Edited by Aziza Francienne · B2C Marketing Manager
Chiang Mai attracts families who want a different Thailand from Bangkok — cooler mountain weather, a laid-back creative culture, and a cost of living that makes international schooling genuinely affordable. The city has a tight-knit expat community centred around the old city and Nimman areas. Schools like Prem Tinsulanonda and CMIS have strong reputations, and tuition can start as low as THB 180,000 per year. Many digital nomad and remote-working families have chosen Chiang Mai specifically for this combination of quality schooling and low costs.
Compare 6 international schools in Chiang mai, Thailand. Filter by curriculum, fees (average THB 320,367), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Ambassador Bilingual Academy (ABA), part of the Ambassador Education Group, serves students aged approximately 1.6 to 18 years (Pre‑K through Grade 12). Situated in Mae Hia, just minutes south-west of Chiang Mai city, ABA offers a bilingual Thai–English curriculum where all core academic subjects are taught in English, complemented by Thai language and cultural studies. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning and life skills, aiming to equip students with practical abilities alongside academic knowledge. English is the medium of instruction, with daily Thai instruction integrated into the programme. Leadership is fostered through initiatives like the Student Council, and values-based learning is embedded school-wide. Families appreciate ABA’s focus on character development, skill acquisition, and bilingual education, in a compact suburban setting with a growing, internationally diverse community.
Nakornpayap International School (NIS) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, was founded in 1993. The school follows a US‑based curriculum aligned with Common Core and Massachusetts standards, and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Grades 11–12. Set on a leafy 17‑acre campus in San Phisuea, just a few kilometres east of downtown Chiang Mai, it provides modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, art and music rooms, a gym, pool, and full‑size football field. NIS serves children aged 3 to 19 in small classes with around 619 students enrolled. Instruction is in English, with Thai language & culture, and options in Spanish, Japanese or Chinese as world languages. NIS is particularly known for its AP offerings, strong STEM programs, vibrant sports teams, and active participation in arts and service campaigns such as International Day and the UN‑aligned sustainability initiatives.
Unity Concord International School (UCIS), located just outside Chiang Mai along the Chiang Mai–Lampang highway, opened in August 2017. It serves students from approximately age 2 years up to Grade 12, offering an American curriculum aligned with Common Core standards and optional Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Class sizes are capped at 20 in early years, 26 in primary, and 32 in secondary to support effective teaching. The campus includes science and computer laboratories shared across grades, a fitness centre, sports courts, and swimming facilities. English is the main language of instruction, while Thai language, culture, and history are taught by a dedicated department. With around 700 students from diverse nationalities, UCIS is fully co‑educational. The school is accredited by WASC and recognized by ONESQA in Thailand. One distinguishing feature is Unity Park, a development adjoining the campus offering student‑oriented small businesses and dining options, intended to support convenience and real‑world learning.
Chiang Mai International School (CMIS) started in 1954 as a small school for children of missionaries in northern Thailand. It now offers classes from preschool through Grade 12 and follows a U.S.-based curriculum taught in English. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and approved by the Thai Ministry of Education. High school students can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses that help prepare them for university. Students come from many different countries, and the school does not require any specific religious background. The school is located in Chiang Mai and has a range of facilities to support learning and activities. These include a swimming pool, sports fields, covered play and sports areas, a theatre, music and dance rooms, and classrooms for art and languages. Students can join activities outside of regular classes, such as sports or music. The school keeps its class sizes relatively small, and students of different ages and backgrounds learn together in a shared space.
Grace International School (GIS), established in 1999, serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. It offers an **American curriculum** with **Advanced Placement (AP)** courses, preparing students for higher education globally. The **37‑acre campus** south of Chiang Mai city features dedicated academic buildings, multiple sports fields, and green outdoor areas for play and physical education. English is the primary language of instruction, with Thai language classes across all levels, Chinese offered in High School, and TESOL support for non‑native speakers; Elementary also provides “heart language” support for Korean students. GIS is a **Christian school**, integrating **biblical values** into its teaching and community life, and serves many families involved in mission and Christian service in Southeast Asia. Students can participate in CMAC athletics, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and cross‑country, as well as band, choir, and visual arts programs, fostering well‑rounded development in a values‑driven environment.
Americana Chinese International School (ACIS), founded in 2019, is located in Nong-Pheung, Saraphi, Chiang Mai. The school offers a U.S.-based curriculum (AERO Common Core Plus Standards) for students from Pre-K to Grade 12. Classes are taught in English, with daily Chinese and Thai lessons integrated into the curriculum to promote multilingual proficiency. ACIS emphasizes project-based learning and STREAM—combining science, technology, robotics, engineering, arts, and mathematics—providing hands-on learning experiences. Class sizes are kept small, capped at 20 students for Pre-K–K3, 26 for Grades 1–6, and 32 for Grades 7–12, ensuring more individual attention. The high school program includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a dual-diploma pathway that allows students to earn both an ACIS and U.S. high school diploma. The school operates as a co-educational, day school in a serene suburban setting outside Chiang Mai’s city center.
No schools match your filters. Try adjusting your criteria.
Get answers to parents’ top questions about schooling in Thailand, from academic options to extracurricular opportunities.
An expert-curated list of leading Bangkok international schools, with quick facts to help narrow your shortlist.
Phuket is known for its beaches and tourism, but it’s also home to a growing international school scene that appeals to expat families looking for an alternative to Bangkok.
Why join for free?
Already have an account? Log In
