Astra Academy International School vs Australian International School Bangkok - Soi 31
Astra Academy International School and Australian International School Bangkok - Soi 31 are both in Bangkok, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Astra Academy International School also offers British, and Australian International School Bangkok - Soi 31 also offers Australian, Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge International AS Levels. Published annual fees are THB 486,000 - 519,000 at Astra Academy International School and THB 393,200 - 520,000 at Australian International School Bangkok - Soi 31, which puts Astra Academy International School roughly 10% higher. Astra Academy International School takes pupils from 5 to 18, and Australian International School Bangkok - Soi 31 from 4 to 18. Australian International School Bangkok - Soi 31 is the larger school, with around 800 pupils to Astra Academy International School's 130. Typical class sizes are 20 at Astra Academy International School and 15 at Australian International School Bangkok - Soi 31.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
Australian Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
130
Pupils
800
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
15
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2021
Opened
2002
Bus service
Bus service
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Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
Location
Australian International School Bangkok’s Soi 31 campus is nestled at 319 Sukhumvit Soi 31 in Bangkok’s Watthana district. It resides in a quiet, leafy residential area of central Sukhumvit, offering a calm environment while remaining well connected—taxis, BTS/MRT stations, and main road access are convenient. The campus shares proximity with the AISB Sports Centre and Innovation Centre and is just minutes away from the Soi 20 campus, connected by a supervised shuttle service, making transitions and shared activities easy.
Stages
Stages
Astra provides education for Primary and Secondary school levels.
Stages
AISB operates a two-campus model: Soi 20 serves the Early Years (Nursery and Year 1), while the Soi 31 campus accommodates the full range from Foundation (Year 1) through to Year 12. This structure clearly distinguishes the youngest learners’ setting from older primary and secondary students, with most of the Foundation–Year 12 progression housed on Soi 31.
School type
School type
The school is a co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.
School type
AISB operates as a day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school does not have publicly available information on their Additional Learning Support.
Additional learning support
Support services include a structured EAL program with small-group and intensive options, along with a Learning Support department that provides personalized plans, assessments, and teacher collaboration. The Access and Inclusion teacher coordinates extra help with internal staff and external specialists as needed.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Country affiliation
While not formally affiliated with the Australian government, the school’s curriculum and identity are strongly influenced by Australian education.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliation and serves students from all cultural backgrounds.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not have their day structure publicly available.
School day structure
At the Soi 31 campus, the school day begins at 07:30 for both Primary and Secondary students. Primary classes (Foundation to Year 6) finish at 14:00, while Secondary (Years 7–12) end at 14:50. Breaks and lunchtime are built into the timetable, with meals provided daily on campus. Early Years (Nursery to Pre-Kindergarten) are housed at the Soi 20 campus and follow shorter hours, but Foundation (from Year 1 onwards) transitions fully to Soi 31.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not have publicly available information on their bus service.
Bus service details
AISB provides optional transportation in partnership with Montri Transport, a well-established Bangkok school transport provider. The service is door-to-door and includes both a driver and an adult supervisor on every route. Terms and conditions for the service are available directly from Montri upon request. This option gives families flexibility and additional safety for young children.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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)
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.
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees
* Application and Assessment Fee: THB 4,000 (non-refundable) * Registration Fee: THB 90,000 (one-time, non-refundable) * Sibling discounts: THB 10,000 off the registration fee for the second child; tuition fee discounts of 10% (second and third child) and 15% (fourth child).
