Americana Chinese International School vs Nakornpayap International School

	A Americana Chinese International School Chiang Mai, Thailand	N Nakornpayap International School Chiang Mai, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 200,000 - 376,000	Fees / year THB 290,000 - 496,800
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 19 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 619
Typical class size	Typical class size 26	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2019	Opened 1993
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
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 Nakornpayap International School is located at 240 Moo 6, San Phi Sua on Chiang Mai’s Second Ring Road, in the north of the city. The campus is easily reached by road and set in a spacious, green area with modern academic buildings.
Stages	Stages ACIS offers an American curriculum for students from Pre‑K (early years) up to Grade 12.	Stages The school serves the Early Childhood Centre (ages 3–6), Elementary School (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12).
School type	School type It is a co‑educational day school.	School type NIS is a co-educational, secular, international day school. Boarding is not offered.
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 The school provides inclusive support through small class sizes, differentiated instruction, and flexible learning environments. In Middle School, students are grouped into different learning pathways in English and Mathematics depending on their skill level. Students needing support may be placed on a Self-Improvement Action Plan, especially if they are not meeting academic benchmarks. NIS also employs a full-time social and emotional counselor for short-term guidance, with referrals to external specialists when needed.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school does not claim formal affiliation with any particular country.	Country affiliation NIS follows a U.S. curriculum and is accredited by WASC, but it is not affiliated with any particular country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school is non‑denominational and has no religious affiliation.
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 The school day begins at 7:50 AM and ends at 2:50 PM. ECC includes snack, lunch, nap time, and six learning periods. Elementary students have eight learning periods per day with breaks. Middle School follows a two-day A/B rotation with five 60-minute periods and lunch from 11:50 AM to 12:30 PM. High School also follows the A/B schedule and includes an afternoon advisory session (2:35 PM – 2:50 PM)
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a transportation service via vans.	Bus service details NIS works with a local school bus company (KJ Bus) to provide daily transportation for students.
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 One‑Time Enrollment Fees (New Students) Application/Evaluation Fee: THB 5,000 (non‑refundable) Registration Fee: THB 66,000 (non‑refundable) Book Deposit: THB 10,000 (refundable) Damage Deposit: 20,000 THB (refundable) Annual Tuition Fees ECC (K1–K3): THB 290,000 Lower Elementary (G1–G3): THB 385,000 Upper Elementary (G4–G5): THB 402,500 Middle School (G6–G8): THB 435,600 High School (G9–G12): THB 496,800 Sibling Discount A THB 10,000 per semester discount applies for the second child onward, provided all siblings are enrolled at the same time. Payment Methods Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, WeChat Pay & AliPay. Refund Policy If a parent withdraws a child after the semester begins: Days 1–10 of the semester: 50% refund Days 11–20: 25% refund After Day 21: No refund Note: Tuition and deposits will only be refunded if withdrawal notification is submitted at least 7 working days before the semester starts. All materials (books, devices) must be returned to complete withdrawal
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school does not have a uniform; there is a dress code. Students may wear their own clothing according to the dress code; the dress code for Grade 5 and above is described in the parent-student handbook.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school canteen offers both Western and Thai food, cooked freshly on the premises by an experienced chef. Salad and fruits are available daily.
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 The school is privately owned. Governance is provided by a seven-member School Governing Board. The Board Chairman is Dr. Pisarn Soydhurum; Paween Yimprasert is a Board member and School Licensee; Narvinder Ahuja is a Board member and School Director; Benjamin Devere White is a Board member and School Principal; Sakaewan Muangsaen is a Board member and School Manager; Mark Hefner is a Teacher Representative.
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 Nakornpayap International School (NIS) offers a U.S.-based curriculum aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the AERO Framework (American Education Reaches Out). The Early Childhood Center (K1–K3) emphasizes holistic development across social, emotional, cognitive, and physical domains. Elementary students (Grades 1–5) follow a core curriculum that includes English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Thai Culture, supplemented by Art, Music, PE, and IT. In Middle School (Grades 6–8), students are placed in leveled groups for English and Math and study core subjects along with World Languages, Visual Arts, Music, and Drama. High School (Grades 9–12) students follow a credit-based system and must complete 24 credits to graduate, with required subjects including English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, and Physical Education. Electives include Creative Writing, Robotics, Business, Psychology, Environmental Science, and more. NIS awards a U.S. High School Diploma and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
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 View document
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 At NIS, social and emotional development is a key focus from Early Childhood through Elementary and beyond. The Early Childhood Center emphasizes building social, emotional, physical, and language confidence through inquiry‑based learning and special courses such as Art, Music, PE, Creative Movement, and Swimming. Across grade levels, the Elementary School curriculum explicitly states that SEL takes precedence in developing lifelong learning skills and engagement in physical activity. School‑wide, a counselling team provides academic, social‑emotional support and life‑skills classes, along with psycho‑educational information and referrals.
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 website does not describe a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) programme or specialist services on its website.
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 disclose information regarding EAL provision on its website.
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 website does not detail any separate mental health workshops, mindfulness programmes, or partnerships with external therapists. NIS employs a guidance counselling team, including Ms Amy Pothong and Mr Tom Bell, who provide school‑wide academic, social, emotional, and mental health support, teach life‑skills and college‑preparation classes, and offer psycho‑educational referrals when needed. These services are confidential and available to students across all grade levels. Ms Pothong holds degrees in Psychology and Clinical Community Counseling from Johns Hopkins University, and Mr Bell in Psychology and Social Work from the University of Maryland.
