NIVA American International School vs Raffles American School Bangkok

	N NIVA American International School Bangkok, Thailand	R Raffles American School Bangkok Bangkok, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 273,000 - 414,000	Fees / year THB 198,000 - 297,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 450	Pupils 600
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1991	Opened 2017
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location NIVA is located at 18 Soi Phokaew 3, Yeak 11, Ladprao 101 Road in the Bangkapi district of Bangkok. The school is near major roads and residential communities, making it accessible from eastern and central Bangkok.	Location Raffles American School Bangkok is located in Samut Prakan province, just east of central Bangkok along the Bang Na–Trat frontage road. The school is situated in a suburban area with residential communities and international businesses nearby. It's easily accessible by private car and sits close to major expressways, making school drop-off and pick-up manageable for commuting families. The surrounding area is quiet, with access to amenities such as shopping malls, restaurants, and international housing.
Stages	Stages The school offers education from Nursery through Grade 12, covering early years, elementary, middle, and high school divisions.	Stages The school is organized into four main divisions: Early Childhood (Pre-K to Kindergarten), Elementary School (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). This structure provides a continuous educational pathway for children from age 2 up to 18.
School type	School type NIVA is a co-educational day school with no boarding facilities.	School type Raffles American School Bangkok is a co-educational school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school does not have publicly available information on their additional learning support.	Additional learning support The school does not publicly list any specialized services or programs for students with Additional Learning Needs. There is no mention of specific facilities or trained staff for learning support on its website.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school does not have any country affiliation.	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no religious affiliation noted. The school operates in a secular context.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure	School day structure School hours are detailed by division: Nursery & Kindergarten: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Elementary and Secondary: 7:45 am to 3:00 pm	School day structure The website does not publish details on how the school day is structured.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers transportation upon request and the fees are dependant on the distance.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details One-Time Enrollment Fees (for new students) Nursery: Application Fee: 2,000 THB Initial Setup Fee: 20,000 THB Accountability Fee (Refundable): 10,000 THB Ongoing Enrollment Deposit (Refundable): 10,000 THB Total: 42,000 THB Kindergarten (K1–K3): Application Fee: 2,000 THB Registration Fee: 100,000 THB Accountability Fee (Refundable): 10,000 THB Ongoing Enrollment Deposit (Refundable): 10,000 THB Total: 122,000 THB Grades 1–12: Application Fee: 5,000 THB Registration Fee: 120,000 THB Accountability Fee (Refundable): 10,000 THB Ongoing Enrollment Deposit (Refundable): 10,000 THB Total: 145,000 THB Annual Tuition and Fees Nursery: 273,000 THB K1: 308,000 THB K2: 313,000 THB K3: 323,000 THB Grade 1: 347,000 THB Grade 2: 352,000 THB Grade 3: 366,000 THB Grade 4: 367,000 THB Grade 5: 374,000 THB Grade 6: 382,000 THB Grade 7: 384,000 THB Grade 8: 389,000 THB Grade 9: 406,000 THB Grade 10: 410,000 THB Grade 11: 412,000 THB Grade 12: 414,000 THB Additional Fees: Grade 12 Graduation Fee: 5,000 THB Transportation: Available on request; fees vary by distance and are billed by semester. Payment Methods Single annual payment: 1.5% discount (on tuition only) Two-semester payments: 1.0% discount (on tuition only) Quarterly payments: No discount Accepted Payment Methods: Visa or MasterCard (no surcharge if paid by deadline) The school does not have their refund policy publicly available.	Fee details Application Fees The school’s website does not mention any application or registration fees. Families should confirm directly with the school whether such fees apply during the admissions process. Tuition Fees (By Age Group) * Nursery (2–3 years old): THB 198,000 per academic year * Kindergarten 1–2 (3–5 years old): THB 234,000 per academic year * Kindergarten 3 (5–6 years old): THB 255,000 per academic year * Grade 1–4 (6–10 years old): THB 279,000 per academic year * Grade 5–12 (10–18 years old): THB 297,000 per academic year All amounts are listed as annual tuition. Lunch Fees A separate lunch fee of THB 30,000 per academic year applies to all grade levels. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms The school’s website does not currently specify the billing frequency (term-based or annual), deadlines, or late payment penalties. Payment Methods The school does not disclose payment method options (such as credit card, bank transfer, or online systems) in the fee schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Regular Uniform and PE Uniform are required in Early Years through High School. Optional items include a School Cap and a School Jacket.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school provides on-site meals via Sodexo, the food service provider.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education, fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ONESQA, and OPEC, and is part of NIVA International Education Co., Ltd.	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Raffles Education Group and is governed by Raffles Education Limited.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details NIVA uses a curriculum based on the California Common Core standards and offers instruction from Nursery to Grade 12. The curriculum is divided into four main stages. In early years, children engage in theme-based learning to build basic understanding. At the primary level, the school uses discovery-based instruction to help students explore ideas through activities and projects. Middle school students work within a skills-based structure, while high school students follow a mastery-based approach that emphasizes personal responsibility and deeper subject understanding. NIVA also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses to help students prepare for university.	