Americana Chinese International School vs Nakornpayap International School
Americana Chinese International School and Nakornpayap International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 12 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 290,000 - 496,800 at Nakornpayap International School, which puts Nakornpayap International School roughly 37% higher. Americana Chinese International School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Nakornpayap International School from 3 to 19. The two are similar in size, at around 550 and 619 pupils. Typical class sizes are 26 at Americana Chinese International School and 20 at Nakornpayap 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
Nakornpayap International School is located at 240 Moo 6, San Phi Sua on Chiang Mai’s Second Ring Road, in the north of the city. The campus is easily reached by road and set in a spacious, green area with modern academic buildings.
Stages
Stages
ACIS offers an American curriculum for students from Pre‑K (early years) up to Grade 12.
Stages
The school serves the Early Childhood Centre (ages 3–6), Elementary School (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12).
School type
School type
It is a co‑educational day school.
School type
NIS is a co-educational, secular, international day school. Boarding is not offered.
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 school provides inclusive support through small class sizes, differentiated instruction, and flexible learning environments. In Middle School, students are grouped into different learning pathways in English and Mathematics depending on their skill level. Students needing support may be placed on a Self-Improvement Action Plan, especially if they are not meeting academic benchmarks. NIS also employs a full-time social and emotional counselor for short-term guidance, with referrals to external specialists when needed.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not claim formal affiliation with any particular country.
Country affiliation
NIS follows a U.S. curriculum and is accredited by WASC, but it is not affiliated with any particular country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school is non‑denominational and has no religious affiliation.
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
The school day begins at 7:50 AM and ends at 2:50 PM. ECC includes snack, lunch, nap time, and six learning periods. Elementary students have eight learning periods per day with breaks. Middle School follows a two-day A/B rotation with five 60-minute periods and lunch from 11:50 AM to 12:30 PM. High School also follows the A/B schedule and includes an afternoon advisory session (2:35 PM – 2:50 PM)
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a transportation service via vans.
Bus service details
NIS works with a local school bus company (KJ Bus) to provide daily transportation for students.
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)
Annual Tuition Fees ECC (K1–K3): THB 290,000 Lower Elementary (G1–G3): THB 385,000 Upper Elementary (G4–G5): THB 402,500 Middle School (G6–G8): THB 435,600 High School (G9–G12): THB 496,800
Sibling Discount A THB 10,000 per semester discount applies for the second child onward, provided all siblings are enrolled at the same time.
Payment Methods Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, WeChat Pay & AliPay.
Refund Policy If a parent withdraws a child after the semester begins: Days 1–10 of the semester: 50% refund Days 11–20: 25% refund After Day 21: No refund Note: Tuition and deposits will only be refunded if withdrawal notification is submitted at least 7 working days before the semester starts. All materials (books, devices) must be returned to complete withdrawal
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
Nakornpayap International School (NIS) offers a U.S.-based curriculum aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the AERO Framework (American Education Reaches Out). The Early Childhood Center (K1–K3) emphasizes holistic development across social, emotional, cognitive, and physical domains. Elementary students (Grades 1–5) follow a core curriculum that includes English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Thai Culture, supplemented by Art, Music, PE, and IT. In Middle School (Grades 6–8), students are placed in leveled groups for English and Math and study core subjects along with World Languages, Visual Arts, Music, and Drama. High School (Grades 9–12) students follow a credit-based system and must complete 24 credits to graduate, with required subjects including English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, and Physical Education. Electives include Creative Writing, Robotics, Business, Psychology, Environmental Science, and more. NIS awards a U.S. High School Diploma and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
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. Submit application and documents Complete form and provide documents such as prior reports, birth certificate, passport, vaccination record, and photo ID.
2. Assessment test & interview Applicants attend a scheduled assessment focusing on English (reading & writing) and mathematics, followed by an interview.
3. Admission decision NIS evaluates academic records, behaviour, assessment, and attendance. Families are notified within 5–7 working days.
4. Offer and contract Successful applicants receive a written offer and contract to sign.
5. Payment and enrolment Upon acceptance, the finance office sends an invoice. Payment is due within seven working days to secure admission.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
