Whether you're new to Chiang Mai or are looking to change schools, your search for the best international school in Chiang Mai just got easier…
Here in Chiang Mai, we are so blessed with the sheer number of quality international schools for our kids. We’re just spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the best international school for our kids in Chiang Mai.
Well, if you’ve decided to send your kids to an international school in Chiang Mai, we have good news. We’ve scoured the city to bring you a definitive list of the best international schools in Chiang Mai. We’ve also done some digging to find the curriculums that each school offers, how much it costs to send your kid to each school and the areas where you’ll find them. And to top it all off, we’ve also cherry-picked the best bits at each of these top pick international schools: the main reasons why we love them (you’re welcome!).
In alphabetical order.
Best international schools in Chiang Mai
Americana Chinese International School
Type: Early years, primary, secondary
Curriculum: American and Chinese bilingual curriculum
Price: Starts from B200,000 per year
Location: Saraphi
Why we love this school: Americana Chinese International School offers a bilingual programme combining American and Chinese curricula, making it a practical option for families who want a stronger focus on Mandarin alongside a Western academic structure. Located in Saraphi, the campus has a quieter setting outside the city centre, which can appeal to families prioritising space and a more relaxed environment. The school maintains relatively small class sizes, allowing for more individual attention, and places a balanced emphasis on academics and language development. Facilities are modest but cover the essentials for day-to-day learning. For families who want a bilingual English-Chinese education in a smaller school environment, this is a straightforward option in Chiang Mai.
American Pacific International School
Type: Early years, primary, secondary
Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
Price: Starts from 250,000 per year
Location: Hang Dong
Why we love this school: American Pacific International School offers a full IB pathway from primary through to the Diploma Programme, making it a strong option for families looking for continuity within a single, globally recognised system. Set in Hang Dong, the campus is relatively spacious, with a quieter environment compared to more central schools, which can appeal to families prioritising space and a more relaxed setting. Facilities are well-developed, with solid support for sports, arts and academic learning. The school maintains a balanced approach, with a mix of academics and extracurricular activities, and class sizes are generally kept at a level that allows for more individual attention. For families who want an IB education, a larger campus and a location outside the city centre, this is a well-established and practical option in Chiang Mai.
British Concordance International School
Type: Early years, primary
Curriculum: British curriculum (EYFS, Cambridge Primary)
Price: Starts from B187,000 per year
Location: Hang Dong
Why we love this school: British Concordance International School offers a British curriculum in the early years and primary levels, making it a suitable option for families looking for a UK-style foundation in the earlier stages of education. Located in Hang Dong, the campus has a quieter, more suburban setting compared to schools closer to the city centre, which can appeal to families prioritising a more relaxed environment. Class sizes are relatively small, allowing for more individual attention, and the school maintains a balanced approach to academics and personal development. Facilities are modest but sufficient for early years and primary learning. For families who want a British curriculum in a smaller school environment with a more accessible fee point, this is a straightforward option in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai International School
Type: Early years, primary, secondary
Curriculum: American curriculum (AP)
Price: Starts from B325,400 per year
Location: Muang Chiang Mai
Why we love this school: Chiang Mai International School (CMIS) is one of the longest-running international schools in Thailand founded in 1954, with a well-established American curriculum pathway that leads through to Advanced Placement (AP) in high school. Located close to the Ping River, the campus has a more traditional, community-focused feel compared to newer purpose-built schools, which can appeal to families looking for a more established environment. Class sizes are relatively small, supporting more personalised attention, and there is a strong emphasis on academics alongside arts and athletics. For families who want a long-standing school with an American curriculum, central location and a more close-knit community feel, CMIS remains a reliable and well-known option in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Montessori International School
Type: Early years, primary
Curriculum: Montessori
Price: Contact school for tuition and fee
Location: Hang Dong
Why we love this school: Chiang Mai Montessori International School follows a Montessori approach in the early years and primary levels, making it a suitable option for families who prioritise child-led learning and a more individualised pace of development. Located in Hang Dong, the campus has a quieter, more relaxed setting compared to schools in the city centre, which can appeal to families looking for a calmer environment. Class sizes are relatively small, allowing for closer guidance from teachers, and the school places a strong emphasis on independence, practical life skills and hands-on learning. Facilities are modest but aligned with the Montessori method. For families who want a Montessori education in a smaller, community-focused environment, this is a clear and focused option in Chiang Mai.
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Christian German School Chiang Mai
Type: Early years, primary
Curriculum: German curriculum
Price: Starts from B139,000 per year
Location: Saraphi
Why we love this school: Christian German School Chiang Mai follows a German curriculum in the early years and primary levels, making it a suitable option for families seeking a German-language education in Chiang Mai. Located in Saraphi, the campus has a quieter setting outside the city centre, which can appeal to families looking for a more relaxed environment. Class sizes are relatively small, allowing for more individual attention, and the school maintains a close-knit community feel. The approach is more focused and specialised compared to larger international schools, with a clear emphasis on language and foundational academics. For families who want a German curriculum in a smaller school environment, this is a niche but practical option in Chiang Mai.
