Esara International School vs Varee Chiangmai International School

	E Esara International School Chiang Mai, Thailand	V Varee Chiangmai International School Chiang Mai, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 495,900 - 750,000	Fees / year THB 244,000 - 524,000
Age range	Age range 1 - 16 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 12	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2010
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50230. 229/1-2, 4 Ban Roychan Nongkhwai, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai. It is situated in the Hang Dong district.	Location The school is situated at 59 Moo 6, Mahidol Road, Nong Hoi, Mueang District, Chiang Mai, Thailand. It lies within easy reach of shopping centres, hospitals, supermarkets, and bus and train stations.
Stages	Stages Toddler Community (18 months–3 years); Children's House (3–6 years); Lower Elementary (6–9 years); Upper Elementary (9–12 years); Middle School (12–16 years); Secondary (12–16 years).	Stages VCIS serves children aged 2 to 18, from Pre‑Nursery up through Year 13.
School type	School type Montessori-based international school	School type The school is fully co‑educational and currently operates as a day school. No boarding facilities are provided.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Counseling services and individualized mental/behavioral health support; holistic wellbeing; small class sizes; collaboration with families.	Additional learning support Varee Chiangmai International School provides Learning Support and English as an Additional Language Programme.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Thailand	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any specific country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation The school has no affiliation with any religion.
School day structure	School day structure Students arrive between 8-9 am; classes begin at 9 am; 1-hour break in the middle of the day (30 minutes for lunch and 30 minutes for recess); after-school enrichment programs run from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.	School day structure Early Year and Primary School classes run from 8.00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Secondary School is from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. After-school activities for children in Primary run from 2:45 PM to 3:30 PM. For Secondary, after-school activities run from 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details The website does not mention any school bus or transport service.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & enrolment fees - No specific non‑refundable application fee, enrolment fee, registration fee, or one‑time acceptance fee is stated. A deposit for the upcoming term is recorded on the school calendar, but no deposit amount or separate registration charge is published. Tuition fees (per term) — by programme / year group - Toddler Community (18 months–3 years): THB 165,300 per term. - Children's House (3–6 years): THB 180,300 per term. - Lower Elementary (6–9 years): THB 214,800 per term. - Upper Elementary (9–12 years): THB 224,100 per term. - Secondary / Middle School (12–16 years): THB 250,000 per term. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is quoted and billed on a per‑term basis. - The academic calendar uses defined term periods and records specific fee deadlines: the calendar shows items such as a term deposit due date and a school fees balance due date for each term; exact due dates vary by term and are published on the school calendar. - New admissions are accepted only at official new‑term start dates; families are advised to plan ahead because enrolment aligns with the term intake cycle. Boarding fees - No boarding programme is offered; therefore, no boarding fees apply. The school operates programmes for ages 18 months up to 16 years as a day school. Other costs and recurring extras - Lunch: The school provides lunch for students. Whether lunch is included in tuition or charged separately is not specified. - Uniforms and school clothing: No mandatory uniform fee or published uniform cost is specified. - After‑school enrichment and extracurricular programmes exist; specific programme fees (if any) are not listed alongside the term tuition. - Other potential third‑party or exam fees (external exam entry, field trips, specialist services, EAL support, insurance, etc.) are not detailed with amounts in the published fee information. Refunds and cancellations - A formal refund policy and conditions for tuition or deposit refunds are not published with the fee listings. No specific refund amounts, timelines, or refund conditions are provided in the publicly available fee information. Fee payment options and methods - Specific payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, local bank details, online payment portal, in‑person payment, or accepted international payment methods) are not itemised alongside the fee schedule. Families should expect term‑based invoicing and fee deadlines, with payment logistics provided through admissions or the school operations team. Notes on scheduling and planning - The school publishes a term calendar with clear term start and end periods and with explicit fee due items (deposit and balance due dates) noted for each term; families should plan around those term dates for deposits and fee balances. Summary of available and missing fee information - Available: definitive per‑term tuition rates for all programme levels (amounts listed above) and evidence that billing is term‑based with deposit and balance due items recorded on the school calendar. - Not available in the published fee material: any named application/registration/enrolment fee amounts, the value of the term deposit, explicit annual totals or a published per‑year billing table, itemised lists of additional mandatory charges (uniform, books, transport, insurance), a published refund policy with conditions and amounts, and the accepted payment methods and bank details. These items were not provided alongside the per‑term tuition figures and term calendar entries.	