Ambassador Bilingual Academy vs Unity Concord International School

	A Ambassador Bilingual Academy Chiang Mai, Thailand	U Unity Concord International School Chiang Mai, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 149,500 - 238,600	Fees / year THB 192,000 - 368,000
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 760
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2001	Opened 2017
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 Unity Concord International School is located along the Chiang Mai–Lampang Super Highway in Saraphi District, just outside Chiang Mai city. The area is accessible by major road links and is a short drive from the city centre and Chiang Mai International Airport. The neighbourhood combines residential areas with easy access to local amenities, making school drop‑off and pick‑up convenient.
Stages	Stages ABS offers education from Nursery through Kindergarten and into primary and secondary up to Grade 12.	Stages The school serves students from approximately 2 years old in Preschool through Grade 12 in High School. Levels are divided into Early Years (Pre‑K to K3), Primary (Grades 1–5), and Secondary (Grades 6–12).
School type	School type The school is co‑educational and operates as a day school.	School type UCIS is a co‑educational day school with no boarding facilities.
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 offers additional learning support, but there is not much publicly available information.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with a particular foreign country.	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.
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 The school day at UCIS varies slightly by grade level, but generally starts between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM and ends between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Younger students often finish closer to 3:00 PM, while upper grades may have a later end time to accommodate lessons and after‑school clubs. Breaks and a lunch period are built into the schedule for all year groups.
Bus service details	Bus service details ABS offers a school bus service.	Bus service details The school offers van service.
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 and One-Time Fees * Entrance Exam, Interview & ESL Test: THB 3,300 * Entrance Fee (one-time): THB 80,000 * Lifetime Book Fee: THB 10,000 Tuition Fees (per semester / per year) There are two semesters in an academic year. * Pre‑K to K2: THB 96,000 / THB 192,000 * K3 to Grade 4: THB 140,000 / THB 280,000 * Grades 5–8: THB 162,000 / THB 324,000 * Grades 9–12: THB 184,000 / THB 368,000 Other Regular Fees * Lunch (all grades, incl. snacks for Early Years): THB 20,000 per year * Capital Improvement Fee: THB 20,000 per year * Transportation (van service): THB 30,000–50,000 per year * Accident Insurance: THB 1,500 per year * Activities Fee (Nursery–Grade 12): THB 4,000 per year * Uniform (5 sets + house shirt): THB 5,000 (one-time purchase) * Graduation Fees: K3, G8, G12 – THB 2,000 * Visa Fee: THB 5,000 per person Optional / Additional Costs * EAL (English as an Additional Language) Support: THB 40,000 per semester / THB 80,000 per year (assigned as needed) * Summer School: THB 10,000 per semester / THB 39,000 per year * Stationery: THB 200–400 per semester depending on grade * Standardized Testing Fee: THB 3,000 * Yearbook Fee: THB 800 * PTA Contribution: THB 500 Discounts * 2nd child: 10% off tuition * 3rd child: 15% off tuition Billing and Payment * Tuition and other semester-based fees are billed twice per academic year. * Payments are made via bank transfer Refunds and Notes * Lifetime book fee covers all required books, but lost/damaged books incur replacement costs. * Capital improvement fees contribute to campus and facility development.
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 The school offers a lunch program. The Lunch Menu page publishes weekly meal 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 is part of The Ambassador Education Group.
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 Unity Concord International School follows an American curriculum aligned with U.S. Common Core State Standards. The Early Years program (Pre‑K to K3) focuses on foundational literacy, numeracy, and social development, with instruction in English and exposure to Thai language and culture. Primary School (Grades 1–5) delivers a broad program covering English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Thai, Physical Education, and Creative Arts. Secondary School (Grades 6–12) builds on core academic subjects and introduces specialist courses, including laboratory-based sciences, computing, and the humanities. In High School (Grades 9–12), students can access Advanced Placement (AP) courses to prepare for U.S. university admission or other international pathways. Throughout all stages, Thai language, culture, and history are taught as required under Thai education regulations, and co‑curricular clubs and activities support language, arts, and STEM engagement.
