Cities / Chiang Mai / Chiang Mai International School
Chiang Mai International School
Established in 1954, CMIS is Chiang Mai's longest-running international school, offering an American-sourced curriculum with Advanced Placement courses from Preschool 3 through Grade 12. 2025-2026 fees range from THB 325,400 (Preschool 3 & 4) to THB 552,600 (Grades 9-12), plus…
In brief
Chiang Mai's oldest international school, opened in 1954 by missionaries linked to the Church of Christ in Thailand and now an American-curriculum K-12 with a strong AP programme and WASC accreditation since 1987.
Located in the heart of the city on Chetupon Road, which makes it one of the few international options that does not require a long Hang Dong commute. Around 500 students. The Christian heritage is part of the identity and chapel time is part of the week, but the school welcomes families of all faiths and the academic spine is the standards-based US programme leading to AP courses and the US high school diploma.
Long-running families value the rigour, the central location and the AP track for US university applications. The sharper criticism that has surfaced under more recent administration is that the climate has tightened, some long-tenured teachers have left, and the fee level has moved up faster than the family experience has improved. Worth comparing directly to APIS and Prem if IB is the priority, since CMIS is firmly American rather than IB.
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool 3 & 4 | 3 | Annual | THB 325,400 |
| Kindergarten - Grade 5 | 5 | Annual | THB 406,500 |
| Grades 6-8 | 11 | Annual | THB 441,300 |
| Grades 9-12 | 14 | Annual | THB 552,600 |
| Alumni Association Fee (one-time) | One-time | THB 2,000 | |
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | One-time | THB 5,000 | |
| Continuing Enrollment Deposit | One-time | THB 5,000 | |
| Capital Improvement Fee (annual) | One-time | THB 10,000 | |
| New Student Enrollment Fee (one-time) | One-time | THB 100,000 |
Reviews
- CMIS draws a small but mostly warm review pool, anchored by alumni who recall close relationships with long-stay teachers and a friendly, diverse campus community.
- Several newer posts say the campus feels physically cramped, while keeping a positive view of academics and AP delivery.
- A more critical strand argues that under newer leadership the school has shifted from "colourful, free-spirited" toward a more standardised, exam-driven culture, with some passionate teachers leaving.
- Cost is a separate flashpoint: one reviewer calls the school "severely overpriced" relative to what they describe as a narrower current offering.
- Local Christian-school history and AP/American framing keep CMIS distinct from the more international IB-led options in Chiang Mai.
Head of school
Dr. Cherie Kinnersley
Dr. Cherie Kinnersley serves as the Head of School at Chiang Mai International School. She holds a Doctor of Education in Administrative Leadership from Concordia University, a Master of Science in Science Education from Florida International University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Oregon State University. Prior to her appointment as Head of School, she served as the Superintendent at CMIS. She works alongside the School Director and Manager to oversee the school's day-to-day activities and strategic direction, maintaining its commitment to educational excellence in a Christian community.
Accreditations
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) 01
Academic results
- AP exams 2020 86% achieved a score of 3 or higher