Chiang Rai International School vs One Hope International School

	C Chiang Rai International School Chiang Rai, Thailand	O One Hope International School Chiang Rai, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 170,250 - 404,600	Fees / year THB 175,000 - 277,500
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 13 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 250	Pupils 70
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2010	Opened 2019
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Chiang Rai International School sits on a campus about 3 km north of Chiang Rai city centre in Northern Thailand’s Rimkok sub-district, in a semi-rural setting that’s gradually becoming more suburban and commercial as the city expands. The site covers around 11 rai (4.5 ha) of land.	Location One Hope International School is in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, in northern Thailand, close to the Myanmar border. The campus is set in a quiet, rural area with easy road connections to Chiang Rai city, which is about an hour’s drive away. The location offers proximity to the Golden Triangle region while remaining within reach of local amenities and transport links.
Stages	Stages CRIS serves children from Preschool (around age 3), through Primary (Elementary), Middle, and up to Secondary (High School) levels.	Stages The school currently offers Kindergarten and Primary through Grade 6, with Grade 7 opened in August 2025 and Grade 8 opening in August 2026. High school will be phased in from 2027, starting with Grade 9 and adding a grade each year thereafter.
School type	School type The school is co-educational and offers both day and boarding options.	School type OHIS is a co-educational day school that also offers boarding for certain age groups. Limited details are available publicly about the boarding program.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support CRIS offers support tailored to individual student needs in collaboration with teachers and families, aiming to help students engage effectively with the curriculum. Specific programs such as dedicated learning assistance were not detailed on the website.	Additional learning support OHIS offers support through its Family Center, providing academic assistance, behavioral guidance, and emotional counseling tailored to each family's needs
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.	Country affiliation The school follows an American curriculum but is not formally affiliated with any specific country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.	Religious affiliation The school does not have any religious affiliations.
School day structure	School day structure A typical school day begins at 7:45 a.m. Daily hours run from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with Primary students dismissed at 3:00 p.m., and Secondary students at 3:15 p.m.	School day structure The school day runs from 8:00 AM to 3:20 PM, with snack breaks at 9:30 AM and 2:20 PM, and lunch at 11:20 AM. Mornings focus on core subjects, while afternoons include special subjects and extracurricular programs.
Bus service details	Bus service details There is not enough information available about the school's transportation services.	Bus service details There is limited information available about the transportation services.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Enrollment Fees * Application Fee (one-time, non-refundable): THB 5,000 * Entrance/Enrollment Fee (one-time, non-refundable): THB 50,000 Annual Tuition Fees (per semester / per year) * Kindergarten: THB 64,200 per semester / THB 128,400 per year * Grades 1–3: THB 83,400 per semester / THB 166,800 per year * Grades 4–6: THB 96,300 per semester / THB 192,600 per year * Grades 7–9: THB 108,700 per semester / THB 217,400 per year * Grades 10–12: THB 120,600 per semester / THB 241,200 per year Other Annual Costs * Resource Fee (G1–G12): THB 25,000 (once-off per new enrollment) * Book/Technology Fee: THB 3,000–5,000 (varies by grade) * Semester Registration Fee: THB 7,500–17,500 (varies by grade) * Meals: THB 10,500–21,000 per semester (varies by grade) * Accident Insurance: THB 750 per semester * Student Card: THB 150 per semester * PTG Fee: THB 500 per semester Boarding Fees * THB 180,000 per year (includes three meals daily, utilities, and laundry service) Optional Costs * After School Activities: Fees vary by activity Billing & Payment Terms * Fees are due in full before the start of each semester. * A 5% discount applies if tuition is paid annually in advance. * Late enrollment (after 45 days) receives a 25% discount on tuition and meals for that semester. * Sibling discounts: 10% for the second child, 15% for the third child. * Overdue accounts incur a 1.25% monthly penalty from the 7th of each month. Refund Policy * Refunds only apply to tuition and meals when written notice is given at least two weeks in advance of withdrawal at the April or October break. * Claims must be made within three months of withdrawal.	