Grace International School vs Nakornpayap International School
Grace International School and Nakornpayap International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 23 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes, and Grace International School also offers Christian. Published annual fees are THB 294,500 - 361,000 at Grace International School and THB 290,000 - 496,800 at Nakornpayap International School, which puts Nakornpayap International School roughly 20% higher. Grace International School takes pupils from 5 to 18, and Nakornpayap International School from 3 to 19. The two are similar in size, at around 600 and 619 pupils. Both keep typical class sizes around 20.
Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum
Curriculum
Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
600
Pupils
619
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1999
Opened
1993
Bus service
Bus service
—
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Grace International School is located at 88 Muu 3, Tupaed‑Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand, in a suburban area southwest of the city. It is accessible via rail, bus services, and major highways. The surrounding neighbourhood includes residential zones, green space, and school-operated buses that serve off-site events.
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
GIS offers education from kindergarten (K) through 12th grade, structured in three divisions: Elementary (K–5), Middle School (6–8), and High School (9–12).
Stages
The school serves the Early Childhood Centre (ages 3–6), Elementary School (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12).
School type
School type
GIS is a co‑educational, day school.
School type
NIS is a co-educational, secular, international day school. Boarding is not offered.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The Educational Support Division offers Inclusion Support, Individual Learning Plans (ILP), Guided Study Halls, Grace Accommodation Plans (GAP), small‑group instruction, academic assessments, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, and the R.I.S.E. program for students with significant needs like autism or Down syndrome.
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 is not affiliated with a specific country.
Country affiliation
NIS follows a U.S. curriculum and is accredited by WASC, but it is not affiliated with any particular country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
GIS is a Christian international school which integrates a biblical perspective into its academic programme and student life.
Religious affiliation
The school is non‑denominational and has no religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
Daily schedule information is not publicly provided on the school's website. Activities such as morning chapel services (for elementary) and staggered lunch times are part of the weekly routine.
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
GIS does not operate a routine school bus service for student drop-off or pick-up.
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 and One-Time Fees (for first-year students) English Proficiency Test Fee: THB 1,500 (if required)
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 or boarding.
Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
Uniforms are required. GIS polo shirts, GIS PE shorts, and GIS PE jerseys are sold at the Tiger Shop. The uniform policy is described in the PSMO Handbook for each grade; uniforms and PE gear must be GIS-branded and purchased from the Tiger Shop; sweatshirts may be worn for PE if they follow dress code; old uniforms can be donated or disposed of.
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
The cafeteria serves hot lunches daily with Thai and Western dishes and a daily salad bar. The lunch program is available to all students in grades K–12, and a parent committee works with the cafeteria manager to develop menus. Allergy information is available on request.
Food options
The school canteen offers both Western and Thai food, cooked freshly on the premises by an experienced chef. Salad and fruits are available daily.
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The Board of Trustees governs GIS and is formed by representatives of GIS Owner Organizations. The Chief Governance Officer chairs the board. The Board uses Carver Policy Governance and meets to oversee policy and planning.
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
Grace International School offers a U.S.-based, Christian curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12, structured across Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions. In Elementary School (Grades K–5), students study core subjects (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies) alongside Art, Music, Physical Education, Library, Thai (Grades 1–5), and Korean (for Korean nationals). In Middle School (Grades 6–8), the curriculum includes Language Arts, Bible, Mathematics, Science, World Civilizations, Thai, and electives such as Fine Arts, STEM, Yearbook, and Drama. Students in High School (Grades 9–12) complete graduation requirements in core subjects, with electives in Fine Arts, Technology, PE, and additional courses, including AP options in subjects like Calculus, English, Chemistry, and World History.
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).
GIS integrates support via its Educational Support Division. When emotional or behavioural concerns emerge, parents and teachers can request a Student Success Team meeting involving educational staff, a counsellor or principal, and the student. This team reviews the situation and commits to tailored actions. Guided Study Halls also offer support with behaviour management and study strategies. While the website refers to emotional support within these structures, it does not specify a standalone social‑emotional learning programme.
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 operates an Educational Support Division offering Grace Accommodation Plans (GAP) or Individual Learning Plans (ILP) for students with diagnosed learning, behavioural, or cognitive differences. Services include inclusion support, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, small‑group instruction, academic assessments, and the RISE programme for those with needs such as autism, Down syndrome or moderate learning disabilities. It is not a specialist SEN institution but provides these supports within the mainstream school.
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
GIS does not offer an intensive ESOL programme with first‑language support. They do employ trained ESOL specialists to assist English‑language learners, though students spend most of their time in mainstream classrooms. Admission requires passing an English proficiency assessment, and the number of ESOL students is capped at approximately 15 % per grade.
English as an additional language
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL provision on its website.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school provides academic counselling and Student Success Teams to address emotional and behavioural challenges alongside academic ones. Educational Support staff collaborate with teachers and parents to implement strategies. Counsellors also meet one‑on‑one with students to support academic growth and future planning, indirectly supporting wellbeing via planning and guidance. The site does not describe a dedicated mental wellbeing curriculum.
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
GIS maintains a Student Safety and Protection Policy, requiring all staff and aides to sign a Student Safety Code of Conduct. Mandatory reporters must report any suspicion or knowledge of abuse to the Student Safety Director, who notifies the Superintendent within 24 hours. The school addresses both student‑to‑student and adult‑to‑student harm, and suspected abuse is reported to appropriate authorities or mission organisations.
Safeguarding
The school does not provide public details on safeguarding or child protection policies on its official website.
