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Chiang Mai International School

Thailand, Chiang Mai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees THB 325,400 - 552,600
Ages 3 - 17 years
Pupil numbers 514
Type Co-educational
Opened 1985
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Taught languages French, Mandarin, Spanish, Thai
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Chiang Mai International School (CMIS) started in 1954 as a small school for children of missionaries in northern Thailand. It now offers classes from preschool through Grade 12 and follows a U.S.-based curriculum taught in English. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and approved by the Thai Ministry of Education. High school students can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses that help prepare them for university. Students come from many different countries, and the school does not require any specific religious background. The school is located in Chiang Mai and has a range of facilities to support learning and activities. These include a swimming pool, sports fields, covered play and sports areas, a theatre, music and dance rooms, and classrooms for art and languages. Students can join activities outside of regular classes, such as sports or music. The school keeps its class sizes relatively small, and students of different ages and backgrounds learn together in a shared space.

13 Chetupon Rd. Chiang Mai, Thailand 50000

The Essentials

Chiang Mai International School has 514 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.

Location
Chiang Mai International School is located at 13 Chetupon Road, in the Wat Ket sub-district of central Chiang Mai, directly behind Prince Royal College and near the Wat Chetupon temple. The campus is within walking distance of the Ping River and Chiang Mai Railway Station, making it accessible by local shuttle, tuk-tuk, or public transit.

Stages
CMIS serves children across Preschool, Kindergarten/Primary (KG–Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12), all in one cohesive campus.

Type
It is a non-profit, co‑educational day school and does not offer boarding options.

Additional learning support
In Middle and High School, CMIS offers limited EAP (English for Academic Purposes) support for students with diagnosed learning needs, complete with an Individual Academic Plan after official diagnosis.

Country affiliation
The school has no direct affiliation with any national government.

Religious affiliation
CMIS is affiliated with the Christian faith, reflecting its foundation by Church of Christ missionaries and ongoing Christian ethos. CMIS also warmly welcomes students and staff from differing religious backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.

School day structure
School begins at 7:40 AM and ends at 2:35 PM.

Bus service
CMIS does not publicly list a dedicated school bus or coach service.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school does not provide dormitories for students.

Uniform Requirement
CMIS does not require uniforms. Students must dress modestly and sensibly, with clothing respectful of Thai culture. PE attire is required in designated grades: Grades 1–8 wear CMIS sports shorts and shirts, and Grades 10–12 wear appropriate PE attire.

Food Options
Preschool through Grade 4 participate in the CMIS Lunch Program with fixed menus; students may also pack food from home. Grades 5–12 generally purchase lunch from the cafeteria, butLunch from home is also possible.

Governance and Ownership
CMIS is an independent, co-educational, non-profit day school. It serves missionary families and maintains the heritage and values of the Christian faith at the heart of the school.
Fees

Annual tuition at Chiang Mai International School ranges from THB 325,400 to THB 552,600 for 2026/27.

Application & Enrollment Fees
Application Fee: THB 5,000 (non-refundable) for all levels

Preschool Enrollment Fee (P3–4): THB 30,000 (one-time)

New Student Enrollment Fee (KG–12): THB 100,000 (one-time)

Alumni Association Fee: THB 2,000 (one-time) for KG–12

Continuing Enrollment Deposit: THB 5,000 (one-time) for KG–12

Annual Additional Fees
Capital Improvement Fee: THB 10,000 for KG–12
Chromebook Insurance (Gr 6–12): THB 1,000

Overnight Trip Fees (Gr 6–12) per Academic Year
Grade 6: THB 7,000(1 night)
Grades 7–8: THB 9,000 (2 nights)
Grades 9–10: THB 12,000 (3 nights)
Grades 11–12: THB 14,000 (4 nights)
Note: These are required for all students in Grades 6–12

Annual Tuition Fees
Preschool 3–4: THB 325,400
Kindergarten–Grade 5: THB 406,500
Grades 6–8: THB 441,300
Grades 9–12: THB 552,600

Billing & Refund Policy
Tuition and fees are billed in two equal semester installments.

Prorated tuition refunds are available only if a student withdraws within 49 days of a semester, at a rate of 2% of semester tuition per day. No refunds after 50 days. Application, enrollment, alumni, and deposit fees are non-refundable

Late Payment
A 1.5% per month overdue interest applies to missed payments

Payment Methods
Payments are accepted via bank transfer, cashier’s check, cash, and PromptPay.
Academics

Chiang Mai International School teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 17.

