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Panyaden International School

Thailand, Chiang Mai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Thai
Fees THB 303,000 - 571,000
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 405
Type Co-educational
Opened 2011
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages English, Thai
Typical class size 20
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Social and Hobbies, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Panyaden International School, located just south of Chiang Mai in Hang Dong district, is a bilingual day school serving children aged 2 to 18. Established in May 2011. From Years 1–6, students follow the British‑aligned International Primary Curriculum alongside Thai culture and language instruction. Years 7–9 engage with the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), which prepares them for the IB Diploma Programme in Years 12–13. The school community includes around 405 students representing more than 30 nationalities, taught by bilingual Thai and English‑speaking teachers. The curriculum emphasises values such as respect, responsibility, and environmental mindfulness, drawn from Buddhist principles. A notable feature is the combination of service and sustainability projects integrated across stages. The IB Diploma is offered by authorised faculty, and the school’s green campus environment and values-based approach are foundational and unique.

218, 218/1, Nam Phrae, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand

The Essentials

Panyaden International School has 405 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English, Thai.

Location
Panyaden International School is located in the Hang Dong district, about 15 minutes south of Chiang Mai city centre, in a semi-rural setting surrounded by rice fields and greenery. It is accessible by local road networks, with parents commonly using a car, bicycle, or a parent‑organised bus.

Stages
The school offers education from Nursery (about age 2) through Early Years (Kindergarten), Primary, Middle School (Years 7–9), and Secondary through to Year 13 (IB Diploma).

Type
Panyaden is a fully co‑educational day school.

Additional learning support
Panyaden provides language support for students needing extra help in English (ESL) or Thai (TSL). These services are assessed via WIDA tools and delivered through co‑teaching models.

Country affiliation
The school has no formal country affiliation.

Religious affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any particular religion; however, Buddhist values are integrated into daily life and learning, reflecting Thai cultural traditions.

School day structure
School hours in Early Years run approximately 08:20–15:15, with optional after‑school clubs until 16:00–17:00.

Bus service
Panyaden does not operate its own bus; however, there is a parent‑organised school bus coordinated via the Friends of Panyaden group.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has an official uniform that is compulsory. Uniforms must fit properly, be clean and presentable, and shoulders, upper chest, upper back and upper legs must be covered. Modest dress is required. Alterations or copies of the uniform are not acceptable. Hoodies or non-uniform pullovers are not permitted unless issued by the school. On monk-visit days, students wear either a sarong over their shorts or the uniform long trousers.

Food Options
The school operates two on-site canteens. The Bamboo Canteen has a modern kitchen and serves healthy meals to over 700 students and staff daily.

Governance and Ownership
The Panyaden Advisory Board (PAB) provides strategic guidance to the owner and executive management team for the development and improvement of the school. It comprises five members with backgrounds in marketing, governance, education, finance and operations, including Oliver Gritz (Chair), Prof. Erich Erber, Greg Smith, Piyapa Erber, Lamorna Cheesman and Romsai Tandakoseya; In Memoriam Thomas Tieber is noted as former Chair as of February 2025.
Fees

Annual tuition at Panyaden International School ranges from THB 303,000 to THB 571,000 for 2026/27.

Application Fee: THB 3,000 (non-refundable, payable at the time of application)
Admissions Fee: THB 65,000 (non-refundable, payable upon acceptance to confirm a seat)

Security Deposit
Nursery – Year 6: THB 5,000 (refundable)
Year 7 – 13: THB 15,000 (refundable)
Note: deposits are refunded upon withdrawal with required notice and deduction of any outstanding fees.

Annual Tuition Fees
Nursery – Kindergarten 2: THB 303,000
Year 1 – 2: THB 331,000
Year 3 – 4: THB 370,000
Year 5 – 6: THB 380,000
Year 7 – 9: THB 443,000
Year 10 – 11: THB 466,000
Year 12 – 13 (IB Diploma): THB 571,000

Sibling Discount
2nd child: 10%
3rd child or more: 15%
Note: discounts apply automatically and are adjusted if enrollment changes during the year.

Language Support Services
EAL (English): THB 25,000 per term (max 6 terms)
TAL (Thai): THB 17,000 per term (max 2 terms)

Other Charges
IB Exam Fees (Year 13): Approx. THB 32,000
University postage (Years 12–13): THB 1,500–2,500 per application
Transcript reprints: THB 300 per additional copy

Refund Policy
Annual payment: Only Term 2 refundable if withdrawal occurs during Term 1
Term payment: No refunds after term begins
Medical withdrawals are considered case by case
No refund for dismissal or force majeure closures

Payment Options
Bank transfer, Credit/debit cards, AMEX, and Alipay/WeChat Pay.

