Raffles American School Bangkok vs Trinity International School

	R Raffles American School Bangkok Bangkok, Thailand	T Trinity International School Bangkok, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 198,000 - 297,000	Fees / year THB 154,250 - 220,870
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 600	Pupils 450
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2017	Opened 2003
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Trinity International School is located at 30 Sukhumvit Soi 36, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110. It sits in the Sukhumvit area, a well-connected part of the city, with Thonglor BTS station at the entrance to Soi 36, making it accessible for families using public transport. The neighbourhood is a mix of residential streets and commercial amenities, offering convenience for commuting parents.
Stages	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.	Stages The school offers education from Kindergarten (ages 3+) through Grade 12. This covers early years, elementary, middle school, and high school levels, with age-appropriate curricula for each stage.
School type	School type Raffles American School Bangkok is a co-educational school.	School type TRIS is a co-educational day school. It does not provide boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
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.	Additional learning support The school provides Learning Support for students who require extra help, with teachers and support staff working with parents to meet individual needs. Students with limited English proficiency can join the ESL program until they are ready to join mainstream classes.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.	Country affiliation TRIS follows the American (California) curriculum and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), a U.S.-based body.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.	Religious affiliation The school is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church and incorporates values education based on Adventist principles.
School day structure	School day structure The website does not publish details on how the school day is structured.	School day structure The school day runs from 07:30 to 15:00, with student arrival between 06:45 and 07:25. Students begin the day in homeroom with the national anthem, attendance, and announcements, and have scheduled breaks and a lunch period during the day.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details TRIS operates its own van service for transporting students to and from school.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Application & Placement Test Fee: THB 4,000 (one-time, non-refundable) One-Time Entry Fees Enrollment Fee: K1–K3: THB 80,000 G1–G12: THB 110,000 Development Deposit: Waived until July 31, 2026. Registration Fee: THB 15,000 for all grades. Books & Damage Deposit: THB 22,000 (G6–G12 only; refundable if materials are returned in good condition). Annual Tuition Fees K1–K3: THB 198,000 G1–5: THB 203,900 G6–8: THB 220,870 G9–12: THB 220,870 Annual Recurring Fees General Fee: THB 36,045 – THB 39,040 depending on grade Lunch & Morning Snack: THB 15,550 (K1–K3) to THB 24,400 (G9–12) Parent/Teacher Association Fee: THB 500 Other Fees EAL Fee: THB 30,000 per semester (if applicable) Re-registration Fee: THB 15,000 annually Uniforms: THB 1,200 – THB 1,700 per set; Pathfinder and PE uniforms also required PSAT (G10 & G11): THB 1,200 AP Courses (HS): THB 15,000 per subject School Bus: THB 25,000 – THB 40,000 per semester Payment Methods Payments are accepted via bank transfer; confirmation required from the finance office. Refund Policy Refunds are provided only for refundable deposits under stated conditions.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
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.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school provides on-site meals via Sodexo, the food service provider.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Raffles Education Group and is governed by Raffles Education Limited.	Governance and ownership Privately owned Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Christian school affiliated with the Thailand Adventist Mission.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details Trinity follows an American curriculum based on the California Department of Education’s K‑12 standards, with content adapted to support Math and Science through a partnership with UC Berkeley’s GEMS program. From Kindergarten through Grade 12, students follow this American-based program, integrating values education rooted in Seventh‑day Adventist principles. Early grades (K–5) focus on foundational literacy, numeracy, and values such as honesty and respect, while middle and high school include Advanced Placement (AP)‑level coursework in subjects like Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, and more. The curriculum also includes an English as a Second Language (ESL) program to support students not yet fluent in English, including summer school, until they can move into mainstream classrooms. Overall, TRIS provides a structured academic progression from early years to Grade 12 that combines U.S. academic standards with holistic character development and technical enrichment.
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 —	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & 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.	Social & emotional learning While the school states that lessons emphasize collaborative learning, critical thinking, and practical application within its California-aligned curriculum, there is no direct mention of a dedicated “SEL” program, staff, or formal initiative focused explicitly on social and emotional learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose any information regarding support for Special Educational Needs (SEN).	Special educational needs (SEN) Trinity offers “Learning Support”, where teachers, learning support staff, and parents collaborate to tailor support for each student’s needs. However, the school does not publicly detail the types of special educational needs it supports or confirm whether it operates as a specialist SEN school.
English as an additional language	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.	English as an additional language The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support through its English as a Second Language (ESL) program. This program is designed to help students with limited English proficiency improve their language skills, with smaller class sizes and tailored instruction to support their transition into mainstream classes.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing There is no specific information published about mental wellbeing programs, counselling staff, or dedicated initiatives.	Mental wellbeing There is no specific information on the school site regarding mental wellbeing programs, dedicated staff like counsellors, or wellbeing-focused initiatives.
