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American Prep International School

Thailand, Hatyai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees THB 170,000 - 190,000
Ages 2 - 12 years
Pupil numbers 80
Type Co-educational
Opened 2015
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Taught languages Thai
Typical class size 10
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Primary School, Preschool
Introduction

American Prep International School (APIS), founded in August 2015 in Hat Yai, serves children aged approximately 2 to 12 years (Pre-K to Grade 6). The school follows the California-based American Curriculum and blends traditional classroom learning with e-learning, where students from Grade 4 upward use laptops and digital textbooks. With around 80 students and class sizes of roughly 10, APIS offers close-knit learning. It emphasizes five character-development traits—Collaboration, Critical thinking, Creativity, Compassion, and Communication—across its curriculum. Students participate actively in STEM-focused projects, including robotics and STEM outreach, and enjoy school-hosted events like Science Quiz Bees and Chinese New Year celebrations. Instruction is in English, and programs extend beyond academics to include international-cultural days and service opportunities. Tuition for the 2024-25 year ranges from approximately THB 150,000 to 170,000.

2FCX+353, Tambon Hat Yai, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand.

The Essentials

American Prep International School has 80 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location

American Prep International School is located in Hat Yai, the largest city in Songkhla Province in southern Thailand. The campus is situated in an urban area close to residential neighbourhoods, shopping centres, and local amenities. Hat Yai International Airport is around 15 km away, and the city is well-connected by major roads and rail links. While public transport options are available, most families use private vehicles; no school transport service is currently listed.

Stages

APIS offers education from Pre-Kindergarten (age 2) to Grade 6 (approximately age 12). The school is structured into an Early Years programme (Pre-K to Kindergarten) and an Elementary programme (Grades 1 to 6).

Type

APIS is a co-educational day school. There are no boarding facilities offered.

Additional learning support

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding provision for Additional Learning Needs or Special Educational Needs on its website.

Country affiliation

The school follows the American curriculum, specifically based on the California Department of Education model, but is not officially affiliated with a specific U.S. state or federal agency.

Religious affiliation

APIS is a secular school with no religious affiliation.

School day structure

The school day begins at 8:30 AM with a flag-raising ceremony followed by homeroom, and classes run until 3:30 PM. The campus is open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, but only for students participating in supervised, school-sponsored programmes; otherwise, students should depart by 4:00 PM.

Bus service

There is no explicit or confirmed information about bus services on APIS’s website.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are mandatory for all students. Boys wear a shirt tucked into prescribed pants with a belt and top buttons fastened except the top one; girls wear a shirt with a modest skirt; athletic shoes are acceptable for both. Non-uniform days are allowed on approved occasions with guidelines.

Food Options

The school has a canteen on campus. Canteen protocol includes speaking English at the table, proper table etiquette, and cleanliness.

Governance and Ownership

The school is owned and founded by Dr. Phakdee Mangmiwatthana; there is a local management team supporting day-to-day operations.
Fees

Annual tuition at American Prep International School ranges from THB 170,000 to THB 190,000 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
A one-time admission fee of THB 80,000 is required for all new students. This includes a non-refundable Campus Development Fund of THB 50,000, a non-refundable Books & e-Books Fee of THB 25,000, and a refundable Security Deposit of THB 5,000, returned upon withdrawal under school policy.

Tuition Fees (Per Year)

American Curriculum Stream
Pre-K – K3 (Ages 2–6): THB 170,000
Grade 1 – Grade 3 (Ages 6–9): THB 180,000
Grade 4 – Grade 6 (Ages 9–12): THB 190,000

Fees are billed by term as follows:
Term 1: 50%
Term 2: 50%

Additional Fees
Music lessons, English language development, core-subject tutorials, school uniforms, and other optional services are charged separately. Lunch fees are included in the tuition costs.

Refund Policy
90% of tuition is refundable if withdrawal occurs within the first week of the semester.
50% of tuition is refundable if withdrawal occurs within the second week of the semester.
No tuition refund is provided after the second week.
General fees are non-refundable after the first day of school.

Payment Options
Payments are accepted in Thai Baht, net of any bank charges, and can be made by cash at the finance office or by cheque payable to “Cash.” A late payment fine of THB 200 per day applies, up to a maximum of THB 5,000.
Academics

American Prep International School teaches American Curriculum for students aged 2 to 12.

