distance.
Boarding Fees Weekly Board: THB 267,800–305,500/year depending on grade Full Board: THB 337,800–375,500/year depending on grade Laundry: THB 13,500/year (G7–G12) Note: students in Grades 7–12 may use laundry machines for free but must supply their own detergent.
Other Annual Fees Chromebook Fee (Grades 5–6): THB 30,000
Classroom Without Walls (CWW): THB 20,000–40,000 depending on grade
Payment Methods Accepted via cash, bank draft, or transfer to Siam Commercial Bank
Refund Policy No refunds for fees if a student attends any part of a semester. Refunds (excluding application/entrance/deposit) only if written notice is given 30 days before the semester begins. Partial refunds are considered for documented medical withdrawals on a case-by-case basis. Overdue payments incur a 1.5% per month surcharge.
Late payment penalty: 1.25% monthly; records may be withheld after 30+ days
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
American Pacific International School (APIS) offers a combination of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes and an American-style curriculum. Students in Grades 5 and 6 begin the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), laying the foundation for inquiry-driven learning and conceptual development. The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is introduced in Grade 7 through Grade 10, which emphasises interdisciplinary learning and inquiry. In Grades 11 and 12, students pursue the IB Diploma Programme (DP), with additional access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses for those choosing to follow a U.S. high school diploma pathway. The school integrates Common Core State Standards from the United States, particularly in English and Mathematics. Instruction is in English, and students also study additional languages such as Thai, Chinese, or Japanese.
Curriculum details
Prem International School follows the full IB continuum from Early Years to Grade 12. The Early Years programme (ages 3–5) is play-based and influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, with a strong emphasis on outdoor and experiential learning. Grades 1–5 follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), focusing on transdisciplinary inquiry and foundational literacy and numeracy. Grades 6–10 follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes interdisciplinary learning, service, and personal projects. In Grades 11–12, students can choose between the IB Diploma Programme (DP), the IB Career-related Programme (CP), or individual IB courses combined with a Prem High School Diploma. The Intensive English Programme (IEP) supports Grades 3–8 students developing academic English, alongside core subjects and creative learning.
1. Submit a completed application form along with prior school records and documentation.
2. Attend interview and placement testing APIS schedules assessments and/or screening based on the applicant’s age and academic history.
3. Application review After all documentation and testing, the school reviews the file. Decisions may be accepted, deferred, or waitlisted. Parents are notified by email or letter.
4. Receive acceptance and contract If admitted, students receive an offer letter and school contract to sign and return.
5. Finalize enrollment Once signed documents are returned, families receive an invoice and secure the place upon payment.
Admissions
1. Book a campus tour or open house (optional but encouraged). Once your match is received, the Admissions team may offer to schedule a visit to the campus. You can tour the learning spaces, ask questions in person, and get a feel for the school day—either in-person or virtually.
2. Submit the online application and required documents. You'll need to complete the Online Application Form and upload relevant documents such as school transcripts and reports. A one-time, non-refundable application fee must also be paid at this stage to proceed.
3. Participate in an interview and academic assessment. Once the application is complete, the school will schedule an interview for both the parent(s) and the student. The student will also complete academic assessments, which may include a tailored English language evaluation to ensure the right level of support from the beginning.
4. Receive the admissions decision. After interviews and assessments are completed, the school typically communicates a decision within 3–5 business days. The offer may be conditional based on year group or required support services.
5. Confirm your place and pay the required fees. If a place is offered, you’ll need to accept it and make the payments listed in your invoice by the specified deadline.
6. Receive visa support (if applicable). Once initial fees are received, the school will issue any required documents to support a student visa application (if needed). The admissions team will guide families through this step and help with preparations for starting at Prem.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Scholarships
General Guidelines * Scholarships are open to new and returning students. * Applications must be submitted by April 15 each year. * Award results are announced by April 30. * All applicants must first complete the general school admissions process. * A separate scholarship application, including supporting documentation, is required.
Academic Scholarship Awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, consistent effort, and a record of engagement in school life and service.
Athletic Scholarship Given to students with notable accomplishments and commitment in competitive sports. Applicants are expected to be active contributors to the school’s sports teams.
Creative Arts Scholarship Designed for students with significant talent in music, visual arts, performing arts, or digital media. A portfolio or audition may be required depending on the discipline.
International Diversity Scholarship Supports students from diverse national backgrounds who show academic strength and leadership. Intended to encourage broad representation across the school’s community.
IBCP Sustainability Scholarship Available to students entering the IB Career-Related Programme with a focus on Business and Sustainability. Applicants must submit a digital portfolio and show interest in global sustainability issues.
Prem Ambassadors Award (For existing students only) Offered to students already enrolled in Grades 8–11 with at least one year at Prem. Awardees are expected to represent the school at events and maintain strong academic and extracurricular involvement. The award is valid for one academic year and must be reapplied for annually.
Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
There is no mention of a waitlist on the school's website.
