Edited by Aziza Francienne · B2C Marketing Manager
Chiang Rai sits in Thailand's far north, offering an even quieter and more affordable lifestyle than Chiang Mai. The city attracts families who want rural mountain life with access to basic international schooling. The expat community is smaller but welcoming, and the surrounding countryside provides a unique upbringing for children.
Compare 3 international schools in Chiang rai, Thailand. Filter by curriculum, fees (average THB 224,558), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Chiang Rai International Christian School (CRICS) started in 1998 as a small co-op under a different name and officially moved into its current campus in 2011, celebrating a grand opening in early 2012. It serves children aged 5 to 18, from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with an average class size of 15 and a total enrollment of around 150 students. CRICS follows an American Curriculum rooted in a Christian ethos, with all subjects taught in English except Thai language. Students participate in regular Bible classes, a weekly chapel, and an outdoor education camp that builds leadership and interpersonal skills. Notably, the school embeds service learning into its daily life—students engage in community events, student council, and cross-cultural outreach. These concrete offerings make CRICS a distinctive, close-knit learning community grounded in faith, service, and small-class attention—all drawn directly from the school's materials.
One Hope International School (OHIS), nestled in Mae Sai near Thailand’s northern border, began welcoming students in September 2019. It delivers a Common Core–based American curriculum taught in English by native speakers. The school places emphasis on small class sizes—around 12 students on average—setting the stage for personal attention. OHIS serves children aged roughly 3 through elementary levels and will expand its middle school offerings: Grade 8 to follow in August 2026. Beyond that, they plan to open their high school beginning in 2027, starting with Grade 9 and adding grades annually. The campus includes dedicated science, art, music, and Apple technology studios, along with sports facilities like a swimming pool, gymnasium, and courts. Boarding is available, and a school bus service exists. The school maintains an inclusive mission, welcoming students of all nationalities, backgrounds, and religions.
Chiang Rai International School (CRIS) opened in 2010 and is situated on an 11-rai (approximately 4.5-hectares) campus about 3 km north of Chiang Rai city center, in a semi-rural area that is gradually becoming suburban and commercial. The campus is surrounded by mountains and lies roughly an hour away from the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. CRIS follows an American-style curriculum: in primary and secondary levels, the school uses Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science, and AERO standards for Social Studies. Core subjects in the upper grades include English, Math, Science, Social Studies, plus physical education, music, art, Chinese, ICT, Bible instruction, electives, and Thai language and culture. Boarding options are available, with separate accommodation for boys and girls. Boarders typically share twin rooms and are supported through a “buddy” mentorship system, and live within a structured community where houses are led by senior students.
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