Annual Tuition Fees (with per-term breakdowns)
* Foundation: THB 393,200 (Term 1: 184,000 | Term 2: 128,100 | Term 3: 81,100) * Year 1: THB 440,000 (206,700 | 143,400 | 89,900) * Year 2: THB 455,500 (213,900 | 148,500 | 93,100) * Year 3–4: THB 474,500 (222,800 | 154,700 | 97,000) * Year 5–6: THB 490,000 (230,100 | 159,700 | 100,200) * Year 7–8: THB 500,000 (234,800 | 163,000 | 102,200) * Year 9–10: THB 508,000 (238,600 | 165,600 | 103,800) * Year 11–12: THB 520,000 (244,200 | 169,500 | 106,300) *A 5% discount is available when tuition for the full academic year is paid in advance.*
Other Fees
* Education Resources: Foundation THB 9,000; Year 1 THB 11,000; Years 2–12 THB 15,000 * Camps (Years 7–9): THB 10,000 deposit, further charges invoiced separately * Meals: THB 25,340 annually * English as an Additional Language (if required): Regular THB 69,300; Intensive THB 104,500 annually * Transport: Door-to-door Montri bus (annual approx. THB 38,250–48,450 for return service, depending on zone). Inter-campus shuttle also available. * Uniforms: Primary items THB 350–600, Secondary THB 350–800, sports/swimwear additional.
Billing and Payment Invoices are issued per term and must be settled two weeks before term start. Payments can be made via bank transfer, cheque, or credit card (2% local, 3.5% overseas surcharge). Late payments incur a 3% monthly penalty.
Refunds Tuition fees may be refunded on a sliding scale if notice is given before or shortly after term start (up to 80% if withdrawn more than 15 days before). No refunds are given for meals, transport, EAL, after-school activities, or resource fees.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
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.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
The Australian International School Bangkok (AISB) follows a pathway that combines the Australian Curriculum and the Cambridge International programme. In the Primary Years (Foundation to Year 6), the school uses Australian teaching approaches with a broad curriculum including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages, the Arts, and Physical Education. In Lower Secondary (Years 7–8), students continue with the Australian Curriculum while also preparing through Cambridge Lower Secondary courses. In Middle Secondary (Years 9–10), students work towards the Cambridge IGCSE qualifications, which cover a wide range of academic subjects. The final stage, Senior Secondary (Years 11–12), offers the Cambridge AS and A Levels, providing internationally recognised qualifications for university entrance. Throughout all year levels, students also study Thai language and culture, with additional options in French, Mandarin, Japanese, and German for native speakers.
The school does not have publicly available information on their Social and Emotional Learning.
Social & emotional learning
At Soi 31 Secondary, Positive Education is built into the daily timetable, with regular sessions on bullying, resilience, goal setting, cyber safety and positive psychology led by teachers. Primary (Years 1–6 at Soi 31) delivers a Health & Wellbeing program that explicitly teaches social skills, resilience and optimism, with monthly assemblies reinforcing protective behaviours. The Secondary page further notes a scope-and-sequenced Positive Education curriculum taught regularly. School-wide Student Support Services emphasise personal growth and socio-emotional development alongside academics. These provisions apply to students educated on the Soi 31 campus (Foundation–Year 12).
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not have any dedicated SEN support.
Special educational needs (SEN)
AISB provides Learning Support that includes targeted 1:1, small-group and in-class support, Individual Learning Plans, and collaboration with parents and teachers; these services are available to Soi 31 students. The Access and Inclusion program supports students with identified learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia) and, where appropriate, coordinates with external specialists such as speech and occupational therapists. Guiding principles include confidentiality and a strengths-based approach. The website describes SEN as support within AISB’s mainstream provision rather than a specialist SEN school.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school offers EAL.
English as an additional language
There is a full-time EAL teacher on each campus, including Soi 31, who assesses learners, plans curriculum-aligned support with homeroom teachers and families, and exits students when they reach independent English proficiency. Provision includes Regular EAL (3 sessions/week) and Intensive EAL (5 sessions/week), each 45 minutes with a maximum of 6 students per class. Instruction starts with a focus on spoken language and progresses toward more written-like language as skills develop.
Mental wellbeing
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.