Curriculum details Here’s a clear and friendly overview of the curriculum offering at Raffles American School Bangkok, based strictly on information from the school’s official materials: --- Curriculum Overview Raffles follows a U.S.-based American curriculum aligned with Common Core standards in English and Math, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science, and AERO for Social Studies. In Early Childhood through Elementary, learning is experiential, covering literacy (using frameworks like the 6+1 Trait Writing and Daily 5), numeracy, science, arts, physical education, music, and world languages. In Middle School, students rotate between specialist teachers in subject areas including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, performing and visual arts, PE, health, and technology. High School (Grades 9–12) culminates in the award of a U.S. High School Diploma, with students from Grade 10 onward selecting from a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Starting in the upcoming academic year, the IB Diploma Programme (DP) will be introduced for Grades 11 and 12, while Grade 10 students may sample AP Psychology. The school embeds General Learning Outcomes—such as communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills—at every level.
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 —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school does not have publicly available information on their social and emotional learning.	Social & emotional learning The school embeds General Learning Outcomes across all grade levels, including self-awareness, emotional wellbeing, relationships (like conflict resolution and mediation), and community responsibility. There’s no detailed public information about dedicated SEL staff members or specific initiatives beyond this framework.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not have a dedicated SEN programme.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose any information regarding support for Special Educational Needs (SEN).
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school offers an English Language Learner (ELL) program which is designed to lay foundations for student who don't speak English with the goal of getting them ready to join their mainstream program. This program is available to all students, including those coming from Thai schools and Chinese-speaking families.	English as an additional language RAS follows the WIDA-based ELL (English Language Learner) Curriculum and Assessment, covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking. They administer baseline assessments at the beginning, middle, and end of the year to guide student placement within the ELL program.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school does not have publicly available information on their mental wellbeing support.	Mental wellbeing There is no specific information published about mental wellbeing programs, counselling staff, or dedicated initiatives.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not have publicly available information on their safeguarding policy.	Safeguarding The school mentions that it maintains a safe and clean environment and enforces health and safety protocols. However, it does not publicly disclose any detailed safeguarding or child protection policies. No further information is provided regarding designated staff, training, or reporting procedures.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus is open and green, promoting students' mental, emotional, and physical health. The facilities are designed to optimize the learning experience for students. Classrooms, STEM laboratories, a science laboratory, a library, a multipurpose court, a multipurpose field, a swimming pool, a badminton court, a playground, a canteen, Heisler Hall, IT & Robotics facilities, an art room, and music spaces support learning across Nursery through High School. The campus serves Nursery through High School, reflecting a continuum of grade levels.	Facilities overview The school has a Playground & Sport Field and a Swimming Pool measuring 25 x 18 meters with sun shading. A certified lifeguard checks the pool's pH daily and remains on standby during school hours. For younger students, a Teaching Assistant (TA) and Thai Nanny accompany them to provide additional care and support. The campus includes a PE Room, a Library, a Music Room, and a Science Lab. Nursery–K2 classrooms have three staff members per class (Homeroom Teacher, Teaching Assistant, and Thai Nanny) to provide full support and care; K3–G4 classrooms have two staff members (Homeroom Teacher and Teaching Assistant) to support students; G5–G8 and G9–G12 classrooms are led by one Homeroom Teacher with air purifiers in every room, and the janitor cleans the room every morning and in the evening after class.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities A Multipurpose Court supports basketball, futsal, and volleyball. A Multipurpose Field provides space for outdoor PE and field activities. A Swimming Pool supports aquatic instruction and safety. A Badminton Court and a Playground offer additional spaces for physical education and recreation.	Sports facilities The school has a Playground & Sport Field and a Swimming Pool. The swimming pool measures 25 x 18 meters and has shading for sun protection. A certified lifeguard checks the pool's pH daily and remains on standby during school hours. For younger students, TA and Thai Nanny accompany them to provide additional care and support during swimming activities. The PE Room supports physical education classes.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities NIVA uses an American curriculum based on the California Common Core standards. Class sizes typically range from 15 to 26 students, with teacher–student ratios from 13:1 to 20:1. Teachers and staff hold advanced degrees and have experience in international or multicultural settings. Facilities include a Library, STEM Laboratory, Science Laboratory, IT & Robotics facilities, an Art Room, and Music spaces to support learning across grade levels, from Nursery and Kindergarten to High School.	