International School Bangkok (ISB) vs KIS International School Bangkok
International School Bangkok (ISB) and KIS International School Bangkok are both in Bangkok, about 17 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. International School Bangkok (ISB) also offers Advanced Placement (AP) and American, and KIS International School Bangkok also offers IBCP. Published annual fees are THB 640,000 - 1,162,000 at International School Bangkok (ISB) and THB 440,100 - 944,600 at KIS International School Bangkok, which puts International School Bangkok (ISB) roughly 30% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. International School Bangkok (ISB) is the larger school, with around 1,800 pupils to KIS International School Bangkok's 800. Typical class sizes are 20 at International School Bangkok (ISB) and 17 at KIS International School Bangkok.
International School Bangkok is located in the Nichada Thani estate in Nonthaburi, a suburb to the northwest of central Bangkok. The area is a gated residential community popular with expatriate families. ISB is approximately a 30–45 minute drive from downtown Bangkok, depending on traffic.
Location
KIS International School is situated in the Huai Khwang district of central Bangkok, within the gated Kesinee Ville residential community. The school is accessible via public transport, with the Thailand Cultural Centre MRT station nearby. A complimentary shuttle service connects the school to this MRT station, enhancing convenience for commuting families.
Stages
Stages
ISB is divided into three main divisions: Elementary School (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6 to 8), and High School (Grades 9 to 12).
Stages
KIS offers a continuum of education from Early Years (age 2) through Grade 12 (age 19), structured as follows: Early Years Programme: Ages 2–5 Primary Years Programme (PYP): Ages 3–11 Middle Years Programme (MYP): Ages 11–16 Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP): Ages 16–19
School type
School type
ISB is a private, co-educational day school serving international students from Pre-K through Grade 12.
School type
The main campus 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
ISB provides a range of support services for students with additional learning needs through its Learning Support and Intensive Needs programs. These include individualized support plans, small group or one-on-one instruction, and collaboration with classroom teachers. The school also offers access to counselors, English as an Additional Language (EAL) specialists, and educational psychologists where appropriate.
Additional learning support
KIS provides tailored academic and emotional support through its Student Support Services, which include individualised and small-group interventions, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, and access to specialist teachers when needed. The approach is inclusive and collaborative.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have a formal affiliation with any single country, though it primarily follows a U.S.-based curriculum and serves an international student population.
Country affiliation
The school does not have any formal affiliation with a specific country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
ISB is a non-sectarian school with no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
KIS is a non-religious school and does not have any religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day runs from 7:35 am to 1:10 pm for Pre-K. Elementary students attend from 7:35 am to 2:25 pm (1:50 pm on Wednesdays), Middle School from 7:40 am to 2:45 pm (2:00 pm on Wednesdays), and High School from 7:45 am to 2:50 pm (2:00 pm on Wednesdays).
School day structure
Specific start and end times for the school day are not publicly detailed.
Bus service details
Bus service details
ISB provides a door-to-door school bus service within the Nichada Thani estate and surrounding areas. The service is operated in partnership with Montri Transport, a company experienced in school transportation. Buses are air-conditioned, supervised by bus monitors, and follow strict safety protocols. After-school activity buses are also available for students participating in extracurricular programs.
Bus service details
The school offers an optional school bus service, provided by Montri Transport PLC, a local company with experience in student transport.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees:
* Application Processing Fee: THB 4,700 (non-refundable, payable upon application). * Registration Fee: THB 260,000 (one-time, non-refundable unless withdrawal occurs within the first 20 days of enrollment).
Annual and Membership Fees:
* Annual Fee: THB 22,000 per year or THB 11,000 per semester (non-refundable; applicable to Kindergarten through Grade 12). * International School Association (ISA) Membership Fee: THB 10 per year.
Tuition Fees for 2025/26:
* Pre-Kindergarten : THB 640,000 per year * Elementary : THB 985,000 per year * Middle : THB 1,104,000 per year * High : THB 1,162,000 per year * Life Centered Education (Additional to tuition fees) : THB 980,000 per year
Payment Methods:
* Payments can be made via cash, check, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex), or wire transfer. * All payments must be in Thai Baht, net of any bank charges. * A late payment fee of 0.75% per month applies to overdue payments.
Refund Policy:
* The registration fee is refundable only if a new student withdraws within the first 20 days of enrollment. * Tuition and transportation fees are prorated if a student withdraws before completing 50 days of a semester.
Fee details
One-time Payment Application Fee: THB 6,000 (non-refundable), payable at the time of application. This covers the assessment and processing and does not guarantee placement.
Registration Fee: (non-refundable, payable upon accepting an offer) Early Years Prep to Grade 10: THB 260,000 Grades 11–12: THB 185,000
Annual Development Fee: THB 45,000 (non-refundable), due annually at the start of each academic year.
OR
School Development Fund: THB 250,000 (refundable upon graduation or withdrawal with one term's notice and after settling any outstanding fees).