Mental wellbeing
Primary students at Soi 31 receive explicit instruction in health literacy, emotional wellbeing and protective behaviours through the Health program and monthly assemblies. Secondary embeds Positive Education daily, addressing age-specific issues such as bullying and cyber safety. The Soi 31 Secondary Highfield building includes a Nurses Room and a Student Counsellor’s Room, supporting on-site wellbeing. Outdoor Education and service learning in Secondary further develop empathy, leadership and teamwork. Student Support Services frame socio-emotional development as a core element alongside academics.
Safeguarding
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
The school does not publicly disclose specific safeguarding or child protection policies on its website.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
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.
Facilities overview
AISB Sukhumvit Soi 31 Campus is a Foundation to Year 12 campus housed in a quiet, leafy residential area of Sukhumvit. The campus features modern learning spaces including classrooms, science laboratories, a woodwork workshop, and an Innovation Centre for creativity and collaboration. Students stay active in a Sports Centre, an undercover sports field, and a swimming pool. The dining area and a secondary student lounge provide spaces to relax and connect.
Sports facilities
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.
Sports facilities
The campus includes a dedicated Sports Centre, an undercover sports field, and a swimming pool.
Academic facilities
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.
Academic facilities
The campus offers modern classrooms, science laboratories, a woodwork workshop, and an Innovation Centre for creativity and collaboration.
Extra curricular facilities
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.
Extra curricular facilities
The co-curricular program includes basketball, swimming, and badminton, along with band, dance, musicals and concerts, and chess.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
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.
History
AISB was founded in 2002 in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area. The school now operates two campuses, with Soi 31 serving Primary and Secondary (Foundation/Year 1–Year 12) and co-located Innovation & Sports Centre facilities. Enrolment has grown to 800+ students representing many nationalities. In October 2024, AISB introduced a refreshed logo and visual identity to reflect its legacy and future direction. The school does not publicly disclose ownership or governance details on its website.
Community
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.
Community
The community at AISB Soi 31 brings together students, parents, and staff from a wide mix of nationalities, reflecting Bangkok’s international character. The school emphasizes connection between families and teachers through regular communication, assemblies, and campus-wide activities. Students contribute to the community through leadership opportunities, service projects, and cultural programmes that highlight both Thai traditions and international diversity. Parent involvement is encouraged through committees, workshops, and open events that welcome families onto campus.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school does not have an official PTA.
Parent teacher association
AISB does not publish details of a formal PTA structure on its website, but it clearly emphasizes parent involvement across the Soi 31 campus. Families are engaged through parent committees that meet regularly and host informal gatherings, giving parents a way to connect with school leadership and with one another. The school also offers workshops for parents on topics such as student wellbeing, digital safety, and curriculum, ensuring parents are informed and included in their children’s learning journey. In addition, parents are invited to open days, assemblies, and school-wide events, strengthening the link between home and school. While the AISB website does not provide a constitution or officer list for a PTA, it presents parent engagement as an active part of the community life of the Soi 31 campus.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
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.
Academic & intellectual
AISB Sukhumvit Soi 31 Campus uses a dual Australian and British curriculum. Inquiry-based learning is embedded across Humanities and Science. STEAM is integrated across the curriculum, with formal classes in the Innovation Centre at the Soi 31 Campus. The Innovation Centre includes a Digital Technology and Robotics Laboratory, a Science, Engineering and Mathematics Laboratory and Makerspace (The Fab Lab), a Multimedia Centre, an Art and Design Technology Studio, a Food Technology Kitchen and Dining Space, The Innovation Hub, and a Music and Movement Centre.
Arts & creative
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.
Arts & creative
Co-curricular activities include music and visual arts. The music program includes singing, dancing, and playing instruments; it provides public performances and concerts and offers one-on-one private lessons with music teachers. Art fosters expression through art making with a range of mediums. STEAM is an integrated program supported by the AISB Innovation Centre.
Cultural & language
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.
