Nakornpayap International School vs Unity Concord International School
Nakornpayap International School and Unity Concord International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 12 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes. Published annual fees are THB 290,000 - 496,800 at Nakornpayap International School and THB 192,000 - 368,000 at Unity Concord International School, which puts Nakornpayap International School roughly 41% higher. Nakornpayap International School takes pupils from 3 to 19, and Unity Concord International School from 2 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 619 and 760 pupils. Typical class sizes are 20 at Nakornpayap International School and 25 at Unity Concord International School.
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.
Location
Unity Concord International School is located along the Chiang Mai–Lampang Super Highway in Saraphi District, just outside Chiang Mai city. The area is accessible by major road links and is a short drive from the city centre and Chiang Mai International Airport. The neighbourhood combines residential areas with easy access to local amenities, making school drop‑off and pick‑up convenient.
Stages
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).
Stages
The school serves students from approximately 2 years old in Preschool through Grade 12 in High School. Levels are divided into Early Years (Pre‑K to K3), Primary (Grades 1–5), and Secondary (Grades 6–12).
School type
School type
NIS is a co-educational, secular, international day school. Boarding is not offered.
School type
UCIS is a co‑educational day school with no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school 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.
Additional learning support
The school offers additional learning support, but there is not much publicly available information.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
NIS follows a U.S. curriculum and is accredited by WASC, but it is not affiliated with any particular country.
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school is non‑denominational and has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
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)
School day structure
The school day at UCIS varies slightly by grade level, but generally starts between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM and ends between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Younger students often finish closer to 3:00 PM, while upper grades may have a later end time to accommodate lessons and after‑school clubs. Breaks and a lunch period are built into the schedule for all year groups.
Bus service details
Bus service details
NIS works with a local school bus company (KJ Bus) to provide daily transportation for students.
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
Tuition Fees (per semester / per year) There are two semesters in an academic year. * Pre‑K to K2: THB 96,000 / THB 192,000 * K3 to Grade 4: THB 140,000 / THB 280,000 * Grades 5–8: THB 162,000 / THB 324,000 * Grades 9–12: THB 184,000 / THB 368,000
Other Regular Fees
* Lunch (all grades, incl. snacks for Early Years): THB 20,000 per year * Capital Improvement Fee: THB 20,000 per year * Transportation (van service): THB 30,000–50,000 per year * Accident Insurance: THB 1,500 per year * Activities Fee (Nursery–Grade 12): THB 4,000 per year * Uniform (5 sets + house shirt): THB 5,000 (one-time purchase) * Graduation Fees: K3, G8, G12 – THB 2,000 * Visa Fee: THB 5,000 per person
Optional / Additional Costs
* EAL (English as an Additional Language) Support: THB 40,000 per semester / THB 80,000 per year (assigned as needed) * Summer School: THB 10,000 per semester / THB 39,000 per year * Stationery: THB 200–400 per semester depending on grade * Standardized Testing Fee: THB 3,000 * Yearbook Fee: THB 800 * PTA Contribution: THB 500
Discounts
* 2nd child: 10% off tuition * 3rd child: 15% off tuition
Billing and Payment
* Tuition and other semester-based fees are billed twice per academic year. * Payments are made via bank transfer
Refunds and Notes
* Lifetime book fee covers all required books, but lost/damaged books incur replacement costs. * Capital improvement fees contribute to campus and facility development.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
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.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
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.
Food options
The school offers a lunch program. The Lunch Menu page publishes weekly meal options.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
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.
Governance and ownership
The school is part of The Ambassador Education Group.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
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).
Curriculum details
Unity Concord International School follows an American curriculum aligned with U.S. Common Core State Standards. The Early Years program (Pre‑K to K3) focuses on foundational literacy, numeracy, and social development, with instruction in English and exposure to Thai language and culture. Primary School (Grades 1–5) delivers a broad program covering English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Thai, Physical Education, and Creative Arts. Secondary School (Grades 6–12) builds on core academic subjects and introduces specialist courses, including laboratory-based sciences, computing, and the humanities. In High School (Grades 9–12), students can access Advanced Placement (AP) courses to prepare for U.S. university admission or other international pathways. Throughout all stages, Thai language, culture, and history are taught as required under Thai education regulations, and co‑curricular clubs and activities support language, arts, and STEM engagement.
