The majority of expats who move to Thailand for a job end up living in Bangkok, and those with kids will need to research the international schools market for suitable education.
Similarly, long-stayers and retirees who have kids in Thailand will need to make the tough decision on which school their children will go to.
Some expats are lucky enough to have school fees covered by their company as part of a benefits package, and indeed the schools with the best reputations exploit this fact and hike up the fees accordingly. Others will have to fork out fees from their own pocket.
Is an international school the best option? It is certainly a better choice than a government school, but it doesn't come cheap.
Moreover, for all that money, you still might find that your local comprehensive/state school back home is as good, or better.
My experience is limited to one school, but I thought it would be useful to create a directory here for parents, and parents to be, to get an overview of the top international schools in Bangkok: the type of school, curriculum, the location and the fees.
As with other posts I've done in a similar vein, if you have experience of a good school that other parents should know about, do leave the information in the comments section.
Top International Schools in Bangkok
1. Ruamrudee International School
Curriculum: English national (Catholic)
Gender: Co-education
Age: Kindergarten to Year 12
Fees: 212,400 Baht a year rising to 336,200
Location: 6 RamkamHaeng 184, Minburi 10510
This is a Catholic school that provides an interfaith, inclusive and academically rigorous education for students to be balanced, successful and compassionate individuals. Located on a beautiful, 28-acre wi-fi enabled campus, the rich academic tradition of Ruamrudee International School spans seven decades.
Ruamrudee, a Thai word meaning “Union of Hearts”, perfectly captures its philosophy of welcoming all children in an environment of care and concern. It aims to prepare graduates for success in the 21st century with all of its accompanying technological, sociological and creative challenges.
2. Regent's International School
Curriculum: English national up to 16 then International Baccalaureate
Gender: Co-education
Age: 2 -18
Fees: From 335,400 Baht a year to 634,800
Location: The Regent's School, 601/99 Pracha-Uthit Road, Wangthonglang, 10310
Overview:
Regent's scores some of the best IB results in Thailand and South East Asia. Students go to some of the best universities in the world and it has a strong extra-curricular provision.
The school works hard to cultivate a friendly, happy family atmosphere whilst not shirking from hard work and high standards. Regent's aims to guide students into becoming well-rounded, informed, responsible, principled and confident global citizens.
3. Shrewsbury International School
Curriculum: British
Gender: Co-education
Age: 3 years to 18
Fees: Early Year 1 534,300 Baht a year rising to 639,800 for year 13
Location: 1922 Charoen Krung Road Wat Prayakrai Bang Kholame, Khlong Toei, 10120
Overview:
Languages taught are English, Thai, Mandarin, Spanish, French and Japanese. The school has 35,000 books, CDs and DVDs. It possesses two world-class performance centres including a 580-seat auditorium and 130-seat music recital hall.
It boasts two natural turf sports fields, a three-court sports hall, three tennis courts, four squash courts, an aquatics centre for learners up to championship level and a new dance centre with wood-sprung flooring.
4. Bromsgrove International School
Curriculum: English national
Gender: Co-education
Age: 2 years to 18
Fees: Ranging from 130,650 Baht to 208,830
Location: Early years campus: 344 Mu 12 Ramkamhaeng 164 Rd, Minburi, 10510; primary and secondary campus: 55 Mu9 Windsor Park Golf Club, Suwinthawong 15 Rd, Minburi, 10510
Overview:
A privately owned independent institution that uses the name Bromsgrove under licence from Bromsgrove School UK. Bromsgrove School in England was established in 1553 and is a top co-educational day and boarding school in the British Midlands.
This is the only school outside England that carries the prestigious Bromsgrove name. Bromsgrove Thailand is also affiliated with Daewon Foreign Language High School in Korea, which is ranked 13th among top high schools in the world that have the highest success rate in gaining entry to top universities in the world.
5. Wells International School
Curriculum: US and IB
Gender: Co-education
Age: Nursery to Year 12
Fees: From 110,000 Baht to 200,000 each semester
Location: 2209 Sukhumvit Road, Bangchak, Prakhanong, 10260, with campuses in Thonglor, On Nut and Bangna
This is a branch of EverClever Education Group Ltd. Wells has expanded rapidly since its founding in 1999 and now serves more than 750 students from more than two dozen nationalities.
Wells is licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education, has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges since 2009, and is a member of the International Schools Association of Thailand and East Asia Regional Council of Schools.
