Grace International School vs Nakornpayap International School
Grace International School and Nakornpayap International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 23 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes, and Grace International School also offers Christian. Published annual fees are THB 294,500 - 361,000 at Grace International School and THB 290,000 - 496,800 at Nakornpayap International School, which puts Nakornpayap International School roughly 20% higher. Grace International School takes pupils from 5 to 18, and Nakornpayap International School from 3 to 19. The two are similar in size, at around 600 and 619 pupils. Both keep typical class sizes around 20.
Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum
Curriculum
Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
600
Pupils
619
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1999
Opened
1993
Bus service
Bus service
—
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
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
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).
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
GIS 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
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
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.
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 is not affiliated with a specific 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
GIS is a Christian international school which integrates a biblical perspective into its academic programme and student life.
Religious affiliation
The school is non‑denominational and has no religious affiliation.
School day structure
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.
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
GIS does not operate a routine school bus service for student drop-off or pick-up.
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 and One-Time Fees (for first-year students) English Proficiency Test Fee: THB 1,500 (if required)
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
—
Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
—
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
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.
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. 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.
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
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.
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Waitlist
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.
