Chiang Mai International School vs Grace International School
Chiang Mai International School and Grace International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 19 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes, and Grace International School also offers Christian. Published annual fees are THB 325,400 - 552,600 at Chiang Mai International School and THB 294,500 - 361,000 at Grace International School, which puts Chiang Mai International School roughly 34% higher. Chiang Mai International School takes pupils from 3 to 17, and Grace International School from 5 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 514 and 600 pupils. Typical class sizes are 25 at Chiang Mai International School and 20 at Grace International School.
Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
514
Pupils
600
Typical class size
Typical class size
25
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1985
Opened
1999
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
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Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
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
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.
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 non-profit, co‑educational day school and does not offer boarding options.
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
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.
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 has no direct affiliation with any national government.
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with a specific country.
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.
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
School begins at 7:40 AM and ends at 2:35 PM.
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
CMIS does not publicly list a dedicated school bus or coach service.
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 Application Fee: THB 5,000 (non-refundable) for all levels
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.
Fee details
Application and One-Time Fees (for first-year students) English Proficiency Test Fee: THB 1,500 (if required)
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
—
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