Safeguarding	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 The website does not publicly share details about safeguarding policies, child protection measures, or how these are enacted within the school community.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview The Trinity International School campus operates Kindergarten through Grade 12 in Bangkok, located at 30 Sukhumvit Soi 36 Lane 2, Bangkok 10110. It has modern facilities and a brand-new building. The campus sits on Sukhumvit 36 in the heart of Bangkok and is close to Thonglor BTS. The main language of instruction across all programs is English.
Sports facilities	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.	Sports facilities The school offers competitive interscholastic athletics.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities The campus uses leading technology in classroom teaching. The school offers three educational programs (Regular, SPACE, Online) for Kindergarten through Grade 12, with English as the main language of instruction.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	Extra curricular facilities After-school activities and clubs are available. Competitive interscholastic athletics are part of extracurricular offerings.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History Trinity International School (TRIS) was founded in 2003 and operates as a privately owned Seventh‑day Adventist Christian education school that follows California Common Core standards. It was established to serve both expatriate and Thai families seeking international education at a relatively affordable cost.
Community	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.	Community The school community frequently gathers for events that involve students, staff, and parents. Annual highlights include the Christmas Fun Fair, featuring performances and games organized by students, parents, and teachers. Another key cultural event is Sports Day, where students take part in athletic activities and community-building activities. The school has also celebrated Book Week, during which students and staff dress as favourite book characters and share creative expressions through art and writing.
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.	Parent teacher association Information about a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA), including specific groups, initiatives, or events led by parents and teachers, is not publicly disclosed on the school’s website.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The school provides a comprehensive K-12 curriculum directed by the California Department of Education and aligned with Common Core standards. Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science are taught in English with an emphasis on collaborative learning and critical thinking. Thai Language and Culture is taught across grade levels, and high school offers AP subjects.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative Art and Music are part of the K-12 curriculum. Elementary through High School includes Computer Skills & Robotics and Animation & Programming as offerings. High School also provides related arts electives that support creative and technical expression.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Thai Language and Culture is taught across grade levels. English is the primary instructional language and the school emphasizes mastery of English. The school is a privately owned Seventh-day Adventist Christian Education School.
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies TRIS offers extracurricular activities and events including Spiritual Emphasis Week, Pathfinder ceremonies and camps, Book Week, Loy Krathong celebrations, and Songkran. TRIS Times is a student publication. Tris Got Talent, Christmas Celebration, and the Autumn Festival are part of the school's events.
Community & service	Community & service ECA includes volunteering and leadership activities. Students have opportunities to participate in community service and service-learning projects.	Community & service The mission provides affordable values-oriented education in a multinational environment. Graduates are prepared to be active in local and global communities. ESLOs include working hard and thinking critically, appreciating cultural diversity, and being an honest, responsible community member.
Leadership & professional	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.	Leadership & professional The school emphasizes leadership and professional competencies as part of its ESLOs and mission. AP subjects in high school include Calculus, Physics, Literature, Chemistry, Language, and Biology. The curriculum prepares graduates for higher education and professional life.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletics, physical education, and health are integral to TRIS. The school competes in the Greater Bangkok Athletic Conference. The program emphasizes lifelong health and physical development.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision The school teaches in English as the language of instruction across the K-12 curriculum. Thai Language and Culture is taught at all grade levels. An ESL program supports students with limited English, with leveled classes and a dedicated ESL team. The curriculum is directed by the California Department of Education and aligned with Common Core standards, with AP subjects offered in high school.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards The school does not publicly disclose any awards received in the past five years.
Accreditations	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.	Accreditations WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) A U.S.-based accrediting body that evaluates and certifies the quality and effectiveness of schools and colleges through rigorous standards and peer review. ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment) Thailand’s national agency is responsible for evaluating and accrediting educational institutions for quality assurance. Thai Ministry of Education The government authority that licenses and regulates educational institutions in Thailand, ensuring compliance with national education laws and policies. California Department of Education Oversees the California state curriculum and educational standards, ensuring schools meet requirements for American curriculum delivery.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Submit Application and Fee Parents complete the TRIS Application for Admission and pay a non-refundable application fee. The application must be accompanied by required documents, including a recent medical report, immunisation record, and the student’s most recent school report. 2. Take Placement Test Applicants aged six or older take a placement test. Students with low scores in English are required to join the ESL program. 3. Confirm Acceptance and Pay Fees Once accepted, families must pay one-time entry fees and annual fees. Additional costs may apply for ESL, graduation, and parent council membership. 4. Collect Registration Package Families receive a package with key information, school calendar, timetable, request forms (e.g., transport, lockers, online access), and the Student/Parent Handbook. This package also includes teacher contact details and school layout maps.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school’s official website does not mention any scholarships or financial aid programs.	Scholarships The school does not publicly disclose information about scholarships or financial aid in the provided admissions materials.
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.	Waitlist The school operates an open admissions policy, meaning students can enrol at any time during the school year if places are available. There is no publicly stated waitlist or pool system.
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