Aster International School Bangkok vs Astra Academy International School

	A Aster International School Bangkok Bangkok, Thailand	A Astra Academy International School Bangkok, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 247,731 - 509,356	Fees / year THB 486,000 - 519,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 500	Pupils 130
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2022	Opened 2021
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Aster International School is situated in the Chong Nonsi area, on Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road in central Bangkok. The campus is housed in purpose-built modern facilities close to local amenities and accessible via main city roads.	Location Astra Academy International School is located at 154 Ekkamai 14 Alley, in the Khlong Tan Nuea area of the Watthana District in Bangkok. The school is in a residential part of the Ekkamai neighborhood, which is connected to Sukhumvit Road. It is accessible by local roads and public transportation, including the nearby Ekkamai BTS station. The area includes housing, small businesses, and local amenities, making it practical for families living in central Bangkok.
Stages	Stages The school caters to students from Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary & Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary leading to IGCSEs, A-Levels, or a high school diploma.	Stages Astra provides education for Primary and Secondary school levels.
School type	School type Aster is a co-educational day school with no boarding facilities.	School type The school is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Students receive tailored support plans based on assessments, ensuring that learners with diverse needs can fully participate in classroom activities.	Additional learning support The school does not have publicly available information on their Additional Learning Support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Aster is not affiliated with any religion. The school welcomes students from diverse faiths and backgrounds.	Religious affiliation The school does not have any religious affiliation and serves students from all cultural backgrounds.
School day structure	School day structure The school does not have publicly available information on their day structure.	School day structure The school does not have their day structure publicly available.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school does not offer a bus service.	Bus service details The school does not have publicly available information on their bus service.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Enrollment Fee This is a one-time fee. Pre-Nursery to Reception: 65,000 THB Year 1 to Year 13: 125,000 THB Refundable Deposit A one-time refundable deposit of 65,000 THB is required for students from Pre-Nursery to Year 13. Terms and conditions apply. General Fee Charged per term (three terms per year), this fee is 23,153 THB. It covers lunch, snacks, drinks, insurance, learning resources, books, day trips, and in-school guest programs. Tuition Fee Charged per term, with three terms in an academic year. Pre-Nursery: 82,577 THB Nursery to Reception: 110,360 THB Year 1 to Year 2: 126,567 THB Year 3 to Year 4: 129,268 THB Year 5 to Year 6: 133,127 THB Year 7 to Year 9: 146,633 THB Year 10: 163,997 THB Year 11 (payable for two terms): 245,995 THB Year 12: 169,785 THB Year 13 (payable for two terms): 254,678 THB EAL (English as an Additional Language) If required, EAL support is charged at 25,000 THB per term. Refund Policy The refundable deposit is only returned under specific conditions: The student must have been enrolled for at least one full term. The school must receive a 60-day notice of withdrawal. The student graduates from Aster at the end of Year 13. If these conditions are not met, the deposit is not refunded Payment Methods Bank Transfer Cash Cheque Credit Card	Fee details Tuition Fees (per year) Year 1 to Year 4: 486,000 THB Year 5 to Year 6: 510,000 THB Year 7 to Year 11: 519,000 THB Additional Fees Application Fee: 3,500 THB (non-refundable; includes assessment) Registration Fee: 120,000 THB (one-time, non-refundable) Security Deposit: 30,000 THB (refundable against damages or lost items) Resource Fees (per term) Primary: 5,500 THB Secondary: 10,000 THB Dining Programme (per year) Year 1 to Year 6: 32,100 THB Year 7 to Year 11: 33,900 THB (Includes morning snack and lunch; vegetarian and allergy-conscious options available.) Other Fees Additional costs may apply for Intensive Language Programmes, English as an Additional Language (EAL), after-school enrichment classes, examination fees, and school trips. The school does not have their refund policy and payment methods publicly available.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school provides snack and lunch; meals are nutritious and a balanced diet with local and international dishes. Halal, vegetarian, and allergy accommodations are available. Meals are served in a spacious, air-conditioned canteen.	Food options Lunches are prepared with high-quality ingredients; every lunch features a vegan-friendly vegetarian option; Astra is a no-nut campus and we cater to food allergies and religious or cultural dietary restrictions; lunches include fresh fruit and vegetables; cooking is part of the Design Technology curriculum, and there is a Culinary Classroom; After School Enrichment classes are offered for those who wish to explore culinary arts.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is accredited by ONESQA and affiliated with ISAT, GBAC, FOBISIA, and Cambridge International Examinations to offer IGCSEs and A Levels. It is accredited by the Education Development Trust and holds the International School Quality Mark.