Fee details Application and Enrollment Fees A non-refundable Assessment Fee of THB 2,500 is charged to evaluate a child’s English language skills. A one-time, non-refundable Entrance Fee is payable upon acceptance, varying by level: Kindergarten 1–2: THB 20,000; Kindergarten 3: THB 25,000; Grades 1–5: THB 35,000; Grades 6–7: THB 45,000. Tuition Fees (per academic year) * Kindergarten 1–2: THB 175,000 (Term 1: THB 75,000, Term 2: THB 75,000; Annual Capital Fee: THB 15,000; Annual Books Fee: THB 7,000; Uniform: THB 3,000) * Kindergarten 3: THB 176,000 (same structure as above, Books Fee: THB 8,000) * Grades 1–3: THB 216,500 (Term 1: THB 90,000, Term 2: THB 90,000; Capital Fee: THB 25,000; Books Fee: THB 8,000; Uniform: THB 3,500) * Grades 4–5: THB 238,500 (Term 1: THB 100,000, Term 2: THB 100,000; Capital Fee: THB 25,000; Books Fee: THB 10,000; Uniform: THB 3,500) * Grades 6–7: THB 277,500 (Term 1: THB 115,000, Term 2: THB 115,000; Capital Fee: THB 30,000; Books Fee: THB 14,000; Uniform: THB 3,500) Billing and Payment Tuition is billed by term, with additional annual fees invoiced at the start of the year. Payment is typically made via bank transfer or other accepted school payment methods. Boarding Fees Boarding is offered, but no publicly available fee details are provided. Refund Policy Assessment and Entrance Fees are non-refundable. Tuition refund policies are not specified publicly.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements There is one boarding house on campus divided into two halves, one for boys and one for girls. Most boarders share twin rooms, and new students are paired with a suitable roommate by House Parents. Each boarder is part of a small family of boarders headed by a senior student, with an induction and buddy system to help newcomers settle in. The boarding campus is secure with fingerprint access, 24‑hour security, cameras, and ID checks for adults.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniform Set includes a complete Regular Uniform, P.E. Uniform, Winter Uniform, and accompanying accessories.
Food options	Food options Lunch is provided, with a published Lunch Weekly Menu for Preschool/Elementary and for Middle/High School. A salad bar and seasonal fresh fruit are available daily.	Food options Lunch and snacks are provided; the campus includes a cafeteria for meals.
House system	House system Boarding uses a house structure; there is a single boarding house divided into two halves, supervised by House Parents. Each boarder belongs to a small family led by a senior student, which supports younger boarders and fosters responsibility and community.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school holds accreditation with Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) and affiliations with ASEAN, the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT), the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC), the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA), and WIDA International.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a School Board established in compliance with Thailand's Private School Act. Founders are Mrs. Juliana Manaia (International Director) and Mr. Armenio Manaia (CEO). Other board members include Mr. Kittipong Ketsophon, Mr. Jardel Westphal, Mr. Tiago Gehrke, and Mrs. Carol Gehrke.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details CRIS delivers a full American-based curriculum across all school stages, built around Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science, and AERO Standards for Social Studies. In Preschool and Elementary, students follow these frameworks and also attend co‑curricular classes in Physical Education, Music, Art, Chinese, ICT, Bible, and Thai Language & Culture. In Middle School, students continue studies in core subjects—ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies—while choosing from electives and co‑curricular offerings that include Chinese, ICT, Bible, and Thai language & culture. At the High School level, the curriculum advances to include courses such as Geometry, Algebra, Calculus, Statistics (Math); Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Science); and World History, Economics, Global Citizenship (Social Studies), alongside continued co‑curricular subjects like Music, Art, Chinese, ICT, Bible, and Thai language & culture.	Curriculum details One Hope International School follows an American-based curriculum aligned with U.S. Common Core State Standards. The program is delivered in English and includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, alongside Thai language studies. In the early years and primary levels, learning is supported by specialist classes in Physical Education, Art, Music, and Computer Science. From upper primary onwards, the curriculum builds toward readiness for middle and high school, with planned expansion into Grades 7 and 8 in 2025–2026 and a high school program from 2027. Teaching places emphasis on subject integration, practical application, and regular assessment to track progress.