Grace International School sits on a 37-acre campus. The campus is divided into academics and an athletics complex. There are seven buildings: Administration, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Cafeteria, Facilities, and Fitness Center. Outdoor courts, covered courts, and soccer fields support sports and recreation. The school is expanding with Tiger Fieldhouse & Gymnasium, Auditorium, and Performing Arts. Security includes 24/7 campus security and facilities staff.
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 athletics complex includes outdoor courts, covered courts, and soccer fields. Phase I includes Tiger Field House & Gymnasium as part of athletics development.
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
There are seven buildings: Administration, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Cafeteria, Facilities, and Fitness Center.
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
Grace International School offers athletics, visual and performing arts, spiritual life, after-school clubs, and other student services.
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
Grace International School was founded in 1999 out of a vision to serve the missionary community in Southeast Asia by providing affordable, biblically integrated education. The idea began around 1995, when the founder Gene Foltz and representatives from 12 mission organizations began planning and praying for a school to support international Christian workers. A school board was formed from multiple mission groups, and because of a shared goal, they united around this vision.
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
GIS has a culturally diverse community each year with over 500 students from more than 85 member organisations and families serving in over 40 countries. Community life includes regular school‑wide events, chapel gatherings, podcasts, and the Grace in Action newsletter sharing stories from around campus.
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
GIS supports parental involvement through its Parent‑Led Activities (PLA) group, which organizes community-building events and maintains communication between parents and the school. The PLA helps facilitate fellowship among families, serves as a sounding board for administration, and empowers parents to propose ideas and serve the school. Specific groups within PLA coordinate various service activities, and parents are encouraged to reach out to Campus Life for involvement.
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
GIS offers after-school clubs and activities that support academic enrichment. Elementary clubs include Creative Worship, Journaling, Origami, Creative Dance, Engineering, Running, Art, Drawing, Critter Club, and Chess. Middle and High School clubs include Art Club, Athletics, Bible Club, Chapel Team, Drama, E-Sports, Math Club, Media Club, Model United Nations, Music Club, Night Bazaar Evangelism, Speech & Debate, Student Council, STEM, and Thai ROTC.
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
Arts are available through Visual and Performing Arts, with Drama, Music Club, and Art Club offered across levels. Elementary Arts include Origami, Creative Dance, Art, and Drawing; Middle and High School clubs include Art Club, Drama, and Music Club.
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
GIS has a diverse community with 23 nationalities among students and 14 nationalities among staff. Model United Nations exposes students to global issues, and Thai ROTC is part of cultural activities. Grace Connect provides a flexible alternative to full-time enrollment, enabling homeschooling families to access curriculum resources and stay connected to the GIS community.
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
Elementary clubs include Chess, Journaling, Origami, Creative Worship, and running activities; middle and high school offer clubs such as Art Club, Athletics, Bible Club, Chapel Team, Drama, E-Sports, Math Club, Media Club, Model United Nations, Music Club, Night Bazaar Evangelism, Speech & Debate, Student Council, STEM, and Thai ROTC.
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
The athletics program emphasizes leadership development through Sports Leadership 1 and 2 and includes ministry and outreach activities. GIS also pursues community engagement by hosting events and outreach initiatives in the Chiang Mai area.
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 opportunities include the Student Council (two representatives per grade and officers) and Model United Nations. Speech & Debate develops critical thinking and communication skills. Athletics provide leadership development through coaching and ministry outreach.
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 athletics program serves grades 2–12 with Basketball, Cross Country, Futsal, Rec League, Running Club, Soccer, Swimming, and Volleyball, supporting physical health and character development. Leadership, service, and community engagement are integrated into athletic programs and campus 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
Grace International School delivers an American curriculum taught in English. English language support for non-native speakers is provided through the TESOL program at no additional cost, and admission requires an English Proficiency Exam to assess speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. TESOL includes a Guided Study Hall, monitoring, and dedicated TESOL teachers in Elementary, Middle, and High School, with ESOL resources for K-5 and 9-12 and WIDA assessments used to guide support.
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 have publicly available information on their awards.
Awards
Recognised locally for its “Education Through Diversity” model and strong faculty-led student development.
Accreditations
Accreditations
Grace International School is formally accredited by:
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) A highly respected U.S.-based accrediting body that ensures the school meets international academic standards in curriculum, faculty, and governance.
The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) An organization that provides accreditation to Christian schools worldwide, with a strong focus on spiritual education and values-based learning.
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. Pre-application & Inquiry Submit the Inquiry Form to check for space availability and share any learning support needs (e.g. speech therapy, learning services).
2. Schedule an Appointment If spaces are available, the admissions team will email you to schedule a parent-student appointment. You must confirm to proceed.
3. Assessment & Interviews Elementary (K–6): Includes an English proficiency interview (10 minutes) and a writing sample; plus an interview with the Elementary Principal (20 minutes).
Middle & High School (Grades 7–12): Similar screening plus age-appropriate cognitive assessments, references, and prior transcripts may be requested.
4. Decision & Waitlist Acceptance is confirmed in writing once all prior steps meet school guidelines. Applicants without Member‑Associate status may be placed on a waitlist, especially if applying after the main admissions window (April/May).
5. Enrollment Fees & Visa Processing Once accepted, submit required payments and documentation. GIS assists with visa paperwork for students (non-immigrant ED visa) and offers a guardian visa for parents.
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
GIS operates a Financial Assistance Program (FAP). This program offers tuition discounts to qualifying families especially international Christian workers to help make education more affordable. These tuition reductions are not labeled as scholarships, but they serve a similar purpose.
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Waitlist
Waitlist
GIS notes that applicants without Member Associate family status may be placed on a waitlist, particularly if applying after the main admission window (April–May). Seats are allocated based on availability and priority is given to Member Associate families.