Life School Phuket vs QSI International School of Phuket
Life School Phuket and QSI International School of Phuket are both in Phuket, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer American programmes. Life School Phuket also offers British, and QSI International School of Phuket also offers Advanced Placement (AP). Published annual fees are THB 150,000 - 225,000 at Life School Phuket and THB 194,000 - 452,745 at QSI International School of Phuket, which puts QSI International School of Phuket roughly 72% higher. Life School Phuket takes pupils from 3 to 18, and QSI International School of Phuket from 2 to 18. QSI International School of Phuket is the larger school, with around 150 pupils to Life School Phuket's 50. Typical class sizes are 12 at Life School Phuket and 15 at QSI International School of Phuket.
The school is located in Si Sunthon, Thalang District, Phuket, in southern Thailand. Nestled within Phuket island’s lush landscape, it’s accessible by local roads and a short drive from beaches and community hubs.
Location
QSI International School of Phuket is located in Kathu, a central district of Phuket, Thailand. The school sits just off the Bypass Road, providing easy access to nearby neighborhoods like Patong, Chalong, and Phuket Town. It is close to shopping centres such as Lotus’s and Big C. The area is generally quieter and residential, making it a practical location for families.
Stages
Stages
Life School Phuket serves children aged 3 to 18, operating as Kindergarten (Early Years), Primary School, and Secondary School up to Grade 12.
Stages
The school accepts students aged 3 to 18 years, and is divided into Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, and Secondary levels. Children are placed in multi-age classrooms based on ability, following a mastery-based learning approach.
School type
School type
The school is co‑educational and operates exclusively as a day school—boarding is not available.
School type
QSI Phuket is a co-educational day school. It does not offer any form of boarding, so all students commute daily.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
While not explicitly labelled SEN, the school emphasises tailored learning for individual needs, using small class sizes and personalised support embedded in its homeschooling ethos. This approach adapts instruction to each child’s pace.
Additional learning support
The school has a learning support center but there isn't enough information available about additional learning support provided by the school.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school has no affiliations with any country.
Country affiliation
QSI Phuket follows an american based international curriculm, but it is not affiliated with a country. Although, it is part of the QSI (Quality Schools International) network, which operates in multiple countries worldwide.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
QSI Phuket has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
Detailed daily timings aren’t published online. However, the schedule includes regular breaks, lunch, and experiential learning like outdoor excursion.
School day structure
There is no information available about the school's day structure.
Bus service details
Bus service details
There is not enough publicly available information about the transport services.
Bus service details
The school does not provide bus service, although parents can contact external providers through the school.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Enrollment Fees
* A refundable deposit of THB 50,000 is required upon enrollment for new students. * Please note that deposit and refund terms may vary; parents are advised to confirm the full refund policy directly with the school.
Tuition Fees There are three terms per academic year.
Kindergarten/Nursery (Ages 3–5): * THB 50,000 per term * Total annual tuition: THB 150,000
Primary and Secondary (Ages 6–18): * THB 225,000 per year, payable in three equal instalments * THB 75,000 per payment
Sibling Discounts
* Second child: 10% discount * Third and additional children: 25% discount * Discounts apply only to full annual payments and are not available for term-based payments.
Other Costs and Inclusions
* All course books and notebooks are included in the tuition fees. * There are no additional mandatory fees, apart from small optional charges for occasional field trips—parents will be informed in advance.
Payment Options
* Payment is accepted via bank transfer. * Credit card payment options are not mentioned publicly and may need to be confirmed directly with the school.
* Annual for Secondary 1–4: THB 51,613 * Can be paid in full or divided into terms * Supports school facilities, development programmes, and purchase of fixed assets such as computers, furniture, and vehicles
Tuition Fees (per term and annual)
*Secondary Classes (Sec I – Sec IV)* * Term 1: THB 180,645 + Capital Fund Fee THB 19,355 * Term 2: THB 135,484 + Capital Fund Fee THB 16,129 * Term 3: THB 135,484 + Capital Fund Fee THB 16,129 * Annual: THB 451,613 + Capital Fund Fee THB 51,613
*5-Year-Old to 13-Year-Old Class* * Term 1: THB 180,645 * Term 2: THB 135,484 * Term 3: THB 135,484 * Annual: THB 451,613
* Two weeks or less: 20% of term fee * More than two weeks, up to four weeks: 40% of term fee * More than four weeks, up to six weeks: 60% of term fee * More than six weeks: 100% of term fee * The first complete term after enrolment is always billed at the higher Term 1 rate; this also applies to the capital fund fee
Discount Policy
* THB 6,452 discount per full-term payment made on or before due dates * THB 12,903 additional discount if full annual payment is made by 1 October * Maximum possible discount: THB 32,258 for students aged 5 and above * No discounts for preschool classes or scholarship students
Other Policies
* No reduction of fees for absences unless a student officially withdraws * No refunds for force majeure events; fees remain payable * Fees apply during distance learning as per standard policy
Payment Methods
* Payment details provided by the school * Payment or arrangement must be completed by due dates; overdue accounts may result in withholding of reports, records, and communications
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
No uniforms policy
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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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
The school is part of Quality Schools International (QSI). It is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA).
