Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
Americana Chinese International School (ACIS) currently has approximately 550 students. |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
More than 30 different nationalities are represented in the ACIS school community. |
| Most common nationality |
The most common nationalities at ACIS include Thai, Chinese, Burmese, American, South African, British, Korean, and students with dual nationalities. |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
Thai students make up approximately 30% of the student population. The remaining 70% represents a diverse international community from many different nationalities. |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Core subjects, special subjects, and extracurricular classes are taught by certified native English-speaking teachers. Thai and Chinese language classes are taught by native Thai and Chinese teachers respectively. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes. For students who need additional support in English, ACIS offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. This helps students build their English proficiency so they can fully participate in classroom learning and school life. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
ACIS integrates daily Chinese instruction into the curriculum, along with Thai language classes two to five times per week, depending on the grade level. This gives students the opportunity to develop proficiency in multiple languages. In addition, ACIS offers Italian as an elective language option. |
| Max. number of students per class |
ACIS maintains small class sizes to support a positive learning environment and provide students with personalized attention. The maximum number of students is capped at 20 per classroom for Pre-K to K3 and 26 students per classroom for Grades 1 to 6. |
| Average number of students per class |
Class sizes vary by grade level, but ACIS keeps classes small enough to ensure that students receive individual attention and support from their teachers. |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes. ACIS employs teaching assistants to support classroom learning and help students receive additional guidance when needed. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
ACIS uses technology to support dynamic, engaging, and interactive learning experiences. Students are introduced to a range of digital tools and classroom technologies that help develop research, creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online during emergencies) |
Yes. ACIS uses classroom technology and is prepared to use virtual classroom technologies when needed, including online video conferencing and digital learning platforms during emergencies or temporary school closures. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
ACIS does not require students to practice any religion as part of the school program. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
As ACIS does not require religious practice, students of all religious and non-religious backgrounds are welcomed and respected. The school promotes an inclusive environment where cultural diversity, mutual respect, and understanding are valued. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
ACIS follows an American curriculum and awards the ACIS High School Diploma upon successful completion of graduation requirements. Students enrolled in our Honors Dual Diploma Program who complete the required credits and coursework have the opportunity to graduate with both an ACIS High School Diploma and a U.S. High School Diploma. In addition, ACIS uses STAR 360 testing as a benchmark assessment to measure student progress in English and mathematics. Students may also have opportunities to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and examinations, depending on their academic pathway. |
| Results in these examinations |
Student results vary by year level and individual pathway. ACIS uses assessment data, including STAR 360 results, classroom performance, and external examination outcomes, to monitor student progress and provide targeted academic support. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes. Teachers assign homework to reinforce classroom learning, build responsibility, and help students practice key skills independently. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Homework expectations vary by grade level and subject. In general, younger students receive shorter, age-appropriate assignments, while older students may be expected to spend more time on independent study, projects, reading, and exam preparation. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
As of the 2025–2026 academic year, the school offers classes up to Grade 11 and looks forward to graduating its first Grade 12 class in the next academic year. ACIS is now WASC accredited, reflecting our commitment to international standards and preparing students for future higher education pathways. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
ACIS provides student support through our academic team, classroom teachers, teaching assistants, EAL program, and Social-Emotional Counseling team. Support is considered on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the school can appropriately meet the student’s learning, language, social, emotional, and developmental needs. |
| Learning support offered |
Support may include classroom accommodations, additional teacher guidance, teaching assistant support, English as an Additional Language support, regular communication with parents, and social-emotional counseling when needed. The school works collaboratively with families to help students access learning and participate successfully in school life. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
ACIS supports gifted, able, and talented students through differentiated instruction, enrichment opportunities, project-based learning, leadership opportunities, academic competitions, and personalized guidance from teachers. Students are encouraged to extend their learning, develop their strengths, and take on challenges that match their abilities and interests. Students also have opportunities to develop leadership and service skills through participation in Student Council and the ACIS Interact Club, which is sponsored by Rotary. These programs give students meaningful ways to take initiative, contribute to the school community, and grow as confident, responsible young leaders. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