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 CRIS describes its primary program as fostering "comprehensive academic, social, spiritual and globally-minded learning in an enjoyable and safe environment" with collaborative planning and parent involvement. Beyond this, the school doesn’t provide explicit details about structured SEL programs, dedicated staff, or specific initiatives on the website.	Social & emotional learning The school does not publicly disclose specific information regarding Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) provision, initiatives, or staffing.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school lists a Special Needs Teacher and Shadow Teachers among its Student Services staff, but no details are shared about the types of needs supported, specialized facilities, or whether CRIS is a specialist SEN institution. As such, specific SEN provisions are not publicly disclosed.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides individualised support for students with additional learning needs through its Family Center. This includes tailored academic help, behavioural guidance, and close coordination with parents. The school does not state that it is a specialist SEN institution, and it has not published a list of specific SEN types it can support.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language CRIS offers an English Language Development (ELD) program designed to meet each student’s language needs, determined through initial and ongoing assessments. If a student has not yet achieved the necessary English proficiency for their grade level, they are placed in specialized, intensive ELD classes—either in place of, or alongside, core subjects—until they are ready to rejoin the mainstream curriculum.	English as an additional language The school offers English Language Learning (ELL) programmes for students who require additional English language support. These sessions take place at the end of the school day, as shown in the daily timetable, and focus on building language skills needed for academic learning. The school has not published further details about programme structure, levels of support, or EAL-specific staffing.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The site outlines pastoral care in the boarding context: house parents, boarding assistants, and GAP (gap-year) staff oversee welfare and encourage respectful, supportive relationships; mentoring systems are used to help new boarders settle in. Other than this, there is no additional publicly available information on broader mental health or wellbeing initiatives.	Mental wellbeing The school does not publicly disclose specific information regarding mental wellbeing provision, counselling services, or dedicated programmes.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding CRIS describes several boarding policies promoting safety: secure access via fingerprint scanners, 24-hour security patrols, video surveillance, and regulated entry for adults. First aid and nursing support are provided, and procedures are in place for illness, fire safety, and valuables management within boarding houses. However, the school does not publicly detail its overarching safeguarding or child-protection policies outside of boarding-specific measures.	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose specific safeguarding policies or procedures, including child protection measures.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview CRIS sits on 11 rai (4.5 hectares) of land at 496 Moo 5, Rimkok Sub-District, Chiang Rai, about 3 kilometres north of the city center. The campus is purpose-built to provide the very best educational and sports facilities, an environment, and state-of-the-art technologies appropriate to a first-class international school. The facilities include a dormitory, an art room, a football pitch, a swimming pool, a science lab, an indoor gymnasium, a computer lab, a library, and a music room. These spaces support both academic and sports programs and provide a comprehensive environment for diverse learning experiences.	Facilities overview The campus covers more than 10,000 square meters. Modern facilities include classrooms designed for collaboration, science labs, art rooms, a library, and spaces for movement and technology. An indoor playground serves younger learners. The campus supports a multilingual, international education and inclusive practice.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities CRIS has a football pitch, an indoor gymnasium, and a swimming pool on site. These facilities support the school's physical education and team-sport programs. CRIS participates in local and regional tournaments, reflecting active school sports involvement.	Sports facilities Sports facilities include sport courts and dedicated sports spaces on campus for physical education and athletics.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities CRIS has a science lab, a computer lab, and a library on campus.	Academic facilities The school uses an American Curriculum rooted in the Common Core State Standards. Kindergarten focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy; Elementary covers core subjects and world languages; Middle School and High School emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application. The campus includes science labs, art rooms, a library, a music studio, and technology-enabled classrooms.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities After School Activities (ASA) offer a wide variety of academic, sports, and arts programs, as well as community service opportunities. ASA participation is not mandatory but encouraged to build confidence and social skills. Chapel is held weekly to focus on character development from a Christ-centered perspective. Community service opportunities are available through ASAs.	Extra curricular facilities Arts, movement, and play are integrated into the Kindergarten program. Elementary offers music, arts, physical education, and computer science. High School emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and service-learning opportunities. Field trips are part of OHIS life.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Chiang Rai International School (CRIS) was established in 2010, and it was the first purpose‑built international school in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand. Over time, CRIS has marked its first graduating class in 2016, with alumni now studying in various countries. The campus is situated on approximately 12 rai of land surrounded by mountains and is about an hour from the Golden Triangle region.	History One Hope International School opened in September 2019 in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province. It was established by Armenio and Juliana Manaia to serve local and international families in northern Thailand. The school began with Kindergarten through Grade 5 and has been expanding each year, with Grade 7 opening in 2025, Grade 8 in 2026, and high school planned from 2027.
