NIVA American International School vs Wells International School - On Nut Campus
NIVA American International School and Wells International School - On Nut Campus are both in Bangkok, about 12 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes, and Wells International School - On Nut Campus also offers IB. Published annual fees are THB 273,000 - 414,000 at NIVA American International School and THB 373,200 - 546,000 at Wells International School - On Nut Campus, which puts Wells International School - On Nut Campus roughly 34% higher. NIVA American International School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Wells International School - On Nut Campus from 5 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 450 and 500 pupils. Typical class sizes are 22 at NIVA American International School and 16 at Wells International School - On Nut Campus.
IB (PYP), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
450
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
16
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1991
Opened
2006
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
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
Wells International School – On Nut Campus is in the eastern part of Bangkok, within easy reach of central districts. It is well-connected by public transport, including the BTS Skytrain, and is surrounded by a mix of residential areas, shops, and local amenities. The campus is positioned in a convenient area for families living in various parts of the city.
Stages
Stages
The school offers education from Nursery through Grade 12, covering early years, elementary, middle, and high school divisions.
Stages
The campus serves students from Grade 1 through Grade 12. These are divided into primary (Grades 1–5), middle school (Grades 6–8), and high school (Grades 9–12).
School type
School type
NIVA is a co-educational day school with no boarding facilities.
School type
Wells International School – On Nut is a co-educational day school. It does not provide 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 does not have publicly available information on their additional learning support.
Additional learning support
The school offers English as a Second Language (ESL) and learning support services for an additional fee. Public sources confirm availability but do not specify the exact provisions, staff qualifications, or SEN categories supported.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have any country affiliation.
Country affiliation
There is no formal affiliation to a particular country, though the curriculum follows an American framework and offers the IB Diploma Programme.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
There is no religious affiliation noted. The school operates in a secular context.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
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 school does not publish its detailed daily timetable online. Information such as start and finish times, break schedules, and lunch periods is not publicly disclosed.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers transportation upon request and the fees are dependant on the distance.
Bus service details
The school provides a transportation service for students, with both round-trip and one-way options. Fees vary by distance and zone, ranging from THB 26,000 to THB 37,500 per semester for round-trip service. Transportation is arranged directly through the school.
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 A one-time registration fee of THB 4,500 (non-refundable) is required for all new students. A Campus Development Fee of THB 130,000 (Grades 1–12) is charged once upon enrollment and is non-refundable. A damage deposit of THB 35,000 is required and is refundable within two years of withdrawal, provided all school property is returned and all accounts are settled.
Sibling Discount - Second child: THB 40,000 discount on Campus Development Fee - Third child: THB 50,000 discount on tuition, THB 40,000 discount on Campus Development Fee - Fourth child: THB 100,000 discount on tuition, Campus Development Fee waived
Refund Policy Damage deposits are refunded within two years of withdrawal if all conditions are met. Other refund terms follow the official school withdrawal policy.
Payment Options Payments can be made via bank transfer. Credit card payments may be accepted, but surcharges apply.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
The On Nut Campus has a cafeteria and a café on site. A weekly lunch menu is published; meals typically include steamed rice, a main dish, soup, fruit, and a beverage, with Thai, Western and other international options.
House system
House system
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House system
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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
Wells International School On Nut Campus is part of the Wells International School system. The school is licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education and has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 2009. It is a member of the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT) and East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS). The System leadership includes a Chairman of the Board Dr. Chang Yao-Lang, a Vice-Chairperson Ms. Lee Mei-Chuan, a Senior Director & School Manager Ajarn Pranee Srisai, and an On Nut Campus Head of School Dr. Ray de la Pena.
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
Wells International School – On Nut Campus offers an American curriculum from Grades 1 to 12, aligned with U.S. educational standards. Core subjects include English, mathematics, science, and social studies, alongside courses in the arts, physical education, and technology. In high school, students may take Advanced Placement (AP) courses across multiple disciplines. For Grades 11 and 12, the school also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as an alternative to the AP pathway. Thai language and culture are taught in compliance with Thai Ministry of Education requirements. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for higher education in Thailand and abroad.
The school does not have publicly available information on their social and emotional learning.
Social & emotional learning
At On Nut, the Student Support Services Department provides structured group and individual counselling across all grade levels, addressing areas such as emotional regulation, stress, anxiety, friendship, and more. All counsellors follow American School Counseling Association guidelines and maintain awareness of the cultural diversity within the student body. The school also hosts workshops and brings in guest speakers on topics related to student well-being, mental health, and university preparation. Additionally, educators across campuses received professional development training on integrating social-emotional learning into classrooms.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not have a dedicated SEN programme.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school charges an additional ESL/Learning Support fee for some students, indicating that support services may be available. However, it does not publicly specify the types of Special Educational Needs supported, the extent of provision, or the qualifications of staff. Wells International School – On Nut is not described as a specialist SEN institution.
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
English as a Second Language (ESL) support is available for an additional fee, which varies depending on grade level. The school does not provide publicly available details on the specific teaching methods, staffing, or curriculum for this support.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school does not have publicly available information on their mental wellbeing support.
Mental wellbeing
The On Nut campus offers counselling services through its Student Support Services Department, which are available to students across all grade levels. These services address personal, social, and academic concerns, and are provided by qualified counsellors. While the school confirms the availability of these services, it does not publicly provide detailed descriptions of mental wellbeing programmes or staff qualifications.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not have publicly available information on their safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding
Wells International School has a published Child Protection Policy, indicating that safeguarding procedures are in place. However, the school does not provide publicly accessible details of its safeguarding practices, training, or designated safeguarding staff for the On Nut campus.
