Compare Affordable International Schools in Saraburi, Thailand

California Prep International School is located in Kaeng Khoi district, Saraburi province, central Thailand. The campus is situated along Mittraphap (Friendship) Road, providing road connections to Bangkok and the northeast region. The area is semi-rural, offering a quieter setting within reach of transport links and local communities.

The school provides education from Kindergarten (starting at age 3) through Grade 12 (up to age 18). It is divided into Early Years, Elementary, Middle School, and High School, following a U.S. grade structure.

California Prep is a co-educational international school. While primarily a day school, it also offers boarding facilities for both Thai and foreign students.

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) or additional learning support provision.

The school follows the California Department of Education curriculum, but it is not officially affiliated with any country’s government.

The school does not state a formal religious affiliation.

Specific daily start and end times, as well as details on breaks and lunch periods, are not publicly disclosed.

California Prep International School provides a van service for students. The service is arranged through the school, and families can obtain route and fee details directly from the admissions office. Information is also included in the admissions documents and fee schedules. This option supports families living in surrounding areas who prefer organized transport to and from the campus.

California Prep International School was founded on November 14, 2010 by Phakdee Mangmiwatthana (Ph.D.) and Adelino Libato (Ph.D.). Mangmiwatthana is the Licensee, Director, and Co-Founder; Libato is the Co-Board Chairman and Co-Founder. Governance is provided by the school's administration and a board.

California Prep International School delivers an American curriculum aligned with the California Department of Education. The program runs from Kindergarten (age 3) through Grade 12 (age 18), with English as the primary language of instruction and Thai and Chinese taught as additional languages. In the early years and primary levels, students focus on foundational literacy, numeracy, and inquiry-based learning. Middle and high school expand into specialized streams such as Business/English, Business/Computer, and Math/Science, alongside compulsory subjects in Science, Mathematics, and Humanities. Since 2019, STEM has been a formal subject across levels, supporting technology skills and applied sciences. At the upper secondary stage, students are prepared for standardized tests, including the TOEFL, SAT, and Advanced Placement (AP) exams, providing pathways to international higher education

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives, staff, or programs on its website.

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision.

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL support.

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding mental well-being programs, staff, or initiatives.

The school does not publicly disclose detailed information on safeguarding or child protection policies. It is, however, accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment, Thailand), which require member schools to meet baseline standards of student welfare and safety.

1. Families begin by completing the official application form, which is available in English or Thai. An appointment with the Admissions Office should be arranged through the school’s contact channels. At this stage, families should prepare the required documentation, such as identification papers and academic records.

2. Prospective students undergo a placement test to determine their academic level. An interview is conducted with the student, and parents also meet with the Admissions Committee. This step helps ensure that the school understands the student’s background and needs.

3. Parents must submit the completed application form along with supporting documents. For Thai students, this includes copies of the birth certificate, house registration, transcript, and a medical certificate. Non-Thai students must also provide passport copies, a valid visa or work permit of the parent, proof of legal status, and a receipt of escrow deposit.

4. Upon successful assessment and acceptance, families finalize registration through the Finance Office. This step involves paying the required entrance fees, deposits, and development fees as outlined in the fee schedule.

5. New students attend an orientation program where they are introduced to the school environment and paired with a student buddy. Middle and High School students also receive guidance on using the school’s e-learning systems. This process helps students settle smoothly into their new school life.

California Prep International School offers scholarships to support different categories of students. These include awards for academic excellence, assistance for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, and recognition of outstanding talent in areas such as sports or the arts. Details on eligibility and the selection process are not published publicly, and families are encouraged to contact the school directly for current criteria and availability.

The school does not publicly disclose operating a waitlist or pool system.

Located in a rural district of Saraburi, the campus sits at 388 Moo 1, Nongdon, Nongdon, Saraburi 18190, Thailand. It is situated in a countryside setting, providing a quiet and spacious environment for learning.

The school offers Montessori-based education across three developmental stages:

Toddler Program (18 months-3 years)
Primary (3–6 years)
Elementary (6–12 years)
Adolescent (12–18 years), including a farm-based programme known as Erdkinder

John Wyatt Montessori is a co-educational day school and it does not offer any boarding facilities.