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Life School Phuket follows a blended curriculum drawing primarily from the British Curriculum for core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, particularly across Stages 1–9 (roughly equivalent to Primary and early Secondary years). For upper Secondary students, the school offers a US-accredited high school diploma pathway, which allows for flexible graduation options instead of GCSEs or A‑Levels. Students may complete graduation requirements early if they meet academic criteria. The curriculum includes coding, data science, critical thinking, and personal finance, as part of its applied learning approach. Thai and Chinese language and cultural studies are also part of the weekly schedule. Regular off-campus learning days are integrated into the curriculum, including environmental education, volunteering, and community-based projects.
Curriculum details
QSI International School of Phuket follows a U.S.-style Mastery Learning curriculum that emphasizes individual student progress through clearly defined learning outcomes. The curriculum is divided into core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Cultural Studies, Foreign Languages, Technology, Fine Arts, and Personal Health. Instruction begins in Preschool and continues through Secondary IV (Grade 12), with progressively advanced coursework.
In the Secondary years, students can pursue one of three diplomas: the General Diploma, the Academic Diploma, or the Academic Diploma with Honors—the latter requiring completion of at least two AP or IB Certificate courses. The school offers on-site Advanced Placement (AP) courses such as AP Calculus, AP Human Geography, and AP Music Theory, with additional AP options available online via Quality Virtual School. Foreign languages include Thai, and elective subjects vary by level.
Life School integrates social‑emotional learning within its “Life Skills” programme, which includes empathy, self‑care, team leadership and communication classes for all students .These topics are embedded across age groups rather than taught as separate lessons. The school’s philosophy emphasises emotional intelligence and personal development alongside academics. However, specific staff roles or dedicated SEL coordinators are not publicly listed.
Social & emotional learning
QSI Phuket incorporates SEL through its emphasis on character development using the Seven Success Orientations: Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Aesthetic Appreciation, Concern for Others, Kindness and Politeness, Independent Endeavor, and Group Interaction. These are embedded into classroom instruction and school culture across all levels. Teachers integrate discussions and reflections based on these values. There is no mention of a dedicated SEL coordinator or counselor, nor of standalone SEL curriculum programs.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose detailed information regarding SEN provision or support staff. It is not described as a specialist SEN institution, and no specific categories of SEN support are listed on its website.
Special educational needs (SEN)
QSI Phuket offers limited support for students with mild to moderate learning difficulties. The school is not a specialist SEN institution but has a Learning Support Center that provides individualized academic assistance, particularly in reading and numeracy. Students are admitted on a case-by-case basis depending on whether the school can meet their needs. There is no reference to support for high-needs SEN or dedicated SEN-certified staff beyond general learning support.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
Life School does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL support programmes or staff.
English as an additional language
QSI Phuket provides a formal Intensive English (IE) program for non-native English speakers, particularly from ages 6 to 13. This includes pull-out and push-in support by specialist IE teachers, with a focus on helping students access grade-level content while developing language skills. Placement in the program is determined through an internal assessment. Support tapers off in secondary years unless additional help is arranged.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
There is not enough information available about the mental wellbeing related offerings by the school.
Mental wellbeing
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding mental wellbeing support.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school’s website does not include detailed information on safeguarding policies or child protection procedures
Safeguarding
QSI Phuket follows a structured Child Protection Policy aligned with the QSI organization's global standards. The school designates a Child Protection Team that includes a School Director (Head of School) and a Child Protection Coordinator, responsible for overseeing compliance and reporting concerns. Staff are trained to identify and respond to signs of abuse, and the school mandates regular safeguarding training and policy reviews. All visitors must check in at the front office, and staff must undergo background checks prior to employment. The policy outlines clear reporting procedures, confidentiality expectations, and student education on personal safety topics.
Life School Phuket follows a British Curriculum for stages 1–9 and offers a US National Diploma pathway. Life skills are infused into every student's education, and small class sizes support individualized learning. Education for Life combines academic study with practical competencies and character development. Field trips and experiential learning are central, with weekly island adventures and nature-based explorations. Learning extends beyond the classroom through locally organized activities and community engagement.