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.
Social & emotional learning
There is no publicly available information on structured, schoolwide SEL programs beyond counseling support.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school website does not describe a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) programme or specialist services on its website.
Special educational needs (SEN)
UCIS offers learning support services and states that it can support students with mild to moderate special educational needs, such as learning difficulties requiring additional academic or behavioral support. The school is not a specialist SEN institution and does not advertise extensive in-house therapeutic services.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL provision on its website.
English as an additional language
UCIS provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who are not native English speakers. The program focuses on helping students access the mainstream curriculum while developing their English proficiency. While the school indicates that EAL instruction is offered, there is no public breakdown of program structure, staffing levels, or specific language acquisition frameworks.
Mental wellbeing
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.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the UCIS Counseling Department, which offers guidance and mental health resources to students and families. Counseling staff provide emotional support and promote wellbeing through one-on-one sessions and shared online resources. The school website highlights links to mental health tools but does not publicly describe formal mental health curricula or structured schoolwide initiatives.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not provide public details on safeguarding or child protection policies on its official website.
Safeguarding
UCIS has a formal Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, published via its official website. The policy outlines staff responsibilities, reporting protocols, and commitment to maintaining student safety. Safeguarding measures include adherence to child protection procedures and regular monitoring by the administration. No additional public details are available regarding the frequency of staff training or on-campus safeguarding officers.
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.
Facilities overview
Unity Concord International School operates on two campuses, Unity 1 and Unity 2. Unity 1 serves PreK–G2 and Unity 2 serves the upper grades. Unity 2 includes Unity Park with student housing, small businesses, and dining options. The Falcon Fitness Gym is available to staff and upper-grade students. The school has achieved full WASC accreditation and serves over 1,100 students. The STREAM-focused curriculum uses resources such as HASSE, National Geographic Learning, STAR 360, MyON, Britannica, and MAP Growth; Thai language and culture, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish are offered; and extracurriculars include Model United Nations, TED-Ed, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Odyssey of the Mind, and Chiang Mai Athletics Conference.
Sports facilities
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.
Sports facilities
The Falcon Fitness Gym is available to staff and upper-grade students. The athletics program participates in the Chiang Mai Athletics Conference, offering competitive sports opportunities.
Academic facilities
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.
Academic facilities
The STREAM-focused curriculum uses HASSE, National Geographic Learning, STAR 360, MyON, Britannica, and MAP Growth, and Thai language and culture, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish are offered.
Extra curricular facilities
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.
Extra curricular facilities
Extracurricular activities include Model United Nations (MUN), TED-Ed, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Odyssey of the Mind, and competitive sports through the Chiang Mai Athletics Conference.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
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.
History
Unity Concord International School (UCIS) was established in 2016 and officially opened its doors in August 2017 with an initial offering of Pre‑Kindergarten to Grade 5. The school is part of the Ambassador Education Group, which oversees several education initiatives in Chiang Mai. Since opening, UCIS has expanded to a full Pre‑K to Grade 12 program, with enrollment growing from under 200 students to over 700. The school continues to develop its academic facilities and programs in line with U.S. Common Core standards and local educational regulations.
Community
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.
Community
UCIS serves a diverse international community, welcoming students and families from a range of cultural backgrounds. The school calendar includes cultural events such as Loy Krathong, Christmas celebrations, International Day, and Songkran, which encourage student participation and family involvement. In addition, community events such as sports days and student showcases foster interaction between families, teachers, and the wider school community.
Parent teacher association
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.
Parent teacher association
The UCIS PTA is an active volunteer group that supports the school through events and community initiatives. They coordinate teacher appreciation activities, seasonal events like Halloween and Christmas fairs, and fundraisers to support school projects and charity drives. PTA members also assist with cultural days and family engagement activities, helping new families integrate into the school community. Meetings are held regularly to plan upcoming events and provide a communication link between parents and the school administration. The PTA’s role is primarily to enhance student experiences and foster strong home‑school connections through practical, event‑driven support.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
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.
