Ambassador Bilingual Academy vs Americana Chinese International School

	A Ambassador Bilingual Academy Chiang Mai, Thailand	A Americana Chinese International School Chiang Mai, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 149,500 - 238,600	Fees / year THB 200,000 - 376,000
Age range	Age range 1½ - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Thai Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 550
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 26
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2001	Opened 2019
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school is located at 222 Moo 2, Chiangmai–Lampang Superhighway, Tambon Nong‑Pheung, Saraphee District, Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is situated along the Chiangmai–Lampang highway outside the city centre, with road access suitable for commuting by car or school bus.	Location The school is located in the Nong‑Pheung sub‑district, Sarapee District, Chiang Mai, Thailand, situated away from the dense city centre. It can be accessed via the Chiang Mai–Lampang Super Highway.
Stages	Stages ABS offers education from Nursery through Kindergarten and into primary and secondary up to Grade 12.	Stages ACIS offers an American curriculum for students from Pre‑K (early years) up to Grade 12.
School type	School type The school is co‑educational and operates as a day school.	School type It is a co‑educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school uses ESL (English as a Second Language) and TSL classes to support students whose English or Thai skills require improvement compared to their grade level.	Additional learning support The school states that its enrollment team provides individualised support for students with diverse learning needs. ESL (English as a Second Language) support is available.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with a particular foreign country.	Country affiliation The school does not claim formal affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure Typical daily hours vary by level: Kindergarten begins at 9:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm; elementary at 8:45 am to 4:00 pm; secondary at 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Breaks include a morning break at around 10:15–10:30 am, lunch around 12:00–12:40 pm, and an afternoon break at about 2:15–2:30 pm. After‑school clubs and activities run from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, with a short break beforehand from 4:00 to 4:10 pm.	School day structure Specific daily hours or break/lunch times for the school day are not publicly available online.
Bus service details	Bus service details ABS offers a school bus service.	Bus service details The school offers a transportation service via vans.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Entrance Fee: THB 35,000 for students in the Bilingual Program (EP) THB 40,000 for students in the Emphasis on English Program (EEP) Tuition Fees (per semester) Bilingual Program (EP): * Preschool (1.6–3 yrs): THB 57,000 * K1, K2 (3–5 yrs): THB 57,000 * K3 (5–6 yrs): THB 57,000 * Grades 1–5 (6–11 yrs): THB 68,000 * Grades 6 (11–12 yrs): THB 68,000 * Grades 7–11 (12–17 yrs): THB 78,000 * Grade 12 (17–18 yrs): THB 78,000 Emphasis on English Program (EEP): * Preschool – K2: THB 68,000 * K3: THB 68,000 * Grades 1–5: THB 85,000 * Grade 6: THB 85,000 Additional Annual Fees * Book Fees: * EP: THB 4,000–10,000 depending on grade * EEP: THB 6,000–12,000 depending on grade * Activity Fees: * EP: THB 2,000–6,500 depending on grade * EEP: THB 2,000–5,000 depending on grade * Lunch Fee (per semester): * THB 6,000 for most levels * THB 7,000 for Grades 7–12 in EP * Other Costs (if applicable): * Bed set (Nursery–Preschool): THB 600 * Capital improvement: THB 10,000 (K1 and above) * Stationery set (Nursery–K3): THB 1,300 * Accident insurance: THB 1,500 * Uniform: THB 1,500–4,000 depending on level Support Services Fees * ESL (Grades 1–11): THB 20,000 per semester * Visa: THB 5,000 per person * EMS: THB 3,000 per person School Bus Fees * THB 15,000–25,000 per semester * Or THB 30,000–50,000 per year, depending on location Payment Method Payments can be made via bank transfer or Alipay.	Fee details Application & Enrollment Fees Entrance Exam & ESL Test: THB 3,300 (per semester) Entrance Fee: THB 60,000 (one-time, non-refundable) Lifetime Book Fee: THB 10,000 (one-time payment for book usage across all grades) Annual Tuition Fees Pre-K to K2: THB 180,400 K3 to Grade 3: THB 264,000 Grades 4–6: THB 302,500 Grades 7–9: THB 308,000 Grades 10–12: THB 341,000 Other Annual or Semester-Based Fees Lunch, breakfast & snack: THB 20,000 Capital Improvement Fee: THB 20,000 Transportation (Van Service): THB 30,000–50,000 Accident Insurance: THB 1,000 ESL Support: THB 40,000 (if applicable) Uniform (5 sets): THB 4,000 (one-time) Discounts Sibling Discount: 10% tuition discount for the second child, 15% for third and subsequent children Loyalty Discount: 25% off tuition only for families who pay full annual tuition for more than 3 consecutive years Payment Method Direct bank transfer.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school has a Shark Cafe on campus offering beverages and snacks.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of The Ambassador Education Group.	Governance and ownership The school was founded in 2019 by Amporn and Chugait Garmolgomut.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Ambassador Bilingual School offers a bilingual curriculum that combines Thailand’s Basic Education Core Curriculum B.E. 2551 with selected elements of the California (USA) curriculum. From Grades 1 to 12, subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Science, and Health & Physical Education are taught in English. Thai Language, Social Studies, Thai History, Culture and Traditions, and Buddhist Studies are taught in Thai. Students identified as needing language support may be enrolled in ESL (English as a Second Language) or TSL (Thai as a Second Language) classes. For younger learners, the kindergarten programme includes subjects like Computer, Art, Dance, Swimming, Thai Music, and Moral Education.	