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Aster International School offers a British-style curriculum with an emphasis on real-world learning and student engagement. The early years program is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and focuses on communication, personal development, and basic skills through play. In primary and lower secondary, Aster blends the English National Curriculum with project-based learning. Students explore core subjects like English, math, and science through interdisciplinary projects that also incorporate art, languages, and physical education. Specialist subjects include Mandarin, French, and Thai, with lessons adapted to student needs. In the upper secondary years, students prepare for IGCSEs and A-Level examinations while also having the option to complete a high school diploma. Instruction becomes more focused on subject specialization, and students are encouraged to develop academic responsibility. Outside the classroom, Aster supports learning through enrichment clubs, sports, language classes, and Thai cultural activities.	Curriculum details Astra Academy delivers the UK National Curriculum from Year 1 through Year 13. In the primary years, students experience broad learning across literacy, numeracy, science, and creative subjects. The approach is inquiry-driven, with a focus on helping students understand how to think critically and communicate clearly. In secondary school, students follow Key Stage 3 in Years 7 to 9, then prepare for Cambridge IGCSEs in Years 10 and 11. In Years 12 and 13, students work toward Cambridge A-Level qualifications. The school uses a structured progression model that builds academic depth and skill development across each stage, preparing students for university-level expectations.
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 Aster approaches SEL through project‑based and experiential learning, enabling students to work in teams, present ideas, and solve real-world challenges. This method naturally builds emotional awareness, empathy, and collaboration.	Social & emotional learning The school does not have publicly available information on their Social and Emotional Learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Aster does not have a dedicated SEN programme.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not have any dedicated SEN support.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does offer EAL.	English as an additional language The school offers EAL.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school does not have publicly available information on their mental wellbeing support.	Mental wellbeing Astra has a weekly timetabled Wellbeing lesson across all year groups, where students learn to recognize and express emotions constructively and build resilience. Additionally, the school’s Safeguarding policy promotes restorative conflict resolution, emotional awareness, and openness in addressing student concerns.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Aster International School’s safeguarding policy ensures that every child is protected and supported within a safe environment. The policy is based on Thai law and international child rights agreements. A designated committee oversees all safeguarding matters, and all staff are required to report concerns using official forms. Staff must follow clear rules for professional conduct, communication, and student interactions to prevent risks and maintain student safety. The policy outlines how to respond to student disclosures with care, and emphasizes confidentiality during investigations. All school staff undergo background checks and child protection screenings during hiring. The policy also defines types of abuse and helps staff recognize warning signs. Clear procedures are in place to ensure concerns are reported, investigated, and handled appropriately.	Safeguarding Astra Academy’s safeguarding approach focuses on protecting children from abuse, preventing harm to their development, and ensuring they grow up with safe, effective care. The school has specific child protection procedures for addressing cases where a student may be at risk of significant harm. Bullying is addressed with a strict zero-tolerance policy, distinguishing it from ordinary conflict, and emphasizing early intervention. The school promotes restorative conflict resolution through its Wellbeing program, encouraging students to understand their emotions and communicate effectively. Astra’s medium size fosters close relationships among staff and students, making it easier to detect and respond to issues early and maintain a safe, supportive environment.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is housed in purpose-built, modern facilities in the center of Bangkok. The campus includes large modern classrooms, a Sixth-Form Suite, a Technology Lab, an auditorium, sports and swimming spaces, an indoor play zone, a library, and outdoor gardens and playground. The learning environment provides space, light and resources to grow emotionally, socially and academically. The facilities are designed to support a British-style international education and enable project-based learning across the curriculum.	Facilities overview The school is a future-focused British International School for ages 5 to 18, with a green, innovative campus in Sukhumvit (Ekkamai Soi 14). The campus is spacious and located in Bangkok's Thong Lo-Ekkamai area. The school opened its doors in October 2021. The curriculum is based on the British National Curriculum and wellbeing is a focus. The campus is designed with sustainability in mind and holds Eco School Status under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Sports and swimming spaces are on the campus, supporting physical education and school sport activities. The campus also includes an indoor play zone for younger learners.	