Complete Guide to Bangkok International Schools

What Parents Need to Know When Choosing a School in Thailand’s Capital

Bangkok is one of the most popular cities in Asia for expat families, and one of the biggest reasons is its wide range of high-quality international schools. Whether you’re moving to Bangkok for work, staying long-term, or simply exploring neighborhoods on Bangkok.Apartments, knowing how the school system works is essential for choosing the right area to live in.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—types of schools, curriculum options, tuition ranges, admissions, locations, and which neighborhoods best suit families looking for convenient school commutes.

Why Bangkok Is a Top City for International Education

Bangkok offers one of the most diverse selections of international schools in Asia. Families choose Bangkok because:

• Over 70 international schools to choose from
• Multiple globally recognized curriculums (IB, British, American, Australian, Singaporean)
• Modern campuses with facilities like Olympic pools, robotics labs, and performing arts centers
• Schools throughout the city, from Sukhumvit to Sathorn to Bangkok’s suburban “green zones”
• Great teacher-to-student ratios compared to many Western countries
• Lower tuition than Singapore, Hong Kong, or Tokyo

For parents, this means a genuine ability to match a school to your child’s learning style, budget, and lifestyle.

1. Types of International Schools in Bangkok

Bangkok’s international schools generally fall into a few categories. Understanding these categories helps you narrow down your options quickly.

A. Premium Tier International Schools

These are top-ranking schools with world-class facilities and highly competitive admissions.

Common features:

• Large green campuses
• Highly experienced foreign teachers
• Full extracurricular programs
• Global university prep guidance

Tuition often ranges 650,000–950,000+ THB per year.

Examples:

• NIST International School (IB) – Sukhumvit 15
• Bangkok Patana School (British) – Bang Na
• Harrow International School (British) – Don Mueang
• Shrewsbury International School (British) – Riverside (Charoen Krung)

These schools appeal to families planning long-term stays and prioritizing academic excellence.

B. Mid-Tier International Schools

A large portion of expat families choose these schools. They are still high-quality but more affordable and often located in central Bangkok.

Common features:

• Good facilities
• Balanced mix of Thai and foreign students
• Reliable academics with lower tuition than top-tier schools

Tuition is usually 350,000–600,000 THB per year.

Examples:

• Wells International School – On Nut, Thong Lor
• KIS International School (IB) – Huai Khwang
• St. Andrews International School – Sukhumvit 71 & 107
• Anglo-Singapore International School – Sukhumvit

These schools are ideal for families wanting strong academics in convenient central neighborhoods.

C. Boutique / Smaller International Schools

These offer smaller class sizes and a more intimate environment.

Common features:

• Personalized attention
• Close-knit communities
• Often specialize in early years or primary school

Tuition normally 250,000–450,000 THB per year.

Examples:

• The American School of Bangkok – Green Valley
• Trinity International School (American)
• Ekkamai International School

Families with younger children or those new to Bangkok often start here.

D. Bilingual Schools (International-Style but Lower Cost)

A popular option among both locals and expats who want strong academics without the premium international school fees.

Characteristics:

• Follows a mix of Thai and international curriculum
• Lower tuition
• Good for long-term residents who want integration into Thai culture

Tuition typically 120,000–280,000 THB per year.

Examples:

• Amnuay Silpa School – Dusit
• Satit Bilingual School of Rangsit University – North Bangkok
• Rasami British International School – Queen Sirikit area

2. Curriculum Options: Which Is Best for Your Child?

Bangkok offers nearly every major curriculum used around the world. Here’s how to choose:

IB (International Baccalaureate)

For: Globally mobile families, students with diverse academic interests
Known for: Critical thinking, research projects, international mindset
Schools: NIST, KIS, Bangkok Prep (partial IB)

British Curriculum (IGCSE + A-Levels)

For: Academic structure, clear testing milestones, smooth UK university entry
Schools: Patana, Harrow, Shrewsbury, St. Andrews

American Curriculum

For: Flexible course selection, student-centered learning, US college prep
Schools: ASB, Wells, TCIS