Curriculum details ACIS follows American curriculum standards, including California Common Core for English and Math, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science, and AERO objectives for Social Studies, all integrated from Pre‑K through Grade 12. In the elementary years, students study English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, and enrichment subjects such as STEM, art, music, physical education, robotics, computer technology, gardening & environmental studies. All students learn Chinese and Thai - Chinese daily and Thai weekly as required by the Thai Ministry of Education, using protocols aligned with HANBAN standards and WIDA-based ESL support for English learners. In middle and high school (Grades 6–12), the focus shifts toward college and career readiness, with more advanced coursework in English, social studies, laboratory sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, Earth science), and electives through the STREAM program integrating Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. For high school students, there are different pathways, including a regular US high school curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and a Dual Diploma Pathway (ACIS and U.S. diploma via Hudson Global Scholars).
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school does not publicly disclose information regarding social and emotional learning (SEL) programmes, staff, or initiatives on its website.	Social & emotional learning ACIS has established a counselling team that conducts wellness checks for students who are struggling and delivers a social‑emotional learning curriculum. A school‑wide Positive Behavior Support (PBS) system is in place, focusing on reinforcing and recognising positive conduct across different school environments. Teachers, administrators, and support staff work together to clearly communicate behaviour expectations and use positive reinforcement strategies. The counselling team supports students through individual or group sessions as needed. The emphasis on SEL is woven into the holistic development programme of the school.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The website mentions that they “offer a range of services to support the diverse learner’s needs” and operate a language school in Chiang Mai to assist with language requirements. It does not detail specific types of SEN supported, nor indicate that ABA is a specialist SEN school.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school website does not publicly disclose specific details regarding support for Special Educational Needs (SEN).
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school states that all core subjects are taught in English and mentions a language school to offer further assistance to students’ language needs. However, it does not describe a formal EAL programme or designated staff for EAL support.	English as an additional language ACIS runs an ESL (English as a Second Language) programme, with students pulled from regular classes for tailored support based on placement testing in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The school uses WIDA language learning system to structure individual language pathways and measure growth. In August 2024, ACIS began implementing formal WIDA model testing to assess students’ English language abilities for tailored instruction. Students who progress well receive Certificates of Achievement and may transition out of the EAL programme appropriately. While EAL support is clearly offered, the school does not present itself as a specialised EAL-only institution.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The website does not provide public information about mental health programmes, counselling services, or staff devoted to mental wellbeing support.	Mental wellbeing ACIS offers a counselling team dedicated to student mental health and behaviour support, including wellness checks for those who might be struggling. A social‑emotional learning curriculum is implemented as part of broader holistic development initiatives. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is used to foster a nurturing environment and reinforce positive social and emotional skills. The school further supports physical wellness with annual health checkups for students to identify and address developmental or health issues early.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding There are no publicly available details on the school's website regarding safeguarding policies, procedures, or child protection staff.	Safeguarding The ACIS website does not publicly detail specific safeguarding or child protection policies or designated safeguarding staff on its official website.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is located at 133 Moo 2, Mae Hia, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100 (Behind The View Village Mae Hia). It serves Pre-K to Grade 12 and is part of The Ambassador Education Group. The school was formerly Little Stars Bilingual School and moved to a brand new campus. The facilities page presents a photo gallery of campus spaces, including areas used for science and other learning environments. The Admissions page notes a language school in Chiang Mai to support students' language needs.	