Facilities overview
QSIP has 15 classrooms, a library, a computer laboratory, an art room, and a music room. The campus includes an indoor activity center, a kitchen with a cafeteria, a basketball court, and a state-of-the-art artificial grass sports field. Outdoor spaces include an elementary playing field and a running track, as well as a cushioned elementary play area. The facilities include an office complex and parking spaces. Air conditioning is in all classrooms, the library, and the computer laboratory.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Life Activities include Recreational and Sports Exploration through which students access sports experiences beyond the classroom. Local venues such as Phuket Ice Rink, ATG Cricket Ground, and Andamanda Waterpark are regularly included in activities. The approach emphasizes experiential learning and physical activity integrated with the broader curriculum.
Sports facilities
QSIP provides a basketball court and an artificial grass sports field. The campus includes a running track and an elementary playing field for outdoor physical activities. A dedicated indoor activity center supports a range of PE and recreational programs. These spaces complement classrooms for the overall physical education program.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Academic programs include the British Curriculum for stages 1–9 and a US National Diploma pathway, enabling early graduation for some students. The school emphasizes life skills as part of every program, with a globally recognized curriculum. Thai and Chinese culture and language are integrated into the curriculum, along with art, music, history, geography, reading and unstructured time, ICT, and physical education. Small class sizes and individualized learning are core features.
Academic facilities
The school has 15 classrooms, a library, a computer laboratory, a science room, an art room, and a music room. All classrooms, the library, and the computer laboratory are air conditioned. These spaces support science, arts, and technology education. The science room supports hands-on experiments.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Life Activities provide exploration beyond the classroom. Activities include Nature Immersion and Community and Charity work, Beach Days, visits to Waterfalls and National Parks, Camping, Volunteering Days, Charity Initiatives, and Contribution to Society. Lifelong Skills include Cooking and Gardening, data science, and other practical topics. The program also includes sustainable initiatives such as upcycling and recycling. Weekly outings to local venues supplement the curriculum, including Phuket Ice Rink, Blue Tree Waterpark, Andamanda Waterpark, and ATG Cricket Ground.
Extra curricular facilities
The school provides abundant school activities. An indoor activity center supports a range of extracurricular programs.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Life School Phuket was founded in 2016 by two homeschool-educated parents—Max and Dave—who began by educating their own children in living rooms and backyards. Over time, the initiative grew into a formal school that continues to reflect its homeschooling ethos in teaching methods and personalized learning. The school remains independently owned by its founding team, emphasizing small classes and adaptive learning.
History
QSI International School of Phuket began in August 2000 when Quality Schools International assumed ownership of the existing Phuket International Nursery School (PINS), becoming the first preschool-through-grade‑12 school on the island. The school is part of the nonprofit QSI network, originally founded in Malta, which expanded into Phuket via this invitation. Since then, the campus has undergone multiple facility upgrades as enrollment has increased. During the pandemic, student numbers temporarily declined but have since begun rebounding. The governance remains under QSI's nonprofit structure with oversight consistent across its global network.
Community
Community
The school community regularly participates in “Life Activities”, which include experiential outings such as beach days, waterfall trips, national park visits, camping, and community service. These events bring students, families, and staff together and support engagement through shared real-world learning experiences. Cultural and environmental service projects also reinforce values of empathy and responsibility.
Community
QSI Phuket fosters a community-centered environment with events such as international days, fall festivals, student-led conferences, and cultural celebrations like Wai Kruo and Loy Krathong integrated into the school calendar. The school also hosts a summer camp featuring thematic activities, field trips, and creative projects for ages 7–12. Parents and students interact through formal and informal school events, enhancing cross-cultural engagement across the school’s diverse nationalities.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
Life School Phuket does not publicly disclose the existence of a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parent teacher association
The school does not publicly disclose a formal PTA or equivalent organization.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Life School Phuket teaches a British Curriculum for stages 1-9 and offers a US National Diploma pathway as an alternative to GCSEs or A-Levels. Many students graduate two years ahead. The curriculum emphasizes life skills alongside academics through a 100% life skills infusion. Small class sizes support individualized learning.
Academic & intellectual
The school focuses on 21st century learning skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, collaboration, cultural awareness, and digital literacy across Preschool through Secondary levels.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Art, music, history and geography are included within the curriculum. The school supports creative expression through Life Activities and project-based experiences beyond core classes. Life Activities present opportunities to explore arts and culture alongside academic work. Experiences combine hands-on projects with field trips and real-world applications.
Arts & creative
The arts program spans elementary through secondary levels and includes visual arts, music (instrumental and vocal), dramatic arts, photography, and related electives. In secondary, courses include Art I–IV, Instrumental Music I–III, Vocal Music I–II, Dramatic Arts I–II, Photography, and AP Studio Art offered online through Quality Virtual School.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Thai and Chinese culture and language are integrated into the curriculum. This supports cultural understanding and global awareness. The curriculum includes culture and language alongside core subjects as part of the British Curriculum.
