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Thailand, Surat Thani
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The school provides a holistic international curriculum that emphasizes concept-based learning, understanding, creative and critical thinking, and the ability to transfer knowledge to real life. Instruction is trilingual in English, Chinese, and Thai. The program includes Arts, Physical & Health Education, Mandarin Chinese, Thai Language & Culture, and Spiritual/Character education to develop confident, culturally aware communicators and creative problem solvers who lead and serve their communities. The school aims to cultivate globally minded citizens.
Arts are part of the core curriculum. The school supports arts learning through the DIS Art Lab and related activities, including art exhibitions such as Art Exhibition at the DIS Art Lab. These arts offerings complement the broader curriculum to foster creativity and expressive work.
Mandarin Chinese and Thai Language & Culture are taught as part of the curriculum. The school provides trilingual learning in English, Chinese, and Thai. Spiritual/Character education complements language and culture learning to build intercultural awareness and ethical understanding.
The school offers after-school activities and programs to encourage social interaction and skill development. Examples of extracurricular activities include the DIS STEM Camp. The school also hosts social and cultural events such as Friday Fun Night, which promote community engagement.
Spiritual/Character education reinforces service with love and a mindset of giving back. The community emphasizes discernment, integrity, and service, with opportunities for leadership and social responsibility. The school highlights developing balanced, global citizens who lead and serve their communities.
Dr. Thomas J. Penland is the Founding Head of School. Brian Van Tassel is identified as the Future Head of School. The school is an active member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and is planning for ongoing accreditation through WASC, indicating a focus on professional standards and continuous improvement.
The campus spans 7.5 acres and includes facilities such as labs and sports facilities to support physical education and well-being. The learning environment is described as holistic, with emphasis on physical health, mental well-being, and balanced development within a tri-lingual setting. Physical & Health Education is a formal part of the program.
Daniel International School opened its doors on August 7, 2023, in Surat Thani, Thailand, nestled by the Tapi River in Kanchanadit District. The school serves children from Nursery through Grade 9 (ages roughly 3–14), planning to grow through high school. Instruction is in English, with Mandarin Chinese, Thai Language & Culture, and religion classes taught separately. DIS delivers a custom curriculum drawing on American, British, Australian, Chinese, and Thai standards, with preparation for Advanced Placement tests in Grades 11–12. Students engage in a STEAM-rich environment, featuring robotics, coding, design, arts, and performance labs, and are encouraged to serve their community through leadership and service opportunities. The Boarding Family Program offers caring host-family living for students from outside the area.
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