Compare Affordable International Schools in Chiang rai, Thailand

Chiang Rai International School sits on a campus about 3 km north of Chiang Rai city centre in Northern Thailand’s Rimkok sub-district, in a semi-rural setting that’s gradually becoming more suburban and commercial as the city expands. The site covers around 11 rai (4.5 ha) of land.

CRIS serves children from Preschool (around age 3), through Primary (Elementary), Middle, and up to Secondary (High School) levels.

The school is co-educational and offers both day and boarding options.

CRIS offers support tailored to individual student needs in collaboration with teachers and families, aiming to help students engage effectively with the curriculum. Specific programs such as dedicated learning assistance were not detailed on the website.

The school is not affiliated with any country.

The school has no religious affiliations.

A typical school day begins at 7:45 a.m. Daily hours run from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with Primary students dismissed at 3:00 p.m., and Secondary students at 3:15 p.m.

There is not enough information available about the school's transportation services.

There is one boarding house on campus divided into two halves, one for boys and one for girls. Most boarders share twin rooms, and new students are paired with a suitable roommate by House Parents. Each boarder is part of a small family of boarders headed by a senior student, with an induction and buddy system to help newcomers settle in. The boarding campus is secure with fingerprint access, 24‑hour security, cameras, and ID checks for adults.

Lunch is provided, with a published Lunch Weekly Menu for Preschool/Elementary and for Middle/High School. A salad bar and seasonal fresh fruit are available daily.

Boarding uses a house structure; there is a single boarding house divided into two halves, supervised by House Parents. Each boarder belongs to a small family led by a senior student, which supports younger boarders and fosters responsibility and community.

The school holds accreditation with Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) and affiliations with ASEAN, the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT), the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC), the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA), and WIDA International.

CRIS delivers a full American-based curriculum across all school stages, built around Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science, and AERO Standards for Social Studies.

In Preschool and Elementary, students follow these frameworks and also attend co‑curricular classes in Physical Education, Music, Art, Chinese, ICT, Bible, and Thai Language & Culture.

In Middle School, students continue studies in core subjects—ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies—while choosing from electives and co‑curricular offerings that include Chinese, ICT, Bible, and Thai language & culture.

At the High School level, the curriculum advances to include courses such as Geometry, Algebra, Calculus, Statistics (Math); Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Science); and World History, Economics, Global Citizenship (Social Studies), alongside continued co‑curricular subjects like Music, Art, Chinese, ICT, Bible, and Thai language & culture.

CRIS describes its primary program as fostering "comprehensive academic, social, spiritual and globally-minded learning in an enjoyable and safe environment" with collaborative planning and parent involvement. Beyond this, the school doesn’t provide explicit details about structured SEL programs, dedicated staff, or specific initiatives on the website.

The school lists a Special Needs Teacher and Shadow Teachers among its Student Services staff, but no details are shared about the types of needs supported, specialized facilities, or whether CRIS is a specialist SEN institution. As such, specific SEN provisions are not publicly disclosed.

CRIS offers an English Language Development (ELD) program designed to meet each student’s language needs, determined through initial and ongoing assessments. If a student has not yet achieved the necessary English proficiency for their grade level, they are placed in specialized, intensive ELD classes—either in place of, or alongside, core subjects—until they are ready to rejoin the mainstream curriculum.

The site outlines pastoral care in the boarding context: house parents, boarding assistants, and GAP (gap-year) staff oversee welfare and encourage respectful, supportive relationships; mentoring systems are used to help new boarders settle in. Other than this, there is no additional publicly available information on broader mental health or wellbeing initiatives.

CRIS describes several boarding policies promoting safety: secure access via fingerprint scanners, 24-hour security patrols, video surveillance, and regulated entry for adults. First aid and nursing support are provided, and procedures are in place for illness, fire safety, and valuables management within boarding houses. However, the school does not publicly detail its overarching safeguarding or child-protection policies outside of boarding-specific measures.

1. Submit an Application Form
Parents can complete either the online application form or a printed version. Once the form is received, the school reserves an appointment slot for an admissions evaluation.

2. Interview and Entrance Assessment
All new applicants attend a short interview followed by an entrance assessment. For Grades 1–12, the assessment can be done on campus or online; for Kindergarten 1–3, assessments must be done on campus.

3. Assessment Content
The assessment evaluates school readiness, English proficiency, Mathematics and Science skills, and ensures correct grade placement.

4. Review of Supporting Documents
After passing the entrance evaluation, the admissions team reviews the required supporting documents before making an offer of enrolment.

