Americana Chinese International School vs Chiang Mai International School
Americana Chinese International School and Chiang Mai International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes. Published annual fees are THB 200,000 - 376,000 at Americana Chinese International School and THB 325,400 - 552,600 at Chiang Mai International School, which puts Chiang Mai International School roughly 52% higher. Americana Chinese International School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Chiang Mai International School from 3 to 17. The two are similar in size, at around 550 and 514 pupils. Typical class sizes are 26 at Americana Chinese International School and 25 at Chiang Mai International School.
The school is located in the Nong‑Pheung sub‑district, Sarapee District, Chiang Mai, Thailand, situated away from the dense city centre. It can be accessed via the Chiang Mai–Lampang Super Highway.
Location
Chiang Mai International School is located at 13 Chetupon Road, in the Wat Ket sub-district of central Chiang Mai, directly behind Prince Royal College and near the Wat Chetupon temple. The campus is within walking distance of the Ping River and Chiang Mai Railway Station, making it accessible by local shuttle, tuk-tuk, or public transit.
Stages
Stages
ACIS offers an American curriculum for students from Pre‑K (early years) up to Grade 12.
Stages
CMIS serves children across Preschool, Kindergarten/Primary (KG–Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12), all in one cohesive campus.
School type
School type
It is a co‑educational day school.
School type
It is a non-profit, co‑educational day school and does not offer boarding options.
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 states that its enrollment team provides individualised support for students with diverse learning needs. ESL (English as a Second Language) support is available.
Additional learning support
In Middle and High School, CMIS offers limited EAP (English for Academic Purposes) support for students with diagnosed learning needs, complete with an Individual Academic Plan after official diagnosis.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not claim formal affiliation with any particular country.
Country affiliation
The school has no direct affiliation with any national government.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
CMIS is affiliated with the Christian faith, reflecting its foundation by Church of Christ missionaries and ongoing Christian ethos. CMIS also warmly welcomes students and staff from differing religious backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.
School day structure
School day structure
Specific daily hours or break/lunch times for the school day are not publicly available online.
School day structure
School begins at 7:40 AM and ends at 2:35 PM.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a transportation service via vans.
Bus service details
CMIS does not publicly list a dedicated school bus or coach service.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & Enrollment Fees Entrance Exam & ESL Test: THB 3,300 (per semester) Entrance Fee: THB 60,000 (one-time, non-refundable) Lifetime Book Fee: THB 10,000 (one-time payment for book usage across all grades)
Billing & Refund Policy Tuition and fees are billed in two equal semester installments.
Prorated tuition refunds are available only if a student withdraws within 49 days of a semester, at a rate of 2% of semester tuition per day. No refunds after 50 days. Application, enrollment, alumni, and deposit fees are non-refundable
Late Payment A 1.5% per month overdue interest applies to missed payments
Payment Methods Payments are accepted via bank transfer, cashier’s check, cash, and PromptPay.
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
ACIS follows American curriculum standards, including California Common Core for English and Math, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science, and AERO objectives for Social Studies, all integrated from Pre‑K through Grade 12. In the elementary years, students study English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, and enrichment subjects such as STEM, art, music, physical education, robotics, computer technology, gardening & environmental studies. All students learn Chinese and Thai - Chinese daily and Thai weekly as required by the Thai Ministry of Education, using protocols aligned with HANBAN standards and WIDA-based ESL support for English learners. In middle and high school (Grades 6–12), the focus shifts toward college and career readiness, with more advanced coursework in English, social studies, laboratory sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, Earth science), and electives through the STREAM program integrating Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. For high school students, there are different pathways, including a regular US high school curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and a Dual Diploma Pathway (ACIS and U.S. diploma via Hudson Global Scholars).