Fee details Application and Placement Fee: THB 6,000 (one-time, non-refundable) Enrollment Fee (non-refundable): New student: THB 80,000 2nd and subsequent child: THB 60,000 Entry at A Level: THB 40,000 Annual Tuition Fees Early Years (Pre-Nursery to Reception): THB 244,000 Key Stage 1 (Year 1–2): THB 304,000 Key Stage 2 (Year 3–6): THB 328,000 Key Stage 3 (Year 7–9): THB 360,000 Key Stage 4 IGCSE (Year 10–11): THB 444,000 Key Stage 5 A-Level (Year 12–13): THB 524,000 Note: Late Payment Penalties THB 1,000 per week. Sibling Discounts 5% for the second child 10% for third and additional children Other Required Fees English Support (IEP/EAP): THB 30,000 per semester Lunch (Early Years to Key Stage 2): THB 9,000 per semester PTA Fee: THB 750 per family per year DoE Registration (if applicable): THB 2,000 Payment Options Cash, Visa/MasterCard, and Bank Transfer. Refund Policy New students: 75% refund if withdrawn within 7 business days after semester start. Current students: Full refund if withdrawal notice is given 15 days before the semester start. No refunds for mid-semester withdrawals.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school does not offer boarding facilities.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Esara has on-site Little Siam cafe at Esara Park. There are student-run vegetable gardens and a chicken coop on campus. The campus features a mixed sports field and outdoor learning spaces, with rice fields coming soon.	Food options The canteen offers a range of snacks and various foods. The lunch includes Western, Thai and vegetarian dishes, as well as Asian noodle soup, salad and fresh fruits. The cafeteria serves Asian and Western dishes. Children may also bring their own food from home.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Esara International School is rooted in the Chiang Mai Montessori foundation.	Governance and ownership The founder and director is Ajarn Varee Patravanich.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details AMI Montessori framework guides the curriculum. Esara uses mixed-age classrooms for ages 3 and up, with a three-hour work cycle. Early Years include Toddler Community and Children's House (ages 3–6). Elementary is designed for ages 6–12 in two mixed-age groups. Middle School serves ages 12–16, focusing on independent learning and collaborative work. The program emphasizes hands-on materials in mathematics, language, geography, biology, and geometry, building concentration, order, independence, and social responsibility.	Curriculum details Varee Chiangmai International School follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to Year 13. In the Early Years (Pre-Nursery to Reception), the curriculum is based on the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with a focus on language, numeracy, and learning through play in English and Thai contexts. The Primary phase (Years 1–6) continues with subjects such as English, maths, science, humanities, computing, arts, Thai language, and physical education. In Secondary (Years 7–9), students prepare for Cambridge Checkpoint exams in English, mathematics, and science, alongside subjects including geography, history, ICT, and the arts. For Years 10–11, the school offers the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum with a combination of core and elective subjects. In Years 12–13, students choose three A-Level subjects and continue with non-exam subjects such as Thai language, PE, and university preparation activities.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression IGCSE in Years 10-11 and A-level in Years 12-13.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Counseling services are available. The counseling office and teachers support students' growth and unique needs, and parents can arrange appointments to discuss an action plan. The counseling team provides individualized support based on age, needs, and teacher/parent feedback, helping maintain a calm, nurturing environment and equipping students with emotional regulation skills for stress or transitions. The school fosters social-emotional learning through a culture of peer-to-peer support networks. There is a commitment to growth beyond academics, with individualized mental/behavioral health support available to help students become their best selves. The school partners with families through the professional counseling team and regular meetings with the school to support student development.	Social & emotional learning VCIS embeds Social and Emotional Learning through its regular PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) lessons, offered from Early Years through secondary levels. In Secondary, there is an explicit focus on encouraging tolerance, social skills, and peer support during Key Stage 3 through group work and collaborative activities. The school also provides opportunities for student voice through its Student Council, representing Years 7–13, where students can raise concerns and contribute to school life.