6. KIS International School
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Gender: Co-education
Age: 3 to 19 years
Fees: 368,600 Baht a year for Early Year 1 rising to 765,000 Baht for Year 12
Location: 999/123-124 Kesinee Ville Pracha-Utit Road, Huay-Kwang, 10310,
Overview:
KIS is a collaborative community of more than 750 students and 55 nationalities. A mid-sized school offering an international curriculum, KIS provides a well-rounded program of academia, sports, creativity and community service.
From the youngest children stepping into a classroom for the first time to graduates heading off to university, KIS kids are equipped with the tools to become life-long learners and successful, responsible global citizens.
7. Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School (Bangkok Prep)
Curriculum: British National Curriculum
Gender: Co-education
Age: 2-18
Fees: From 488,000 Baht a year to 640,000
Location: Sukhumvit Soi 53 and Sukhumvit Soi 77, Bangkok
Overview:
Top of the list is Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School, a top-ranking international school in Bangkok.
The school is well-suited to those looking for a school in a central location where they have convenient access to all urban amenities after dropping the kids off.
Bangkok Prep has two locations: Thong Lo (Primary Campus) and Sukhumvit 77 (Secondary Campus).
The schools provide a British education from Early Years until Year 13, preparing students for admission to top universities around the world.
The school boasts a modern campus with high-end facilities, including a huge sports field (as seen in the image above).
8. Harrow International School
Curriculum: English national
Gender: Co-education
Age: 18 months to 18 years
Fees: From 430,000 Baht a year for pre-nursery to 905,000 for Year 13
Location: 45 Soi Kosumnuamchai 14, Kosumnuamchai, Sikun, Don Muang, 10210
Overview:
Facilities include the new boarding complex with two new boarding Houses and ‘The Hub’ recreation centre, which join our existing science faculty, the art faculty, the physical education department, the Llbrary, the dining hall and the assembly hall. Specialist performing arts facilities are located within the main buildings, with a new creative arts faculty due for completion in 2017.
Sporting facilities include a new multi-purpose athletics centre plus a large air-conditioned sports hall, a gym, extensive floodlit rugby, cricket and football pitches with natural grass surfaces, a swimming pool, a fitness suite, a climbing wall and six recently refurbished floodlit tennis courts and rugby, cricket and football fields, also floodlit.
9. Thai-Chinese International School
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Gender: Co-education
Age: 2 years to 18
Fees: Range from 334,770 Baht a semester for new students to 365,400 depending on the age of the student
Location: 101/177 Moo 7 Soi Mooban Bangpleenives, Prasertsin Road, Bangplee Yai,Samutprakarn 10540
Overview:
Thai-Chinese International School (TCIS) has been an Age 2 through Grade 12 US-style college-preparatory academic programme.
Current enrollment is 720 students. TCIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and offers 16 Advanced Placement high school courses. Graduates are regularly accepted at major colleges and universities in the USA, Canada, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan and China.
10. Concordian International School
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Gender: Co-education
Age: Nursery to diploma level
Fees: From 471,000 Baht a year to 725,000
Location: 918 Moo 8, Bangna
The school offers all three divisions of the International Baccalaureate Programme – Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.
Its young learners – from nursery through to grade 4 – are immersed in two languages of instruction, English and Mandarin Chinese. From grades 5 through to 12, English is the language of instruction and Mandarin is studied as a world language.
11. NIST International School
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB)
Gender: Co-education
Age: Age: 3 years to 19
Fees: Fees start at 491,000 Baht a year at Early Year 1, rising to 893,200 for Year 13.
Location: Sukhumvit Soi 15, Bangkok
Overview:
The Class of 2017 set a new school record, with 99% of the class earning the IB diploma. Students have progressed to Columbia, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Oxford, University College London and other universities around the world.
The campus includes a creative arts building, sports complex and several multi-purpose halls. It has a theatre, performance studio, recording studio, sports courts, FIFA-standard pitch, library, science labs, counseling lounges and tech centres.
12. Bangkok Patana School
Curriculum: British national curriculum up to Year 11 and IB in Years 12 and 13
Gender: Co-education
Age: 2 years to 18
Fees: 409,200 Baht a year from nursery age rising to 589,800 for Year 13
Location: 643 Lasalle Road (Sukhumvit 105) Bangna, 10260
Overview:
Priority is given to those who, by virtue of their previous education experience, have no choice but to attend an English-speaking international school. Children must, however, be fluent in English or be at a stage where they can achieve fluency given specialist support.
