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Seeking a world-class education in Northern Thailand? Chiang Mai International School (CMIS) stands as one of Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious international educational institutions. Since 1954 it’s been delivering American-curriculum education to students from diverse cultural backgrounds in the heart of Chiang Mai.

Located in a serene campus setting just minutes from the city centre this renowned school offers comprehensive programmes from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. You’ll find CMIS uniquely positions itself by blending Western academic standards with rich Thai cultural experiences making it an ideal choice for both expatriate families and local students seeking international education.

You might be wondering what sets CMIS apart from other international schools in Southeast Asia. With its strong academic reputation accredited by WASC and Thai Ministry of Education plus a robust selection of AP courses and extracurricular activities CMIS continues to shape global citizens ready for tomorrow’s challenges.

The Legacy of Chiangmai International School

Chiangmai International School (CMIS) stands as a cornerstone of international education in Northern Thailand, shaping global citizens for nearly seven decades.

School History and Mission

CMIS opened its doors in 1954 as Thailand’s first international school outside Bangkok, established by Christian missionaries to serve expatriate families. The school’s original campus, located near Chiang Mai’s old city walls, started with 20 students from 5 different nationalities. By 1975, CMIS had expanded to its current 17-acre campus on Kaew Nawarat Road, accommodating 420 students.

The school’s mission focuses on three core pillars:

• Developing critical thinking through American curriculum standards
• Fostering global perspectives in a multicultural environment
• Building character through service learning programmes

Notable milestones include:

Year	Achievement
1954	School founding
1958	First graduating class
1989	WASC accreditation
2004	50th anniversary celebration
2019	New STEAM facility opening

Cultural Heritage and Values

CMIS embraces a unique blend of Western education and Thai cultural elements. The school’s cultural framework incorporates:

Core community values:

• Respect for diversity through 25+ represented nationalities
• Integration of Thai language classes for all students
• Celebration of traditional festivals like Loy Krathong
• Regular cultural exchange programmes

Educational traditions:

• Annual International Day featuring student performances
• Thai studies programme integrated into curriculum
• Community service projects in local villages
• Parent-led cultural workshops

• Local Thai schools through partnership programmes
• International university networks across 15 countries
• Alumni associations spanning 6 continents
• Regional educational conferences

Academic Excellence and Curriculum

Chiang Mai International School delivers a rigorous American curriculum enhanced by international standards to prepare students for global universities. The comprehensive academic programme combines core subjects with innovative learning approaches, emphasising both intellectual growth and practical skills.

International Baccalaureate Programme

CMIS integrates key elements of the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework while maintaining its American curriculum foundation. The programme spans across primary years (ages 3-11), middle years (ages 11-16), and diploma years (ages 16-19). Students engage in:

• Theory of Knowledge courses exploring critical thinking methods
• Extended essays developing research capabilities
• Community Action Service projects connecting learning to real-world applications
• Six subject groups including:

• Language & Literature
• Language Acquisition
• Individuals & Societies
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• Arts

The IB programme maintains a 94% pass rate, with graduates receiving an average score of 35 points out of 45 in the past five years.

Advanced Placement Courses

The AP programme at CMIS offers 15 college-level courses across multiple disciplines:

• STEM Subjects:

• Calculus AB & BC
• Physics 1 & 2
• Computer Science A
• Biology
• Chemistry

• Humanities:

• English Language & Composition
• World History
• Psychology
• Economics

• Fine Arts:

• Studio Art
• Music Theory

Students achieve an 87% pass rate on AP exams, with 65% scoring 4 or higher. AP course participation rates show:

Grade Level	Participation Rate	Average Scores
Grade 11	75%	3.8
Grade 12	85%	4.2

The programme includes dedicated AP study labs, university counselling sessions, and partnerships with 25 international universities for advanced credit recognition.

Campus Facilities and Infrastructure

Chiang Mai International School’s 17-acre campus combines modern architecture with natural surroundings, featuring purpose-built facilities designed to enhance learning experiences. The infrastructure supports both academic excellence and student well-being through specialised spaces for various educational activities.

Modern Learning Spaces

The academic facilities at CMIS include 45 state-of-the-art classrooms equipped with interactive smartboards, high-speed internet connectivity and ergonomic furniture. The STEAM Innovation Centre houses:

• 3 fully-equipped science laboratories with digital microscopes
• Digital fabrication lab with 3D printers & laser cutters
• Robotics workshop with programming stations
• Design studio for creative arts & engineering projects
• Media production suite with recording facilities

The Learning Resource Centre spans two floors containing:

• 25,000+ print & digital resources
• Individual study carrels for 60 students
• 2 collaborative learning zones
• Research databases & online journals
• Makerspaces for hands-on projects

Sports and Recreation Amenities

The athletic facilities support physical education programmes & competitive sports through:

Indoor Facilities:

• 850-seat air-conditioned gymnasium
• 25-metre swimming pool with 6 lanes
• Dance & movement studio
• Fitness centre with training equipment
• Indoor climbing wall

Outdoor Facilities:

• FIFA-standard football pitch
• 400-metre running track
• 4 tennis courts
• 2 basketball courts
• Adventure playground for primary students
• Covered play areas for early years

• Student lounge areas
• Outdoor amphitheatre
• Garden spaces for environmental studies
• Shaded picnic zones
• Meditation garden

Student Life and Activities

CMIS enriches students’ educational experience through comprehensive extracurricular activities integrated within the academic schedule. The school cultivates a balanced lifestyle combining academic excellence with personal development opportunities.