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides Learning Support for students with identified needs, though it is not described as a specialist SEN institution. Support is offered based on the availability of resources and depends on individual student needs, as assessed during admissions and placement processes. The school does not publicly specify which categories of SEN it can support beyond indicating a Learning Support programme.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school has an English-speaking environment. The Program Highlights describe a nature-rich, English-speaking environment that supports English-language learning and readiness for high school and life.	English as an additional language VCIS offers an English as an Additional Language programme as part of placements for non‑native English speakers, dependent on resource availability. Students are assessed on English ability during the placement test and interview with an English Language Specialist, and additional ESL support may be offered if required to access mainstream classes.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Esara prioritizes emotional wellbeing through a counseling team and dedicated staff. The faculty and staff promote holistic wellness across the school. The counseling team provides individualized mental/behavioral health support based on age, needs, and feedback from teachers and parents. This approach helps maintain a calm, nurturing environment and equips students with emotional regulation skills for stress or transition. The school values partnership with families, with counseling support and regular meetings with the school team as needed. Small class sizes and regular assessment support ongoing social-emotional development.	Mental wellbeing VCIS provides in‑house counselling through a professionally staffed counsellor who is available throughout the school day, with an open‑door policy for students requiring support. Pastoral care is emphasised as a high priority, including round‑the‑clock security, first‑aid rooms, codes of conduct, and a zero‑tolerance bullying policy to maintain student wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is publicly listed in its website navigation, indicating formal safeguarding measures are in place. VCIS enforces a zero‑tolerance policy on bullying along with well‑defined behavioural codes of conduct and secure campus access controls. The presence of professionally staffed first‑aid rooms also supports student safety daily.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Esara Park opens in early 2026, providing shared access to a new playground, cafes, and secure facilities for Esara International School and the Hang Dong community. The campus includes safe outdoor playgrounds with wooden structures and Montessori-style equipment and toys, and a separate smaller playground for the toddler class. Lunch is buffet-style served to each classroom, with meals prepared by staff and chaperoned by teachers. Enrichment programs run after school and on weekends, including muy Thai boxing, chess, robotics, drama, art, language, and outdoor skills. Indigo Language Center provides language tutoring and other learning activities.	Facilities overview Varee Chiangmai International has a modern campus in Chiang Mai. Classrooms are spacious and networked with computers, with Activ-boards for interactive multimedia learning. Specialist facilities include science labs, computer labs, art studios, drama and music studios, and a well‑resourced library, plus a 25‑meter swimming pool, auditorium, indoor gymnasium and multiple play areas. The cafeteria serves Asian and Western dishes and there is a mini‑mart on site. The campus is conveniently located near Chiang Mai's airport and central amenities, and the school is accredited by the Education Development Trust and Cambridge International Examinations.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Sports facilities include futsal courts, a football pitch, basketball facilities and multi‑purpose sports fields. A 25‑meter swimming pool is on site and there is an indoor gymnasium. The campus provides a broad, well‑equipped sports program to support student participation across age groups.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Montessori curriculum and model for learning guide Esara's classrooms. Lead and Assistant Teachers maintain the classroom as a whole, with independent Montessori learning. Indigo Language Center provides language tutoring and additional language classes.	Academic facilities The Cambridge curriculum is offered, including IGCSE and AS/A Levels. The language of instruction is English and the school serves students aged 2 to 18. Classrooms are equipped with networked computers and Activ‑boards to support learning. Specialist facilities include science labs, computer labs, art, music and drama studios, and a well‑resourced library.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Enrichment programs include muy Thai boxing, chess and robotics clubs, drama, art, language, and outdoor skills, offered after school from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.	