Available places in certain age groups are regularly oversubscribed and parents are advised to make an early application.
13. St Stephen's
Curriculum: English national
Gender: Co-education
Age: Nursery to Year 13
Fees: Available by contacting info@sis.edu
Location: 998 Viphavadi Rangsit Road, Lad Yao, Chatuchak, 10900
Overview:
St Stephen’s provides an education that incorporates the International Primary Curriculum and its big brother, the International Middle Years Curriculum and culminates in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education and A Level.
This provides for all students’ academic needs as well as developing in them the qualities and dispositions it feels are important in today’s world. The school is non-selective school but says it is the progress of individuals that really counts and seeks to maximize that progress for each student in a safe and nurturing environment.
14. Traill International School
Curriculum: Modified English national
Gender: Co-education
Age: Nursery to Year 13
Fees: Available by contacting enquiries@traillschool.ac.th
Location: 43 Soi 16,Ramkhamhaeng Road, Huamark
Overview:
The school aims to provide a curriculum sufficiently flexible to meet a wide range of demands and be rigorous enough to meet the challenge of any national system whilst catering for a wide range of abilities.
The curriculum includes aesthetic and creative, human and social, linguistic and literary, mathematical, moral, physical, scientific, spiritual and technological learning opportunities
15. Rugby School Thailand
Curriculum: British private education
Gender: Co-education
Age: Pre-nursery to Year 13
Fees: 380,000 Baht a year to 550,000. Boarding is extra.
Location: 188/1 Khao Mai Kaew, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
Overview:
Sport, music, art and drama are all central to the curriculum and are in no way peripheral. The school hopes its broad range of co-curricular activities helps each child develop interests and enthusiasms that can last a lifetime.
It boasts of perpetuating traditional values of moral substance, fair play, compassion and consideration for others. Rugby School, now entering its 450th year, has one of the greatest, best established, international networks of alumni in the world.
16. Brighton College International School
Curriculum: English national
Gender: Co-education
Age: Pre-nursery to Year 13
Fees: 515,000 Baht a year to 816,900
Location: Soi Krungthep Kreetha 15/1, Huamark, Bangkapi, Bangkok, 10240
Overview:
Brighton College is striving to create a family-orientated, respectful and vibrant community for its pupils, which will impart a love of learning for its own sake.
It seeks to prepare its pupils for the world through an innovative approach to education that creates an awareness of and enthusiasm for the world beyond the classroom – in particular through sport, music and the performing arts.
17. Berkeley International School
Curriculum: US
Gender: Co-education
Age: Pre-nursery to Year 12
Fees: From 512,384 Baht a year to 689,575
Location: 123 Bangna-Trad Road, Bangna, 10260
Overview:
The school welcomes families of all nationalities, and, to be truly international, it seeks to maintain a broad and balanced mixture of students. More than 50% of students come from Europe, North America and the southern hemisphere. It has thirty-five+ nationalities represented in its student body.
The campus offers science, dance and music rooms, 25 and 50 metre swimming pools, full-size grass football fields, an air-conditioned gym with raised maple flooring, a fitness room and a 300-seat theatre.
18. American School of Bangkok
Curriculum: US
Gender: Co-education
Age: 5 years to 18
Fees: 155,000 Baht a semester to 297,500
Location: Sukhumvit campus: 59-59/1 Sukhumvit Road Soi 49/3 Wattana, 10110, Green Vallet campus: 900 Moo 3 Bangna-Trad Road Km. 15 Bangplee, Samutprakarn 10540
Overview:
The American School of Bangkok (ASB) is a private Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 school offering an exceptional education based on an American curriculum with an international perspective.
ASB has placed students into the top universities, including Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Washington, Purdue University, Pennsylvania State University, University of British Columbia and the University of Tokyo. Many of these exceptional students have received full academic scholarships.
19. Australian International School Bangkok
Curriculum: Australian
Gender: Co-education
Age: 18 months to 15 years
Fees: Contact admin @australian-isb.com for details
Location: Soi 20 Campus (Nursery 1 – Year 1): 162/2, 164 Sukhumvit 20, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand. And Soi 31 Campus (Year 1 – Year 11): 319 Soi Sukhumvit 31, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Overview:
AISB's aim is to create an enriching learning environment, where all members of the school community are valued for their individuality, culture and heritage and are encouraged to develop to their full potential in a stimulating and caring environment.