5. Appointment Confirmation
The admissions team contacts parents to confirm the date and time for the evaluation. An evaluation fee is payable before the assessment takes place.

6. Offer of Enrolment
If the evaluation and documentation meet the requirements, the school may issue an official offer of enrolment.

The school does not publicly disclose any scholarship programmes on its website. They do post about scholarships on their socials seemingly frequently.

The school does not publicly state that it operates a waitlist or pool system.

CRICS is located at 331 Moo 14, Baan Duu, Mueang Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai Province. This setting lies just outside the city center and is accessible by road, placing the school within reach of Chiang Rai’s services and community while offering a quieter, suburban campus environment.

The school educates students from Kindergarten (starting age 5) through Grade 12, organized into Elementary (K–6), Middle School (Grades 7–8), and High School (Grades 9–12)

CRICS is co‑educational. It does not offer boarding facilities—education is provided on a day‑school basis only.

CRICS operates an Academic Success Program that supports students with learning differences through in-class assistance, small-group support, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and psychological testing when needed. It also runs an English Language Learner (ELL) program offering targeted support to non-native English speakers.

CRICS is based in Thailand and does not maintain an official affiliation with any other country.

CRICS has a Christian foundation and identity, being founded by missionary families and embedding religious studies, chapel, and service into its community and curriculum.

There is not enough information available about the school's day structure.

There is no mention of a school bus or van service on the CRICS website.

Students wear a school uniform shirt purchased at the school. They can wear their choice of pants/skirts/shorts that are modest.

CRICS is governed by a Governing Board. Tuition is reviewed and approved annually by the CRICS Governing Board. A school board was formed in 2007 to guide the school's registration and development.

Chiang Rai International Christian School (CRICS) follows an American-style curriculum within a Christian educational framework. Instruction is in English, with Thai taught as a language subject. The program runs from Kindergarten (age 5) through Grade 12, covering core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies, alongside Bible studies, physical education, and the arts. High school students complete coursework using the Carnegie credit system, with graduation requirements set across academic and elective subjects. The school also offers specialist support for English Language Learners and students with additional learning needs. Service learning, leadership opportunities, and extracurricular activities are integrated across all year groups as part of the educational experience.

CRICS does not explicitly use the phrase "SEL" on its website. However, elements that support students' emotional growth appear through peer mentoring (buddies system), student council, enrichment electives, and community-building activities. These opportunities foster interpersonal development and a supportive school culture.

CRICS runs an Academic Success Program (ASP) that supports students with identified learning differences. The ASP includes in-class and small-group support, teacher collaboration, psychological testing, development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), assistive technology, and behavioral and emotional guidance. The school is not a specialist SEN institution, but it does provide tailored accommodations within its regular classrooms

CRICS offers an English Language Learners (ELL) program. This includes testing and monitoring ELL students, academic support, targeted Language Arts classes for grade-level readiness, and a summer enrichment camp.

There is no explicit information on programs or initiatives that specifically address general mental wellbeing.

CRICS maintains a thorough child protection policy, requiring all staff and volunteers to complete annual training and a police background check. The policy addresses harassment, bullying, abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect), and self-harm. It mandates timely reporting, structured investigation processes, student and parent education, and clear procedures to protect all parties involved.

1. Complete the required assessments. For non-native English speakers, this includes a WIDA MODEL English fluency test (fee: 1,500 THB), conducted on campus. For Kindergarten through Grade 2, a readiness check assesses basic skills (fee: 300 THB). Grades 3–12 applicants take MAP tests in Math, Reading, and Language Arts (fee: 1,000 THB).

2. Submit a full application packet by March 1. This includes the online application, fee, and supporting documents (e.g., birth certificate, transcripts, reference forms).

3. Await review by the Admissions Evaluation Committee. They consider class capacity, academic background, family’s intended length of stay, and academic goals. Decisions are typically issued by March 31.

4. Upon acceptance, follow next steps. This may include arranging campus visits, interviews (if needed), or other onboarding steps.

CRICS does not seem to offer merit-based scholarships but has some financial support options:

Servant Member Program: Available to families of full-time Christian workers in the Chiang Rai area. After a student is accepted, eligible families can apply to volunteer in the school in mutually agreed roles. In exchange, the family receives a reduction in tuition fees.

Financial Aid Program: Provides temporary tuition assistance for returning families experiencing unexpected financial hardship. This is awarded at the school’s discretion and requires direct application to the Head of School.