Extra curricular facilities The school provides a comprehensive extra‑curricular programme for primary and secondary, with activities ranging from ESL and ICT to sports such as basketball, football, rugby and swimming, and arts including music, choir, hip hop and dance, Chinese and Thai. Activities change each semester and are often run by teaching staff. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered and VCIS is an International Award Centre.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Rooted in the Montessori foundation of Chiang Mai Montessori, Esara carries forward more than 15 years of educational experience and extends this learning journey into the Middle School years. The journey begins with Montessori Primary education and expands into an Integrated Secondary, creating a continuous journey from early childhood through adolescence. Students engage with specialist teachers, interdisciplinary learning, and real‑world experiences that broaden their thinking. The program blends Thai culture with global perspectives and respects each child's unique path.	History Varee Chiangmai International School traces its origins to the Varee Kindergarten founded in 1978 by Mrs Varee Patravanich. In response to parental demand for primary and secondary international-style education, the international school expanded and officially opened in Chiang Mai in 2003 under her leadership. The school remains privately owned and continues under the leadership vision of its founder and director, integrating a UK-aligned curriculum with Thai cultural values.
Community	Community Esara Community comprises partnerships with Chiangmai Montessori, Adventures4 Kids – A4K, FC Evolution, WOWS Nature Learning Center, and Little Siam. The community supports the Montessori pathway and its integrated secondary program through collaboration with these partners and related activities. It emphasizes collaboration between families and the school as part of campus life and learning.	Community The school hosts a culturally diverse student body and community, with events reflecting Thai, Asian, and international traditions. Through its “Our Community” section, the school promotes opportunities for students to engage across cultures and values, though specific community events or festivals are not itemized in detail on the public website.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association Varee Chiangmai International School has an active Parent Teacher Association whose mission is to foster partnerships between families, teachers, and the school. The PTA aims to advocate for student wellbeing, support school activities across cultures, and serve as a channel for parental concerns. While the PTA’s purpose and vision are clearly defined, the website does not specify particular PTA events, regular meetings, or groups involved in organising community activities.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Esara International School offers a middle school program for ages 12+ blending Montessori philosophy, Lanna culture, and a rigorous curriculum. Students continue from the Montessori foundation into integrated Secondary, with specialist teachers, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world experiences that turn questions into projects. The Secondary program emphasizes independent thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving in an English-speaking environment, preparing students for high school and life beyond the classroom. Students' questions become projects, and their voice begins to matter in new ways.	Academic & intellectual The school serves students aged 2 to 18 (Pre-Nursery to Year 13) and offers a UK-aligned international curriculum with IGCSE for Years 10–11 and AS-level/A-level for Years 12–13. The language of instruction is English. The school is fully accredited by the Education Development Trust (EDT) and is a Cambridge International Examinations centre.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Esara offers a wide range of arts and creative activities through after-school and weekend programs, including Art & Design, Music, Drama, and Dance. Students can participate in performing arts through a school choir, instrumental lessons, drama productions, and dance (ballet, hip-hop, contemporary). The program also includes language offerings alongside arts, with classes in English, Spanish, and Thai.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Esara is rooted in Thai culture and enriched by global perspectives. The Middle School blends Montessori philosophy with Lanna culture and English-language instruction. Language offerings include English, Spanish, and Thai.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Esara offers enrichment activities that foster social interests and hobbies, including after-school clubs and weekend programs. Clubs include Art & Design, Robotics & Coding, Music, Drama, and language study in English, Spanish, and Thai. Sports & athletics include football, basketball, volleyball, yoga, Muay Thai, martial arts, and mixed fitness activities. There are trips and expeditions and opportunities for student leadership and community involvement.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Community service and leadership are encouraged through Student Council, Environmental Club, service projects, fundraising, and peer mentorship. Students engage in service projects and fundraising to support local and global communities. Peer mentorship helps younger students grow in responsibility and social awareness.