ACIS has an established Social-Emotional Counseling team that supports students’ well-being, conducts wellness checks for students who may be struggling, and implements a social-emotional learning curriculum. When more specialized psychological or educational assessments are needed, the school may work with families to recommend appropriate external professional support. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Entrance exam, including English language assessment. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
New students complete an entrance assessment to help the school understand their current academic level, English language proficiency, and readiness for the appropriate grade level. The assessment helps ensure that each student is placed in a learning environment where they can succeed and receive the right level of support. |
| Waiting list |
Enrollment is subject to space availability in each grade level. If a grade level is full, applicants may be placed on a waiting list. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
ACIS welcomes enrollments all year round, subject to space availability. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes. ACIS allows students to join an academic year that has already started, subject to space availability and the results of the admissions assessment. |
| School start time |
The school day starts at 8:30 AM. |
| School finish time |
The school day finishes at 3:30 PM. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes. ACIS provides supervised care for students before and after the regular school day. |
| School bus service available |
Yes. ACIS offers a school bus service for students. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes. ACIS provides lunch for students. Pre-K to K3 students are also offered breakfast and snacks. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
ACIS can provide alternative food options for students with certain dietary needs, such as vegetarian or vegan meals. Families are encouraged to inform the school of any special dietary requirements during the admissions or enrollment process. |
| Uniform required |
Yes. Students are required to wear the ACIS school uniform. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
ACIS offers a wide range of extracurricular activities designed to support students’ interests, talents, and personal growth. Options may include dance, chess, sports, art, music, Chinese, STEM, reading, swimming, Thai, homework help, media, and Bible studies. Please note that extracurricular offerings may vary depending on student interest, demand, staffing, and available resources. |
| Sports activities included |
Physical activity is an important part of student life at ACIS. Students take regular Physical Education (PE) classes as part of the school curriculum, where they develop fitness, coordination, teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence through a variety of physical activities and age-appropriate sports. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes. ACIS sports teams, known as the Phoenix Flames, proudly represent the school in athletic events and competitions. ACIS participates in the Chiang Mai Athletics Conference (CMAC), giving student-athletes opportunities to compete with students from other schools, develop teamwork, and demonstrate their skills in a supportive and competitive environment. |
| Facilities at the school |
ACIS provides students with a range of learning and community facilities, including a library, computer and STEM labs, science learning spaces, a cafeteria, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and a campus coffee shop. These facilities support academic learning, creativity, collaboration, and student well-being throughout the school day. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
ACIS offers a variety of sports facilities, including swimming pools, an outdoor basketball court, a soccer field, a volleyball court, a futsal court, and an air-conditioned indoor gymnasium. Our indoor gymnasium is one of the latest additions to the ACIS campus and features a professional-grade basketball court, providing students with a modern, high-quality space for PE classes, team training, school events, and athletic competitions. The gymnasium is also equipped with air purification to help maintain cleaner air and a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Americana Chinese International School (ACIS) is a WASC-accredited international school in Chiang Mai, serving students from Pre-K to Grade 12. Since opening in August 2019, ACIS has grown into a diverse and welcoming school community with more than 30 nationalities represented. ACIS offers an American curriculum with a strong focus on English, Chinese, and Thai language development. Small class sizes, caring teachers, and a supportive learning environment help students receive the individual attention they need to grow academically, socially, and personally. What makes ACIS distinctive is its combination of strong academics, multilingual learning, innovation, and global citizenship. Through our STEM approach, complemented by Robotics and the Arts, students explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics while applying their learning to real-world challenges. Beyond the classroom, students take part in cultural events, service opportunities, leadership programs, athletics, and creative activities that help them become confident, compassionate, and globally minded learners. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
ACIS follows an American curriculum aligned with Common Core standards and international expectations for learning. Instruction is delivered in English by certified native English-speaking teachers, with Chinese and Thai language classes taught by native-speaking language teachers. Our teaching approach is student-centered, project-based, and focused on both academic growth and real-world application. Teachers use differentiated instruction, small-group learning, hands-on activities, technology integration, and collaborative projects to help students build knowledge, confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Through our STEM approach, complemented by Robotics and the Arts, students explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in meaningful ways. They are encouraged to solve problems, collaborate with others, communicate their ideas clearly, and apply what they learn beyond the classroom. ACIS also places strong emphasis on character development, social-emotional learning, cultural understanding, and community service. We aim to prepare students not only for academic success, but also for responsible, thoughtful, and active participation in a global society. |