Facilities overview ACIS has modern, technology-enhanced classrooms with high-speed internet that support collaborative, inquiry-based learning. It offers science and innovation labs for hands-on experiments in STEM subjects. Language and cultural centers provide Mandarin, English, and Thai instruction to promote multilingual proficiency. The campus includes sports and fitness facilities, arts and creativity studios, a library and research resources, and spacious outdoor play areas. An on-site coffee shop and sustainability initiatives reinforce a holistic learning environment.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities ACIS provides sports and fitness facilities including a swimming pool, sports fields, and courts for basketball, soccer, and futsal. The facilities support physical development, teamwork, and healthy competition. Outdoor spaces and gym areas contribute to daily activity and balanced student life. These facilities are designed to complement academics and extracurricular programs.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school has science laboratories for science instruction. The campus offers learning spaces shown in the facilities gallery for academic activities. The school serves students from Pre-K to Grade 12. The Admissions page mentions language support through a language school in Chiang Mai as part of the academic offerings.	Academic facilities ACIS follows the American curriculum with a global perspective, serving students PK–12. The program emphasizes Project-Based Learning (PBL) and STEM subjects, complemented by robotics and arts. Students receive daily Mandarin, English, and Thai language instruction. Classrooms and facilities support inquiry-based learning, with science and innovation labs for hands-on experimentation.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers The Duke of Edinburgh International Award as an extracurricular program.	Extra curricular facilities ACIS offers diverse extracurricular activities, including dance, chess, karate, guitar, swimming, Bible studies, English language, Chinese language, and music club. Availability depends on demand. These activities foster talents, teamwork, leadership, and character, with opportunities for performances, exhibitions, and presentations. The program also supports students across ages and interests.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Ambassador Bilingual Academy, formerly known as Little Stars Bilingual School, became part of The Ambassador Education Group. In May 2021, founder Ajarn Amporn Garmolgomut and the board welcomed a committee from the Chiang Mai Provincial Education Office as ABA prepared to activate its new campus facilities. The school continues under the leadership of the founding family and group governance structure.	History Americana Chinese International School (ACIS) was founded in 2019 by educators Amporn and Chugait Garmolgomut, who brought over three decades of experience to building an international school in the Chiang Mai area. t operates as a member of the Ambassador Education Group, which celebrated over 35 years of experience in education alongside ACIS’s development. Ownership remains with its founders under that umbrella group. The school was created to offer an American‑curriculum education enriched with Chinese and Thai language learning in Chiang Mai’s Saraphi district.
Community	Community The school maintains an active blog where students showcase learning experiences such as presentations in science or mathematics, and community engagement through initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. Content highlights involvement by parents and staff, such as a parent-made introductory video and visits from education officials. However, there is no publicly detailed calendar or listing of specific community or cultural events.	Community ACIS regularly hosts cultural and community events; recent highlights include Chinese New Year celebrations with performances by different grade levels, a Christmas Carnival, Children’s Day, a winter clothing drive, and a New Year potluck parent meet‑up. These events encourage participation from students, staff, and families and showcase the school’s multicultural environment.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The website does not explicitly mention or describe a Parent Teacher Association (PTA), nor list any PTA-specific events, groups, or activities. While parent involvement is referenced in blog posts, such as the creation of an introductory video, it does not appear that ABA currently publishes information about an organized PTA structure or formal parent‑teacher group on its website.	Parent teacher association The ACIS website mentions a structured parent‑community connection, including an inaugural New Parents’ Meet & Greet event held in September 2024, where families joined in cultural activities and networking. ACIS families participate in potluck gatherings, holiday carnivals, and community‑building events alongside the school leadership. While there is no dedicated PTA page publicly disclosed, parents are clearly invited and involved in school life through organised social and cultural activities facilitated by school staff and parent volunteers.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers programs spanning nursery to grade 12. Life skills are integrated into the curriculum to develop adaptability, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural awareness. The approach is dynamic and interactive, extending beyond traditional subjects. The school aims to cultivate global citizens who contribute positively to society.	Academic & intellectual ACIS is located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, serving students PK–12. It was established in 2019, has about 550 students, and a 10:1 student–teacher ratio.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts are featured in the Elementary program with Refine Your Art and Define Your Passion. Kindergarten emphasizes Self Discovery and Learn - Share - Grow, supporting creative expression. Arts development is integrated with life-skills education.	