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Suratthani International School

Thailand, Surat Thani

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees THB 27,500 - 39,500
Ages 2 - 12 years
Pupil numbers 240
Type Co-educational
Opened 2014
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), American Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin
Typical class size 12
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, STEM, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Preschool, Kindergarten
Introduction

Suratthani International School (STIS), located in Surat Thani city in southern Thailand, offers a range of specialist learning facilities, including dedicated spaces for ICT, science, creative arts, dance, music, and sports. Its English literature library, the only one of its kind in the area, supports students from Kindergarten 3 onward, with Grade 2+ learners able to borrow books to read at home. Each primary class cultivates its vegetable patch within the landscaped school garden. STIS also serves as the Center for Vipassana Meditation in the region, offering full-day meditation retreats in partnership with local Buddhist organizations. Academically, the school is a Candidate School for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and uses MAP Growth assessments in Math and English to benchmark student progress against global standards. Surat Thani’s location, near the Tapi River and on Thailand’s southern coast, provides families, including relocating internationals, with a city base close to nature yet connected to regional travel routes.

51, 91 Phorkhuntale Rd, Muanh, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand.

The Essentials

Suratthani International School has 240 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location
Suratthani International School is situated in Surat Thani, southern Thailand, about ten minutes by car from the city center. The city is a regional hub on the Gulf of Thailand, with ferry connections to nearby islands such as Koh Samui and domestic air links to Bangkok. The school’s setting provides a balance between access to local transport routes and a quieter residential environment.

Stages
The school admits children from early years through the end of primary. Programmes begin from preschool (around age 2) and continue through Grade 6, covering kindergarten and primary school levels.

Type
STIS is a co-educational day school. It does not provide boarding facilities, so students commute daily from the surrounding area.

Additional learning support
The school operates an English Language Support (ELS) programme with tiered levels of assistance, delivered either within regular lessons or in small group sessions. A Learning Support Coordinator oversees provision for academic, emotional, and social needs, and a Pastoral Counsellor (psychologist) is available when required.

Country affiliation
The school does not have an official affiliation with any one country. Its curriculum is based on the California State/Common Core standards and it is a Candidate School for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Religious affiliation
The school has no formal religious affiliation.

School day structure
The academic year runs from mid-August to mid-June, split into two terms. The school day starts in the morning and ends in the mid-afternoon, with lunch and short breaks built into the timetable. After-school care is available until 16:45 for younger students.

Bus service
The school website does not provide information about a school bus or coach service.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Students must have school, PE, and house uniforms, which are available for purchase at the STIS shop.

Food Options
School lunches are included in the tuition fees.

House System
The school operates a house system; house uniforms are required and available for purchase at the STIS shop.

Governance and Ownership
The school is an IB Candidate School and is accredited by WASC and Cognia; ONESQA accreditation is held.
Fees

Annual tuition at Suratthani International School ranges from THB 27,500 to THB 39,500 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
A one-time application fee of THB 1,500 is required for all new applicants. This is non-refundable and payable before suitability testing. In addition, testing fees apply: THB 1,000 for Kindergarten (Pre-K–K3), THB 2,000 for Elementary (Grades 1–5), and THB 3,000 for Middle School (Grade 6 upwards).

Admission and Registration
On acceptance, students in Pre-K to Grade 5 are charged an admission fee of THB 25,000, while those in Grade 6 and above pay THB 35,000. For students placed on the waiting list, a registration fee of THB 15,000 is payable, refunded in full if no place becomes available within 12 months. A refundable deposit of THB 20,000 is also required, returned when a student withdraws with all dues cleared.

General and Tuition Fees
Annual general fees are charged by school level: THB 25,000 for Kindergarten, THB 30,000 for Elementary, and THB 40,000 for Middle School. Tuition fees are billed in two instalments across the academic year, though grade-specific tuition amounts are not publicly disclosed for 2025–2026.

