Americana Chinese International School vs Grace International School
Americana Chinese International School and Grace International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 17 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes, and Grace International School also offers Christian. Published annual fees are THB 200,000 - 376,000 at Americana Chinese International School and THB 294,500 - 361,000 at Grace International School, which puts Grace International School roughly 14% higher. Americana Chinese International School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Grace International School from 5 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 550 and 600 pupils. Typical class sizes are 26 at Americana Chinese International School and 20 at Grace International School.
Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
550
Pupils
600
Typical class size
Typical class size
26
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2019
Opened
1999
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
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Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
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
Grace International School is located at 88 Muu 3, Tupaed‑Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand, in a suburban area southwest of the city. It is accessible via rail, bus services, and major highways. The surrounding neighbourhood includes residential zones, green space, and school-operated buses that serve off-site events.
Stages
Stages
ACIS offers an American curriculum for students from Pre‑K (early years) up to Grade 12.
Stages
GIS offers education from kindergarten (K) through 12th grade, structured in three divisions: Elementary (K–5), Middle School (6–8), and High School (9–12).
School type
School type
It is a co‑educational day school.
School type
GIS is a co‑educational, day school.
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
The Educational Support Division offers Inclusion Support, Individual Learning Plans (ILP), Guided Study Halls, Grace Accommodation Plans (GAP), small‑group instruction, academic assessments, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, and the R.I.S.E. program for students with significant needs like autism or Down syndrome.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not claim formal affiliation with any particular country.
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with a specific country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
GIS is a Christian international school which integrates a biblical perspective into its academic programme and student life.
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
Daily schedule information is not publicly provided on the school's website. Activities such as morning chapel services (for elementary) and staggered lunch times are part of the weekly routine.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a transportation service via vans.
Bus service details
GIS does not operate a routine school bus service for student drop-off or pick-up.
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)
Refund Policies Tuition: Fully refundable before the semester begins; prorated by quarter after it begins
Entrance Fee: Fully refundable before the semester; nonrefundable after
All other fees (application, re-enrollment, capitalization, standardized testing): Non-refundable
Lunch Fees: Fully refundable before semester; prorated after it begins
Payment Options GIS accepts direct deposit, credit card, and cash.
Student Visa Requirement Full payment of tuition and capitalization fee is required to apply for a student visa
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
Grace International School offers a U.S.-based, Christian curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12, structured across Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions. In Elementary School (Grades K–5), students study core subjects (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies) alongside Art, Music, Physical Education, Library, Thai (Grades 1–5), and Korean (for Korean nationals). In Middle School (Grades 6–8), the curriculum includes Language Arts, Bible, Mathematics, Science, World Civilizations, Thai, and electives such as Fine Arts, STEM, Yearbook, and Drama. Students in High School (Grades 9–12) complete graduation requirements in core subjects, with electives in Fine Arts, Technology, PE, and additional courses, including AP options in subjects like Calculus, English, Chemistry, and World History.
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. Pre-application & Inquiry Submit the Inquiry Form to check for space availability and share any learning support needs (e.g. speech therapy, learning services).
2. Schedule an Appointment If spaces are available, the admissions team will email you to schedule a parent-student appointment. You must confirm to proceed.
3. Assessment & Interviews Elementary (K–6): Includes an English proficiency interview (10 minutes) and a writing sample; plus an interview with the Elementary Principal (20 minutes).
Middle & High School (Grades 7–12): Similar screening plus age-appropriate cognitive assessments, references, and prior transcripts may be requested.
4. Decision & Waitlist Acceptance is confirmed in writing once all prior steps meet school guidelines. Applicants without Member‑Associate status may be placed on a waitlist, especially if applying after the main admissions window (April/May).
5. Enrollment Fees & Visa Processing Once accepted, submit required payments and documentation. GIS assists with visa paperwork for students (non-immigrant ED visa) and offers a guardian visa for parents.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Scholarships
GIS operates a Financial Assistance Program (FAP). This program offers tuition discounts to qualifying families especially international Christian workers to help make education more affordable. These tuition reductions are not labeled as scholarships, but they serve a similar purpose.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not have a waitlist.
Waitlist
GIS notes that applicants without Member Associate family status may be placed on a waitlist, particularly if applying after the main admission window (April–May). Seats are allocated based on availability and priority is given to Member Associate families.