Australian Curriculum

For: Families from Australia, New Zealand, or following a similar structure
Schools: Australian International School Bangkok (AISB)

Singapore Curriculum

For: Strong academics, rigorous math and science
Schools: Anglo-Singapore International School

3. International School Fees in Bangkok

Tuition varies by tier, but here’s a general idea:

 

Additional costs may include:

• Application & registration fees
• Capital/Development fees
• Transportation
• Uniforms
• Field trips & extracurriculars

4. Best Neighborhoods in Bangkok for Families with School-Age Kids

A major reason families visit Bangkok.Apartments is to find a neighborhood that fits both their lifestyle and school commute. These are the most popular areas for expat families:

📍 Sukhumvit (Phrom Phong, Thong Lor, Ekkamai, On Nut)

Why families choose it:

• Walkable areas with restaurants, malls, parks
• Extremely convenient for commuting
• Many mid-tier and boutique schools nearby

Nearby schools: Bangkok Prep, Wells, St. Andrews, Ekkamai Intl.

Great for parents who want a central lifestyle with a short commute.

📍 Sathorn / Silom

Why families choose it:

• Peaceful high-rise neighborhoods
• Close to business districts
• Easy access to top-tier schools on the river or in central Bangkok

Nearby schools: Shrewsbury Riverside, Crescent International, Garden International

Perfect for working professionals with office jobs in Sathorn.

📍 Bangna

Why families choose it:

• Suburban feel with large houses and green communities
• Home to some of the biggest international school campuses

Nearby schools: Patana, Berkeley International, Concordian

Ideal for long-term expat families wanting space and big school facilities.

📍 Ari / Phahonyothin

Why families choose it:

• Trendy, clean, community-oriented
• Convenient access to multiple major roads
• Mix of condos and family-friendly homes

Nearby schools: St. Andrews Dusit, Harrow (short drive north), Satit schools

📍 Riverside / Charoen Krung

Why families choose it:

• Quiet, scenic neighborhoods
• Access to the river lifestyle
• Very close to one of Bangkok’s most prestigious schools

Nearby school: Shrewsbury Riverside Campus

5. Admissions: What Parents Should Expect

International school admissions in Bangkok are generally straightforward but can be competitive.

Typical requirements include:

• School tour or interview
• Application forms
• English assessment (for older grades)
• Previous school reports
• Entrance exams for selective schools

Waiting lists are common at top-tier schools, so it’s wise to apply 6–12 months in advance.

6. How to Choose the Right School in Bangkok

Here are the biggest factors Bangkok.Apartments readers usually consider:

✅ Your child’s learning style

Creative? Academic? Hands-on? Multilingual?

✅ Curriculum recognition

Especially important if your family may move again in the future.

✅ Neighborhood convenience

Bangkok traffic can be significant—short commutes matter.

✅ Budget

Tuition varies widely, and total annual costs should be planned realistically.

✅ School culture

Some schools are highly academic; others focus on holistic development or arts/sports.

7. Common Questions from Parents Moving to Bangkok

Is Bangkok safe for children?

Yes—Bangkok is very family-friendly with safe neighborhoods and modern conveniences.

Do schools offer transportation?

Most major schools provide air-conditioned private buses covering central and suburban areas.

Can foreign children attend Thai public schools?

Yes, but nearly all expat families choose international or bilingual schools for consistency and language.

Are there waiting lists?

At many schools—yes. Early planning helps, especially for kindergarten and Year 1.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right School (and Neighborhood)

Choosing an international school is one of the most important decisions for any family moving to Bangkok. Fortunately, the city offers incredible variety, from world-renowned British and IB schools to boutique community-style campuses and bilingual programs.

When you pair the right school with the right neighborhood—whether that’s a luxury condo in Phrom Phong, a townhouse in Ekkamai, or a suburban family home in Bangna—you create an easy, comfortable daily routine for both parents and children.

If you’re exploring where to live, check out our neighborhood guides and property listings at Bangkok.Apartments, designed to help families find the perfect place close to the school that fits their needs best.