Americana Chinese International School vs Chiang Mai International School

	A Americana Chinese International School Chiang Mai, Thailand	C Chiang Mai International School Chiang Mai, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 200,000 - 376,000	Fees / year THB 325,400 - 552,600
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 550	Pupils 514
Typical class size	Typical class size 26	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2019	Opened 1985
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Chiang Mai International School is located at 13 Chetupon Road, in the Wat Ket sub-district of central Chiang Mai, directly behind Prince Royal College and near the Wat Chetupon temple. The campus is within walking distance of the Ping River and Chiang Mai Railway Station, making it accessible by local shuttle, tuk-tuk, or public transit.
Stages	Stages ACIS offers an American curriculum for students from Pre‑K (early years) up to Grade 12.	Stages CMIS serves children across Preschool, Kindergarten/Primary (KG–Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12), all in one cohesive campus.
School type	School type It is a co‑educational day school.	School type It is a non-profit, co‑educational day school and does not offer boarding options.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support In Middle and High School, CMIS offers limited EAP (English for Academic Purposes) support for students with diagnosed learning needs, complete with an Individual Academic Plan after official diagnosis.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school does not claim formal affiliation with any particular country.	Country affiliation The school has no direct affiliation with any national government.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation CMIS is affiliated with the Christian faith, reflecting its foundation by Church of Christ missionaries and ongoing Christian ethos. CMIS also warmly welcomes students and staff from differing religious backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.
School day structure	School day structure Specific daily hours or break/lunch times for the school day are not publicly available online.	School day structure School begins at 7:40 AM and ends at 2:35 PM.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a transportation service via vans.	Bus service details CMIS does not publicly list a dedicated school bus or coach service.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Application & Enrollment Fees Application Fee: THB 5,000 (non-refundable) for all levels Preschool Enrollment Fee (P3–4): THB 30,000 (one-time) New Student Enrollment Fee (KG–12): THB 100,000 (one-time) Alumni Association Fee: THB 2,000 (one-time) for KG–12 Continuing Enrollment Deposit: THB 5,000 (one-time) for KG–12 Annual Additional Fees Capital Improvement Fee: THB 10,000 for KG–12 Chromebook Insurance (Gr 6–12): THB 1,000 Overnight Trip Fees (Gr 6–12) per Academic Year Grade 6: THB 7,000(1 night) Grades 7–8: THB 9,000 (2 nights) Grades 9–10: THB 12,000 (3 nights) Grades 11–12: THB 14,000 (4 nights) Note: These are required for all students in Grades 6–12 Annual Tuition Fees Preschool 3–4: THB 325,400 Kindergarten–Grade 5: THB 406,500 Grades 6–8: THB 441,300 Grades 9–12: THB 552,600 Billing & Refund Policy Tuition and fees are billed in two equal semester installments. Prorated tuition refunds are available only if a student withdraws within 49 days of a semester, at a rate of 2% of semester tuition per day. No refunds after 50 days. Application, enrollment, alumni, and deposit fees are non-refundable Late Payment A 1.5% per month overdue interest applies to missed payments Payment Methods Payments are accepted via bank transfer, cashier’s check, cash, and PromptPay.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school does not provide dormitories for students.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement CMIS does not require uniforms. Students must dress modestly and sensibly, with clothing respectful of Thai culture. PE attire is required in designated grades: Grades 1–8 wear CMIS sports shorts and shirts, and Grades 10–12 wear appropriate PE attire.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Preschool through Grade 4 participate in the CMIS Lunch Program with fixed menus; students may also pack food from home. Grades 5–12 generally purchase lunch from the cafeteria, butLunch from home is also possible.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school was founded in 2019 by Amporn and Chugait Garmolgomut.	Governance and ownership CMIS is an independent, co-educational, non-profit day school. It serves missionary families and maintains the heritage and values of the Christian faith at the heart of the school.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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).	Curriculum details Chiang Mai International delivers an American standards-based curriculum across Preschool to Grade 12, using Common Core (ELA & Math), NGSS (Science), and C3 (Social Studies) frameworks. Preschool follows the inquiry-driven Creative Curriculum focused on play-based development and foundational literacy, numeracy, art, Thai language, music, PE, and library time. Elementary (K–5) builds on those standards with specialist-taught subjects including computers, art, music, PE, and Thai language and culture. In Middle School (Grades 6–8), students take core subjects plus electives in wellness, drama, music, art, computers, and languages, supported by strong social-emotional learning and laptop integration. High School (Grades 9–12) continues core instruction alongside a broad elective catalogue (PE, art, tech, drama, languages), while offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the AP Capstone Diploma (AP Seminar & Research). All divisions also offer Thai language, culture, and history at Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, and provide learning support via the Student Success Department for students with identified needs.