Lanna International School Thailand
Type: Early years, primary, secondary
Curriculum: British curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE, A-Level)
Price: Starts from B292,000 per year
Location: Hang Dong
Why we love this school: Lanna International School Thailand offers a British curriculum pathway from early years through to A-Levels, making it a strong option for families looking for a more traditional UK-style education. Set on a green campus in Hang Dong, the environment feels more open and relaxed compared to city-based schools, which can be a draw for families prioritising space and a quieter setting. The school maintains relatively small class sizes, supporting more individual attention, and places a clear emphasis on academics alongside arts and sports. Facilities cover the essentials without feeling excessive, and the overall atmosphere leans towards a close-knit community. For families who want a British curriculum, a spacious campus and a more laid-back environment outside the city centre, this is a solid and well-established choice in Chiang Mai.
Meritton British International School
Type: Early years, primary, secondary
Curriculum: British curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE, A-Level)
Price: Starts from B224,400 per year
Location: Hang Dong
Why we love this school: Meritton British International School offers a British curriculum pathway through to IGCSE and A-Levels, making it a practical option for families looking for a more traditional UK-style education at a relatively accessible price point. Located in Hang Dong, the campus has a quieter, more suburban setting compared to central schools, which can appeal to families prioritising space and a more relaxed environment. Class sizes are relatively small, allowing for more individual attention, and the school maintains a balanced focus on academics alongside extracurricular activities. Facilities are more modest compared to larger international schools, but cover the essentials for day-to-day learning. For families who want a British curriculum, smaller class sizes and a more affordable fee structure, this is a straightforward option in Chiang Mai.
Nakornpayap International School
Type: Early years, primary, secondary
Curriculum: American curriculum (AP)
Price: Starts from B290,000 per year
Location: Muang Chiang Mai
Why we love this school: Nakornpayap International School (NIS) offers an American curriculum pathway through to high school, including Advanced Placement (AP), making it a practical option for families looking for a familiar academic structure. Located in a quieter residential area in San Phi Suea, the campus has a more low-key, community-oriented feel compared to larger international schools, which can appeal to families prioritising a smaller environment. Class sizes are relatively small, allowing for more individual attention, and the school maintains a balanced focus on academics alongside arts and sports. Facilities are more modest, but cover the essentials for day-to-day learning. For families who want an American curriculum, smaller class sizes and a more accessible fee point, this is a straightforward and well-established option in Chiang Mai.
Panyaden International School
Type: Early years, primary, secondary
Curriculum: British curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE)
Price: Starts from B303,000 per year
Location: Hang Dong
Why we love this school: Panyaden International School offers a British curriculum pathway through to IGCSE, making it a suitable option for families looking for a structured academic programme. Set in Hang Dong, the campus is designed with a strong focus on sustainability, using natural materials and open-air spaces that create a distinctive learning environment compared to more conventional schools. The school integrates Buddhist values and mindfulness into its approach, which shapes both the culture and day-to-day experience for students. Class sizes are relatively small, allowing for more personalised attention, and there is a balanced focus on academics alongside personal development. For families who value a more holistic approach to education, combined with a quieter campus setting, this is a distinctive option in Chiang Mai.
Prem Tinsulanonda International School
Type: Early years, primary, secondary
Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP, CP)
Price: Starts from B399,000 per year
Location: Mae Rim
Why we love this school: Prem Tinsulanonda International School is one of Chiang Mai’s most established IB schools, offering the full IB pathway from early years through to the Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme, making it a strong option for families looking for continuity within a single, globally recognised system. Set on a large campus in Mae Rim, the environment plays a big role in the overall experience, with facilities that go beyond typical city schools, including arts spaces, sports facilities and its own working farm. The school also offers boarding, which adds flexibility for both local and international families. For families who prioritise a full IB education, a spacious campus setting and the option of boarding, this is one of the more comprehensive international school options in Chiang Mai.
Singapore International School Chiang Mai
Type: Early years, primary, secondary
Curriculum: Singaporean curriculum blended with Cambridge (IGCSE, A-Level)
Price: Starts from B324,300 per year
Location: San Kamphaeng
Why we love this school: Singapore International School Chiang Mai offers a Singaporean curriculum in the early years and primary levels before transitioning into the Cambridge pathway for secondary school, making it a strong option for families who prioritise academic rigour, particularly in core subjects like maths and science. Located in San Kamphaeng, the campus is purpose-built and relatively spacious, providing a more open environment compared to city-based schools. The school places a clear emphasis on structured learning, supported by a bilingual approach in English and Chinese. Facilities are modern and designed to support both academics and extracurricular activities. For families who want a more academically driven curriculum, a structured approach to learning and a campus outside the city centre, this is a practical and increasingly popular option in Chiang Mai.
www.sisb.ac.th/singapore-international-school-chiangmai
Unity Concord International School
Type: Early years, primary, secondary
Curriculum: American curriculum
Price: Starts from B201,600 per year
Location: Saraphi
Why we love this school: Unity Concord International School offers an American curriculum from early years through to high school, making it a practical option for families looking for a straightforward academic pathway. Located in Saraphi, the campus sits outside the city centre, which gives it a quieter and more spacious environment compared to more central schools. The school maintains relatively small class sizes, allowing for more individual attention, and places a balanced emphasis on academics alongside extracurricular activities. Facilities are more modest compared to larger international schools, but cover the essentials for day-to-day learning. For families who want an American curriculum, smaller class sizes and a more accessible fee point, this is a simple and practical option in Chiang Mai.