Additional Fees
External exam fees apply as needed: THB 3,000 (Checkpoint), THB 20,000 (IGCSE), and THB 5,000 (SAT). Charges also apply for English language support lessons, compulsory residential trips from Grade 1 upwards, after-school activities, and camps. Uniforms and accessories can be purchased from the school shop. Lunch and snacks are provided without additional charge. Accident insurance of up to THB 5,000 per incident and THB 50,000 for permanent disability are included.

Refund Policy
Application, testing, admission, and registration fees are non-refundable. The THB 20,000 deposit is refunded upon withdrawal with proper notice, less any outstanding charges.

Payment Options
Fees are payable in Thai Baht and billed in advance. Payments may be made directly at the admissions office in cash or by transfer to the school’s designated bank accounts. Late payments incur a penalty of THB 200 per day.
Academics

Suratthani International School teaches IB (PYP), American Curriculum for students aged 2 to 12.

Curriculum
Suratthani International School follows the California State/Common Core curriculum, providing a structured programme from early years through the end of primary. The school is also a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), reflecting its focus on inquiry-based learning in the early and primary stages. Core subjects include English, mathematics, science, and social studies, taught in English as the language of instruction. Mandarin is offered as a compulsory additional language, and Thai is taught in line with Ministry of Education requirements. Learning is supported by specialist facilities such as an ICT Studio, Science Studio, Creative Arts Studio, and a Music and Dance Studio. Student progress in English and mathematics is benchmarked against international standards using MAP Growth testing from Grade 2 onwards.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
STIS incorporates social and emotional development into daily school life through class activities and pastoral support. The school provides a Learning Support Coordinator who monitors students’ academic, emotional, and social needs. When necessary, a Pastoral Counsellor, who is a trained psychologist, offers additional support. Students also participate in meditation retreats held in collaboration with local groups, which encourages mindfulness and reflection. These activities are integrated alongside academic programmes to help students build confidence and resilience.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
STIS supports students with additional learning needs through an in-school Learning Support Coordinator. The Coordinator works with classroom teachers to provide strategies and adjustments within lessons. For more complex needs, the school arranges individual or small-group sessions. A psychologist is available to support emotional and behavioural development where needed. STIS is not a specialist SEN institution, but it provides targeted support for students with mild to moderate learning or social-emotional needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school offers a structured English Language Support (ELS) programme for students requiring additional help in English. Support is organised into tiers, with the most intensive level (Tier 3) providing focused small-group or individual instruction. Lessons can be scheduled during school hours or after school, depending on the student’s needs. Specialist ELS instructors deliver the programme, aiming to help students integrate into mainstream classes effectively.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the pastoral care system, which includes the Learning Support Coordinator and Pastoral Counsellor. Students can access individual guidance and counselling when needed. The school promotes wellbeing through structured activities such as meditation retreats, cultural events, and outdoor learning opportunities. Staff are encouraged to identify concerns early and refer students to additional support where required.

Safeguarding
STIS outlines policies to ensure student safety and child protection. The school provides accident insurance that covers incidents during school hours and activities. A designated staff structure exists for pastoral care, ensuring that safeguarding responsibilities are clearly defined. Students take part in supervised residential trips, camps, and after-school activities where safety measures are in place. The school states that all fees and deposits must be cleared before a student withdraws, which ensures proper documentation and accountability.
Parent Experience

History
Suratthani International School was founded in 2014, originally starting as a small home‑school initiative before growing into the city’s first international school. It operates under a private ownership structure, with oversight provided by a School Council and Executive Board responsible for daily and strategic school management. Over time, STIS has developed into a consistently close-knit, inquiry‑based learning community.