Community	Community The CRIS community places a strong emphasis on student‑centered instruction, collaborative planning among teachers, and active parent involvement in the primary program. The school also organizes a range of campus life activities under “Campus Life,” including MUN (Model United Nations), Chapel services, and Community Service initiatives.	Community The school hosts various community and cultural activities, including field trips and safety seminars, as seen in recent posts highlighting a “Safety First” seminar and other hands-on experiences. An interactive calendar on their website showcases upcoming events, workshops, and community-oriented activities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association CRIS does not reference a formal Parent–Teacher Association (PTA) on its website. However, it runs regular Parent–Teacher Conferences, where parents can meet with teachers across all departments—elementary, middle/high school, languages, and specialist subjects—in person or via Google Meet. Meetings are booked in ten-minute slots to ensure individual discussions about student progress.	Parent teacher association The school does not publicly disclose specific details regarding a Parent Teacher Association (PTA), including groups, events, or parental involvement structures.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual CRIS offers Preschool, Elementary, and Middle/High School programs. The Elementary program uses Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, the NGSS for Science, and the Aero standards for Social Studies. The High School program follows Common Core for Math and English Language Arts, the NGSS for Science, and the Aero Standards for Social Studies, with four core subjects and Thai language and Culture among the electives. AP courses are offered across multiple disciplines, including an AP Capstone Diploma Program.	Academic & intellectual One Hope International School offers an American-based curriculum rooted in the Common Core State Standards. The program is designed to promote critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning in a multilingual, internationally minded setting. The school teaches across four levels: Kindergarten (ages 3–5), Elementary (ages ~6–11), Middle School (ages ~12–13), and High School (ages ~14–17).
Arts & creative	Arts & creative CRIS provides arts-focused opportunities through its curriculum, including Music and Visual Arts. AP courses include AP 2-D Art and Design, AP Drawing, AP Art History, and AP Music Theory. Arts are integrated into the curriculum as part of co-curricular offerings in Elementary and across the school.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Thai Department provides dual curricula for Thai and international learners and follows the Standards of Thai Language and Culture Competency from the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC). The Thai language, culture, and history are central to the Thai program. International Day celebrates cultural diversity with students wearing traditional outfits and representing different countries.	Cultural & language The school promotes multilingualism and international connections within a multicultural learning environment. It maintains an American international curriculum with native English-speaking teachers contributing to classroom instruction.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies CRIS Sports is a core part of campus life with activities and competition. Spirit Weeks and CRIS House Day promote teamwork and school spirit. International Day celebrates cultural diversity and is a regular school event.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service CRIS has a Community Service program. The CRIS community engages in activities that promote creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. International Day celebrations bring together students representing different countries and cultures.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional CRIS provides student leadership opportunities through ASAs and the Model United Nations (MUN) program. The Head of School is Mr. Jae Knickerbocker.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing CRIS emphasizes sports and fitness through CRIS Sports. Spirit Weeks and House Day foster teamwork and well-being. International Day and other campus events contribute to a vibrant school culture. The boarding option on campus provides a secure living environment for students.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the medium of instruction for core subjects; the English Language Development (ELD) program provides individualized instruction in an English-medium environment. Thai language, culture, and history are taught as a curriculum/subject for Thai and international learners. Chinese is offered as a co-curricular/elective in middle and high school.	Language provision World Languages are part of the Elementary curriculum, indicating language study is included in the program. The curriculum follows an American model rooted in the Common Core State Standards and is taught in English. The school emphasizes multilingualism as a core element of its international environment, supported by a staff of native English-speaking teachers. This combination promotes intercultural understanding and international-mindedness through accessible language learning.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school has two distinct curricula for Thai learners and international learners; instruction is primarily in English, with Thai language, culture, and history taught as part of the Thai/International tracks.