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 On Nut Campus has 32 classrooms across three floors and five computer labs with about 150 computers. It includes three science labs (two AP- and IB-equipped), a primary and secondary library, dance and music studios, two art studios, an auditorium, a cafeteria, a café, a pool, a fitness room, a gym, and the Wells Coliseum for sports and events. A playground, a hydroponics greenhouse and a terrarium support biology and environmental science work. The campus serves more than 500 students representing about 50 nationalities and is located near BTS On Nut. AP and IB programs are available in addition to the Wells high school program, and the campus is licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education and has held WASC accreditation since 2009.
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
Two multi-purpose sports courts are on the On Nut Campus, along with the Wells Coliseum that includes a gymnasium and fitness center. The Wells Sports Complex supports a range of sports and performing arts activities and hosts friendly games and BISAC/TISAC matches. Two regulation-size basketball courts enable large-scale tournaments, with facilities for volleyball, badminton and other sports. The campus provides spaces for physical education, team training and schoolwide athletic events.
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
AP and IB programs are available in addition to the Wells high school program. The campus has five computer labs with about 150 computers and three science labs (two AP and IB-equipped). A hydroponics greenhouse and terrarium support biology, life science and environmental science studies. The library contains more than 8000 titles, and some classrooms are equipped with Smart Boards. The campus is licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education and has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 2009.
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
AP and IBDP are available in addition to the Wells high school program and the On Nut campus offers a range of community engagement and service-learning programs across Wells campuses. The facilities support arts and sports, including dance and music studios, the auditorium, and the Wells Coliseum for performance and athletic events. Students can engage with a student publication, the 85 Magazine, and participate in other student-led activities and events.
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
Wells International School began in 1998 as EverClever Kindergarten, founded by EverClever Education Group, Ltd. The On Nut campus opened in 2006, initially serving Grades 1–9, and expanded to include Grades 10–12 in subsequent years. The first graduating class completed their studies in 2010. The campus has grown steadily, adding facilities and programmes to support both academic and extracurricular development.
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
The Wells On Nut community includes students from over 50 nationalities, creating a culturally diverse environment. The school hosts a variety of annual community events such as International Day, sports tournaments, cultural celebrations, and performing arts showcases. These activities encourage interaction among students, parents, and staff, and provide opportunities to share traditions and experiences from different cultures.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school does not have a parent teacher association.
Parent teacher association
Wells International School’s PTA plays an active role in organising events and supporting school activities. While the On Nut campus does not publish a dedicated PTA webpage, public posts and school updates highlight parent involvement in events such as International Day, sports days, cultural festivals, and charity fundraisers. The PTA often collaborates with staff to coordinate volunteers for school trips and special projects. Parent members also assist with community-building initiatives, such as hosting coffee mornings or supporting student-led charity drives. These activities help maintain strong connections between families and the school.
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
The On Nut Campus offers the American curriculum for Grades 1–12. AP courses are available, and the IB Diploma Programme is offered in addition to the Wells high school program.
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
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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
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Extracurricular options include sports, arts, music, drama, and community service activities.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
The school provides community service opportunities as part of its extracurricular offerings.
Community & service
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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
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The campus is described as a green campus for better learning, supporting healthful learning environments.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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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
The IB Diploma Programme includes English A: Language & Literature, English B: English Acquisition, Thai A: Language & Literature, Chinese Ab Initio, Chinese B, Spanish Ab Initio, and French Ab Initio. In Primary, specialist classes in Thai or Chinese language are offered. Kindergarten emphasizes English language and literacy as part of the American-based curriculum. Language clubs and cultural clubs include Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, ASL, and Desi (Hindi).
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
Thai language and Thai culture are taught in addition to the international curriculum.
Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
The school does not have publicly available information on their awards.
Awards
The school’s website does not list any awards won by Wells International School – On Nut Campus.
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 accreditation body that ensures schools meet defined standards of quality and effectiveness.
Thai Ministry of Education License: Official approval to operate as an international school in Thailand.
Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA): Thailand’s national quality assurance agency, which evaluates and certifies educational institutions.
International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO): Authorization to offer the IB Diploma Programme, meeting global IB curriculum and assessment standards.
Membership in the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT): Affiliation with a network of accredited international schools in Thailand.
Membership in the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS): Part of a regional organisation that promotes collaboration among international schools in East Asia.
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. Apply to join the Wells community. Families may submit the Student Application Form either by visiting the campus in person or by downloading and emailing the completed form to the respective campus. Signatures must still be provided on-site for emailed submissions.
2. Schedule a time for testing. Students applying for Grade 1 or 2 complete a paper-based assessment evaluating foundational academic skills. Those applying to Grades 3–12 undertake several components: DORA (Diagnostic Online Reading Assessment), ALEKS (math assessment), a writing sample, and a personal interview.
3. Submit official documents. Once a student is accepted, families must provide documentation including passport copies (student and parents), recent academic reports, medical check-up records, ID photos, and any additional paperwork requested by the school. Thai nationals must also provide a house registration copy.
4. Pay school fees. Before registration can proceed, families must pay all applicable fees such as tuition, enrollment, uniforms, and any additional charges for ESL or after-school programs as needed.
5. Register for classes. Upon confirmation of payment, students will be issued class schedules, basic supplies, and a student-parent handbook. This step finalizes enrollment and allows students to begin attending classes.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Scholarships
Wells International School – On Nut provides scholarships to high-achieving students, totaling over THB 1.5 million each year, open to secondary students across their campuses. These awards recognize achievements in academics, sports, and the arts, and are applied directly to school fees.
The school provides a formal scholarship application, available to new students entering for the current school year. Applicants are evaluated based on specific criteria—such as academic performance, athletic or artistic accomplishments—and participate in a personal interview with an administrator. Award amounts and the number of recipients are determined annually.
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.