Academic facilities The school provides a Library, a Music Room, and a Science Lab as core academic facilities. Nursery–K2 classrooms have three staff per class (Homeroom Teacher, TA, and Thai Nanny) to provide full support and care; the Nanny cleans tables and floors after breaks and lunch to maintain hygiene. K3–G4 classrooms have two staff per class (Homeroom Teacher and Teaching Assistant) and air purifiers in each room. G5–G8 classrooms are led by one Homeroom Teacher with air purifiers, and G9–G12 classrooms are led by one Homeroom Teacher with air purifiers; the janitor cleans the room every morning before class and in the evening after class.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities NIVA offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including sports, arts, music, drama, and community service. Extracurricular offerings for elementary and secondary levels exist, and activities may change according to student interest.	Extra curricular facilities Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) are programs outside the regular curriculum that help students explore interests, develop skills, and build confidence. The program offers sports, arts, clubs, volunteering, and leadership activities to foster teamwork, creativity, and personal growth. ECA is organized into Early Years, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School / High School, with schedules and activities available for each level.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History NIVA American International School was founded in 1991 and has grown into a fully accredited international school offering education from Nursery through Grade 12. The school follows an American curriculum adapted to suit international students, combining academic content with a focus on holistic development. Over the decades, NIVA has developed a reputation for consistent academic outcomes and university placement, especially for students pursuing higher education in the United States, Europe, and Asia.	History Raffles American School Bangkok was established in 2017 as part of the Raffles Education Corporation, a regional education group with institutions across Asia. The Bangkok campus initially offered early years and elementary education, gradually expanding to include middle and high school levels. By the 2018–2019 academic year, the school had introduced a full K–12 pathway. Its campus is located in the Bang Na district and is adjacent to Raffles International College, with which it shares organisational ties through the Raffles Education network.
Community	Community NIVA supports a culturally diverse school environment, with students and teachers from various parts of the world including North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. The school organizes activities that foster community spirit, such as international day celebrations, themed cultural weeks, music recitals, and service projects. Students and families are encouraged to take part in these events as a way to celebrate heritage, build friendships, and reinforce mutual respect within the school environment.	Community Raffles American School Bangkok fosters a culturally diverse community that includes students, families, and staff from a wide range of national backgrounds. The school celebrates this diversity through inclusive community events such as International Day, where families share food, dress, and traditions from their home countries. Cultural celebrations like Songkran Day are also held on campus to promote Thai heritage and encourage engagement between students and local traditions. In addition, families take part in school-wide service efforts, such as donation drives supporting the Baan Nokkamin Foundation, promoting values of compassion and civic responsibility. Parents are often invited to attend school performances, art shows, and holiday events, building a sense of connection and shared involvement in the school’s daily life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does not have a parent teacher association.	Parent teacher association While a formal PTA structure isn't detailed, the school’s social media reflects active parental participation. Posts such as reminders about PTA gatherings indicate that parents are invited into school life, though the types of events, groups, or committees are not described in detail publicly.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school is a WASC-accredited nursery through grade 12 international school in Bangkok, Thailand. It emphasizes an American curriculum with California Common Core standards and offers AP courses.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Extracurricular activities include arts, music, drama, and other creative pursuits offered alongside sports and community service. AP offerings complement the curriculum.	Arts & creative RAS provides arts education across the school, including visual arts and performing arts. The art studio is a space for creativity where students express ideas through painting, sculpture, and design. Student artworks are regularly showcased in school exhibitions and international school art events in Bangkok. Music and performing arts provide opportunities to sing, play instruments, and perform at school events.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school uses an American curriculum based on California Common Core, with an English-language focus supported by an English Language Learner (ELL) program for students who do not speak English.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Extracurricular options include sports, arts, music, drama, and community service activities.	Social & hobbies Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) are programs outside the regular curriculum that help students explore interests, develop skills, and build confidence. RAS offers sports, arts, clubs, volunteering, and leadership activities, providing opportunities for teamwork, creativity, and personal growth. Activities are organized for Early Years through High School. ECAs enrich the overall school experience.