Cultural & language
Thai language and culture is compulsory for Year 1–2 and continues through the year groups in various forms. Other languages offered include French and Mandarin for all students, with Japanese also available to native speakers in later years; languages are taught with varying frequency (twice per week). In Years 3–8, Thai remains compulsory; other languages include Japanese, Mandarin, French and Thai. In Years 9–12, Thai remains compulsory (IGCSE Thai available for native speakers); Japanese, Mandarin and French are also offered.
Social & hobbies
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.
Social & hobbies
The Co-Curricular program includes chess, music, art and swimming as structured activities. The After School Activities Program (ASA) offers a variety of options such as gymnastics, chess, basketball, football, cooking, swimming and more.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
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.
Leadership & professional
AISB has a Leadership Team led by the School Director, with Heads of Early Years, Primary and Secondary, and a Head of STEAM. An Enrichment Programme is coordinated by the Enrichment Programme Coordinator to support student development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The campus features a Sports Centre, undercover sports field and swimming pool, with a daily physical education program and swimming lessons. The school values wellbeing, community, respect, personal best, integrity and global outlook. The After School Activities Program (ASA) includes activities such as gymnastics, chess, basketball, football, cooking, swimming and more.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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.
Language provision
Thai Language & Culture is compulsory for all students. In Year 1–2, French and Mandarin are offered to all students, and German and Japanese are offered to native Thai speakers, with other languages taught twice per week. In Years 3–8, Thai remains compulsory and students are divided into native and non-native Thai classes; Japanese, Mandarin, French and Thai are offered, with other languages taught twice per week. In Years 9–12, Thai remains compulsory (once per week) and Thai native speakers may choose Thai first language via IGCSE; other languages offered are Japanese, Mandarin and French.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
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.
Awards
The school does not provide any publicly available information regarding awards it has received in the past five years.
Accreditations
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.
Accreditations
* Council of International Schools (CIS): AISB is a CIS Member School, which means it adheres to global standards for international education in areas such as teaching, governance, and student welfare.
* Cambridge Assessment International Education: AISB is a registered Cambridge International School, allowing it to deliver Cambridge qualifications such as IGCSE, AS and A Levels.
* WIDA International School Consortium: Membership provides AISB access to internationally recognised English language proficiency assessments and resources.
* International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT): Membership links AISB to a national body representing accredited international schools in Thailand.
* Australian International Schools Association (AISA): This connects AISB with other Australian curriculum schools globally, sharing best practices and support.
* ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment, Thailand)": Accreditation by Thailand’s national quality assurance agency, ensuring the school meets government education standards.
* BMAS Music Academy Partnership: AISB partners with BMAS for performing arts and music provision on campus, though this is more a collaboration than an accreditation.
* Macquarie University (Australia): The school lists Macquarie as an affiliate, likely reflecting educational collaboration or training partnerships.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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
Admissions
1. Initial Inquiry and Campus Visit Families begin the admissions process by contacting the school directly or visiting the Soi 20 Campus. Parents are encouraged to tour the campus, meet staff, and discuss the suitability of the program for their child’s age group (Nursery to Year 1).
2. Application Submission An application form must be completed and submitted with the required supporting documents (such as passport copies, previous school reports if applicable, and medical records). At this stage, a one-time application is payable.
3. Assessment (if required) For certain year groups or based on the recommendation of the Head of School, an assessment may be required. This incurs an additional assessment fee. The assessment ensures that the child’s needs can be supported effectively within the program.
4. Offer of Placement Once the application and any assessments are complete, the school will issue an offer of placement if a place is available. Parents must then pay the non-refundable registration fee to secure the child’s enrolment.
5. Enrolment and Orientation Tuition fees must be paid before the child begins classes. Enrolment is confirmed only when the first term’s fees have been received in full. Orientation details are provided to help families and students settle into the school routine.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Scholarships
The school's Soi 31 campus does not publicly disclose any scholarships, other than sibling discounts.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not have a waitlist.
Waitlist
The school does not publicly disclose information about a waitlist or pool system.