* Late fees: 1.5% monthly interest charged daily from term start for overdue payments
Academics

Panyaden International School teaches IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
Panyaden International School offers a bilingual curriculum combining international academic standards with Thai cultural values. In Early Years, the school follows the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with equal instruction in Thai and English. The Primary Years (Years 1–6) use the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) alongside the British national curriculum. For Middle School (Years 7–9), students follow the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), designed to support inquiry-based learning across subjects. From Year 10 to Year 11, students enter the Pre‑IB programme, preparing for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) offered in Years 12–13. The curriculum includes Thai language and culture, English and Thai literacy, mathematics, science, humanities, art, physical education, and music across school stages.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Panyaden supports Social and Emotional Learning through the work of its qualified school counsellor, Kru Sridevi, who offers individual counselling, classroom guidance lessons, and support for teachers and parents. The school integrates SEL into daily life using practices like meditation, life-skills education, and the “12 Wise Habits”, which encourage students to build emotional awareness and compassionate behaviour. These elements are delivered both explicitly in the curriculum and embedded throughout classroom routines. SEL is considered a shared responsibility across staff and is aligned with the school’s holistic educational approach.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school accepts students with documented learning differences, and admission decisions involve the Admissions team, the Learning Support teacher, and the Principal on a case-by-case basis. Support is provided through collaboration between classroom teachers, learning support teachers, teaching assistants, and specialist teachers to tailor learning to individual needs. However, Panyaden is not a specialist SEN institution and reserves the right to refuse admission if the student’s needs cannot be met by their existing programme.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Panyaden provides EAL support from Kindergarten through Year 11 via English for Academic Purposes classes in Secondary School and co‑teaching with language specialists in the sheltered immersion model. Language specialists work alongside homeroom and content teachers to adapt materials and support access to the curriculum across subjects. Incoming students are screened using WIDA assessments and progress is monitored with MAP testing aligned to English language development standards.

Mental Wellbeing
The school counsellor offers individual consultation and maintains an open‑door policy, allowing drop‑in access and support during difficult times. Kru Sridevi extends psychosocial support to students, staff, and parents, drawing on her professional training in counselling psychology to address emotional challenges. SEL elements such as meditation, the 12 Wise Habits, and classroom guidance contribute to a culture that supports mental wellbeing across the student community

Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose safeguarding or child protection policy documents on its website. However, it states that all prospective teachers and staff are required to submit detailed employment histories and undergo criminal background checks as part of the recruitment process. These measures are intended to ensure a safe and caring learning environment. Staff are also expected to model the school’s values and follow the 12 Wise Habits. Further information on the implementation or structure of safeguarding procedures is not available through the school’s public-facing resources.
Parent Experience

History
Panyaden International School was founded by Yodphet Sudsawad and officially opened on 18 May 2011, after construction of its campus began around December 2010. It is independently owned and was conceived to deliver a values-based education combining Buddhist principles and environmental mindfulness. The school’s architecture, designed by Markus Roselieb using earth and bamboo, reflects its commitment to sustainable design.

Community
The Panyaden community includes students, families, and staff from over two dozen nationalities. The school hosts events such as Thai Language and Culture Day, Loy Kratong, Makha Bucha, Vishaka Bucha, and friendly parent‑teacher sports games. On Fridays, the community typically wears traditional Lanna clothing, highlighting cultural connections .

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
All parents are automatically members of Friends of Panyaden (FoP), which acts as the school’s parent association and has voting rights for its Board of Directors . FoP organises community-building activities such as family potluck dinners, a school market, and an annual general meeting. It also holds orientation events for new families and engages with leadership through management meetings to share ideas and raise community concerns. In addition, FoP promotes and participates in green/environmental initiatives in alignment with the school’s values.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus spans 24 rai and features an award-winning Bamboo Assembly Hall, two libraries, two canteens, and a rice field. Early Years include two play areas and a kid-sized swimming pool. Primary facilities include a Life Skills Space, a playground, a Music Room, a Fine Arts Room, and a Theatre Room. Secondary facilities include a Science Centre with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics labs, a Music and Performance Arts Centre, and a Fine Arts Centre. The campus is sustainable, with buildings constructed from earth and bamboo, a Fresh Air System that provides PM2.5-free indoor air, and practices to reduce single-use plastics and compost waste.

