Recommended Schools in Chiang Mai

[stament]

Our two sons will be moving to Chiang Mai soon and we are currently researching the best schools for them. They are 7.5 and 2.5 years respectively. The elder one has been in England the past four years so he is fluent in English and speaks thai though not fluent. The younger one speaks thai although he can understand some English.

I've read quite a few good threads on here but they are quite old and I couldn't reply to them so I'm starting off a new thread.

We would ideally like a school where subjects are taught in English. I've read reviews of Varee and Varee International School the latter seems much more expensive and almost on a par with Lanna, CIMS and SBS in terms of fees. Spending around Thb 120k per son per year would be ideal. However, we would be prepared to pay up to around 220k each person if we thought the kids were really getting a much better education for that extra money.

I'd welcome any views on the above schools and any others as well as comments on teaching methods, etc please. Our view is that we want the kids to go to a good all round school that will offer them the chance to go to a good university should they have the capability and study well. More importantly though is that we want them to have values and not be at an elite type school where kids think they are better than others.

My job involves me moving countries and we could move back to England or even to Hong Kong or Canada in the future. PTIS school isn't one I'd favour a

for the reasons stated above.

Many thanks

[DaamNaam]

I know kids who go to Prem and they are not as you say, in fact they are intelligent well centred kids. It is way above the 220k you mentioned anyway.

[Dante99]

Perhaps you might want to check the prices again online, things are more expensive than you think.

What kind of values do you want the school to try to instill? Christian, Buddhist, British, Sikh, Islamic, Thai or what?

[DaamNaam]

Perhaps you might want to check the prices again online, things are more expensive than you think.

What kind of values do you want the school to try to instill? Christian, Buddhist, British, Sikh, Islamic, Thai or what?

Human values.

[stament]

To be clear and perhaps I didn't explain myself clearly so I apologise for that. Whatever school they go to I would want them to be well rounded and I do not know which schools would or wouldn't make my sons change their attitudes to feel elitist perhaps. It's the peoe not the school specifically I imagine which would cause that change and the environment I guess.

As regards price I do have a budget of around 220k per child and could go higher if necessary but would we be getting that extra money's worth that would be the question, whether it be 50k extra 100k over 50k school a 200k school over a 100k school, etc. From an economics point of view it would be the diminishing effect of marginal returns per extra baht spent I guess.

[stament]

As pointed out human values would absolutely be a very, very important factor. I was always brought up to treat others the way I would like to be treated and that is something I reach them, amongst other things ;-)

Religious belief, I'm not religious but respect all others and as long as it wasn't forceful I wouldn't really mind the religious belief of the school. My wife is a Buddhist so if anything we'd veer towards that.

thanks all for your input and comments

[junglechef]

I would suggest a very careful examination of the schools religious agenda. My personal experience with one of the afformentioned schools they hide that they had a "chapel" class weekly for the all the students even after I repeatedly inquired.

Also to generalize that in this class concious society, that is fudelistic in many ways, the more expensive the establishment the more spoiled the kids might be, often acting superior to others as learnt from the example thier parents exhibit.

[stament]

thanks noted. How children react will be dependent on a number of factors such as how their parents behave and teach them as you so rightly point out as well as the environment they are in, their friends and peers, teachers and also the child as a person amongst other things. Other non human factors such as the media can also influence.

I'm digressing now from what I wanted which is people's feedback and recommendations

[baywatch82]

American Pacific International School have good PYP program (depends on teacher of course), is not religion oriented at all, and is much cheaper than Prem.

[onthedarkside]

One post and the 2 replies - removed. Stop the inflammatory posts and insults.

[haybilly]

It sounds as though you are leaning towards an English style of education rather than the American approach--if this is the case, then you are really limited to probably 2 schools in Chiang mai-- Lanna IST and Varee Chiang Mai.

If the quality of teaching staff is more important than having expensive looking facilities--then I would suggest Lanna. Whereas, if the appearance of the school is more important, try Varee. You may find that you could start in the English Program at Varee, with the younger son but both would need to move into the International section in order to sit genuine University entrance exams come the time, unless you want to limit your sons to Thai Universities.

if you are less concerned whether it should be English curriculum or American or European-- Grace Int. has a good reputation as does the Turkish run school whose name eludes me.

