Quick summary of key school information
School details
Number of students |
1,820 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
77 |
Most common nationality |
Thai |
Ratio of local students to international students |
25% Thai / 75% international |
Native English speaking teachers |
All teachers at NIST are fluent speakers of the language in which they instruct students. As supported by a significant body of research, employing highly qualified and experienced teachers is a far more important factor in student learning than focusing on their native language. |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
EAL support is offered for PYP and MYP students. |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Swedish, Thai |
Max. number of students per class |
EY 1 & EY 2: 18
|
Average number of students per class |
21 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
EY: 2 assistants
|
Use of technology in the classroom |
Students in our Elementary Programme will be issued and use iPads in areas of their learning, and students in secondary will be issued and use MacBook Air laptops. |
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes. NIST maintains a contingency plan that enables us to transition to online learning at any time. |
Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
External examinations or assessments available |
IB DP exam, ISA |
Results in these examinations |
IB DP results (5-year average): 36.1 (global: 30.2)
|
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
Approximate hours of homework given |
Homework is differentiated based on year level and gradually scales as the learning becomes increasingly complex in secondary. |
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
Learning support offered |
NIST is a managed, inclusive school, and we have an extensive support services team on campus. What the support looks like very much depends on the student's specific needs and, in some cases, the tools they are already used to using. Our learning support specialists provide a variety of individual and group support, including push-in (classroom) and pull-out models that focus on a strength-based approach. There is more information available here on the NIST website. We maintain an extensive support department that provides support across a range of areas, including English as an additional language, speech language therapy, educational psychology, occupational therapy, behavioural coaching and enrichment support. |
The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
NIST ensures that our highly able students have access to a rigorous and challenging educational programme that meets their individual needs. These students have demonstrated exceptional ability in one or more areas, such as academics, creativity or leadership. |
Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Internal assessment |
Waiting list |
Yes |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
The application process begins in September of the prior year, and for Bangkok-based applications, the deadline is December. Overseas applications are processed year-round. |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
School start time |
8 AM / 8:30 AM |
School finish time |
2:55 PM / 3:25 PM |
Supervised care before/after school |
NA |
School bus service available |
Yes |
School provided lunches |
Yes |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes. Our in-house catering team, led by a professional Australian chef, provides a very wide range of dishes on a daily basis. In addition to various cuisines, the options include a salad bar, soup bar, potato bar, sandwich bar, pre-prepared items and baked goods. |
Uniform required |
Yes |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Students may choose from over 300 activities across eight areas: academics, creative arts, enrichment, music, performing arts, service, sports and STEM. Competitive inter-school sports are also offered through the Falcons sports teams, which include badminton, basketball, fencing, golf, gymnastics, rugby, soccer/football, softball, swimming, T-ball, tennis, track & field, and volleyball. |
Sports activities included |
All students are required to take PE as a part of the curriculum. Students may also opt to join a competitive sports team. |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
The NIST Falcons are a founding member of the South East Asia Student Activities Conference (SEASAC) and Bangkok Metropolitan Athletic Conference (BMAC). |
Facilities at the school |
The expansive NIST campus includes multiple libraries, a full theatre, science labs, swimming pool, recording studio, multi-purpose spaces, multiple gymnasiums, fitness centres, playgrounds and much more. |
Sports facilities at the school |
Multiple gymnasiums, swimming pool, tennis courts, soccer pitch, gymnastics centre, outdoor basketball courts |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
The first and only full, not-for-profit International Baccalaureate (IB) international school in Bangkok, Thailand, NIST International School was established in 1992 with the support of the United Nations. The school now welcomes over 1,800 students who represent more than 77 nationalities, and provides all three IB programmes. Governed by the parent-elected NIST International School Foundation, our community shares a singular goal, encapsulated in our mission: NIST inspires growth, empowers individual excellence and enriches lives. |
Teaching approach of the school |
The IB permeates our philosophy and approach at all levels, and we are recognized as one of the best IB schools in the world. From the early years, in which play and exploration play central roles in developing inquiry as a skill, to the Diploma Programme, in which students direct their own learning and adopt a growth mindset, we cultivate learners who are reflective, passionate and caring. |