Sports Facilities
Multi-Purpose Sports Fields support outdoor sports and physical education. The Fitness Centre provides gym facilities for students. The Bamboo Assembly Hall hosts PE classes and sports during the day and serves as a venue for student performances in the evening. The Bamboo Assembly Hall reflects sustainability and serves as a central hub for school life.

Academic Facilities
The campus includes a Science Centre with dedicated Biology, Chemistry, and Physics labs. It has a Music and Performance Arts Centre and a Fine Arts Centre. Primary learning spaces include a Life Skills Space, a Music Room, a Fine Arts Room, and a Theatre Room. There are two Libraries across the campus for academic resources.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Bamboo Assembly Hall is used for assemblies, PE classes, and sports and also hosts student performances and dhamma talks. The Music and Performance Arts Centre and Fine Arts Centre support arts-related activities beyond class time. The Rice Fields provide an outdoor classroom experience, connecting students with local farming and the journey from field to table. The Swimming Pool supports PE lessons and after-school activities for younger learners.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
After-school Activities (ASA) include coding and robotics, offering hands-on experiences in STEM. Students join Model United Nations and World Scholar's Cup competitions, expanding research, writing, and public-speaking skills. Entrepreneurs test business ideas through ASA clubs, and several clubs are led by teachers, parents, and community experts who bring real-world experience. Students of all ages are invited to join one of our after-school clubs.

Arts & Creative
Dance, band, art, and cooking clubs are offered through the ASA program. Clubs are led by teachers, parents, and community experts who bring real-world experience. A wide variety of creative activities is available throughout the year.

Social & Hobbies
Board games and Zumba are offered as recreational clubs. ASA fosters social connections and allows students to explore shared interests. Clubs are open to students of all ages.

Community & Service
Field trips and Journeys are part of Education Outside the Classroom, bringing classroom concepts to life. Journeys develop resilience, leadership, and self-confidence through outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Service Learning Trips connect students with local communities through hands-on projects, aligning their efforts with UN Sustainable Development Goals and Panyaden values.

Leadership & Professional
Entrepreneurs test their business ideas through ASA clubs. Athletic teams compete in CMAC, developing resilience, sportsmanship, and leadership. The 12 Wise Habits underpin leadership development across activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Phoenix Athletics Programme emphasizes resilience, sportsmanship, and leadership. Sports on offer include volleyball, basketball, football, swimming, track, and badminton. Journeys provide outdoor learning such as hiking, camping, and wilderness cooking. Mindfulness and well-being are promoted as part of Panyaden's values.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches English and Thai. English is the main language of instruction in integrated subjects; Thai is used for Thai language and Culture/History, with Thai First Language and Thai Additional Language provisions. English Language (EAL) support is provided for learners who do not yet have English. Early Years combines the UK EYFS with the Thai national curriculum in a bilingual English-Thai program. Specialist subjects in Primary are delivered in both languages, with Drama in English and Art, Music, PE, Life Skills in Thai; Library sessions alternate between languages.

Bilingual Teaching
The Early Years and Primary Years use a bilingual English-Thai approach. English and Thai are taught by international and Thai teachers to support Thai language acquisition. English is the main language of instruction in integrated subjects, with Thai used for Thai language, Culture and History, and some specialist subjects. Thai language learning is supported by Thai First Language and Thai Additional Language provisions, and English as an Additional Language support is available.
Reputation

Awards
Recognised for its sustainable, bamboo-and-earth architecture, including awards for eco-design and green construction.

Commended in WASC evaluation for integrating Buddhist values-based education and the “12 Wise Habits” into curriculum and community life.

Accreditations
Fully licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education.

Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), affirming its educational standards and academic integrity.

Recognised as an IB World School, authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme from Year 10–13.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Register your interest
Families are encouraged to arrange a personal visit (in-person or virtual) via the enquiry form to get a real sense of the school during term time.

2. Submit online application form
Include supporting documents as requested. Application fee of THB 3,000 is payable on the assessment date.

3. Receive decision and offer
Panyaden reviews the application and will notify families once a place is available.

4. Complete enrollment
Accept the offer, pay required enrolment fee, and complete paperwork to confirm the place.

Scholarships
The Panyaden Secondary Scholarship Programme offers scholarships of up to 100% tuition for high-achieving students entering Years 7 to 11 or the IB Diploma. It also includes additional waivers (e.g., 30%) for early applicants supported by the Erber Family Foundation. These opportunities are selective and typically announced once a year.

Waitlist
The school does not have a waitlist.
School Events
The school has not added events
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