[scorecard]

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To be clear and perhaps I didn't explain myself clearly so I apologise for that. Whatever school they go to I would want them to be well rounded and I do not know which schools would or wouldn't make my sons change their attitudes to feel elitist perhaps. It's the peoe not the school specifically I imagine which would cause that change and the environment I guess.

As regards price I do have a budget of around 220k per child and could go higher if necessary but would we be getting that extra money's worth that would be the question, whether it be 50k extra 100k over 50k school a 200k school over a 100k school, etc. From an economics point of view it would be the diminishing effect of marginal returns per extra baht spent I guess.

I have two Thai granddaughters at Varee. Good facilities, teaching materials etc., all follow accrecited curriculum, well prepared, etc. School seems to be well organized. Good food for a school situation, and clean. Lots of extra 'club' options etc.

- Eldest (now 9) started at Varee in Primary 1, now speaks native speaker English also Thai. Doing well in Mandarin, maths, science etc. Overall very happy with her education. All teachers except Thai and Chinese are western. Her home room teacher very pleasant, professional, very good at sparking the kids to talk , speak up, discuss, and pushing them to analyze. Around 120,000 Baht per year all up.

- Youngest (3) at Varee 3 months, speaks same level of Thai as English (but that's mostly from home). She can recite all the ABC alphabet with ease and recognizes maybe 30% of the written characters, going up quickly. She can count to 10 in English and Thai on her fingers, verbally up to 20. So far very happy, Around 100,000 per year maybe a little less.

Their annual concert is coming up soon, always well done, big spectacle, at an offsite theatre. All levels take part. Main theme this year is the musical 'Annie'. Maybe worth a look, but I don't know if outsiders can buy tickets.

Christian religion: all students attend school Christian chapel for about 30 minutes per week, that's all. Apart from that there seems to be no further pushing of Chistianity. We have checked with eldest several times, there is absolutely no fire and brimstone stuff.

Overall - recommended.

The main visitor / enquiry room has been recently upgraded, well organized. They will very quickly get an English speaking and knowledgeable employee to talk with you if needed.

Good luck.

[Bill97]

Perhaps you might want to check the prices again online, things are more expensive than you think.

What kind of values do you want the school to try to instill? Christian, Buddhist, British, Sikh, Islamic, Thai or what?

Human values.

And what other value sets are being taught here?

[PFV]

Throughout the years, we have sent the kids to Varee, Sarasat, Montfort, APIK, and PTIS.

Perhaps surprisingly, the most learning-focused and non-elitist (IMHO) is PTIS.

You should visit the various schools, ask the difficult questions, and check the teachers' credentials, facilities, etc.

Also, see what programs are in place to assist with college placement and career counseling, in case you will still be here for high school.

The curriculum needs some careful evaluation too. The IB PYP, and MYP are inquiry-based and quite different from traditional knowledge-based approaches.

It might help to narrow down your choice if you have an idea about the possible college destination of your kids (Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, UK, US, etc.).

Lastly, I second the concerns expressed by others about religious schools. My friends with children going to CMIS complained about being first and second class school citizens based on religious belief.

[maichai40]

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To be clear and perhaps I didn't explain myself clearly so I apologise for that. Whatever school they go to I would want them to be well rounded and I do not know which schools would or wouldn't make my sons change their attitudes to feel elitist perhaps. It's the peoe not the school specifically I imagine which would cause that change and the environment I guess.

As regards price I do have a budget of around 220k per child and could go higher if necessary but would we be getting that extra money's worth that would be the question, whether it be 50k extra 100k over 50k school a 200k school over a 100k school, etc. From an economics point of view it would be the diminishing effect of marginal returns per extra baht spent I guess.

I have two Thai granddaughters at Varee. Good facilities, teaching materials etc., all follow accrecited curriculum, well prepared, etc. School seems to be well organized. Good food for a school situation, and clean. Lots of extra 'club' options etc.

- Eldest (now 9) started at Varee in Primary 1, now speaks native speaker English also Thai. Doing well in Mandarin, maths, science etc. Overall very happy with her education. All teachers except Thai and Chinese are western. Her home room teacher very pleasant, professional, very good at sparking the kids to talk , speak up, discuss, and pushing them to analyze. Around 120,000 Baht per year all up.

