Nakornpayap International School vs Unity Concord International School
Nakornpayap International School and Unity Concord International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 12 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes. Published annual fees are THB 290,000 - 496,800 at Nakornpayap International School and THB 192,000 - 368,000 at Unity Concord International School, which puts Nakornpayap International School roughly 41% higher. Nakornpayap International School takes pupils from 3 to 19, and Unity Concord International School from 2 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 619 and 760 pupils. Typical class sizes are 20 at Nakornpayap International School and 25 at Unity Concord International School.
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.
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
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).
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
NIS is a co-educational, secular, international day school. Boarding is not offered.
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
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.
Additional learning support
The school offers additional learning support, but there is not much publicly available information.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
NIS follows a U.S. curriculum and is accredited by WASC, but it is not affiliated with any particular country.
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school is non‑denominational and has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
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)
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
NIS works with a local school bus company (KJ Bus) to provide daily transportation for students.
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
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
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).
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. 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.
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
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
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
The school does not have a waitlist.
Waitlist
There is not enough information available about whether Unity Concord International School does not operate a formal waitlist or pool system publicly.