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 There is no publicly available information on structured, schoolwide SEL programs beyond counseling support.
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) UCIS offers learning support services and states that it can support students with mild to moderate special educational needs, such as learning difficulties requiring additional academic or behavioral support. The school is not a specialist SEN institution and does not advertise extensive in-house therapeutic services.
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 UCIS provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who are not native English speakers. The program focuses on helping students access the mainstream curriculum while developing their English proficiency. While the school indicates that EAL instruction is offered, there is no public breakdown of program structure, staffing levels, or specific language acquisition frameworks.
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 Mental wellbeing is supported through the UCIS Counseling Department, which offers guidance and mental health resources to students and families. Counseling staff provide emotional support and promote wellbeing through one-on-one sessions and shared online resources. The school website highlights links to mental health tools but does not publicly describe formal mental health curricula or structured schoolwide initiatives.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding There are no publicly available details on the school's website regarding safeguarding policies, procedures, or child protection staff.	Safeguarding UCIS has a formal Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, published via its official website. The policy outlines staff responsibilities, reporting protocols, and commitment to maintaining student safety. Safeguarding measures include adherence to child protection procedures and regular monitoring by the administration. No additional public details are available regarding the frequency of staff training or on-campus safeguarding officers.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
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 Unity Concord International School operates on two campuses, Unity 1 and Unity 2. Unity 1 serves PreK–G2 and Unity 2 serves the upper grades. Unity 2 includes Unity Park with student housing, small businesses, and dining options. The Falcon Fitness Gym is available to staff and upper-grade students. The school has achieved full WASC accreditation and serves over 1,100 students. The STREAM-focused curriculum uses resources such as HASSE, National Geographic Learning, STAR 360, MyON, Britannica, and MAP Growth; Thai language and culture, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish are offered; and extracurriculars include Model United Nations, TED-Ed, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Odyssey of the Mind, and Chiang Mai Athletics Conference.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The Falcon Fitness Gym is available to staff and upper-grade students. The athletics program participates in the Chiang Mai Athletics Conference, offering competitive sports opportunities.
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 The STREAM-focused curriculum uses HASSE, National Geographic Learning, STAR 360, MyON, Britannica, and MAP Growth, and Thai language and culture, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish are offered.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers The Duke of Edinburgh International Award as an extracurricular program.	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities include Model United Nations (MUN), TED-Ed, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Odyssey of the Mind, and competitive sports through the Chiang Mai Athletics Conference.
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 Unity Concord International School (UCIS) was established in 2016 and officially opened its doors in August 2017 with an initial offering of Pre‑Kindergarten to Grade 5. The school is part of the Ambassador Education Group, which oversees several education initiatives in Chiang Mai. Since opening, UCIS has expanded to a full Pre‑K to Grade 12 program, with enrollment growing from under 200 students to over 700. The school continues to develop its academic facilities and programs in line with U.S. Common Core standards and local educational regulations.
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 UCIS serves a diverse international community, welcoming students and families from a range of cultural backgrounds. The school calendar includes cultural events such as Loy Krathong, Christmas celebrations, International Day, and Songkran, which encourage student participation and family involvement. In addition, community events such as sports days and student showcases foster interaction between families, teachers, and the wider school community.
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 UCIS PTA is an active volunteer group that supports the school through events and community initiatives. They coordinate teacher appreciation activities, seasonal events like Halloween and Christmas fairs, and fundraisers to support school projects and charity drives. PTA members also assist with cultural days and family engagement activities, helping new families integrate into the school community. Meetings are held regularly to plan upcoming events and provide a communication link between parents and the school administration. The PTA’s role is primarily to enhance student experiences and foster strong home‑school connections through practical, event‑driven support.