Multi-Child Discount: Families with more than one child enrolled receive a 10% tuition discount for each additional child after the first. This cannot be combined with other discounts.

The school’s website does not mention any waitlist or pool system.

One Hope International School is in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, in northern Thailand, close to the Myanmar border. The campus is set in a quiet, rural area with easy road connections to Chiang Rai city, which is about an hour’s drive away. The location offers proximity to the Golden Triangle region while remaining within reach of local amenities and transport links.

The school currently offers Kindergarten and Primary through Grade 6, with Grade 7 opened in August 2025 and Grade 8 opening in August 2026. High school will be phased in from 2027, starting with Grade 9 and adding a grade each year thereafter.

OHIS is a co-educational day school that also offers boarding for certain age groups. Limited details are available publicly about the boarding program.

OHIS offers support through its Family Center, providing academic assistance, behavioral guidance, and emotional counseling tailored to each family's needs

The school follows an American curriculum but is not formally affiliated with any specific country.

The school does not have any religious affiliations.

The school day runs from 8:00 AM to 3:20 PM, with snack breaks at 9:30 AM and 2:20 PM, and lunch at 11:20 AM. Mornings focus on core subjects, while afternoons include special subjects and extracurricular programs.

There is limited information available about the transportation services.

Uniform Set includes a complete Regular Uniform, P.E. Uniform, Winter Uniform, and accompanying accessories.

Lunch and snacks are provided; the campus includes a cafeteria for meals.

The school is governed by a School Board established in compliance with Thailand's Private School Act. Founders are Mrs. Juliana Manaia (International Director) and Mr. Armenio Manaia (CEO). Other board members include Mr. Kittipong Ketsophon, Mr. Jardel Westphal, Mr. Tiago Gehrke, and Mrs. Carol Gehrke.

One Hope International School follows an American-based curriculum aligned with U.S. Common Core State Standards. The program is delivered in English and includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, alongside Thai language studies. In the early years and primary levels, learning is supported by specialist classes in Physical Education, Art, Music, and Computer Science. From upper primary onwards, the curriculum builds toward readiness for middle and high school, with planned expansion into Grades 7 and 8 in 2025–2026 and a high school program from 2027. Teaching places emphasis on subject integration, practical application, and regular assessment to track progress.

The school does not publicly disclose specific information regarding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) provision, initiatives, or staffing.

The school provides individualised support for students with additional learning needs through its Family Center. This includes tailored academic help, behavioural guidance, and close coordination with parents. The school does not state that it is a specialist SEN institution, and it has not published a list of specific SEN types it can support.

The school offers English Language Learning (ELL) programmes for students who require additional English language support. These sessions take place at the end of the school day, as shown in the daily timetable, and focus on building language skills needed for academic learning. The school has not published further details about programme structure, levels of support, or EAL-specific staffing.

The school does not publicly disclose specific information regarding mental wellbeing provision, counselling services, or dedicated programmes.

The school does not publicly disclose specific safeguarding policies or procedures, including child protection measures.

1. Complete Application Form
Parents begin by filling out the school’s online application form. This form requests key information about the student and family, and items marked with an asterisk are required. The form can be saved and completed later if needed.

2. Confirmation of Application
Once the form is submitted, the school sends confirmation to acknowledge receipt of the application. This step ensures that the application has been logged in the admissions system.

3. School Tour
Families may be invited to visit the school for a tour. This allows prospective students and parents to see the campus, observe classes, and meet staff before moving forward in the admissions process.

4. English Assessment
Applicants complete an English language assessment to determine the appropriate grade placement and to identify any language support needs. This assessment is part of ensuring the student is placed in a suitable learning environment.

5. Acceptance
Based on the application, tour, and assessment results, the school makes an admissions decision. Successful applicants receive an acceptance notification with instructions for the next steps.

6. Payment of Fees
After acceptance, families complete the payment of required fees, including the one-time entrance fee and any other initial charges. This confirms the student’s place for the upcoming academic term.

One Hope International School offers financial aid in the form of tuition discounts for eligible families. These are designed to support members of the community and families with multiple children enrolled. The available programs include:

Public Officer Discount: A 15% tuition fee discount for children of public officers.
Sibling Discount: A 15% discount for the second child and a 20% discount for the third child and beyond.
Missionary or Pastor Discount: A 15% tuition fee discount for children of missionaries or pastors.

The school does not publicly disclose whether it operates a waitlist or pool system.