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 provide public details on safeguarding or child protection policies on its official website.
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 The campus includes five purpose-built buildings on 40-rai of land, with open, well-lit classrooms across all divisions. The Early Childhood Center has large-scale classrooms, its own multipurpose room, and outdoor play areas. The Elementary School includes an Art Room, Computer Lab, Music Room, and a spacious outdoor play area. The Middle School and High School feature open-area classrooms, well-equipped Science Labs, a Music Room, an Art Room, and state-of-the-art Computer Labs. The campus also houses an auditorium and extensive sports facilities, including an indoor gym, a fitness room, a dance studio, a half-Olympic-sized swimming pool, a full-size football field, basketball courts, a central green courtyard, and tree-lined walkways.
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 Facilities include an indoor gym, a fitness room, and a dance studio. The half-Olympic-sized swimming pool, full-size football field, and basketball courts support a comprehensive athletics program. Outdoor spaces include a green central courtyard and tree-lined walkways that provide additional training and recreation areas. The facilities enable both team sports and individual athletic development.
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 All classes are taught in English. The Middle School and High School have open-area classrooms, well-equipped Science Labs, a Music Room, an Art Room, and state-of-the-art Computer Labs. The Early Childhood Center and Elementary School provide large classrooms, an Art Room, a Computer Lab, a Music Room, and outdoor learning spaces. The campus includes an auditorium for performances and presentations.
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 Learning Outside the Classroom includes field trips, after-school clubs, sports, and annual overnight retreats (Grades 1–8). Students participate in Student Council and school-wide events such as International Day and Winter Carnival. The school supports global awareness campaigns, including UN International Day of Peace, UN Sustainable Development Goals, #beboldforchange, International Women's Day, and Earth Day. The Fine Arts program offers music and visual arts, with AP Studio Art available at the high school level. Athletics are complemented by a range of team and individual sports.
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 Nakornpayap International School was founded in 1993 and is the oldest secular international school in Chiang Mai operating on a U.S.-style curriculum adapted for its diverse global student body. The school is privately owned and governed by a seven-member Governing Board, with an Administration Team responsible for daily operations and strategic implementation.
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 The student body represents approximately 30 different nationalities, providing a multicultural environment that is central to the school’s identity. Community life is supported through events such as International Day, art shows, music performances, science fairs, and other collaborative school‑wide activities that engage students across grade levels.
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‑Teacher‑Student Association (PTSA) facilitates a range of parent involvement activities. These include serving as room parents to support classroom communication, organizing class‑specific events such as themed parties, and coordinating parent‑teacher‑student meetings to support school life. The PTSA platform (via Google Sites) also offers parent resources like grade ambassadors, a parent marketplace, MAP testing information, and feedback surveys to strengthen community engagement.
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 The school uses an inquiry-based, hands-on approach to learning. The school offers Advanced Placement courses across multiple subjects. A college counseling program supports students with guidance, university visits, and scholarship information. The school is an SAT testing center to facilitate college admissions testing.
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 school offers an arts program that includes music and visual arts for all students from ECC to Grade 12. The music program includes singing, listening, composition, and performance. AP Studio Art is offered in the high school. The visual arts program emphasizes self-expression through painting, drawing, mural making, and sculpture.
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 The school offers Thai Language & Culture to introduce students to Thai language and literature and to celebrate Thai holidays. All classes are taught in English, and Thai Language & Culture is included as part of the program. In Elementary, Chinese Language is offered. In Middle School, French is offered.
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 A variety of after-school clubs and sports activities are offered. Field trips and annual overnight retreats (Grades 1–8) are part of learning outside the classroom. The school includes a Student Council as part of outside classroom activities. School-wide events such as International Day and Winter Carnival are held.
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 School-wide campaigns aligned with global awareness campaigns such as the UN International Day of Peace, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, #beboldforchange, International Women's Day, and Earth Day are a part of student life. Students engage with world issues through these campaigns.
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 The school offers Student Council for leadership development. Students participate in leadership activities through various clubs and school events.
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 athletics program offers team and individual sports. Facilities include an indoor gym, a half Olympic-sized swimming pool, a full-size football field, and basketball courts. The program supports fitness, outdoor activities, and overall well-being through sports and physical education.
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 English is the language of instruction. Thai Language & Culture is offered, with Native-Thai students studying Thai language and culture and Non-Native students studying Thai as an Additional Language. Chinese Language is offered in Elementary. French is offered in Middle School.
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 The Academic Access Program (AAP) provides an immersive English environment for students with limited English abilities. It teaches English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, ICT, Art, and Physical Education in a strong ESL setting and is delivered by native English speakers. The program uses Common Core State Standards materials and prepares students to join the mainstream Elementary School program.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.	Awards Recognised locally for its “Education Through Diversity” model and strong faculty-led student development.
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 Fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), affirming compliance with US curriculum standards and global educational quality. Member of International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT) and East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS).
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. Submit application and documents Complete form and provide documents such as prior reports, birth certificate, passport, vaccination record, and photo ID. 2. Assessment test & interview Applicants attend a scheduled assessment focusing on English (reading & writing) and mathematics, followed by an interview. 3. Admission decision NIS evaluates academic records, behaviour, assessment, and attendance. Families are notified within 5–7 working days. 4. Offer and contract Successful applicants receive a written offer and contract to sign. 5. Payment and enrolment Upon acceptance, the finance office sends an invoice. Payment is due within seven working days to secure admission.
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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