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 View document	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	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.	Social & emotional learning The school does not publicly display detailed information about Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) on its official website. However, CMIS lists a wellness coach, counselors, and a spiritual advisor as part of its Student Support Team. Homeroom teachers are also positioned to provide day-to-day guidance and care. These roles suggest that SEL is embedded through staff responsibilities, but no specific SEL programmes, frameworks, or classroom practices are described.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school website does not publicly disclose specific details regarding support for Special Educational Needs (SEN).	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly display detailed information about Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision on its official website. CMIS is not a specialist SEN institution but lists a Special Teaching Assistant among its staff, indicating some capacity for support.
English as an additional language	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.	English as an additional language The school does not publicly display detailed information about its EAL provision on its official website. CMIS does list an EAL Coordinator among its faculty, which implies that support is offered for students learning English as an additional language.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing The school does not publicly display detailed information about mental wellbeing programmes on its official website. CMIS includes counselors and a wellness coach on its staff, suggesting some support for student mental health.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The ACIS website does not publicly detail specific safeguarding or child protection policies or designated safeguarding staff on its official website.	Safeguarding The school does not publicly display detailed information about its safeguarding policies or procedures on its official website. It does note that all staff are required to pass background and police checks as part of the hiring process, which is a basic safeguarding measure.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview Chiang Mai International School offers an English-language, American-sourced education. CMIS is the first international school in Thailand outside Bangkok. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including McKean House (Administration), Preschool, Auditorium, High School, Elementary, Gymnasium, Covered Court, Secondary School, and a Learning Center & Cafeteria. The Gymnasium has full-sized basketball and volleyball courts and a Positive Air Pressure System that purifies the air on the second floor, and it also houses language and dance classrooms. The High School building was expanded in 2022 to 11 classrooms and includes a Health Center and a Students Support Team Office. A Learning Center & Cafeteria was added in 2019.
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.	Sports facilities The gymnasium has full-sized basketball and volleyball courts. A covered court was added in 2017. The gymnasium also houses language and dance classrooms.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities Preschool (1958) and Elementary (1997) buildings are on campus. The High-School building (1990) was renovated in 2021 and expanded in 2022 to 11 classrooms and a Health Center and Students Support Team Office. The Auditorium (1988) underwent major renovation in 2017. A Learning Center & Cafeteria was added in 2019.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	Extra curricular facilities The school highlights student excellence in the arts, athletics, community service, and leadership.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History Chiang Mai International School (CMIS) was established on June 1, 1954, originally operating as the Chiang Mai Children’s Center for missionary families. It moved to its current site in 1958. In 1985, it received formal recognition from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the name CMIS. The school is owned and operated by the Church of Christ in Thailand and is governed by a board appointed through the church.
Community	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.	Community CMIS serves a student population that includes families from over 30 countries. The school hosts cultural events such as Thai festivals and community service activities, including visits to local organizations and donation drives. Communication with families is facilitated through regular newsletters and email updates.
Parent teacher association	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.	Parent teacher association The school’s parent engagement is structured through a Parent Teacher Group (PTG), which includes all parents, teachers, and administrators as members. The PTG meets monthly and provides a platform for sharing feedback and coordinating involvement in school activities. It supports school functions through volunteering and fundraising, such as coaching sports, assisting with events, and contributing to classroom needs. Participation is optional and open to all members of the school community. Specific roles include classroom support and coordination of extracurricular contributions.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual CMIS offers an English-language, American-sourced education with a standards-based curriculum. The high school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including the AP Capstone Diploma; in 2024-25, 119 CMIS students took 280 AP exams across 36 subjects, with 92.44% scoring 3 or higher. World languages are part of the core program (Thai, French, Spanish, and Mandarin), with a requirement for two years of one world language. All high school students receive Chromebooks to support technology-enabled learning.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative The high school provides electives in Studio Art, 3D Art/Sculpture, Theater Arts, Band, Dance, Digital Graphics, and other creative subjects to support a broad arts program.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language ACIS provides daily Thai and Chinese language classes as part of its multilingual program, alongside English Language Arts and other core subjects.	Cultural & language World Languages at CMIS include Thai, French, Spanish, and Mandarin. All Grades 9–12 students complete at least two years of one world language. Thai Language, Culture, and History is a required course for students with Thai nationality.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Extracurricular activities include dance, chess, karate, guitar, swimming, Bible studies, English language clubs, Chinese language clubs, and a Music Club, among others.	Social & hobbies CMIS offers clubs and activities such as the National Honor Society, Model United Nations, Interact Club, and the Student Council, along with hobby and interest clubs including Chess, Ultimate Frisbee, and Thai dance.