Annual Tuition Fees Early Years Prep (Half-day): THB 440,100 Early Years 1: THB 596,500 Early Years 2: THB 631,600 Early Years 3 to Grade 5: THB 725,500 Grade 6 to Grade 10: THB 859,700 Grade 11*: THB 944,600 Grade 12*: THB 882,600
*For students entering Grade 11, the annual tuition will remain fixed for the duration of the 2-year Grade 11 to Grade 12 programme.
Additional Fees Meal Fees (Optional) EY1–EY3: THB 30,000 annually (charged by term) Grades 1–5: THB 33,000 annually Grades 6–12: Pay-per-use via KIS Smart Card, approx. THB 300 per day
School Bus Service (Optional) Daily shuttle to/from Thailand Cultural Centre MRT station: Free
Door-to-door bus zones (annual total): Zone 1: THB 98,100 Zone 2: THB 108,30 Zone 3: THB 119,400 Zone 4 (if demand exists): THB 127,400
Short-term or occasional trips: Up to THB 800 one-way, depending on zone
Extracurricular Activities: Fees vary by activity (Mon–Fri, 14:45–16:30)
Additional Language (Non-DP Thai G11–G12) : THB 25,000 annually
Learning Support: Test fee: up to THB 25,000 per test Support session: up to THB 5,000 per session
Refund & Withdrawal Policy Unused full terms may be refunded if written notice is given at least one term in advance
No refunds for mid-term withdrawals
A monthly surcharge of 1.25% applies to overdue payments
Sibling Discounts 2nd child: 20% off registration, 5% off tuition 3rd+ child: 30% off registration, 10% off tuition
Payment Methods Cash, cheque, credit card, or wire transfer.
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
International School Bangkok (ISB) offers a U.S.-based curriculum enriched with international standards, providing a cohesive educational experience from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. In the early years and elementary levels, the focus is on inquiry-based learning across core subjects, arts, physical education, and world languages. Middle School (Grades 6–8) continues this approach, integrating interdisciplinary studies and social-emotional learning. High School students can pursue the ISB High School Diploma, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or a hybrid pathway combining IB and AP courses. The curriculum is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is designed to be transferable for globally mobile families.
Curriculum details
KIS International School Bangkok offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum across all year groups (ages 2-19). The school provides EY Prep for students aged 2. The curriculum begins with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Early Years 1 (age 3) to Grade 5, focusing on inquiry-based learning and foundational skills. Students in Grades 6–10 follow the Middle Years Programme (MYP), which combines academic study with interdisciplinary learning and project work. In Grades 11 and 12, students choose between the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP), both of which prepare students for university or professional pathways. The language of instruction is English, with Thai language taught throughout and additional languages such as Mandarin or Spanish introduced from the primary level. The curriculum is supported by specialist teaching in areas such as music, physical education, design, and the arts.
1. Book a campus visit or virtual tour. Families are encouraged to schedule a visit to explore the campus and meet the admissions team. This can be arranged through ISB’s admissions portal.
2. Complete the online application. Submit the application via ISB’s OpenApply platform. Required documents include academic records, birth certificate or passport, immunization records, and teacher recommendations. A non-refundable application fee of ฿4,700 is payable at this stage.
3. Assessment and interview. Depending on the grade level, students may be required to undergo assessments or interviews to determine appropriate placement. The admissions team will provide details after reviewing the application.
4. Receive admission decision. The admissions committee reviews applications holistically. Decisions are communicated via email, and successful applicants will receive an offer letter outlining the next steps.
5. Confirm enrollment. To secure a place, families must pay a non-refundable registration fee of ฿260,000 within the specified timeframe. Additional enrollment documents may be required at this stage.
Admissions
Submit an Application Complete the online application form and upload the required documents, including recent photographs, school reports, recommendations, identification documents, and any standardized test results.
Assessment and Interview Applicants from EY3 upwards undergo assessments in English and mathematics, followed by interviews. The assessment duration varies by grade level. The admissions team reviews the application, assessments, and other criteria such as English proficiency, IB experience, and class dynamics.
Enrollment Upon acceptance, families complete enrollment formalities, including signing permission forms and attending orientation sessions.
Scholarships
Scholarships
ISB does not publicly advertise scholarship programs.
Scholarships
Full Academic Scholarship (IBDP/IBCP Entry in Grade 11) Eligibility: Open to Grade 10 students applying for Grade 11 entry into the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or IB Career-related Programme (CP). Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 (or 6.0 on the IB scale).
Award: 100% tuition fee waiver for Grades 11 and 12. The registration fee is also waived.
Selection: Includes academic assessments and interviews.
Sports Scholarship Eligibility: Open to new applicants from Grades 7–11 with demonstrated success in competitive sports and good academic standing.
Award: Up to 30% tuition discount for the student’s duration at KIS.
Selection: Based on school reports, athletic records, a sports video submission, and an interview/assessment with the school’s Director of Athletics.
Waitlist
Waitlist
ISB operates a waitlist system when grade levels reach capacity. Applicants are placed on the waitlist based on the date of application completion and other criteria. The admissions team contacts families as spaces become available.
Waitlist
KIS International School operates a waitlist system for certain year levels when classes reach capacity. No assessments are conducted for classes with long waitlists or if initial application criteria are not met.