Community & service	Community & service The school provides community service opportunities as part of its extracurricular offerings.	Community & service ECA includes volunteering and leadership activities. Students have opportunities to participate in community service and service-learning projects.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school operates as a K–12 program with a focus on student development within an international context, including AP course options.	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities are integrated into ECAs. Students lead clubs, organize events, and participate in service projects. These activities foster communication, organization, and teamwork. RAS emphasizes leadership as part of a holistic education.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus is described as a green campus for better learning, supporting healthful learning environments.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport Academy (Raptors) provides regular athletic development. Physical activity supports fitness and teamwork. ECAs balance academic demands with wellness, supporting overall well-being and a healthy school lifestyle.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision American · California curriculum across K–12 with California Common Core standards. English is a core subject in the high school program. Thai language and Thai culture are taught under Thai standards as part of the Thai-language program.	Language provision English is the language of instruction for Studies in Language and Literature (English Language & Literature). Language Acquisition is offered in Thai, Mandarin, or Spanish. World Language instruction follows ACTFL standards.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Thai language and Thai culture are taught in addition to the international curriculum.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations College Board (AP & SAT) Recognized as an official College Board institution, enabling NIVA to administer SAT and AP exams and offer a full suite of fifteen AP courses. WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) NIVA holds full accreditation from WASC, a respected U.S.-based accrediting organization. ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment, Thailand) The school is accredited by ONESQA, ensuring adherence to Thailand's national education standards. Ministry of Education (Thailand) Fully licensed and recognized by Thailand’s Ministry of Education, confirming compliance with governmental regulations. OPEC (Office of the Private Education Commission, Thailand) Accredited by OPEC, the body overseeing private education institutions in Thailand. ISAT (International Schools Association of Thailand) A longstanding member of ISAT, the professional association supporting international schools across Thailand.  EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools) Affiliated with EARCOS, which offers networking and professional development opportunities across the East Asia international school community.	Accreditations * Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based accrediting body that evaluates and certifies the quality of schools offering American-style education internationally. * International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme: The school is authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12, a two-year pre-university qualification recognised by universities worldwide. * College Board – Advanced Placement (AP): Raffles American School Bangkok is approved to deliver AP courses, allowing high school students to complete college-level coursework and exams for potential university credit.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Submit Application & Documents Begin the online application via the NIVA website and upload all required documents, including academic records, identification, medical reports, and photographs. Applicant Assessment Once your documents are approved, the school schedules assessment testing and an interview. For Nursery and K1: Application fee THB 2,000, plus interview. For K2–K3: THB 2,000 with assessments in English handwriting and math. For Grades 1–12: THB 5,000 with assessments covering reading, writing, listening, and math. Pay School Fees After acceptance, families are required to pay tuition and related fees. Supported payment methods include bank transfer or credit card; cash is not accepted. Register & Complete Enrollment Upon payment, the student’s place is secured often involving registration, uniform fitting, and orientation through the school's internal systems.	Admissions 1. Initial Visit & Inquiry Begin by visiting the school or contacting the Admissions Office. You can arrange to meet the Head of School or Director in person—or connect online via email, phone, or the Line app if visiting isn’t possible. An open-door policy is offered for visits by appointment. 2. Submit Application Materials Complete and submit the Application Form, Admission Requirement Checklist, Authorization to Release School Records form, and Informed Consent from the previous school. Include two passport-sized photos, a copy of the student’s passport or Thai ID, up to three years of academic records (translated into English if needed), standardized test results or evaluations, and a confidential recommendation from the current school. These can be submitted online or via mail, email, or in person. 3. Evaluation & Interview Once your application is complete, the school typically processes it within five working days. Then, the student will undergo evaluation, screening, and an interview designed to assess English and math proficiency. Pre‑K and Kindergarten applicants have a parent interview and child engagement activity. Interviews can be held in person or via Skype; if remote applicants can't participate, offers may be conditional on in‑person evaluation later. 4. Application Outcome If accepted, the school will send a formal Offer of Admission by email, followed by a tuition invoice and a welcome letter from the Head of School outlining next steps.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.	Scholarships The school’s official website does not mention any scholarships or financial aid programs.
Waitlist	Waitlist NIVA offers seat reservation for up to two years in advance through a non‑refundable deposit. However, they don't have a formal waitlist.	Waitlist When an applicant meets the admissions requirements but the requested grade level or program is already full, that applicant is placed in a wait pool.
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