Curriculum
Chiang Mai International delivers an American standards-based curriculum across Preschool to Grade 12, using Common Core (ELA & Math), NGSS (Science), and C3 (Social Studies) frameworks. Preschool follows the inquiry-driven Creative Curriculum focused on play-based development and foundational literacy, numeracy, art, Thai language, music, PE, and library time. Elementary (K–5) builds on those standards with specialist-taught subjects including computers, art, music, PE, and Thai language and culture. In Middle School (Grades 6–8), students take core subjects plus electives in wellness, drama, music, art, computers, and languages, supported by strong social-emotional learning and laptop integration. High School (Grades 9–12) continues core instruction alongside a broad elective catalogue (PE, art, tech, drama, languages), while offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the AP Capstone Diploma (AP Seminar & Research). All divisions also offer Thai language, culture, and history at Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, and provide learning support via the Student Success Department for students with identified needs.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school does not publicly display detailed information about Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) on its official website. However, CMIS lists a wellness coach, counselors, and a spiritual advisor as part of its Student Support Team. Homeroom teachers are also positioned to provide day-to-day guidance and care. These roles suggest that SEL is embedded through staff responsibilities, but no specific SEL programmes, frameworks, or classroom practices are described.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly display detailed information about Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision on its official website. CMIS is not a specialist SEN institution but lists a Special Teaching Assistant among its staff, indicating some capacity for support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not publicly display detailed information about its EAL provision on its official website. CMIS does list an EAL Coordinator among its faculty, which implies that support is offered for students learning English as an additional language.

Mental Wellbeing
The school does not publicly display detailed information about mental wellbeing programmes on its official website. CMIS includes counselors and a wellness coach on its staff, suggesting some support for student mental health.

Safeguarding
The school does not publicly display detailed information about its safeguarding policies or procedures on its official website. It does note that all staff are required to pass background and police checks as part of the hiring process, which is a basic safeguarding measure.
Parent Experience

History
Chiang Mai International School (CMIS) was established on June 1, 1954, originally operating as the Chiang Mai Children’s Center for missionary families. It moved to its current site in 1958. In 1985, it received formal recognition from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the name CMIS. The school is owned and operated by the Church of Christ in Thailand and is governed by a board appointed through the church.

Community
CMIS serves a student population that includes families from over 30 countries. The school hosts cultural events such as Thai festivals and community service activities, including visits to local organizations and donation drives. Communication with families is facilitated through regular newsletters and email updates.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school’s parent engagement is structured through a Parent Teacher Group (PTG), which includes all parents, teachers, and administrators as members. The PTG meets monthly and provides a platform for sharing feedback and coordinating involvement in school activities. It supports school functions through volunteering and fundraising, such as coaching sports, assisting with events, and contributing to classroom needs. Participation is optional and open to all members of the school community. Specific roles include classroom support and coordination of extracurricular contributions.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Chiang Mai International School offers an English-language, American-sourced education. CMIS is the first international school in Thailand outside Bangkok. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including McKean House (Administration), Preschool, Auditorium, High School, Elementary, Gymnasium, Covered Court, Secondary School, and a Learning Center & Cafeteria. The Gymnasium has full-sized basketball and volleyball courts and a Positive Air Pressure System that purifies the air on the second floor, and it also houses language and dance classrooms. The High School building was expanded in 2022 to 11 classrooms and includes a Health Center and a Students Support Team Office. A Learning Center & Cafeteria was added in 2019.

Sports Facilities
The gymnasium has full-sized basketball and volleyball courts. A covered court was added in 2017. The gymnasium also houses language and dance classrooms.

Academic Facilities
Preschool (1958) and Elementary (1997) buildings are on campus. The High-School building (1990) was renovated in 2021 and expanded in 2022 to 11 classrooms and a Health Center and Students Support Team Office. The Auditorium (1988) underwent major renovation in 2017. A Learning Center & Cafeteria was added in 2019.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school highlights student excellence in the arts, athletics, community service, and leadership.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
CMIS offers an English-language, American-sourced education with a standards-based curriculum. The high school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including the AP Capstone Diploma; in 2024-25, 119 CMIS students took 280 AP exams across 36 subjects, with 92.44% scoring 3 or higher. World languages are part of the core program (Thai, French, Spanish, and Mandarin), with a requirement for two years of one world language. All high school students receive Chromebooks to support technology-enabled learning.

Arts & Creative
The high school provides electives in Studio Art, 3D Art/Sculpture, Theater Arts, Band, Dance, Digital Graphics, and other creative subjects to support a broad arts program.

Cultural & Language
World Languages at CMIS include Thai, French, Spanish, and Mandarin. All Grades 9–12 students complete at least two years of one world language. Thai Language, Culture, and History is a required course for students with Thai nationality.