Cultural & language
Thai language and culture is required for elementary students. Chinese language is offered as an after-school activity through Oriental Bamboo Language School. Thai is also offered in secondary courses, and foreign languages such as French, Spanish, and Russian are offered online through Quality Virtual School (AP French and AP Spanish available).
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Life Activities include nature immersion, beach days, waterfalls, camping, volunteering days, and charity initiatives. Recreational activities and sports exploration are part of the program. Students engage in community-oriented experiences.
Social & hobbies
Electives in the elementary and middle years include a host language, instrumental music, American studies, and activities (2 days per week). The program provides after-school activities and electives that support social development and hobbies.
Community & service
Community & service
Volunteering and charity work, environmental sustainability initiatives, upcycling, and gardening are part of Life Skills and activities. These activities emphasize contribution to society.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Small class sizes support individualized attention and leadership development. Life Skills include economics, finance, data science, coding, and professional skills to prepare for internships or apprenticeships. The curriculum is globally recognized and offers opportunities for university admission, including Cambridge recognition.
Leadership & professional
Success Orientations emphasize holistic development and 21st century skills such as collaboration and leadership. The school offers leadership-focused experiences such as the Secondary Leadership Adventure, and staff-student programs support student-centered, mastery-based learning.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Life Skills include health and fitness, empathy, goal setting, meditation and self-care. Life Activities emphasize outdoor experiences and nature, such as beach days, camping, and visits to waterfalls. These experiences promote well-being and sustainable living.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Sports, fitness, wellness, and health are integrated into the program, including Team Sports, Wellness, Lifetime Sports, In-Depth Sports, and Advanced Fitness. The calendar includes sports and wellness events that reinforce an active lifestyle.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Thai and Chinese culture and language are included in the program.
Language provision
The school provides English-language instruction. Thai language and culture are taught to elementary students as required by Thai law. Russian language is offered 2-3 days per week for Russian students through a contracted program with RUSVIET PHUKET CO., LTD. Chinese language is offered as an after-school activity through Oriental Bamboo Language School, and additional language courses and AP options (French I–III, Spanish I–III, Russian I–III, AP French, AP Spanish) are available online via Quality Virtual 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
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
The school does not publicly disclose any institutional awards received in the past 5 years.
Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
* Middle States Association (MSA): QSI Phuket is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), a U.S.-based accrediting organization recognized internationally. This accreditation signifies that the school meets rigorous standards for institutional performance, curriculum quality, and student support.
* Thai Ministry of Education: The school is also fully licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education, allowing it to operate legally as an international school in Thailand. This ensures that the school meets national requirements for curriculum approval, staffing, and facility standards.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Book a school visit and trial day. The school encourages prospective students to attend a trial day where they can join a class and experience the environment. Trial days are arranged based on availability and age group.
2. Receive feedback after the trial day. The school will meet with parents to share impressions from the trial and discuss the child’s readiness and class placement options.
3. Informal assessment (if needed). In some cases, particularly for Primary and Secondary students, the school may conduct informal placement activities, such as verbal English or other practical assessments, to determine appropriate class levels.
4. Submit forms and pay the deposit. Parents complete enrollment documentation and pay a refundable deposit to confirm the child’s place at the school.
5. Confirm tuition payment schedule. The school will confirm the exact payment dates based on the entry point.
Admissions
1. Submit the application form and supporting documents. Parents must complete an official application form and provide previous school records, health information, a copy of the student’s passport, and a digital photo. A non-refundable application fee must also be paid.
2. Participate in an assessment and/or interview. Students may be asked to complete an academic assessment, especially for English proficiency, and meet with a school administrator. Younger children may be observed in an informal setting.
3. Wait for the admissions decision. The school reviews applications based on available space, language support needs, and whether it can meet the student's educational requirements. Decisions are communicated directly to families.
4. Confirm enrollment and pay fees. Once accepted, families must confirm enrollment and submit the required tuition and registration fees to reserve a seat. The school will provide further orientation details upon confirmation.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not publicly mention any scholarship programmes.
Scholarships
While QSI Phuket does not list scholarships in its formal admissions documents, the school has promoted academic scholarships via its social media platforms. For the 2024–2025 academic year, QSI Phuket announced limited scholarships aimed at Thai passport holders aged 10 to 13, with selection based on academic excellence and demonstrated financial need. Award amounts are determined according to each family's financial situation. Notably, applicants were not required to be fluent in English. This initiative was communicated through the school’s official Instagram account, suggesting that scholarship opportunities may occasionally be shared on social media rather than formal publications.
Waitlist
Waitlist
There is not enough information available about a waitlist.