Extracurricular Programmes

CMIS offers 35 after-school activities spanning arts, athletics, technology, and leadership development. Students participate in competitive sports teams including basketball, volleyball, football, swimming, and track & field, competing in the Chiang Mai Athletic Conference against 8 regional international schools. The performing arts programme features 3 major productions annually, incorporating drama, music, and dance performances.

Activity Category	Number of Options	Participation Rate
Sports Teams	12	65%
Arts & Culture	8	45%
Technology Clubs	7	38%
Leadership Groups	8	42%

• Teaching English at rural schools in 5 neighbouring provinces
• Supporting 3 local children’s homes with weekly tutoring sessions
• Maintaining organic gardens that provide produce to community kitchens
• Operating recycling programmes across 12 collection points
• Organising annual health camps serving 500+ residents

Service Category	Annual Hours	Students Involved
Education Outreach	1,200	185
Environmental Projects	800	160
Community Support	1,500	210
Health Initiatives	600	145

Cultural Diversity and International Community

Chiang Mai International School (CMIS) embraces a vibrant multicultural community representing over 25 nationalities. The school’s diverse environment creates authentic cross-cultural learning experiences through daily interactions among students from varied backgrounds.

Global Student Body

CMIS’s student population comprises 420 learners from 27 countries across 6 continents. The demographic breakdown includes:

Student Demographics	Percentage
Asian Students	45%
European Students	25%
North American	15%
Other Regions	15%

The school maintains a balanced ratio of international to local students (60:40) to foster genuine cultural exchange. Students participate in cultural ambassador programmes, peer mentoring systems, and international exchange initiatives with 12 partner schools worldwide. Each grade level hosts 3-4 cultural celebration events annually, showcasing traditional performances, cuisines, and customs from different regions.

Multicultural Learning Environment

The school’s multicultural setting integrates diverse perspectives into daily learning experiences. The curriculum incorporates:

• Language programmes in 5 different languages: English, Thai, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese
• Cultural studies modules featuring art, music, dance from 15 different traditions
• International food festivals celebrating 20+ cuisines throughout the academic year
• Cross-cultural project teams combining students from different backgrounds
• Global citizenship workshops led by international educators

Teachers from 15 different nationalities bring varied teaching approaches, creating a rich educational world. The school calendar observes major cultural festivals from different traditions, with 8 annual celebrations including Loy Krathong, Chinese New Year, Diwali, and Western holidays. Students participate in 6 intercultural exchange programmes annually, connecting with peer institutions across Asia Pacific.

University Preparation and Career Guidance

Chiang Mai International School’s comprehensive university preparation system equips students with essential tools for higher education success. The programme combines personalised guidance with practical experience to create pathways for global university admissions.

College Counselling Services

CMIS’s dedicated college counselling office provides personalised guidance through five certified counsellors serving grades 9-12. Students receive one-on-one consultations starting in grade 9, with 15 scheduled meetings throughout their high school journey. The counselling team maintains partnerships with 180 universities across 25 countries, facilitating direct admissions channels.

Key services include:

• Individual university selection guidance based on academic profiles
• SAT/ACT preparation courses with certified instructors
• Application workshops covering personal statements writing
• Interview preparation sessions with university alumni
• Financial aid application assistance

The counselling office organises:

• Annual college fairs hosting 45 international universities
• Virtual information sessions with admissions officers
• Campus tours to 12 partner universities in Thailand
• Weekly career exploration workshops
• Standardised test preparation programmes

Alumni Success Stories

CMIS graduates demonstrate remarkable success in global higher education institutions. The class of 2023 achieved:

Achievement Metric	Statistics
University Acceptance Rate	98%
Top 100 Global Universities Placements	45%
Average Scholarship Award	$32,000
Students in Ivy League/Oxbridge	8%

Notable alumni achievements include:

• Research positions at leading institutions like MIT Stanford
• International awards in fields ranging from robotics to environmental science
• Leadership roles in global organisations including UNESCO World Bank
• Entrepreneurial ventures with combined valuations exceeding $100M
• Patents registered across medical technology sustainable energy sectors

• Oxford University (UK)
• University of Tokyo (Japan)
• Stanford University (USA)
• National University of Singapore
• University of Melbourne (Australia)

Conclusion

Choosing ChiangMai International School means investing in your child’s future with a globally recognized institution that has stood the test of time. Your child will benefit from a unique blend of American curriculum excellence and Thai cultural immersion all while developing into a confident global citizen.

With its state-of-the-art facilities outstanding academic achievements and comprehensive extracurricular programmes CMIS creates an environment where your child can truly thrive. The school’s commitment to holistic education service learning and multicultural understanding sets it apart as a premier educational institution in Northern Thailand.

Whether you’re an expatriate family or a local resident CMIS offers your child the perfect stepping stone to world-class universities and future success in our interconnected world.

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