The school does not have publicly available information on their additional learning support.

The school is not affiliated with any country.

The school does not have any religious affiliation.

K1-K3 school hour is from 9am - 3pm
G1-G6 school hour is from 8.30am - 3.30pm

The school does not have publicly available information on their bus service.

The school operates as an international Montessori school and learning center. The curriculum from birth to high school is granted by NAMTA and is in accordance with AMI. There are two campuses: Bangkok Campus and Nongdon Campus.

Montessori Curriculum (Toddler to Adolescents)
The school follows an authentic Montessori curriculum spanning from toddler years through adolescence. This curriculum is authorized by the North American Montessori Teachers’ Association (NAMTA) and aligns with the standards of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). The approach is designed to foster independence, curiosity, and moral development in children within a child-centered learning environment.

Elementary “Cosmic Education” (Ages 6–12)
From age 6 to 12, the school offers an elementary-level curriculum based on Montessori’s Cosmic Education. This begins with the “Five Great Lessons” which are the creation of the universe, the solar system, life evolution, arrival of humans, and development of language and number systems. Related subject areas include language, mathematics (concrete to abstract), geometry, sciences, history, ethics, geography, the arts, health, physical education, and digital technology. The curriculum encourages children to understand interconnectedness, nurture imagination, and ask fundamental questions such as "Who am I?"

Optional U.S. High School Certificate & Standardized Tests
For older students (ages 12–18, including the Adolescent programme), the school provides the option to take U.S. Standardized Tests and earn a U.S. High School Certificate. This optional track supports families seeking recognition in line with American secondary education.

The school does not have publicly available information on their social and emotional learning.

There is no publicly available information indicating the presence of a specialized SEN program.

The school does not have publicly available information on their EAL.

The school does not have publicly available information on their mental wellbeing support.

The school does not have publicly available information on their safeguarding policy.

Submit Application / Join Waiting List
Fill out the online application form or join the waiting list via the school’s official website. Admission for 4- and 5-year-olds without prior Montessori experience is considered individually.

Priority Consideration
Priority is given to siblings of current students and to children who begin at age three. For older levels, preference is given to existing students; other applicants are reviewed case by case.

Schedule a School Visit
Prospective families are invited to tour the school and observe its environment.

Attend Teacher–Child Meeting
A session is arranged where the prospective student meets with a teacher to assess fit, compatibility, and readiness.

Pay Registration Fee
Once approved to proceed, the registration fee is required to secure a place.

Confirm Starting Date
The school and family mutually agree on the student’s commencement date.

Submit Required Documents
Provide necessary paperwork, including birth certificate, household registration, three 2-inch photos, previous school reports (if applicable), and immunization records.

The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships for Saraburi campus.

Yes. The application form on the school’s website doubles as a waiting list entry. Applicants are considered in the order they applied (first-come, first-served), with priority for siblings and younger children (age three).

Saint John Mary International School (SJMIS) is located in Nongyao, Mueang Saraburi District, about 100 km northeast of Bangkok. The school sits at the foot of the Saraburi hills in a semi-rural setting, while still being close to Saraburi city. The location is accessible via Phahonyothin Road, a major highway connecting Bangkok and northern provinces.

The school provides education from Pre-Kindergarten (age 2) through Grade 12 (age 18). It is structured into Kindergarten, Primary, Middle School, and High School, following a clear progression across age groups.

SJMIS is a co-educational institution offering both day schooling and boarding options. Boarding facilities are available to support families who may be based further from Saraburi or relocating internationally.

The school does not publicly disclose information about provisions for Additional Learning Needs (SEN). There are no details available on specific programmes, staff, or facilities for SEN support.

The school is Thai-owned and operated, and it does not have an affiliation to another country.

While the school is sometimes described in external directories as Christian-affiliated, the school’s official website does not list a formal religious affiliation.

The school does not publicly disclose information about daily start and finish times, or break and lunch schedules.

Saint John Mary International School provides a school van service. Information on routes and fees is available through the school’s Admissions office, though detailed schedules and providers are not published online.

Boarding is offered for students from grade 1 to 12. Boarding is provided in two formats: Dormitory for students in grades 7 and above, and Homestay for students in grades 1–6. The boarding complex includes two dormitory buildings and ten Homestay houses; rooms accommodate 3–6 students. Boarders have access to facilities such as a swimming pool, basketball court, volleyball court, and a golf range.

