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Daniel International School

Thailand, Surat Thani

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees THB 308,000 - 459,200
Ages 3 - 13 years
Pupil numbers 91
Type Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2023
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Mandarin, Thai
Typical class size 7
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, STEM, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Daniel International School opened its doors on August 7, 2023, in Surat Thani, Thailand, nestled by the Tapi River in Kanchanadit District. The school serves children from Nursery through Grade 9 (ages roughly 3–14), planning to grow through high school. Instruction is in English, with Mandarin Chinese, Thai Language & Culture, and religion classes taught separately. DIS delivers a custom curriculum drawing on American, British, Australian, Chinese, and Thai standards, with preparation for Advanced Placement tests in Grades 11–12. Students engage in a STEAM-rich environment, featuring robotics, coding, design, arts, and performance labs, and are encouraged to serve their community through leadership and service opportunities. The Boarding Family Program offers caring host-family living for students from outside the area.

99/1 Ban Bo Chalok, Moo 4 Thung Kong, Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani 84290, Thailand.

The Essentials

Daniel International School has 91 pupils, typical class sizes of 7, instruction in English.

Location
Daniel International School is located in Ban Bo Chalok, Thung Kong, Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. The campus sits near the Tapi River, a short drive from Surat Thani city. The area is peaceful and residential, with access to regional road networks. Its position in southern Thailand makes it accessible for families relocating to this part of the country.

Stages
The school currently offers education from Early Years (Nursery and Kindergarten) through Primary and Middle School (Grades 1–8). In the 2025–26 school year, it will expand to include Grade 9, marking the start of its High School program.

Type
Daniel International School is a co-educational day school. For families living outside of Surat Thani, it also offers a Boarding Family Program, where students stay with trained host families during the week or full-time.

Additional learning support
The school states that basic SEN support is included in tuition. However, it does not publicly provide further details about specific provisions, specialist staff, or the range of needs it can support.

Country affiliation
The school is independent and does not have a formal affiliation with any one country, though its curriculum is based on American standards with international elements.

Religious affiliation
The school has a Christian affiliation, and Religion & Ethics classes are taught from a Christian worldview.

School day structure
The school has not publicly disclosed its exact daily timetable, including start and finish times, lunch, or breaks.

Bus service
The website does not mention a general school bus service for day students. However, students enrolled in the Boarding Family Program receive daily transport to and from school as part of the arrangement with host families.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is arranged through the Boarding Family Program for students who live outside Surat Thani city. Host families care for the child's physical, mental, and spiritual needs and may provide an English or Chinese language environment. The program includes WIFI, a personal study desk, air conditioning, breakfast and dinner daily, and transportation to and from school if needed. Boarding fees are 90,000 Baht per term for weekdays only; weekend stays cost an extra 1,000 Baht per day; everyday boarding costs 126,000 Baht per term.

Uniform Requirement
DIS has uniforms. Uniforms are required and are available for purchase after tuition fees are paid. Details are provided in the DIS Uniforms brochure.

Food Options
Lunch is not included in tuition; lunch is charged at the start of each semester at 100 Baht per day, and students may bring lunch from home. The Boarding Program provides breakfast and dinner daily, with lunch at school available for an additional cost.
Fees

Annual tuition at Daniel International School ranges from THB 308,000 to THB 459,200 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
A one-time Application/Screening Fee of THB 5,000 is required for all applicants (non-refundable).
A one-time Entrance Fee of THB 100,000 is also charged for new students, with sibling discounts:
second child THB 70,000, third child THB 40,000, and fourth child THB 25,000.

Tuition Fees (Per Year)

Nursery & Kindergarten: approx. THB 308,000
Primary School (Grades 1–4): THB 330,000 – THB 380,000
Middle School (Grades 5–8): THB 400,000 – THB 459,200

Fees are billed termly, with three installments across the academic year.
Families who pay the full year in advance (except Early Years) receive a small discount.

Additional Fees
Not included in tuition: daily meals, uniforms, stationery, sports kits, school trips, external exams,
additional SEN support beyond the school’s policy, and student devices (e.g., MacBooks).

