Lanna International School Thailand vs Prem International School
Lanna International School Thailand and Prem International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 30 km apart. Both schools offer Reggio Emilia programmes. Lanna International School Thailand also offers IEYC, IPC, British, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS Levels, and Prem International School also offers IB and IBCP. Published annual fees are close, at THB 413,400 - 803,400 for Lanna International School Thailand and THB 399,000 - 780,000 for Prem International School. Lanna International School Thailand takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Prem International School from 3 to 19. Lanna International School Thailand is the larger school, with around 978 pupils to Prem International School's 500. Typical class sizes are 20 at Lanna International School Thailand and 25 at Prem International School.
IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Reggio Emilia Approach
Curriculum
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils
Pupils
978
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1993
Opened
2001
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Lanna International School is located in Hang Dong, a quiet suburb just south of Chiang Mai, Thailand. The school is set in a semi-rural area surrounded by greenery, about 20 minutes from the city centre. The campus is accessible by main roads and close to family-friendly residential neighbourhoods. The surrounding area is peaceful, with good transport links into central Chiang Mai.
Location
Prem International School is located in Mae Rim, about 25 km north of Chiang Mai, Thailand, on a spacious 100-acre campus nestled in a rural setting. The campus is accessible by car and bus and provides a tranquil, nature-filled environment with forests, ponds, and meadows that serve as part of the educational experience.
Stages
Stages
The school is structured into three main sections: Early Years (ages 2–4), Primary (ages 5–11), and Secondary (Years 7–13). The curriculum transitions from the IEYC and IPC in the Early Years and Primary School to the Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level programme in the Secondary School.
Stages
The school serves students aged 3 to 19, covering Early Years (EY1–3), Primary (Grades 1–5), Middle Years (Grades 6–10), and Senior School programs, including the IB Diploma and Career-related Programmes in Grades 11–12.
School type
School type
Lanna International School is a co-educational day school and does not offer boarding facilities.
School type
Prem is a co-educational international school offering both day and boarding options. Boarding is available for Grades 3–12, with full (7-day) and weekly (5-day) arrangements in modern dormitories, apartments, and short-stay residences.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school offers learning support services tailored to students with mild to moderate additional learning needs. This includes support within mainstream classrooms and additional sessions when appropriate.
Additional learning support
Students in Grades 3–8 who require extra English support attend the Intensive English Programme (IEP), which focuses on building language skills in literacy, math, science, and humanities, alongside creative and outdoor learning activities.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Lanna International School is not formally affiliated with any single country.
Country affiliation
Prem has no affiliation with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school is non-denominational and has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
The typical school day runs from approximately 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Students have mid-morning and lunchtime breaks, with lunch available on campus. Exact timings may vary slightly by age group.
School day structure
Specific start/end times or break schedules aren’t listed publicly on the school's website.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a daily bus service for students.
Bus service details
A school transport service is available for day students, with fees ranging from THB 16,125–19,500 per term based on home-to-school distance.
School Transport (Home to School, per year): Zone A: THB 37,800 Zone B: THB 50,400 Zone C: THB 56,700
English Support Levy (Non-refundable) Intensive English Support: THB 40,000 per year Intensive English + After School English Tutoring: THB 64,000 per year
Sibling Discounts 2nd child: 10% 3rd child: 15% Note: discounts are applied automatically and removed if accounts become delinquent.
Refund Policy 70% refund if withdrawal is before the semester begins 50% refund if within 1–20 days of semester start 20% refund if within 21–40 days No refund after 40 days into the semester
Payment Methods Payments are accepted via bank transfer.
Late payment penalty: 1.25% monthly; records may be withheld after 30+ days
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
Lanna International School offers a curriculum based on the English National Curriculum and Cambridge International framework. In the Early Years (ages 2–4), students follow the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) with a focus on play-based learning. Primary School (Years 1–6) continues with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) integrated with core subjects like English, mathematics, and science. From Years 7–9, students study a broad range of subjects in line with the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum. In Years 10–11, students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE, selecting from over 20 subject options. Years 12–13 follow the Cambridge International AS and A Level programme, providing in-depth specialization in subjects required for university admission. English is the language of instruction, and additional languages include Thai, French, and Chinese. In addition to the core A-level studies, the school also offers preparatory courses for SAT (USA College Board) and IELTS (UK alternative to TOEFL), and, optionally, a UK-accredited Sports Leadership course and/or the opportunity to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.
Curriculum details
Prem International School follows the full IB continuum from Early Years to Grade 12. The Early Years programme (ages 3–5) is play-based and influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, with a strong emphasis on outdoor and experiential learning. Grades 1–5 follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), focusing on transdisciplinary inquiry and foundational literacy and numeracy. Grades 6–10 follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes interdisciplinary learning, service, and personal projects. In Grades 11–12, students can choose between the IB Diploma Programme (DP), the IB Career-related Programme (CP), or individual IB courses combined with a Prem High School Diploma. The Intensive English Programme (IEP) supports Grades 3–8 students developing academic English, alongside core subjects and creative learning.