Uniforms are required on school days. Hair color must be natural. Sweaters must be a single color with no logos or writing. Leggings worn under skirts must be black or white. Socks must be worn. Athletic shoes are allowed. Long hair must be tied back. House shirts are worn for House activities only, not as part of the PE uniform. Students may wear the school tie unless otherwise directed. A single stud earring per ear is allowed.

The school operates a lunch program with an on-site lunch menu (Lunch Menu) and a food menu is available for students.

Boarding includes two housing options: Dormitory for older students and Homestay for younger students, with two dormitory buildings and ten Homestay houses. Rooms house 3–6 students. House activities use house shirts for participation.

The school is owned and operated by Sang Young Mary Company. Ajarn Samai Chinapha, who founded the Saint John University of Bangkok and the Saint John School of Commerce, established the ownership lineage. The school is affiliated with ONESQA and ISAT and holds MOE recognition with WASC accreditation.

Saint John Mary International School follows the American Curriculum, aligned with the California State Standards. Instruction is delivered in English across all levels, with Thai taught as a compulsory subject and Mandarin offered through extracurricular activities. The school provides early years education from Nursery and Kindergarten, followed by Elementary (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). In High School, students complete credit-based coursework required for graduation under the American system. The curriculum also incorporates STEAM activities, sports, arts, and community service as integral components of student development.

SJMIS states that it places a strong focus on students’ social and emotional needs, including during periods of online learning. Student support services, specifically ELD, IEP, and counseling, remain available when learning shifts online. These pages indicate SEL is considered in planning and delivery rather than a one-off activity. Families are connected to teachers via the school’s listed platforms to support this.

The Elementary page describes Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for learners with special needs. It notes that students on an IEP learn with both the homeroom teacher and a special education teacher, and that a shadow teacher may be required when appropriate. This indicates SEN support is integrated within mainstream classes. The Online Learning page also lists IEP among services maintained during remote learning. The site does not describe SJMIS as a specialist SEN school.

SJMIS runs an English Language Development (ELD) program as part of the Elementary Reading Program. It targets beginners or learners needing support, delivered in small groups to build foundational reading skills and close achievement gaps with cooperation between school and families. The Online Learning page confirms ELD continues during online schooling.

The school lists counseling among student support services and highlights a strong focus on students’ social and emotional needs. These provisions are explicitly mentioned as continuing when learning is online. The site does not provide further public details about the counseling staff or referral processes.

SJMIS’s Privacy Policy says CCTV is installed across campus, including in Kindergarten classrooms, with footage retained for 14 days, and that information may be shared with the Police where there are child protection or safeguarding concerns. The Employment page adds that the school’s top priority is children’s health, safety, and protection, and that recruitment emphasizes readiness to care for students. The site does not publish a standalone child protection policy beyond these statements.

1. Families begin by contacting the school to request information or by submitting an application form. At this stage, parents are typically asked to provide documents such as copies of the child’s birth certificate, passport, and recent school records. The school also requests photographs and medical history to complete the application file.

2. Students may be invited for an entrance assessment or interview to determine placement, especially for those entering higher grades or requiring English support. Younger children may be observed in a classroom setting to assess readiness. This step helps the school ensure that students are placed in an age-appropriate and academically suitable program.

3. If the student meets the entry requirements, the school issues an offer letter confirming placement. Parents are asked to review the offer and accept within a given timeframe. Acceptance at this stage also depends on space availability within the grade.

4. Once the offer is accepted, families must pay the one-time registration fee, refundable deposit, and the first semester’s tuition. Proof of payment is required to finalize enrollment. Failure to pay within the deadline may result in the place being released to another applicant.

5. After fees are settled, the child is officially enrolled. Parents receive details about uniform purchase, transportation options, and orientation schedules. The school provides information on first-day procedures and introduces families to key points of contact, such as homeroom teachers and the admissions office.

The school does not publicly disclose any scholarship programmes or financial aid schemes. No details are available regarding eligibility criteria, application procedures, or coverage.

SJMIS does not publicly disclose information on operating a waitlist or pool system.