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 UCIS follows an American curriculum aligned to the California CCSS for English Language Arts and Mathematics, the Next Generation Science Standards, and the AERO Standards for Social Studies and World Languages. The curriculum emphasizes college and career readiness, critical thinking, collaboration, and global perspectives. MAP Growth assessments and other data-driven measures monitor student progress, and secondary programs include Honors and AP coursework. UCIS maintains a standards-based, inquiry-driven K–12 program with teacher collaboration to support rigorous learning.
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 Arts and creative disciplines are integrated through Visual Arts (Studio Art 1 and 2), Photography, Yearbook, Theatre Arts, Graphic Arts, and AP Art & Design. Music programs include Music Band 1 and 2, and AP Music Theory. Creative offerings also include Theatre Arts and various visual arts pathways, including Studio Art and Graphic Arts.
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 Thai Language and Culture is offered in Grades 9–12, along with Japanese 1–2, Chinese 1–2, French 1–2, German 1, and Spanish 1–2. UCIS is a multilingual community with students from 30 countries.
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 Model United Nations (MUN), TED-Ed, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Odyssey of the Mind, and participation in the Chiang Mai Athletics Conference. These activities support debate, problem-solving, teamwork, and competition.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Model United Nations provide community service and leadership opportunities, reflecting UCIS's emphasis on inquiry, curiosity, and discovery within a learning community.
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 Leadership development is supported through programs like the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Model United Nations. The school's profile highlights university acceptances as evidence of preparing students for higher education in the United States and abroad.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Class sizes are capped at 20 in PK–K3, 24 in Grades 1–5, and 28 in Grades 6–12 to maintain a favorable student–teacher ratio. For staff and Grade 9–12 students, there is access to a fully equipped Falcon Fitness Gym. The school also supports athletics through participation in the Chiang Mai Athletics Conference.
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 The school follows an American curriculum aligned to the California CCSS, with English Language Arts as a core component. Thai Language, Culture and History is taught by a dedicated Thai language department. A Chinese language program is offered in grades K3-6 under the foreign language standards. English as a Second Language (ESL) is provided, with ESL standards for K3-6 and 7-12; Korean language support is coordinated by a Korean Coordinator on staff.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school is a bilingual academy.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.	Awards Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award: UCIS is authorized to operate the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, supporting structured student development through service, skills, physical recreation, and expedition stages
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 * WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) UCIS received full accreditation from WASC in July 2023, valid through June 2029, confirming the school meets rigorous U.S.-based standards for curriculum quality, student performance, leadership, and continuous improvement. * ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment, Thailand) UCIS has been officially recognized by ONESQA, demonstrating compliance with Thailand’s national education quality assurance requirements. * International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT) As a member of ISAT, UCIS participates in Thailand-wide networks focused on collaborative school development and adherence to international best practices.
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 1. Visit the school (in-person or virtual). UCIS invites families to tour the campus, observe classes, explore facilities, and attend an admissions presentation. If an in-person tour isn’t feasible, an online meeting can be arranged. 2. Submit application and supporting documents. Complete the official application form and provide required paperwork such as prior school reports, birth certificate, and health records. These are reviewed to confirm eligibility for the applied grade. 3. Complete assessment and interview. Applicants take an entrance exam, interview, and ESL (English as an Additional Language) assessment, which carries the designated application fee. This helps with academic placement and identifying any support needs. 4. Receive decision and secure placement. Once admission is offered, placement is confirmed upon payment of the entrance fee and book fee. The admissions team will share details on billing, including tuition deposit and optional service fees.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.	Scholarships UCIS does not publicly offer academic or merit‑based scholarships. The main financial support available is sibling tuition discounts: 10% off for the second child and 15% off for the third child. Families seeking fee support are encouraged to discuss options directly with the admissions office.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist There is not enough information available about whether Unity Concord International School does not operate a formal waitlist or pool system publicly.
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