Nakornpayap International School

Founded 1993 — the oldest secular international school in Chiang Mai. American curriculum, Kindergarten through Grade 12, WASC-accredited through 2032. The school has grown considerably since its early days and relocated to a spacious 17-acre campus in San Phi Sua on the Second Ring Road. Strong AP and STEM offerings, 619 students from 25+ nationalities. This was my own school growing up, back when it was strongly Western-leaning. The mix has shifted over the years — more Korean and Thai, and now Chinese — which means English isn't always the default language between classes, and friend groups can run along language lines. Still a warm, well-regarded community, but worth asking about directly if genuine English immersion is a priority for your child.

Annual tuition (2025/26): ฿290,000–฿496,800 (~$8,923–$15,286)

Public feedback: The public accounts disagree. A May 2026 elementary parent reports happy children, liked teachers and classes of around 18 or fewer. 2024 directory parent reviews criticize facilities and administration; an older parent praises academic rigor. These are individual, unverified experiences. The elementary parent explicitly cannot assess senior academics. Ask how concerns are escalated and see the facilities your child would actually use, rather than transferring a primary-school recommendation to high school.