1. Book a school tour (optional but recommended) Once your enquiry is received, the admissions team may invite you to visit the campus—either in person or online. Tours are scheduled by appointment and are a good way to become familiar with the facilities, meet staff, and ask specific questions.
2. Complete the online application form The admissions team will provide a link to the formal application form. Parents will need to submit student details, previous school reports in English, and other requested documentation. For Early Years applicants (ages 2–5), previous school reports are not required.
3. Interview and assessment The type and length of assessment depend on the applicant’s age:
* Early Years (2–5): a play-based session with the child and a short parent interview. * Years 1–3: a short 30-minute interview and basic assessment. * Year 4 and above: a more comprehensive 3-hour session including an essay, reading comprehension, cognitive ability testing, and an interview with a principal.
4. Decision and waitlist The school’s head, principals, and admissions team review each application considering academic performance, assessment results, interview performance, English level, and age placement. The school may contact the applicant’s previous school to check for any unresolved financial matters. Results are typically shared within 10 working days. If no space is currently available, the applicant may be placed on a waiting list.
5. Offer acceptance and submission of documents Accepted students will receive a formal offer by email along with a tuition invoice. Parents must submit additional documentation such as passports, birth certificates, Thai ID (if applicable), and details for transport or visa support. Offers expire if not accepted within ten working days.
6. Enrollment and start of school services Once the invoice is paid and documents submitted, the student is enrolled. The school then assists with uniforms, bus transport, and visa processes where required. The visa officer can guide families needing Non-Immigrant ED or Guardian-O visas.
Admissions
1. Book a campus tour or open house (optional but encouraged). Once your match is received, the Admissions team may offer to schedule a visit to the campus. You can tour the learning spaces, ask questions in person, and get a feel for the school day—either in-person or virtually.
2. Submit the online application and required documents. You'll need to complete the Online Application Form and upload relevant documents such as school transcripts and reports. A one-time, non-refundable application fee must also be paid at this stage to proceed.
3. Participate in an interview and academic assessment. Once the application is complete, the school will schedule an interview for both the parent(s) and the student. The student will also complete academic assessments, which may include a tailored English language evaluation to ensure the right level of support from the beginning.
4. Receive the admissions decision. After interviews and assessments are completed, the school typically communicates a decision within 3–5 business days. The offer may be conditional based on year group or required support services.
5. Confirm your place and pay the required fees. If a place is offered, you’ll need to accept it and make the payments listed in your invoice by the specified deadline.
6. Receive visa support (if applicable). Once initial fees are received, the school will issue any required documents to support a student visa application (if needed). The admissions team will guide families through this step and help with preparations for starting at Prem.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Lanna International School offers scholarships with a focus on academic achievement, talent, and personal contribution to school life.
1. Academic and Talent Scholarships (Years 5–11) Open to new students applying for entry into Years 5 to 11. These scholarships cover up to 60% of tuition fees. Selection is based on academic performance or demonstrated talent in areas such as arts, sports, STEM, or humanities. Applicants must also show good character and a commitment to school life. Awards are renewable annually, subject to review.
2. Sixth Form Scholarships (Years 12–13) Available to current Lanna students entering Year 12. Scholarships are awarded in three tiers: Gold (60%), Silver (40%), and Bronze (20%). They are based on predicted IGCSE results, school involvement, and overall contribution. The scholarship continues through Year 13, pending a review during Semester 2 of Year 12.
Scholarships
General Guidelines * Scholarships are open to new and returning students. * Applications must be submitted by April 15 each year. * Award results are announced by April 30. * All applicants must first complete the general school admissions process. * A separate scholarship application, including supporting documentation, is required.
Academic Scholarship Awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, consistent effort, and a record of engagement in school life and service.
Athletic Scholarship Given to students with notable accomplishments and commitment in competitive sports. Applicants are expected to be active contributors to the school’s sports teams.
Creative Arts Scholarship Designed for students with significant talent in music, visual arts, performing arts, or digital media. A portfolio or audition may be required depending on the discipline.
International Diversity Scholarship Supports students from diverse national backgrounds who show academic strength and leadership. Intended to encourage broad representation across the school’s community.
IBCP Sustainability Scholarship Available to students entering the IB Career-Related Programme with a focus on Business and Sustainability. Applicants must submit a digital portfolio and show interest in global sustainability issues.
Prem Ambassadors Award (For existing students only) Offered to students already enrolled in Grades 8–11 with at least one year at Prem. Awardees are expected to represent the school at events and maintain strong academic and extracurricular involvement. The award is valid for one academic year and must be reapplied for annually.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Lanna International School operates a waitlist system when year-level spaces are full. Students may still go through the full admissions process, including assessment and interviews, even if a place is not immediately available. Those who meet the admissions criteria are placed on the waiting list.
If admission is not offered immediately, a retest may be scheduled in 3, 6, or 9 months depending on the applicant’s age and performance.
Waitlist
There is no mention of a waitlist on the school's website.