Arts & creative ACIS offers Visual and Performing Arts integrated into the academic program, with hands-on learning in drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, instrumental and vocal music, and various dance styles.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school is bilingual. It was formerly Little Stars Bilingual School, and moved to a brand-new campus in Chiang Mai. A language school in Chiang Mai provides additional language support for students. The bilingual emphasis is reflected in the school's branding as a bilingual academy.	Cultural & language ACIS provides daily Thai and Chinese language classes as part of its multilingual program, alongside English Language Arts and other core subjects.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is featured as part of school activities. There is a Shark Cafe on campus, and the school presents state-of-the-art facilities to support student life.	Social & hobbies Extracurricular activities include dance, chess, karate, guitar, swimming, Bible studies, English language clubs, Chinese language clubs, and a Music Club, among others.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Extracurricular offerings emphasize character development and teamwork through a variety of activities, and inter-school sports provide opportunities for teamwork and leadership.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The School Governing Board includes founders Amporn Garmolgomut and Chugait Garmolgomut, and CEO Linda Garmolgomut Salas. The Director is Somchai Tamrongthaisakul and the School Manager is Pornthep Pisutwanitch. Heads of Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary departments lead academic governance, with a Senior Advisor and Deputy Directors supporting management. The school is part of The Ambassador Education Group.	Leadership & professional The High School offers multiple academic pathways (Regular, Enriched, AP, and Dual Diploma) to support college and career readiness, and there is a College & Career Counseling program.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing ACIS emphasizes a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle with a robust sports program (basketball, futsal, swimming, volleyball, badminton, soccer) and a sport-science approach through CMAC interschool competitions.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school has a language school in Chiang Mai to offer further assistance to a student's language needs.	Language provision Languages taught are English, Chinese and Thai. English-medium instruction is complemented by daily Chinese and Thai language classes for PK-12, supporting multilingual learners.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school is a bilingual academy.	Bilingual teaching ACIS provides an English-language American curriculum with daily Chinese and Thai language lessons for Pre-K through Grade 12. The approach supports multilingual learners and integrates language study with general academics.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Accreditations	Accreditations Ambassador Bilingual Academy (ABA) is officially: Registered with the Thai Ministry of Education and operates with a Private School License from Chiang Mai’s Educational District Office. This ensures compliance with national educational standards and curriculum frameworks in Thailand.	Accreditations Holds Candidacy Status with ACS WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) Through June 30, 2025, following a comprehensive evaluation by the accrediting body. Member of the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT) Affirming its commitment to international quality standards. Undergoing external quality assurance accreditation by Thailand’s ONESQA (Office of National Education Standards and Quality Assessment) from 2022 to 2026.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Campus Visit & Tour Schedule a visit to tour the campus, observe classes, meet the admissions team, and learn about the curriculum and offerings. A casual setting (including a snack at the school café) helps families experience school life. 2. Application Submission Download and complete the ABA Application Form from their site. Submit the form along with: Parent’s passport or Thai ID Student’s passport or ID Birth certificate or passport copy Four 2″ student photographs Recent school transcripts (for elementary and above) 3. Review & Admission Outcome The admissions team will review your documents. They may follow up with clarifying questions. After assessment, they will notify you of the outcome. 4. Enrollment If accepted, follow instructions to finalize enrollment typically by paying any required fees and completing registration steps.	Admissions Schedule a campus visit or tour (optional) You may book a tour via the “Enrollment” page, and discuss the details of the school’s programme with the admissions team. Submit application form Complete and submit the online (or downloadable) application form, including student details, previous schooling, languages, and family information. Document submission Parents send required documents (proof of identity, previous school reports, and other details) as part of the application package (implied via application form). Offer & acceptance The school issues a Letter of Acceptance to successful applicants. Tuition & visa After acceptance, pay tuition and fees to trigger issuance of student visa letter. ACIS handles visa support for international students.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.	Scholarships The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.
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