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.	Community & service CMIS requires 60 hours of service learning for graduation, emphasizing global citizenship and community engagement as part of the high school experience.
Leadership & professional	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.	Leadership & professional Student leadership is fostered through the Student Council, NHS, MUN, Interact Club, and other leadership-focused activities; a college and career counseling program supports students in leadership development and professional planning.
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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The high school operates on a two-semester year with a 6-period day on an eight-block rotating schedule. All CMIS high school students have Chromebooks, and the curriculum includes Physical Education and Strength & Fitness as part of student life.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision The school teaches in English. CMIS offers two curricula: a Thai Curriculum for Thai students and an International Curriculum for international students. Thai language, culture, and history are taught in three levels: Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced within the Thai Curriculum, which was revised in 2020 to align with Thailand's Private Education Commission standards. For international students, Thai language instruction aims to enrich understanding of Thai culture and to enable communication with locals; English Language Development (ELD) is provided for non-native English speakers per CMIS guidelines.
Bilingual teaching	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.	Bilingual teaching —
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 list any awards specifically conferred to the school institution within the past five years on its public website.
Accreditations	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.	Accreditations * Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based accrediting body that ensures CMIS meets internationally recognized standards for educational quality and institutional improvement. * Advanced Placement (AP) Program: CMIS is authorized to offer AP courses, a U.S. college-level curriculum that allows students to earn advanced standing or credit at many universities. * Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA): A Thai government agency responsible for evaluating educational institutions across Thailand to ensure they meet national quality benchmarks. * International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT): A professional organization that supports collaboration and standards among international schools in Thailand. * East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS): A network that connects international schools in East Asia to share educational practices, resources, and professional development.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Book an Open House or campus visit. CMIS offers group visits where up to three families can tour the campus by appointment. These visits are not testing days but give you a chance to see facilities and ask questions before applying. 2. Submit the online application form and documents. Parents complete the digital application and upload required items like student passport, school reports (last 2 years), a teacher recommendation, birth certificate, immunization records, and any learning assessments or support documentation if relevant. 3. Admissions review and eligibility check. The Admissions Team reviews your child’s academic performance, age eligibility, English language level, and any learning support needs. They will contact you to clarify missing details or proceed with the next step. 4. Pay the application fee and confirm testing. Once the Admissions Team has reviewed the application and determined that the student may be a fit, they will reach out to arrange entrance testing. The official application form states that a non‑refundable fee is due at this stage, though this is not stated on the admissions webpage. Testing typically includes English and math assessments and may vary by grade level. 5. Attend entrance assessments. The student completes their evaluation either on campus or remotely (if overseas). This helps the school assess academic fit and determine if English as an Additional Language (EAL) or other support services may be needed. 6. Receive an admission decision. After reviewing all results and documentation, the school provides an official response. If accepted, your child is offered a seat, and you’ll receive an offer letter with next steps for enrollment. 7. Complete the enrollment process. To finalize the place, you must submit required forms, pay the enrollment fee, and confirm your child’s start date. CMIS will then coordinate with your family on orientation and the start of classes.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.	Scholarships CMIS offers one formal scholarship and one discounted tuition category, both outlined on the school website and related documentation: 1. Outstanding Senior Scholarship Award A merit-based scholarship sponsored by the CMIS Parent Teacher Group (PTG), offering a cash award of 35,000 baht. It is awarded annually to a graduating senior who demonstrates academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Eligibility criteria include: * Attending CMIS for more than one academic year (including the current year) * Being eligible to graduate in good standing * Submitting an application and a written essay Selection is based on: * GPA at CMIS * Demonstrated leadership and service at school and in the broader community * Quality and persuasiveness of the essay The recipient is chosen by a committee of CMIS faculty, administration, PTG representatives, and one parent not connected to the senior class. 2. Missionary Tuition Discount CMIS offers a reduced tuition rate to families engaged in full-time Christian missionary work. Eligibility must be verified with the school. This is not a merit scholarship but a discounted fee structure applied to qualifying applicants.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.	Waitlist CMIS does not operate a formal numbered waitlist or rolling admissions pool. Instead, when a grade level reaches capacity, the school uses a priority-based consideration system. The official CMIS Priority Categories are: * Christian missionary families * CMIS staff children * Diplomatic or consular families * Former CMIS families returning from abroad * NGO or non-profit organization families * Siblings of current CMIS students All other applicants (considered on a space-available basis) CMIS states that it "reserves spaces for qualified priority applicants," meaning that space may still be held for someone in a higher category even if others are already waiting.
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