- Youngest (3) at Varee 3 months, speaks same level of Thai as English (but that's mostly from home). She can recite all the ABC alphabet with ease and recognizes maybe 30% of the written characters, going up quickly. She can count to 10 in English and Thai on her fingers, verbally up to 20. So far very happy, Around 100,000 per year maybe a little less.

Their annual concert is coming up soon, always well done, big spectacle, at an offsite theatre. All levels take part. Main theme this year is the musical 'Annie'. Maybe worth a look, but I don't know if outsiders can buy tickets.

Christian religion: all students attend school Christian chapel for about 30 minutes per week, that's all. Apart from that there seems to be no further pushing of Chistianity. We have checked with eldest several times, there is absolutely no fire and brimstone stuff.

Overall - recommended.

The main visitor / enquiry room has been recently upgraded, well organized. They will very quickly get an English speaking and knowledgeable employee to talk with you if needed.

Good luck.

Excuse me, which Varee school your graddaughters go?

My son is in Varee for 2 years now (kindergarten) and never went to the chapel, just say you are not interested and they will not bring them.

The prices you talk about are just the double of the normal price (i wouldn't pay that amount)....are you sure about it?

[haybilly]

Varee prices range--from the standard Pratom classes, the English Program, and, obviously the International section from year 6 and above; if your son is in the standard Pratom then his fees would be about 50% of the English Program prices. International is approx double the EP prices--so, you pays your money and you takes your choice.

[maichai40]

Varee prices range--from the standard Pratom classes, the English Program, and, obviously the International section from year 6 and above; if your son is in the standard Pratom then his fees would be about 50% of the English Program prices. International is approx double the EP prices--so, you pays your money and you takes your choice.

Sorry you are wrong, you can check the prices on their website (EP and non-EP).

And kindergarten prices are same for all (no EP), 24k per term (48k per year).

[haybilly]

Well, then things have indeed changed since my daughter attended EP in Varee School.

The prices that I quoted were what I paid for the 5 years that she went there.

I find it hard to believe that EP is priced the same as standard Thai Pratom.

[haybilly]

Incidentally, the prices that I was paying for EP are exactly the same as 'Scorecard' had mentioned. So, I believe that it is you that is wrong.

[Puwa]

My two cents' worth is based on 10 years as a parent whose child started at an English language preschool and then went to one of the international schools. We've known students, parents and teachers at pretty much every school, plus I've gleaned a bit reading and occasionally contributing to threads about schools in Chiangmai.

I've concluded that there aren't any excellent schools in Chiang Mai. There are many reasons that I won't go into here. I think the range here runs from mediocre (a few) to acceptable (most) to pretty good (one or two). Generally, how one evaluates any school depends on his expectations of what a school should do, and one's view of education in general.

The best advice I can think to give is to consider that the most important education will take place at home, and school is just a supplement. That may be true everywhere, but it is certainly the case here. And maybe as children get into the high school years, it might make sense to have them study in your home country, or wherever they would be attending college, for academic and cultural preparation.

[maichai40]

Incidentally, the prices that I was paying for EP are exactly the same as 'Scorecard' had mentioned. So, I believe that it is you that is wrong.

The correct prices are those shown on their website, which is exactly what me and all the others pay. There is nothing else to say.

And if you find in the list 100.000/year for kindergarten then you are right.....i am happy to pay half!

[Dante99]

I think the range here runs from mediocre (a few) to acceptable (most) to pretty good (one or two).

Having read your posts for years and recalling some of your thoughts on schools, I would greatly appreciate receiving your opinion about which one or two are pretty good. If for some reason you do not want post it, how about a PM. Thanks very much.

[haybilly]

Incidentally, the prices that I was paying for EP are exactly the same as 'Scorecard' had mentioned. So, I believe that it is you that is wrong.

The correct prices are those shown on their website, which is exactly what me and all the others pay. There is nothing else to say.

And if you find in the list 100.000/year for kindergarten then you are right.....i am happy to pay half!

I am not talking about kindergarten-and I believe that the OP was asking about an older child.

Have a look at the website and you will see the prices for Pratom and EP per term, which is what I was referring to. Dream on if you think that prices remain at kindergarten levels through your child's education. .

