Chiang Mai International School vs Nakornpayap International School
Chiang Mai International School and Nakornpayap International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes. Published annual fees are THB 325,400 - 552,600 at Chiang Mai International School and THB 290,000 - 496,800 at Nakornpayap International School, which puts Chiang Mai International School roughly 12% higher. Chiang Mai International School takes pupils from 3 to 17, and Nakornpayap International School from 3 to 19. The two are similar in size, at around 514 and 619 pupils. Typical class sizes are 25 at Chiang Mai International School and 20 at Nakornpayap International School.
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.
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
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.
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 non-profit, co‑educational day school and does not offer boarding options.
School type
NIS is a co-educational, secular, international day school. Boarding is not offered.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
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.
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 has no direct affiliation with any national government.
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
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.
Religious affiliation
The school is non‑denominational and has no religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
School begins at 7:40 AM and ends at 2:35 PM.
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
CMIS does not publicly list a dedicated school bus or coach service.
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 Application Fee: THB 5,000 (non-refundable) for all levels
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.
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
The school does not provide dormitories for students.
Boarding arrangements
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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.
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
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.
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
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House system
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Governance and ownership
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.
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
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.
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).
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.
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 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.
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
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.
English as an additional language
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL provision on its website.
Mental wellbeing
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.
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 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
The school does not provide public details on safeguarding or child protection policies on its official website.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
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.
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
The gymnasium has full-sized basketball and volleyball courts. A covered court was added in 2017. The gymnasium also houses language and dance classrooms.
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
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.
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
The school highlights student excellence in the arts, athletics, community service, and leadership.
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
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
CMIS requires 60 hours of service learning for graduation, emphasizing global citizenship and community engagement as part of the high school experience.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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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 list any awards specifically conferred to the school institution within the past five years on its public website.
Awards
Recognised locally for its “Education Through Diversity” model and strong faculty-led student development.
Accreditations
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
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.