Sibling Discount
Second child: 10% tuition discount
Third child: 20% tuition discount
Fourth child and beyond: 30% tuition discount

Boarding Fees
The Boarding Family Program offers homestay-style accommodation with trained host families.
Fees cover accommodation, meals, and daily transportation to and from school.
Rates differ depending on weekday-only or full-time boarding arrangements.
Exact figures are not published online.

Refund Policy
Fees are non-refundable once paid.
If a grade does not open as scheduled, families are entitled to a pro-rata refund of the entrance fee.

Payment Options
Payments can be made via bank transfer, PromptPay QR code, or credit card (Visa/Mastercard)
at the school office. A small surcharge applies for credit card transactions.
Academics

Daniel International School teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 13.

Curriculum
Daniel International School follows an international program based on American Common Core Standards, adapted with elements from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Thailand. The Early Years (Nursery and Kindergarten) focus on play-based, inquiry-led learning. Primary (Grades 1–4) and Middle School (Grades 5–8) emphasize concept-driven study, performance-based assessments, and integration of STEAM subjects such as robotics, coding, design, and the arts. High School begins with Grade 9 in 2025–26, with a program that expands to Grades 11–12 and prepares students for Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. Instruction is delivered in English, with additional subjects in Thai Language & Culture, Mandarin Chinese, Arts, Physical Education, and Religion & Ethics. The school’s curriculum is designed to provide continuity from Early Years through to senior grades, blending academic study with creative and technological development.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEL provision, initiatives, or programmes.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school’s published tuition information states that basic SEN support is included in the tuition fees. However, it does not provide details about the types of SEN needs supported, specific staff roles, or tailored programmes. Daniel International School is not described as a specialist SEN institution. Additional SEN support beyond the school’s standard provisions is listed as an extra cost. No further information is available on the scope of support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school provides English as a Second Language (ESL) support as part of the curriculum. It also uses WIDA assessments to monitor and track the progress of English language learners. However, the school does not publish detailed information about the structure, staffing, or extent of its EAL programmes.

Mental Wellbeing
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding mental wellbeing programmes, counselling staff, or other wellbeing-focused initiatives.

Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding or child protection policies, procedures, or designated staff.
Parent Experience

History
Daniel International School was founded in 2022 under the direction of a private board with the vision of creating a faith-based international learning environment. The school began with a single campus and quickly expanded its facilities to support both academic and extracurricular growth. Since its establishment, the school has placed emphasis on community engagement alongside its academic programs. The leadership team continues to oversee its development with an eye toward steady, long-term growth.

Community
The school community is made up of students, families, and staff who regularly gather for cultural and seasonal events. Annual celebrations include ceremonies marking the start and end of the year, holiday performances, and community service activities. Events such as showcases, parent gatherings, and student performances encourage participation and strengthen connections across different parts of the school.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Association plays an active role in school life by organizing and supporting events that connect families and staff. Regular activities include parent workshops, fundraising events, and cultural celebrations. The PTA helps coordinate volunteer support during large gatherings, such as performances and end-of-year ceremonies. It also provides opportunities for parents to share feedback and collaborate with teachers on student initiatives. Through meetings and planned activities, the group helps maintain open communication between families and the school. In recent years, the PTA has also supported service projects and community outreach, encouraging students and parents to engage together beyond the classroom.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus spans 7.5 acres and features world-class facilities designed to support holistic education. The Lui Ming Choi Learning Center (Library Hub) sits at the center of DIS and supports reading, research, collaboration, and presentations. Facilities include dedicated spaces for Science, Fine Arts, and Food Nutrition, plus a Library Resource Area and a Cafeteria. Outdoor spaces include a running track, a soccer field, and multi-sport courts.

Sports Facilities
Outdoor sports facilities include a running track, a soccer field, basketball/volleyball/Takraw courts, and multi-sport courts.

Academic Facilities
The Learning Center Hub (Library) includes an Amphitheater, Group Learning Area, and Library Resource Area to support research, collaboration, and reading. There are STEM and Science Labs, Arts & Design Room, Music & Dance Room, a Cafeteria, and a Food & Nutrition Room.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Enrichment activities include the DIS STEM Camp 2025 and Art Lab exhibitions.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school provides a holistic international curriculum that emphasizes concept-based learning, understanding, creative and critical thinking, and the ability to transfer knowledge to real life. Instruction is trilingual in English, Chinese, and Thai. The program includes Arts, Physical & Health Education, Mandarin Chinese, Thai Language & Culture, and Spiritual/Character education to develop confident, culturally aware communicators and creative problem solvers who lead and serve their communities. The school aims to cultivate globally minded citizens.