Sports facilities The Facilities page shows images of campus spaces. Arts and performances spaces are part of campus life, as indicated by the Performances gallery. Wellbeing is integrated into the curriculum with weekly Wellbeing lessons. The campus is located in the Thong Lo-Ekkamai area of Bangkok.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Foundation uses the British EYFS curriculum for Foundation Stage. Primary and Lower Secondary follow an enhanced English National Curriculum delivered through Project Based Learning, with specialist lessons in Music, PE, Languages (Chinese/French), and Enhanced Thai. Upper Secondary continues an enhanced English National Curriculum, with IGCSEs and A-Levels, and an option to follow a High School Diploma pathway. The school is accredited to offer Cambridge IGCSEs and A Levels.	Academic facilities The school provides Primary to Secondary education. The curriculum is based on the British National Curriculum. Small class sizes and individual talent development coaching are core features. UK-experienced teachers contribute to the learning environment. The campus emphasizes wellbeing as part of its educational approach.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities All students can join the after-school ECA programme, which is optional but encouraged. ECAs change termly and include Sports, Music, Art, Yoga, Robotics, Well-being, and Languages.	Extra curricular facilities The school uses a Talent Development Matrix to identify and nurture student talents. Arts and performances are part of campus life. Wellbeing and growth mindset are integrated into the curriculum. The Eco School Initiative demonstrates sustainability engagement.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Aster International School began operations in August 2022. It was founded by Dr. Parita Suephan, an educator with experience in international school development and a doctoral degree in Comparative and International Education from Columbia University. The school was created to serve families looking for a smaller international school setting with a focus on academic structure and cultural diversity. Although relatively new, Aster has enrolled students from a range of national backgrounds and has steadily expanded its programs and facilities.	History Astra Academy opened in October 2021 as the newest institution under the Kids’ Academy family, backed by over 18 years of experience in international schooling. It initially accepted students in Years 1–3 and 7–9, with around 80 students ranging from Years 1 to 10, following the English National Curriculum. The school anticipates expanding to around 500 students and fully extending its program to Year 13 over the coming years.
Community	Community Aster is a welcoming school with students from over 37 different countries, and about half of them are from outside Thailand. The school focuses on building a strong sense of community through hands-on learning, language classes in Thai, Chinese, and French, and activities led by students. These include things like storytelling with classmates, helping others, and learning how to work together and understand different cultures.	Community Astra Academy features a globally diverse community, with more than 50% of its students representing over 20 different countries. The school celebrates this international mix through events like International Day, where students and families share cultural traditions, dress, and food. Such initiatives help create a close-knit and inclusive atmosphere that fosters intercultural appreciation and friendships across backgrounds.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does not have a Parent Teacher Association.	Parent teacher association The school does not have an official PTA.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Foundation Stage uses a play-based curriculum based on the British EYFS. Primary and Lower Secondary follow an enhanced English National Curriculum delivered through Project Based Learning that connects across disciplines and real-world questions. Specialist lessons include Music, PE, Languages (Chinese and French), and Enhanced Thai. Upper Secondary continues with an enhanced English National Curriculum, with options to study IGCSEs and A Levels or a High School Diploma pathway.	Academic & intellectual The school follows the British Curriculum for Primary to Secondary (ages 5 to 18). The curriculum uses Key Stages (KS1 to KS5) with formal assessments at the end of each Key Stage. The framework is based on the British National Curriculum with an emphasis on wellbeing. UK-experienced teachers deliver instruction.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative All students have access to after-school ECAs. ECAs rotate termly and include sports, music, art, yoga, robotics, wellbeing, and languages. ECAs cover ages 2 to 18.	Arts & creative Art and Music are core subjects in both Primary and Secondary. In Primary, the curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, ICT, Art, Music and PE, with Wellbeing, Thai and Mandarin Chinese; all students have a weekly Mandarin lesson. In Secondary, arts are included as visual and expressive subjects, and students participate in performances.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Language pathways are offered in Chinese and French, with an Enhanced Thai program for Thai nationals. Primary and Lower Secondary follow an enhanced English National Curriculum. The school provides a British-style international education.	Cultural & language Thai and Mandarin Chinese are taught as language subjects. Thai is delivered with higher weekly units for Thai nationals (five per week) than for foreign nationals (two per week). All students have one weekly Mandarin Chinese lesson. The student body is approximately 50:50 Thai to non-Thai.