Curriculum

American Prep International School delivers the American curriculum based on California Department of Education (CDE) standards. Core subjects include English language studies, mathematics, science, social studies, information technology, art, music, and physical education. A qualified Thai teacher provides Thai language and culture instruction in compliance with the Thai Ministry of Education. From Grade 4, students use laptops and e-books to support learning. The school incorporates project-based learning, STEM activities, and character education through the “5 C’s”: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Compassion, and Communication. The programme is designed for students aged 2–12, preparing them for further education in international or bilingual schools in Thailand or abroad.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

APIS emphasizes emotional and social growth within its elementary programme, promoting compassion, empathy, and collaborative learning in daily activities. They integrate the “5 C’s”, Creativity, Critical thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Compassion- across the curriculum to nurture these qualities. There is no further detail on specific staff roles, dedicated SEL programmes, or structured support systems.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding provisions, programmes, or staff support specifically for students with Special Educational Needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding support for English as an Additional Language learners.

Mental Wellbeing

While APIS emphasizes a supportive and engaging environment in its welcome message, stating they aim for students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, there is no publicly available detail on specific mental wellbeing programmes, counselling services, or dedicated staff.

Safeguarding

APIS has confirmed that a teacher on their staff recently obtained safeguarding certification, demonstrating the school’s attention to student safety and their staff’s readiness to protect students. No additional policies, procedures, or details are provided in the public domain.
Parent Experience

History

American Prep International School was established to provide a structured and academically focused education, welcoming both local and international students. Since its founding, the school has been owned and operated under a private management structure, with leadership focused on maintaining consistent educational standards. Over the years, it has expanded its facilities and programs to accommodate a growing student body. The school’s development reflects a steady commitment to academic excellence, extracurricular opportunities, and cultural diversity.

Community

The school community is active and inclusive, with students, parents, and staff taking part in various activities throughout the year. Events such as cultural celebrations, sports days, and seasonal performances bring together families and staff, fostering strong connections. Community engagement also extends to charity drives and collaborative projects with local organizations.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parent Teacher Association works closely with school leadership to support student life and enhance the learning environment. Regular PTA meetings provide a forum for parents to share feedback, suggest initiatives, and coordinate volunteer efforts. The PTA plays a key role in organizing events such as the International Day, school fairs, and teacher appreciation activities. It also assists with fundraising for special projects and supports extracurricular programs. Through these efforts, the PTA strengthens communication between home and school and builds a sense of shared responsibility for student success.
Gallery
Facilities

Academic Facilities

APIS provides an American-based international education at the elementary level. The curriculum emphasizes cross-curricular character development with a student-centered focus and differentiated instruction. The school hosts STEM-focused activities and partnerships with universities to enrich learning, including a STEM Day with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Prince of Songkla University (PSU) Hat Yai.

Extra Curricular Facilities

APIS offers extracurricular programs that support global citizenship and service. STEM-related activities and international exchange opportunities are part of student life. The school has organized online international exchange meetings with partner institutions. Character development is integrated with extracurricular involvement.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school is American Prep International School (APIS) and is located in Hat Yai, Thailand. The school emphasizes trend-setting e-learning and blended education. The school follows an American-based international education model.
Languages

Language Provision

English language development is offered as a paid service; the school provides American-based international education.
Reputation

Accreditations

Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA): Accreditation granted by Thailand’s official education quality assurance body, valid for the 2023–2027 cycle.

International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT): Membership in a national body that works with the Ministry of Education to support and promote quality standards in international schools.

California Department of Education (CDE): The curriculum is aligned with the CDE standards, ensuring it follows U.S. educational benchmarks.

ChildSafeguarding.com Recognized School (since 2025): Recognition indicates the school meets specific training and awareness standards in child safeguarding practices.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Submit Application; Download the Student Application Form from the school website and contact the Admissions Office to arrange an appointment. The completed form may be emailed directly to the school or printed, filled out by hand, and delivered in person.

2. Schedule Appointment & Complete Requirements: Meet with the Admissions Office to sit a placement test and attend an interview, followed by a conference between parents and the Admissions Committee. Families must also provide the necessary documents, which include recent colour photographs of the student, a copy of the birth certificate, house registration, student ID card (for students aged over 15), a current medical certificate, and the official transcript from the previous school. Non-Thai applicants must additionally present a copy of their passport, copies of parents’ passports with valid non-immigrant visas or work permits, and other proof of legal status in Thailand.

3. Register as an Official Student: After acceptance, complete the registration with the Finance Office, including payment of the admission fees and required deposits.

4. Attend Orientation: All new students take part in a general orientation, with middle school students also completing an introduction to the school’s e-learning systems. Parents and designated guardians for Pre-K to Grade 5 students must submit photographs for school security records.

5. Age Guidelines: Pre-Kindergarten applicants must be two years old by August 1. Grade 1 applicants must be six years old by the same date.

Scholarships

The school does not publicly disclose any scholarship programmes or eligibility criteria.

Waitlist

The school does not publicly state the operation of a waitlist or pool system.
School Events
The school has not added events