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Best 5 International Schools in Chiang Mai

International Education in Chiang Mai

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Looking for an alternative family base in Thailand away from the hectic capital of Bangkok? Chiang Mai, with its peaceful temples, easy access to nature and slower pace of life, is definitely worth considering. Despite being the largest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has so far remained a haven for those seeking a quiet, calm and family-friendly lifestyle.

The expat community in Chiang Mai has grown steadily over the past few decades, and so has the number of international schools in the city. With a choice of 16 and counting, and with somewhat lower demand and prices than other popular expat cities in Thailand, there has never been a better time to search for an international school in Chiang Mai.

The choice of curricula in Chiang Mai’s international schools reflects the expat population - the American and British curricula are the most common, with the International Baccalaureate following them closely. Of course there are other options too, including the German and Singaporean curricula.

A common feature of international schools in Thailand is a Christian teaching ethos, and this is also present in international schools in Chiang Mai. These schools are usually longer established and were once run by Christian missionaries. Your child does not necessarily need to follow a Christian faith to attend these schools. You will also see both Thai and English offered as languages of instruction. Some of these schools belong to ‘Tier 2’ in the Thai school system; Tier 1 being the typical international schools you may be familiar with, Tier 2 meaning bilingual schools that mainly teach the Thai curriculum, and Tier 3 being local public schools.

Most international schools in Chiang Mai are located south of the ancient historic centre of the city, where the residential areas spread out. North of the ancient centre, the city quickly gives way to various national parks with infrastructure and amenities becoming more sparse. There are however a small number of international schools scattered northwards, and some of these offer boarding for students due to their remote location.

Most ‘Tier 1’ international schools in Chiang Mai follow the same school calendar as their counterparts around the world. They also have similar facilities and extra curricular activities. Native English teachers are very easy to come by, and languages other than English and Thai are commonly taught.

Class sizes are usually between 15 - 25 students, and student bodies are generally diverse with international students having a strong majority over local Thai students. Not every international school provides bus transport however, so if this is a requirement for you, be sure to verify it with each school you consider.

Below, we have compiled the top 5 international schools in Chiang Mai according to our users. However, there are another 14 schools to choose from in the city. You can find the best international school for your child by personalising your results. Just fill in your search criteria, and we will calculate a personal score for every international school in Chiang Mai based on your requirements.

Recommended Schools

Panyaden International School

International school in Chiang Mai with UK Curriculum and IB Diploma Programme, focusing on sustainable success through cultivating the heart and sharpening mind for Nursery to Year 13 students.
Curriculum
IB, British, International
Languages of instruction
English, Thai
Ages
2 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: 289,000 ฿
to: 549,000 ฿

Best 5 International Schools in Chiang Mai

Out of a total of 19 International Schools in Chiang Mai.

Based on the aggregated preferences of our users in the last 30 days.

American Pacific International School

American Pacific International School is a top residential and day school, providing a family centered, international IB school experience for children in Nursery to Grade 12 with a focus on becoming happy life-long learners.
Curriculum
IB, American
Language of instruction
English
Ages
1 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: 222,400 ฿
to: 485,450 ฿

British Concordance International School

BCIS is defined by a commitment to academic excellence, personalized learning, and a nurturing environment that fosters both intellectual and emotional growth. We offer a comprehensive curriculum that blends rigorous academics with innovative teaching methods, ensuring students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a global perspective. Our diverse community celebrates cultural diversity, and our dedicated faculty is passionate about helping each student reach their full potential. We emphasize character development, leadership, and social responsibility, preparing students to become well-rounded individuals who are ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
2 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: 187,000 ฿
to: 330,000 ฿

Christliche Deutsche Schule Chiang Mai

CDSC offers educational programs from the nursery and to the German International Abitur at the end of Grade 12. Our educational program emphasizes personal development based on a Christian understanding of values. CDSC is well known for its highly qualified teachers, beautiful school campus and friendly and welcoming environment.
Curriculum
Christian, German
Language of instruction
German
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: 139,000 ฿
to: 284,000 ฿

Chiang Mai Montessori International School

Chiang Mai Montessori International School is a small independent international school offering children and their families an excellent alternative to the conventional education system in Northern Thailand. Modern and large classrooms with plenty of daylight in a 'green' spacious environment
Curriculum
Montessori
Language of instruction
English
Ages
1 to 12
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: 207,900 ฿
to: 282,976 ฿

Singapore International School Chiangmai

SISB Chiangmai is the first Singapore International School in Northern Thailand, offering the renowned Singapore education curriculum in Chiangmai. Located in the city centre, we deliver a custom-built Nursery and Kindergarten curriculum that is child-centred and our primary level students learn through a unique programme that blends the best of the Singapore and UK curriculums in English, Chinese and Thai languages. We believe in developing strong and long-lasting parent-school-teacher relationships and our dedicated academic team work collaboratively across levels and with our parent partners to ensure a high-quality education for our students. Our holistic approach, in a safe and eco-friendly environment, helps make learning fun.
Curriculum
British, Singapore
Language of instruction
English
Ages
2 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: 313,800 ฿
to: 546,300 ฿
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