Community
The STIS community includes students, parents, staff, and leaders who participate in regular cultural events, morning tea talks, and networking activities designed to support families and build connections. Events such as Loy Krathong, Songkran, Sports Day, and the Open Day & ECA Fair bring people together for hands-on and celebratory gatherings. Parents often contribute to leadership discussions and collaborate with the school team to plan community programmes.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
While STIS does not publicly reference a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA), parents are actively involved through the school’s parent support programme, which includes networking opportunities, cultural event participation, and regular dialogue with school leadership and pastoral staff. This partnership helps parents support their child’s learning journey and stay informed of educational progress and school initiatives. The school’s Council also includes parent representation, facilitating shared responsibility and communication between families and school leaders.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview
STIS offers a range of modern facilities to support learning. The campus includes an ICT Studio, a Creative Studio, a Science Studio, a Dance & Music Studio, a Sports Hall, a Play Space, and a Play Garden. The English literature library is the only well-stocked library of its kind in Surat Thani and is accessible to students from Kindergarten 3; borrowing is allowed from Grade 2. Outdoor spaces include a landscaped school garden with vegetable plots for primary classes. The school also hosts meditation retreats in partnership with local Buddhist organizations and uses MAP Growth assessments to track progress in Math and English.

Sports Facilities
The school has a dedicated Sports Hall for physical education and indoor activities, complemented by outdoor play spaces and a Play Garden.

Academic Facilities
English is the medium of instruction and Mandarin is a compulsory subject. STIS follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and is a Candidate School for the Primary Years Programme. On campus, the English-language library, Science Studio, ICT Studio, and Creative Studio support learning. MAP Growth assessments are used to monitor progress in Math and English. The school is vetted and approved by ONESQA.

Extra Curricular Facilities
STIS offers a variety of after-school clubs, including football, STEM, a book club, and debates. Optional after-school care runs until 16:45. The school provides wellbeing and learning support through a Learning Support Coordinator and pastoral counsellor.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is a Candidate School for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. The school uses MAP Assessment to track student progress in mathematics and English. The English literature library is well-stocked and fully functioning, and is the only English literature library in Surat Thani. Books are available to students in Grades K3 and up, and students in Grade 2 and up may borrow books to take home.

Arts & Creative
The campus includes a Dance & Music Studio to support performing arts and a Creative Studio for creative work. ICT Studio and Science Studio support hands-on learning in technology and science.

Social & Hobbies
The school provides a Sports Hall for physical activities and a Play Space for recreation and informal social interaction. The landscaped school garden is available for play, study, and relaxation.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Meditation Retreats are offered as part of wellbeing programs. The landscaped school garden provides space for play, study, and meditation, with primary classes having their own vegetable plots.
Languages

Language Provision
Thai language is incorporated as part of STIS's international education. The school emphasizes Thai culture and language as part of its vision.
Reputation

Awards
The school does not publicly disclose any institutional awards received on its website.

Accreditations
Common Core State Standards Initiative: The school follows the U.S.-based Common Core framework, which provides benchmarks for English and mathematics learning.

Cognia Candidacy: STIS is a candidate with Cognia, an international school accreditation body that reviews and supports continuous improvement.

IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Candidacy: The school is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, working towards full authorisation.

ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment, Thailand): Accreditation by Thailand’s national body that monitors quality in schools.

ISAT (International Schools Association of Thailand): Membership in Thailand’s umbrella body for international schools, which provides support and advocacy.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Initial Inquiry and Application: Families begin by submitting an application form along with the required supporting documents. Thai citizens must provide identification and a birth certificate, while expatriates are asked to provide passports, visas, and previous school records.

2. Testing and Assessment: Applicants are scheduled for a suitability test, which varies by grade level. These assessments evaluate academic readiness and language ability, helping the school place students in the correct programme.

3. Admission Fee and Deposit: Once an applicant is accepted, parents are asked to pay the admission and deposit fees. This step secures the student’s place before the first day of school.

4. Enrollment Confirmation: The school confirms placement after the required documents and fees are submitted. Families are then provided with start-date details, orientation information, and access to uniforms and the school shop.

Scholarships
The school does not publicly disclose information about scholarships or financial aid opportunities.

Waitlist
STIS operates a waitlist system when classes are full. Parents must complete registration in order to be placed on the waiting list. If a place becomes available within a year, the family is invited to proceed with admission. If no place becomes available, the registration is refunded.
School Events
The school has not added events
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