[Puwa]

I think the range here runs from mediocre (a few) to acceptable (most) to pretty good (one or two).

Having read your posts for years and recalling some of your thoughts on schools, I would greatly appreciate receiving your opinion about which one or two are pretty good. If for some reason you do not want post it, how about a PM. Thanks very much.

Thanks Dante, I guess it's a bit like that old line about advertising: we know half of it works we just aren't sure which half. I don't want to open this particular bottle of worms here, so will PM you.

[stament]

I think the range here runs from mediocre (a few) to acceptable (most) to pretty good (one or two).

Having read your posts for years and recalling some of your thoughts on schools, I would greatly appreciate receiving your opinion about which one or two are pretty good. If for some reason you do not want post it, how about a PM. Thanks very much.

Thanks Dante, I guess it's a bit like that old line about advertising: we know half of it works we just aren't sure which half. I don't want to open this particular bottle of worms here, so will PM you.

Kindly PM me too - many thanks

[scorecard]

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To be clear and perhaps I didn't explain myself clearly so I apologise for that. Whatever school they go to I would want them to be well rounded and I do not know which schools would or wouldn't make my sons change their attitudes to feel elitist perhaps. It's the peoe not the school specifically I imagine which would cause that change and the environment I guess.

As regards price I do have a budget of around 220k per child and could go higher if necessary but would we be getting that extra money's worth that would be the question, whether it be 50k extra 100k over 50k school a 200k school over a 100k school, etc. From an economics point of view it would be the diminishing effect of marginal returns per extra baht spent I guess.

I have two Thai granddaughters at Varee. Good facilities, teaching materials etc., all follow accrecited curriculum, well prepared, etc. School seems to be well organized. Good food for a school situation, and clean. Lots of extra 'club' options etc.

- Eldest (now 9) started at Varee in Primary 1, now speaks native speaker English also Thai. Doing well in Mandarin, maths, science etc. Overall very happy with her education. All teachers except Thai and Chinese are western. Her home room teacher very pleasant, professional, very good at sparking the kids to talk , speak up, discuss, and pushing them to analyze. Around 120,000 Baht per year all up.

- Youngest (3) at Varee 3 months, speaks same level of Thai as English (but that's mostly from home). She can recite all the ABC alphabet with ease and recognizes maybe 30% of the written characters, going up quickly. She can count to 10 in English and Thai on her fingers, verbally up to 20. So far very happy, Around 100,000 per year maybe a little less.

Their annual concert is coming up soon, always well done, big spectacle, at an offsite theatre. All levels take part. Main theme this year is the musical 'Annie'. Maybe worth a look, but I don't know if outsiders can buy tickets.

Christian religion: all students attend school Christian chapel for about 30 minutes per week, that's all. Apart from that there seems to be no further pushing of Chistianity. We have checked with eldest several times, there is absolutely no fire and brimstone stuff.

Overall - recommended.

The main visitor / enquiry room has been recently upgraded, well organized. They will very quickly get an English speaking and knowledgeable employee to talk with you if needed.

Good luck.

SELF CORRECTION:

I apologize, there is a mistake in the fees I included in my initial post:

1. Primary 3 English program - actual fees are just over 100,000 for one year, I added extra to cover uniforms, shoes books, extras - total around 120,000Baht per year.

2. Kindergarden - as mentioned by another poster 100,000 is quite wrong. Actual fees per semester around 28,000 ++ X 2 semesters.

Again my apology.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Doi Saket junior Temple school, up to age 13.

I was happy with their results.

Nice safe setting on the road to Bo Sang, some classrooms in the temple on the hill.

Free lunch provided.

Only costs were uniforms and books.

Younger son age 2.5, does he really need to attend school before age 5?

If you must, plenty of kindergarten schools from 2k/month.

My youngest boy is 3, he won't be going to school until age 5.

I don't trust any of them with the younger children (nor their van drivers).

[scorecard]

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Doi Saket junior Temple school, up to age 13.

I was happy with their results.

Nice safe setting on the road to Bo Sang, some classrooms in the temple on the hill.

Free lunch provided.

Only costs were uniforms and books.

Younger son age 2.5, does he really need to attend school before age 5?

