Chiang Mai International School vs Unity Concord International School
Chiang Mai International School and Unity Concord International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 7 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 192,000 - 368,000 at Unity Concord International School, which puts Chiang Mai International School roughly 57% higher. Chiang Mai International School takes pupils from 3 to 17, and Unity Concord International School from 2 to 18. Unity Concord International School is the larger school, with around 760 pupils to Chiang Mai International School's 514. Both keep typical class sizes around 25.
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
Unity Concord International School is located along the Chiang Mai–Lampang Super Highway in Saraphi District, just outside Chiang Mai city. The area is accessible by major road links and is a short drive from the city centre and Chiang Mai International Airport. The neighbourhood combines residential areas with easy access to local amenities, making school drop‑off and pick‑up convenient.
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 students from approximately 2 years old in Preschool through Grade 12 in High School. Levels are divided into Early Years (Pre‑K to K3), Primary (Grades 1–5), and Secondary (Grades 6–12).
School type
School type
It is a non-profit, co‑educational day school and does not offer boarding options.
School type
UCIS is a co‑educational day school with no boarding facilities.
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 offers additional learning support, but there is not much publicly available information.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school has no direct affiliation with any national government.
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any 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 has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
School begins at 7:40 AM and ends at 2:35 PM.
School day structure
The school day at UCIS varies slightly by grade level, but generally starts between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM and ends between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Younger students often finish closer to 3:00 PM, while upper grades may have a later end time to accommodate lessons and after‑school clubs. Breaks and a lunch period are built into the schedule for all year groups.
Bus service details
Bus service details
CMIS does not publicly list a dedicated school bus or coach service.
Bus service details
The school offers van service.
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.
Tuition Fees (per semester / per year) There are two semesters in an academic year. * Pre‑K to K2: THB 96,000 / THB 192,000 * K3 to Grade 4: THB 140,000 / THB 280,000 * Grades 5–8: THB 162,000 / THB 324,000 * Grades 9–12: THB 184,000 / THB 368,000
Other Regular Fees
* Lunch (all grades, incl. snacks for Early Years): THB 20,000 per year * Capital Improvement Fee: THB 20,000 per year * Transportation (van service): THB 30,000–50,000 per year * Accident Insurance: THB 1,500 per year * Activities Fee (Nursery–Grade 12): THB 4,000 per year * Uniform (5 sets + house shirt): THB 5,000 (one-time purchase) * Graduation Fees: K3, G8, G12 – THB 2,000 * Visa Fee: THB 5,000 per person
Optional / Additional Costs
* EAL (English as an Additional Language) Support: THB 40,000 per semester / THB 80,000 per year (assigned as needed) * Summer School: THB 10,000 per semester / THB 39,000 per year * Stationery: THB 200–400 per semester depending on grade * Standardized Testing Fee: THB 3,000 * Yearbook Fee: THB 800 * PTA Contribution: THB 500
Discounts
* 2nd child: 10% off tuition * 3rd child: 15% off tuition
Billing and Payment
* Tuition and other semester-based fees are billed twice per academic year. * Payments are made via bank transfer
Refunds and Notes
* Lifetime book fee covers all required books, but lost/damaged books incur replacement costs. * Capital improvement fees contribute to campus and facility development.
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
Unity Concord International School follows an American curriculum aligned with U.S. Common Core State Standards. The Early Years program (Pre‑K to K3) focuses on foundational literacy, numeracy, and social development, with instruction in English and exposure to Thai language and culture. Primary School (Grades 1–5) delivers a broad program covering English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Thai, Physical Education, and Creative Arts. Secondary School (Grades 6–12) builds on core academic subjects and introduces specialist courses, including laboratory-based sciences, computing, and the humanities. In High School (Grades 9–12), students can access Advanced Placement (AP) courses to prepare for U.S. university admission or other international pathways. Throughout all stages, Thai language, culture, and history are taught as required under Thai education regulations, and co‑curricular clubs and activities support language, arts, and STEM engagement.
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. Visit the school (in-person or virtual). UCIS invites families to tour the campus, observe classes, explore facilities, and attend an admissions presentation. If an in-person tour isn’t feasible, an online meeting can be arranged.
2. Submit application and supporting documents. Complete the official application form and provide required paperwork such as prior school reports, birth certificate, and health records. These are reviewed to confirm eligibility for the applied grade.
3. Complete assessment and interview. Applicants take an entrance exam, interview, and ESL (English as an Additional Language) assessment, which carries the designated application fee. This helps with academic placement and identifying any support needs.
4. Receive decision and secure placement. Once admission is offered, placement is confirmed upon payment of the entrance fee and book fee. The admissions team will share details on billing, including tuition deposit and optional service fees.
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
UCIS does not publicly offer academic or merit‑based scholarships. The main financial support available is sibling tuition discounts: 10% off for the second child and 15% off for the third child. Families seeking fee support are encouraged to discuss options directly with the admissions office.
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
There is not enough information available about whether Unity Concord International School does not operate a formal waitlist or pool system publicly.
