Chiang Mai International School vs Nakornpayap International School
Chiang Mai International School and Nakornpayap International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes. Published annual fees are THB 325,400 - 552,600 at Chiang Mai International School and THB 290,000 - 496,800 at Nakornpayap International School, which puts Chiang Mai International School roughly 12% higher. Chiang Mai International School takes pupils from 3 to 17, and Nakornpayap International School from 3 to 19. The two are similar in size, at around 514 and 619 pupils. Typical class sizes are 25 at Chiang Mai International School and 20 at Nakornpayap International School.
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
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
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
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 non-profit, co‑educational day school and does not offer boarding options.
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
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 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 has no direct affiliation with any national government.
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
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
The school is non‑denominational and has no religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
School begins at 7:40 AM and ends at 2:35 PM.
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
CMIS does not publicly list a dedicated school bus or coach service.
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 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.
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
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
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).
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. 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
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
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
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.
