The 12 international schools in Chiang Mai by curriculum (2025/26)

IB, British, American, Christian, Thai-bilingual. Which curriculum fits your family, which schools teach which, and the fee ranges for 2025/26.

Curriculum matters more than reputation when you're choosing an international school in Chiang Mai. A family moving from London probably wants a British curriculum so the kids slot into a UK university pipeline. A family from Boston probably wants American. A family that plans to stay long-term and integrate into Thai culture might want a Thai-bilingual school. None of these answers is the "best" school. They're matching answers to your specific situation.

This guide breaks the 12 international schools in Chiang Mai into five curriculum families, with fee ranges (2025/26), what each curriculum optimizes for, and which schools teach it. Full head-to-head comparison with sourced fees on our schools comparison page.

1. IB (International Baccalaureate)

Strong for families who plan to apply to universities globally. IB Diploma is the most internationally portable secondary credential, accepted by universities in 90+ countries. Programme is rigorous: 6 subjects, theory of knowledge, extended essay, community service. Three schools in Chiang Mai offer it:

  • Prem Tinsulanonda International School (Mae Rim). Full IB continuum (PYP for primary, MYP for middle school, DP for diploma). Boarding option from grade 6. The most expensive school in Chiang Mai. Strong for families relocating from Singapore, Hong Kong, or other IB-heavy expat circuits. Fees roughly ฿450k to ฿722k/year depending on grade.
  • Nakornpayap International School (NIS). American-style PK-12 with the IB Diploma in upper years. North of the city. Fees roughly ฿300k to ฿500k/year.
  • Lanna International School. Smaller, central. IB Diploma offered in upper years; Cambridge primary in earlier years. Fees roughly ฿250k to ฿420k/year.

2. British (English National Curriculum / IGCSE / A-Level)

Strong for families relocating from the UK, Commonwealth countries, or families specifically targeting UK universities. Follows EYFS, Key Stages, IGCSE in years 10 and 11, A-Levels (or equivalent) in years 12 and 13.

  • British International School Chiang Mai (BIS). The only full British curriculum school in Chiang Mai. Part of the Cognita international school group. Located south of the city. Fees roughly ฿400k to ฿600k/year depending on year group.

3. American (US curriculum, AP, US accreditation)

Strong for families relocating from the US, or families who specifically want a US-style high school transcript for US university applications. Curriculum follows US grade structure (K-12), with AP options in upper grades.

  • Chiang Mai International School (CMIS). The oldest international school in Chiang Mai (founded 1954, originally for missionary kids). American curriculum, central location. Fees roughly ฿350k to ฿550k/year.
  • American Pacific International School (APIS / ABS). Smaller, more boutique, American curriculum with Christian foundation. South of the city. Fees roughly ฿280k to ฿420k/year.

4. Christian (American curriculum + faith-based)

Strong for missionary and ministry families, or families who specifically want faith-based education. Curriculum is typically American with daily Bible class and chapel.

  • Grace International School. Established, well-regarded among missionary families. American curriculum. South-central location. Fees roughly ฿250k to ฿420k/year.
  • Christian Living International School (CLIS). Smaller, faith-based. Fees roughly ฿180k to ฿300k/year.

5. Thai-Lanna bilingual

Strong for families planning to integrate long-term into Thai culture, or families with one Thai parent. Curriculum runs English and Thai in parallel, with Thai cultural curriculum, language, and (in Panyaden's case) Buddhist values woven through.

  • Panyaden International School (Hang Dong and Mae Rim). Bilingual English-Thai with Buddhist values. Outdoor and nature-led pedagogy. Strong family community. Fees roughly ฿220k to ฿380k/year.
  • Varee Chiang Mai School. Bilingual Thai-English. Larger student body, more conventional academic style. Fees roughly ฿192k to ฿320k/year.

Other notable schools

  • Unity Concord International School. American-international curriculum, south of the city. Fees roughly ฿250k to ฿380k/year.
  • Nicolas Bermondsey International School (NBIS). Smaller, central. Mixed curriculum offerings. Fees roughly ฿200k to ฿320k/year.

How to pick the right curriculum for your family

The decision matrix that actually works:

  1. Where do you plan to apply for university? US universities accept everything; UK universities prefer