If you must, plenty of kindergarten schools from 2k/month.

My youngest boy is 3, he won't be going to school until age 5.

I don't trust any of them with the younger children (nor their van drivers).

Certainly agree about school vans / drivers.

Our kids are delivered to school by car driven by family member, then walked to class room door.

There are three or four school vans in our moo baan every morning (reverse in late afternoon) picking up kids, some just toddlers. Given the behaviors of these drivers just within our village it amazes me that anybody would allow their kids to be in the hands of these morons.

[junglechef]

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To be clear and perhaps I didn't explain myself clearly so I apologise for that. Whatever school they go to I would want them to be well rounded and I do not know which schools would or wouldn't make my sons change their attitudes to feel elitist perhaps. It's the peoe not the school specifically I imagine which would cause that change and the environment I guess.

As regards price I do have a budget of around 220k per child and could go higher if necessary but would we be getting that extra money's worth that would be the question, whether it be 50k extra 100k over 50k school a 200k school over a 100k school, etc. From an economics point of view it would be the diminishing effect of marginal returns per extra baht spent I guess.

I have two Thai granddaughters at Varee. Good facilities, teaching materials etc., all follow accrecited curriculum, well prepared, etc. School seems to be well organized. Good food for a school situation, and clean. Lots of extra 'club' options etc.

- Eldest (now 9) started at Varee in Primary 1, now speaks native speaker English also Thai. Doing well in Mandarin, maths, science etc. Overall very happy with her education. All teachers except Thai and Chinese are western. Her home room teacher very pleasant, professional, very good at sparking the kids to talk , speak up, discuss, and pushing them to analyze. Around 120,000 Baht per year all up.

- Youngest (3) at Varee 3 months, speaks same level of Thai as English (but that's mostly from home). She can recite all the ABC alphabet with ease and recognizes maybe 30% of the written characters, going up quickly. She can count to 10 in English and Thai on her fingers, verbally up to 20. So far very happy, Around 100,000 per year maybe a little less.

Their annual concert is coming up soon, always well done, big spectacle, at an offsite theatre. All levels take part. Main theme this year is the musical 'Annie'. Maybe worth a look, but I don't know if outsiders can buy tickets.

Christian religion: all students attend school Christian chapel for about 30 minutes per week, that's all. Apart from that there seems to be no further pushing of Chistianity. We have checked with eldest several times, there is absolutely no fire and brimstone stuff.

Overall - recommended.

The main visitor / enquiry room has been recently upgraded, well organized. They will very quickly get an English speaking and knowledgeable employee to talk with you if needed.

Good luck.

My issue was that not only was I not informed of the "Chapel" class but from only from repeatedly asking, perhaps a dozen times and getting a weird feeling from the answers. Upon further investigating that I found out a bit more. The only way I finally did get the truth was when I asked to go see the class but as there was not one is session, so I still don't really know what they are teaching, but it had a big cross in the front of the room which I specifically was told that it looks just like a normal classroom with no religious symbols and I saw the back wall was full of new testament bibles. I even asked my friends who children attend school there and they said there was not any "chapel" class nor does it say anywhere in the school literature that there is though all the other subjects are listed. Make your own conclusions but as I was finally told that the owner is Christian ands this was her wishes I asked to speak to her. Was told "NO" as she was too busy so I asked for her telephone number and was told they will ask her if they can and will get back to me. Never heard from anyone again, but of course this was after they had gotten almost 2700 bht out of me just to give me the application forms (not in line of what it says on their promotional material) so obviously I didn't pursue it further as I would never have my children go to a school that I believe has a hidden agenda. What else is going on there one only has to guess!

I'd like to say I did decide on a school that also has a Christian owner whom teaches a "morals" class once a week which might be quite similar to the "chapel" class BUT I was told all about it. For example when I showed interest in knowing what it was about immediately I was given the book they teach from to look at. As you might have realised by now that I am not Christian but a good Christian to me is just a good person and the world always is a better place for them!

[FrankOff]

There are three or four school vans in our moo baan every morning (reverse in late afternoon) picking up kids, some just toddlers. Given the behaviors of these drivers just within our village it amazes me that anybody would allow their kids to be in the hands of these morons.

...does that say anything about the school that employs them???