There are two campuses, each located in prime areas of Sukhumvit – Early Childhood and Lower Primary on the Soi 20 campus, and Primary and Middle School on the Soi 31 campus. The school will open a Secondary School on Soi 31 in January 2021.
20. International School – Bangkok
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Gender: Co-education
Age: 3 to 18 years
Fees: From 522,500 to 900,000 Baht a year
Location: 39/7 Soi Nichada Thani, Samakee Amphur Pakkret, Nonthaburi, 11120
Overview:
Recognised as one of the premier international schools in the world, International School Bangkok has been providing quality education since 1951 to expatriates representing more than 60 countries.
Conveniently located just outside the heart of the city, ISB’s 15-hectare campus is nestled in a community called Nichada Thani, where children can walk or ride their bicycle to school along tree-lined paths.
21. New Sathorn International School
Curriculum: British and US combined
Gender: Co-education
Age: 3 years to 18
Fees: Available by emailing info @nsis.ac.th
Location: 289 Soi 24 Narathiwat Road, Chongnonsi, Yannawa, 10120
Overview:
The school was founded in 2004 and says it is a progressive Christian school offering young people a comprehensive educational program. 30 nationalities are represented in the NSIS student body.
NSIS teachers are fully qualified, native English-speaking, professionals possessing university degrees in education, areas of academic specialty and years of teaching experience. The school says it is equipped with superb science, art, music, drama and sports facilities.
22. Rasami British International School
Curriculum: Modified British
Gender: Co-education
Age: 18 months to 18 years
Fees: 210,000 Baht to 459,000 a year
Location: 48/2 Soi Rajavithi 2, Rajavithi Rd, Samsennai, Phayathai, 10400
Overview:
The school says it is proud to educate children; proud to promote academic achievements and proud to place learning at the heart of its work.
It says its Cambridge International Examinations and International General Certificate in Secondary Education are consistently above the UK average and many other international schools.
RBIS offers a wide range of IGCSE options and an A level programme that would enable students to choose to study in many countries.
23. Modern International School (MISB)
Curriculum: British
Gender: Co-education
Age: Nursery to Year 13
Fees: 165,000 Baht to 217,000 a year
Location: Sukhumvit 39, Bangkok, close to Promphong BTS station
Overview:
Modern International School Bangkok is located at the heart of Bangkok, on Sukhumit 39. The school was established in 1997 and follows the British National Curriculum.
MISB offers an IGCSE programme to students of Year 10 and Year 11 and Advanced Level for Years 12 and 13, to help prepare students for university education.
Class sizes are 20 to 25 pupils, with one homeroom teacher and one teaching assistant.
24. St Andrews International School
Curriculum: British combined with IGSE and IB
Gender: Co-education
Age: 2 to 18 years
Fees: From 282,465 Baht a year to 564,930
Location: Sukhumvit 107, Bangna, 10260
Overview:
The school is set within a vibrant and green suburban campus that is easily accessible from the city, with the entrance at the foot of the Bearing BTS station. The school community is diverse in nature with students, parents and teachers from more than 30 different nationalities.
The property sits on expansive grounds, which makes it suitable for a wide variety of outdoor activities and sports. The 25m swimming pool allows each child to develop and strengthen their water skills. The multi-purpose, all-weather covered gymnasium ensures the sports programme is not hampered by the occasional tropical downpour.
Note: Additional fees for applications, registration, additional lessons, meals, uniforms, laundry, boarding, travel and extra-curricular activities often apply at all schools listed. Some schools offer scholarships. There may be penalties and/or refunds for early withdrawal and certain discounts may apply.
25. ELC – International Schools Bangkok
Curriculum: International curriculum (Canadian)
Gender: Mixed (Co-education)
Age: 18 months – 11 years of age
Fees: available upon enquiry
Location: (head office) 18 Soi Sukhumvit 49/4, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Overview:
Established in 1984, ELC Family of International Schools is made up of five international schools in Bangkok, supporting children 18 months to 11 years of age from all over the world.
Four of the campuses are located in Thonglor and Phrom Phong, the centre of Bangkok's residential area; and the other, The Country School, a stone's throw from Nichada Thani (Nonthaburi).
ELC's international preschools, kindergartens and primary school offer world-class education, peaceful & green campuses and a personal approach to learning.
If the schools on this list are out of your price range, there are lots of bilingual schools, and schools with a dedicated English program, that offer a decent education with cheaper fees.
Perhaps some of my readers who have kids at other schools can help out by listing those they have good experience of in the comments section.
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