Social & Hobbies
CMIS offers clubs and activities such as the National Honor Society, Model United Nations, Interact Club, and the Student Council, along with hobby and interest clubs including Chess, Ultimate Frisbee, and Thai dance.

Community & Service
CMIS requires 60 hours of service learning for graduation, emphasizing global citizenship and community engagement as part of the high school experience.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership is fostered through the Student Council, NHS, MUN, Interact Club, and other leadership-focused activities; a college and career counseling program supports students in leadership development and professional planning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The high school operates on a two-semester year with a 6-period day on an eight-block rotating schedule. All CMIS high school students have Chromebooks, and the curriculum includes Physical Education and Strength & Fitness as part of student life.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in English. CMIS offers two curricula: a Thai Curriculum for Thai students and an International Curriculum for international students. Thai language, culture, and history are taught in three levels: Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced within the Thai Curriculum, which was revised in 2020 to align with Thailand's Private Education Commission standards. For international students, Thai language instruction aims to enrich understanding of Thai culture and to enable communication with locals; English Language Development (ELD) is provided for non-native English speakers per CMIS guidelines.
Reputation

Awards
The school does not list any awards specifically conferred to the school institution within the past five years on its public website.

Accreditations
* Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based accrediting body that ensures CMIS meets internationally recognized standards for educational quality and institutional improvement.

* Advanced Placement (AP) Program: CMIS is authorized to offer AP courses, a U.S. college-level curriculum that allows students to earn advanced standing or credit at many universities.

* Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA): A Thai government agency responsible for evaluating educational institutions across Thailand to ensure they meet national quality benchmarks.

* International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT): A professional organization that supports collaboration and standards among international schools in Thailand.

* East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS): A network that connects international schools in East Asia to share educational practices, resources, and professional development.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Book an Open House or campus visit.
CMIS offers group visits where up to three families can tour the campus by appointment. These visits are not testing days but give you a chance to see facilities and ask questions before applying.

2. Submit the online application form and documents.
Parents complete the digital application and upload required items like student passport, school reports (last 2 years), a teacher recommendation, birth certificate, immunization records, and any learning assessments or support documentation if relevant.

3. Admissions review and eligibility check.
The Admissions Team reviews your child’s academic performance, age eligibility, English language level, and any learning support needs. They will contact you to clarify missing details or proceed with the next step.

4. Pay the application fee and confirm testing.
Once the Admissions Team has reviewed the application and determined that the student may be a fit, they will reach out to arrange entrance testing. The official application form states that a non‑refundable fee is due at this stage, though this is not stated on the admissions webpage. Testing typically includes English and math assessments and may vary by grade level.

5. Attend entrance assessments.
The student completes their evaluation either on campus or remotely (if overseas). This helps the school assess academic fit and determine if English as an Additional Language (EAL) or other support services may be needed.

6. Receive an admission decision.
After reviewing all results and documentation, the school provides an official response. If accepted, your child is offered a seat, and you’ll receive an offer letter with next steps for enrollment.

7. Complete the enrollment process.
To finalize the place, you must submit required forms, pay the enrollment fee, and confirm your child’s start date. CMIS will then coordinate with your family on orientation and the start of classes.

Scholarships
CMIS offers one formal scholarship and one discounted tuition category, both outlined on the school website and related documentation:

1. Outstanding Senior Scholarship Award
A merit-based scholarship sponsored by the CMIS Parent Teacher Group (PTG), offering a cash award of 35,000 baht. It is awarded annually to a graduating senior who demonstrates academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.

Eligibility criteria include:
* Attending CMIS for more than one academic year (including the current year)
* Being eligible to graduate in good standing
* Submitting an application and a written essay

Selection is based on:
* GPA at CMIS
* Demonstrated leadership and service at school and in the broader community
* Quality and persuasiveness of the essay

The recipient is chosen by a committee of CMIS faculty, administration, PTG representatives, and one parent not connected to the senior class.

2. Missionary Tuition Discount
CMIS offers a reduced tuition rate to families engaged in full-time Christian missionary work. Eligibility must be verified with the school. This is not a merit scholarship but a discounted fee structure applied to qualifying applicants.

Waitlist
CMIS does not operate a formal numbered waitlist or rolling admissions pool. Instead, when a grade level reaches capacity, the school uses a priority-based consideration system.

The official CMIS Priority Categories are:
* Christian missionary families
* CMIS staff children
* Diplomatic or consular families
* Former CMIS families returning from abroad
* NGO or non-profit organization families
* Siblings of current CMIS students

All other applicants (considered on a space-available basis)

CMIS states that it "reserves spaces for qualified priority applicants," meaning that space may still be held for someone in a higher category even if others are already waiting.
School Events
The school has not added events
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