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not mention any awards on their website.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations * Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based accreditation agency that ensures schools have clear educational aims, the capacity to meet them, and ongoing systems for quality evaluation. * Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): Reflects CRIS’s alignment with a regional vision focused on peace, regional development, and caring societies. * International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT): Membership indicates participation in collective support for educational quality and ethical practices in Thailand’s international school community. * Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC): Demonstrates CRIS operates under Thailand’s governance framework for private educational institutions. * Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA): Shows that CRIS participates in Thailand’s quality assurance programs, which include mandatory external reviews conducted every five years. * WIDA International: Indicates CRIS aligns with standards and assessments for academic language development for culturally and linguistically diverse students.	Accreditations * Council of International Schools (CIS) Member: Membership in CIS reflects the school’s engagement with a global community committed to high standards in international education. * International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT): Membership in ISAT connects the school with a network of accredited international schools in Thailand and promotes quality education practices. * Ministry of Education, Thailand: The school is licensed and recognised by the Thai Ministry of Education, authorising it to operate as an educational institution in Thailand. * Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA): Accreditation by ONESQA confirms compliance with Thailand’s national quality standards for education.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Submit an Application Form Parents can complete either the online application form or a printed version. Once the form is received, the school reserves an appointment slot for an admissions evaluation. 2. Interview and Entrance Assessment All new applicants attend a short interview followed by an entrance assessment. For Grades 1–12, the assessment can be done on campus or online; for Kindergarten 1–3, assessments must be done on campus. 3. Assessment Content The assessment evaluates school readiness, English proficiency, Mathematics and Science skills, and ensures correct grade placement. 4. Review of Supporting Documents After passing the entrance evaluation, the admissions team reviews the required supporting documents before making an offer of enrolment. 5. Appointment Confirmation The admissions team contacts parents to confirm the date and time for the evaluation. An evaluation fee is payable before the assessment takes place. 6. Offer of Enrolment If the evaluation and documentation meet the requirements, the school may issue an official offer of enrolment.	Admissions 1. Complete Application Form Parents begin by filling out the school’s online application form. This form requests key information about the student and family, and items marked with an asterisk are required. The form can be saved and completed later if needed. 2. Confirmation of Application Once the form is submitted, the school sends confirmation to acknowledge receipt of the application. This step ensures that the application has been logged in the admissions system. 3. School Tour Families may be invited to visit the school for a tour. This allows prospective students and parents to see the campus, observe classes, and meet staff before moving forward in the admissions process. 4. English Assessment Applicants complete an English language assessment to determine the appropriate grade placement and to identify any language support needs. This assessment is part of ensuring the student is placed in a suitable learning environment. 5. Acceptance Based on the application, tour, and assessment results, the school makes an admissions decision. Successful applicants receive an acceptance notification with instructions for the next steps. 6. Payment of Fees After acceptance, families complete the payment of required fees, including the one-time entrance fee and any other initial charges. This confirms the student’s place for the upcoming academic term.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not publicly disclose any scholarship programmes on its website. They do post about scholarships on their socials seemingly frequently.	Scholarships One Hope International School offers financial aid in the form of tuition discounts for eligible families. These are designed to support members of the community and families with multiple children enrolled. The available programs include: * Public Officer Discount: A 15% tuition fee discount for children of public officers. * Sibling Discount: A 15% discount for the second child and a 20% discount for the third child and beyond. * Missionary or Pastor Discount: A 15% tuition fee discount for children of missionaries or pastors.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not publicly state that it operates a waitlist or pool system.	Waitlist The school does not publicly disclose whether it operates a waitlist or pool system.
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