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies ECAs are offered to students across the full age range and include sports, music, art, yoga, robotics, wellbeing, and languages.	Social & hobbies There are after-school Enrichment lessons and a program of Wellbeing; every year group has a weekly Wellbeing lesson. Physical Education is part of the core timetable, and lessons frequently utilize Astra's spacious green campus for outdoor learning.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school provides university counselling to guide subject choices and university and career plans. An Academic Advisor supports students with internship placements and university applications. Cambridge International Examinations accredits the school to offer IGCSEs and A Levels.	Leadership & professional In the British Curriculum, secondary levels include KS3-5 with Cambridge iGCSE and A Levels. The program includes leadership development, career planning, upskilling and intercultural fluency.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus includes large modern classrooms, a Sixth-Form Suite, Technology Lab, Auditorium, sports and swimming spaces, an indoor play zone, a library, and outdoor gardens and playgrounds. Wellbeing is a core focus supported by WISDOM values. ECAs include wellbeing activities, and safeguarding protocols prioritize student welfare.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is integrated into the timetable with weekly Wellbeing lessons; Physical Education is part of the curriculum; outdoor lessons occur on the spacious green campus when weather allows.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school offers specialist language instruction in Chinese and French, and an enhanced Thai programme for Thai nationals. These languages are taught as part of the curriculum, with language pathways in Chinese and French and an enhanced Thai program. The school serves students from ages 2 to 18, providing language provision across Foundation to Upper Secondary.	Language provision Languages taught include English, Thai and Mandarin Chinese. English is taught as a core subject in Year 1 to Year 6. Thai is taught with five weekly lessons for Thai-national students and two for foreign nationals. All students have one Mandarin Chinese lesson per week, with optional further Mandarin study available through after-school Enrichment.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.	Awards Eco School Thailand Recognition Astra has been awarded Eco School Status, making it the first international school in Thailand to earn this designation. The program promotes sustainable practices, environmental learning, and green campus initiatives, supported by the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Accreditations	Accreditations Accredited by ONESQA (Thailand’s Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment). Member of the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT). A member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA). Also affiliated with the Greater Bangkok Athletics Conference (GBAC) for sports events. Holds authorization from Cambridge International Examinations to deliver IGCSEs and A‑Levels. A candidate school for accreditation through the Education Development Trust’s International School Quality Mark (ISQM).	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) Astra is officially recognized as a Cambridge International School, meaning it is authorized to offer globally respected Cambridge programs such as IGCSE and A-Levels. ISAT – International Schools Association of Thailand Membership in ISAT connects Astra with other accredited international schools in Thailand, promoting quality, collaboration, and compliance with Thai Ministry of Education standards. Department of Environmental Quality Promotion (Thailand) This is a government agency under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Recognition from this department reflects Astra’s integration of environmental education and sustainability practices.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Book a Tour & Informal Introduction Families are invited for a school tour to explore the campus, meet staff, and understand the British-style enhanced curriculum and school values. 2. Submit Application & Documents Download and complete the application form, then submit it along with required documents, such as: Child’s passport or birth certificate Parent(s)’ passport or Thai ID Immunization record Recent transcripts (if applicable) 3. Selection Process Applications are reviewed, and qualifying candidates may be invited to participate in an entrance exam and/or interview. 4. Notification & Offer Families receive admissions decisions shortly after selection. Offers are made for available seats. 5. Enrollment & Fee Payment Upon acceptance, families must confirm enrollment by paying requested fees and completing registration protocols.	Admissions School Tour (Optional) Schedule a school tour either in-person or virtually with the admissions team. Online Application Apply through the OpenApply portal: Fill out the application form Upload two years of school reports/transcripts Submit required ID and documents Pay the application fee Admissions Review The admissions team evaluates your application and may contact you for further discussions or clarification. Interview or Assessment (if needed) Depending on grade level, an interview or academic screening might be arranged. Acceptance & Enrollment Upon acceptance: You’ll receive a formal offer Complete enrollment forms Pay the necessary fees to secure the spot
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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