Curriculum details
Chiang Mai International delivers an American standards-based curriculum across Preschool to Grade 12, using Common Core (ELA & Math), NGSS (Science), and C3 (Social Studies) frameworks. Preschool follows the inquiry-driven Creative Curriculum focused on play-based development and foundational literacy, numeracy, art, Thai language, music, PE, and library time. Elementary (K–5) builds on those standards with specialist-taught subjects including computers, art, music, PE, and Thai language and culture. In Middle School (Grades 6–8), students take core subjects plus electives in wellness, drama, music, art, computers, and languages, supported by strong social-emotional learning and laptop integration. High School (Grades 9–12) continues core instruction alongside a broad elective catalogue (PE, art, tech, drama, languages), while offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the AP Capstone Diploma (AP Seminar & Research). All divisions also offer Thai language, culture, and history at Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, and provide learning support via the Student Success Department for students with identified needs.
Schedule a campus visit or tour (optional) You may book a tour via the “Enrollment” page, and discuss the details of the school’s programme with the admissions team.
Submit application form Complete and submit the online (or downloadable) application form, including student details, previous schooling, languages, and family information.
Document submission Parents send required documents (proof of identity, previous school reports, and other details) as part of the application package (implied via application form).
Offer & acceptance The school issues a Letter of Acceptance to successful applicants.
Tuition & visa After acceptance, pay tuition and fees to trigger issuance of student visa letter. ACIS handles visa support for international students.
Admissions
1. Book an Open House or campus visit. CMIS offers group visits where up to three families can tour the campus by appointment. These visits are not testing days but give you a chance to see facilities and ask questions before applying.
2. Submit the online application form and documents. Parents complete the digital application and upload required items like student passport, school reports (last 2 years), a teacher recommendation, birth certificate, immunization records, and any learning assessments or support documentation if relevant.
3. Admissions review and eligibility check. The Admissions Team reviews your child’s academic performance, age eligibility, English language level, and any learning support needs. They will contact you to clarify missing details or proceed with the next step.
4. Pay the application fee and confirm testing. Once the Admissions Team has reviewed the application and determined that the student may be a fit, they will reach out to arrange entrance testing. The official application form states that a non‑refundable fee is due at this stage, though this is not stated on the admissions webpage. Testing typically includes English and math assessments and may vary by grade level.
5. Attend entrance assessments. The student completes their evaluation either on campus or remotely (if overseas). This helps the school assess academic fit and determine if English as an Additional Language (EAL) or other support services may be needed.
6. Receive an admission decision. After reviewing all results and documentation, the school provides an official response. If accepted, your child is offered a seat, and you’ll receive an offer letter with next steps for enrollment.
7. Complete the enrollment process. To finalize the place, you must submit required forms, pay the enrollment fee, and confirm your child’s start date. CMIS will then coordinate with your family on orientation and the start of classes.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Scholarships
CMIS offers one formal scholarship and one discounted tuition category, both outlined on the school website and related documentation:
1. Outstanding Senior Scholarship Award A merit-based scholarship sponsored by the CMIS Parent Teacher Group (PTG), offering a cash award of 35,000 baht. It is awarded annually to a graduating senior who demonstrates academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
Eligibility criteria include: * Attending CMIS for more than one academic year (including the current year) * Being eligible to graduate in good standing * Submitting an application and a written essay
Selection is based on: * GPA at CMIS * Demonstrated leadership and service at school and in the broader community * Quality and persuasiveness of the essay
The recipient is chosen by a committee of CMIS faculty, administration, PTG representatives, and one parent not connected to the senior class.
2. Missionary Tuition Discount CMIS offers a reduced tuition rate to families engaged in full-time Christian missionary work. Eligibility must be verified with the school. This is not a merit scholarship but a discounted fee structure applied to qualifying applicants.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not have a waitlist.
Waitlist
CMIS does not operate a formal numbered waitlist or rolling admissions pool. Instead, when a grade level reaches capacity, the school uses a priority-based consideration system.
The official CMIS Priority Categories are: * Christian missionary families * CMIS staff children * Diplomatic or consular families * Former CMIS families returning from abroad * NGO or non-profit organization families * Siblings of current CMIS students
All other applicants (considered on a space-available basis)
CMIS states that it "reserves spaces for qualified priority applicants," meaning that space may still be held for someone in a higher category even if others are already waiting.