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student leadership opportunities include Student Council and Environmental Club, along with service projects and peer mentorship. Participation in competitions and conferences such as Math Olympiad, Model United Nations, International Spelling Bee, and science fairs helps develop ambition and professional skills. These activities foster teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in real-world contexts. Students gain experiences that support future study and careers.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is supported through a focus on sports, fitness, and mindfulness. The school offers Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Yoga, and Muay Thai, as well as other fitness and martial arts activities. Trips and outdoor expeditions promote resilience, outdoor learning, and healthy lifestyles.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Middle School is described as an English-speaking environment. Indigo Language Center offers Thai, English, and Spanish courses at all learning levels. This language provision supports English-language learning within Esara's middle school context.	Language provision English is the language of instruction. Thai Language, Culture, and History (TLCH) is offered for Thai and international students. For international students, Thai language learning begins in Year 3 and continues to Year 11, twice weekly, at two levels: A1 (Beginner) and A2 (Intermediate). Students study Thai Language for Communication and Thai Culture and History as part of TLCH.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Indigo Language Center provides immersion-based language learning. It now offers courses in Thai, English, and Spanish at all learning levels. The program combines academic English with real-world practice through immersion in the language being learned.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Indigo Language Center delivers immersion programs in Thai, English, and Spanish at all learning levels. Language immersion is delivered through curriculum and class time used exclusively for immersion in the language being learned. The program combines academic English with real-world practice to make every lesson lively and meaningful.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Accreditations	Accreditations ACS WASC accreditation for the 1.5 to 12 years Montessori program; ISAT Certification.	Accreditations Fully accredited by Education Development Trust (EDT) A UK-based accreditation agency assessing every aspect of school operations from facilities and hygiene to teaching standards. Accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) For delivering IGCSE and A‑Level programmes to international standards.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school adjusts the number of newly enrolled students each term based on classroom sizes and school capacity. Students can only join on New Term start dates. There are year‑round language classes and enrichment programs available for all ages through the Indigo Language Center and Esara Enrichment Programs. Esara International School accepts students from ages 1.5 (18 months) up to 16 years. The school reviews each prospective student's abilities, special needs, and learning accommodation requests on a case‑by‑case basis; if the necessary support can be provided, admission is possible, otherwise the school may decide the fit is not a good match. The kitchen can accommodate students with food allergies, but if requirements are too complex for the kitchen to safely manage, these services may not be provided. The admissions process includes an interview and review of the student's reports and letters of recommendation from their previous school. It is advised to plan or submit applications at least six months in advance. The admissions process includes arranging a visit, an assessment, an application submission, and enrollment.	Admissions Initial interview Parents and students meet with the English Language Specialist. Students entering Key Stage 2 (Year 3) or higher complete assessments in English, Mathematics, and Science as appropriate for their level. Complete application form & pay fee If successful in the interview, submit the application form and pay the non-refundable 6,000 THB application and placement test fee. Placement Test Tests are scheduled at the beginning or end of the day. Younger students (Early Years, Years 1–2) join classroom activities for assessment. Acceptance Decision The Principal recommends, and the Director makes the final admission decision. Enrollment Following acceptance, complete enrollment forms, pay the enrollment fee and tuition (due one week before term start), and receive a copy of the Parent Handbook.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school offers scholarships and financial aid options to deserving students. The school also provides transparent information about tuition and fees.	Scholarships The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist VCIS operates a rolling admissions policy. If space is available and assessment criteria are met, children may join at any time during the year. However, entry into Year 9, Year 10, and Year 12 is restricted to the beginning of the school year.
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