Chiang Mai International School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$9K - US$16K
Curriculum: American
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~500
Location: Old City & Nimman, Chiang Mai
Updated April 2026
In Brief
For families coming from a North American system, CMIS is the most natural fit in Chiang Mai - seven decades of history, AP courses in the senior years, and fees that sit well below the IB schools. It is not the flashiest option, but it has a track record and a genuine community feel.
CMIS has operated in Chiang Mai since 1954 - longer than any other international school in the city - and its American curriculum with Advanced Placement courses is one of the few AP pathways available in northern Thailand. The student body draws from 30+ countries, with a strong showing from American, Thai, Korean and missionary families. Families describe a close-knit community where teachers know students individually.
The campus is compact and sits centrally on Chetupon Road, which means commute times are short for most Chiang Mai neighbourhoods. Class sizes tend to be smaller than the larger IB schools, and multiple reviews note that the school responds quickly when students need academic support. The AP programme opens US university applications directly, which matters to families planning a return to North America.
The school is rooted in the Church of Christ in Thailand and maintains a Christian ethos, which works well for many families but is worth knowing upfront. The campus is older and facilities are functional rather than impressive. Fees are reasonable by Chiang Mai international standards, but the THB 100,000 enrollment fee is a meaningful one-time cost.
What parents value
- –Longest-established international school in Chiang Mai (founded 1954), WASC-accredited. AP courses available in senior school open US university applications directly.
- –Central location on Chetupon Road puts it within easy reach of most city neighbourhoods. Short commutes compared to the Mae Rim and Hang Dong campuses.
- –Smaller, community-oriented school where teachers and families tend to know each other. Multiple parent accounts mention responsive pastoral care.
Points of consideration
- –Christian ethos is embedded in school life. Families of other faiths are welcome, but the faith dimension is present in assemblies and school culture - worth experiencing at a visit before enrolling.
- –Campus facilities are functional rather than modern. Older buildings and limited specialist sports or arts infrastructure compared to Prem or Lanna's newer campuses.
- –No IB pathway. Families expecting IGCSE, A-Level or IB Diploma will need to look elsewhere. AP is strong, but it is a narrower qualification for non-US university applications.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool 3 & 4 | 3 | 9,989 |
| Kindergarten - Grade 5 | 5 | 12,479 |
| Grades 6-8 | 11 | 13,547 |
| Grades 9-12 | 14 | 16,964 |
Fees converted from THB. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | 153 |
| New Student Enrollment Fee (one-time) | 3,070 |
| Alumni Association Fee (one-time) | 61 |
| Continuing Enrollment Deposit | 153 |
| Capital Improvement Fee (annual) | 307 |
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Chiang Mai's international schools serve a mix of long-term resident families, digital nomad households, and children of NGO and business professionals. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for details.