Academic & intellectual
UCIS follows an American curriculum aligned to the California CCSS for English Language Arts and Mathematics, the Next Generation Science Standards, and the AERO Standards for Social Studies and World Languages. The curriculum emphasizes college and career readiness, critical thinking, collaboration, and global perspectives. MAP Growth assessments and other data-driven measures monitor student progress, and secondary programs include Honors and AP coursework. UCIS maintains a standards-based, inquiry-driven K–12 program with teacher collaboration to support rigorous learning.
Arts & creative
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.
Arts & creative
Arts and creative disciplines are integrated through Visual Arts (Studio Art 1 and 2), Photography, Yearbook, Theatre Arts, Graphic Arts, and AP Art & Design. Music programs include Music Band 1 and 2, and AP Music Theory. Creative offerings also include Theatre Arts and various visual arts pathways, including Studio Art and Graphic Arts.
Cultural & language
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.
Cultural & language
Thai Language and Culture is offered in Grades 9–12, along with Japanese 1–2, Chinese 1–2, French 1–2, German 1, and Spanish 1–2. UCIS is a multilingual community with students from 30 countries.
Social & hobbies
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.
Social & hobbies
Extracurricular activities include Model United Nations (MUN), TED-Ed, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Odyssey of the Mind, and participation in the Chiang Mai Athletics Conference. These activities support debate, problem-solving, teamwork, and competition.
Community & service
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.
Community & service
Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Model United Nations provide community service and leadership opportunities, reflecting UCIS's emphasis on inquiry, curiosity, and discovery within a learning community.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The school offers Student Council for leadership development. Students participate in leadership activities through various clubs and school events.
Leadership & professional
Leadership development is supported through programs like the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Model United Nations. The school's profile highlights university acceptances as evidence of preparing students for higher education in the United States and abroad.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Class sizes are capped at 20 in PK–K3, 24 in Grades 1–5, and 28 in Grades 6–12 to maintain a favorable student–teacher ratio. For staff and Grade 9–12 students, there is access to a fully equipped Falcon Fitness Gym. The school also supports athletics through participation in the Chiang Mai Athletics Conference.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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.
Language provision
The school follows an American curriculum aligned to the California CCSS, with English Language Arts as a core component. Thai Language, Culture and History is taught by a dedicated Thai language department. A Chinese language program is offered in grades K3-6 under the foreign language standards. English as a Second Language (ESL) is provided, with ESL standards for K3-6 and 7-12; Korean language support is coordinated by a Korean Coordinator on staff.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
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.
Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
Recognised locally for its “Education Through Diversity” model and strong faculty-led student development.
Awards
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award: UCIS is authorized to operate the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, supporting structured student development through service, skills, physical recreation, and expedition stages
Accreditations
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).
Accreditations
* WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) UCIS received full accreditation from WASC in July 2023, valid through June 2029, confirming the school meets rigorous U.S.-based standards for curriculum quality, student performance, leadership, and continuous improvement.
* ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment, Thailand) UCIS has been officially recognized by ONESQA, demonstrating compliance with Thailand’s national education quality assurance requirements.
* International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT) As a member of ISAT, UCIS participates in Thailand-wide networks focused on collaborative school development and adherence to international best practices.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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.
Admissions
1. Visit the school (in-person or virtual). UCIS invites families to tour the campus, observe classes, explore facilities, and attend an admissions presentation. If an in-person tour isn’t feasible, an online meeting can be arranged.
2. Submit application and supporting documents. Complete the official application form and provide required paperwork such as prior school reports, birth certificate, and health records. These are reviewed to confirm eligibility for the applied grade.
3. Complete assessment and interview. Applicants take an entrance exam, interview, and ESL (English as an Additional Language) assessment, which carries the designated application fee. This helps with academic placement and identifying any support needs.
4. Receive decision and secure placement. Once admission is offered, placement is confirmed upon payment of the entrance fee and book fee. The admissions team will share details on billing, including tuition deposit and optional service fees.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Scholarships
UCIS does not publicly offer academic or merit‑based scholarships. The main financial support available is sibling tuition discounts: 10% off for the second child and 15% off for the third child. Families seeking fee support are encouraged to discuss options directly with the admissions office.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not have a waitlist.
Waitlist
There is not enough information available about whether Unity Concord International School does not operate a formal waitlist or pool system publicly.