Arts & Creative
Arts are part of the core curriculum. The school supports arts learning through the DIS Art Lab and related activities, including art exhibitions such as Art Exhibition at the DIS Art Lab. These arts offerings complement the broader curriculum to foster creativity and expressive work.

Cultural & Language
Mandarin Chinese and Thai Language & Culture are taught as part of the curriculum. The school provides trilingual learning in English, Chinese, and Thai. Spiritual/Character education complements language and culture learning to build intercultural awareness and ethical understanding.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers after-school activities and programs to encourage social interaction and skill development. Examples of extracurricular activities include the DIS STEM Camp. The school also hosts social and cultural events such as Friday Fun Night, which promote community engagement.

Community & Service
Spiritual/Character education reinforces service with love and a mindset of giving back. The community emphasizes discernment, integrity, and service, with opportunities for leadership and social responsibility. The school highlights developing balanced, global citizens who lead and serve their communities.

Leadership & Professional
Dr. Thomas J. Penland is the Founding Head of School. Brian Van Tassel is identified as the Future Head of School. The school is an active member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and is planning for ongoing accreditation through WASC, indicating a focus on professional standards and continuous improvement.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The campus spans 7.5 acres and includes facilities such as labs and sports facilities to support physical education and well-being. The learning environment is described as holistic, with emphasis on physical health, mental well-being, and balanced development within a tri-lingual setting. Physical & Health Education is a formal part of the program.
Languages

Language Provision
The language of instruction is English, with Thai and Chinese language classes taught as part of the curriculum. Multilingual education is delivered K-12 with mother-tongue support prioritized. Thai History & Culture is taught for native Thai speakers, and World Religion is part of the program. English language development is a high priority across the curriculum.

Bilingual Teaching
Trilingual learning in English, Chinese and Thai.

Immersion Programs
Boarding Family Program provides a foreign language environment (English or Chinese) for students living away from Surat Thani.
Reputation

Accreditations
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI): Membership: Daniel International School is a member of ACSI, which connects Christian schools worldwide and provides professional development and educational resources for teachers and administrators.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): Candidacy in progress: The school is currently in the process of pursuing accreditation with WASC, a U.S.-based accrediting body that evaluates international schools to ensure they meet recognized standards of quality in teaching, learning, and governance.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Parents can contact the school directly via email, phone, or Line OA (@danielschool) to arrange an information session or campus tour. This first step allows families to learn about the school’s curriculum, facilities, and admissions requirements.

2. Families complete the application form online or in person and submit the required documentation. At this stage, the non-refundable application/screening fee of THB 5,000 must also be paid before moving forward.

3. Applicants are scheduled for an in-person screening assessment. For overseas families, an online interview can be arranged as an alternative. The screening process evaluates the child’s readiness and placement suitability within the school’s grade structure.

4. An interview with the Head of School or senior staff is scheduled following the assessment. This provides an opportunity for the family to ask questions and for the school to better understand the student’s needs and background.

5. Once assessments and interviews are complete, the school notifies families of the admission decision. If accepted, parents confirm the place by paying the entrance fee and initial tuition payment, after which uniforms and other essentials can be arranged.

6. The final stage includes completing any outstanding documentation, attending an orientation meeting, and preparing the student to join classes. Orientation helps families and students adjust smoothly to the new school environment.

Scholarships
Daniel International School offers a need-based scholarship for Thai nationals applying to Grades 5–9 in the 2025/2026 academic year. The scholarship can cover up to 100% of required fees, including tuition, entrance, meals, and other compulsory charges. To qualify, applicants must hold Thai nationality, have attended a Thai school for the previous two years, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 before applying and at least 2.5 after acceptance. Applications are accepted from January to May 2025, and awards are reviewed each year to ensure that recipients continue to meet academic and school standards.

Waitlist
If a student successfully passes the admissions assessment but no seat is currently available, they are placed on a waiting list. The student is offered a place once space becomes available in the relevant year group. The school does not operate a pool system.
School Events
The school has not added events
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