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International Schools in Chiang Mai: What Families Are Exploring in 2025
Chiang Mai is becoming an increasingly popular destination for expat families. Known for its slower pace of life, strong community feel, and access to nature, it’s also home to a growing number of international schools.
If you’re relocating to Northern Thailand and considering Chiang Mai for your child’s education, it helps to understand what other families are looking for — and how to compare schools based on your own needs.
Doris is a free, impartial school discovery platform that gives you personalized recommendations and side-by-side comparisons. It’s designed to reduce stress for parents and make international school research feel manageable.
What Families Prioritize When Choosing Schools in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai tends to attract families looking for:
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Smaller, more community-oriented schools
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Nature-based learning environments
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IB or British curriculum options
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A balance of academic structure and holistic education
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Lower tuition compared to Bangkok
You can filter all these criteria in Doris and get a shortlist of schools that match your child’s learning style and your family’s priorities.
Frequently Explored International Schools in Chiang Mai
| School | Curriculum | Notable For |
|---|---|---|
| Prem Tinsulanonda International School | IB | Forested campus and strong arts programmes |
| Lanna International School | British | Smaller size and family-focused community |
| American Pacific International School | American, Boarding | Flexible pathways and multicultural setting |
This is not a ranking. These schools appear based on how families are using Doris to search — by curriculum, location, fee range, and language support.
Curriculum Options in Chiang Mai
Most international schools in Chiang Mai follow one of the following systems:
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International Baccalaureate (IB): Strong in inquiry-based, student-led learning.
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British Curriculum (IGCSE/A-Level): Structured, widely recognised.
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American Curriculum: More flexible and often aligned to US entry requirements.
Read: British vs IB Curriculum – What’s Right for Your Family?
How Doris Helps Families Moving to Chiang Mai
If you’re new to Thailand or international schools in general, Doris helps you:
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Filter schools by what actually matters (e.g. curriculum, SEN support, fees)
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View parent-friendly summaries of each school
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Compare multiple schools side by side
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Get admissions timelines and application tips
It’s always free, and schools cannot pay to appear higher in your results.
FAQs
Are there many international schools in Chiang Mai?
There are fewer options than in Bangkok, but several well-established schools with strong programmes.
Is Chiang Mai a good place to raise children?
Many families find the pace of life, safety, and access to green space ideal for younger children.
Can Doris show me boarding options?
Yes. You can filter for boarding schools in Chiang Mai directly on Doris.
Final Thoughts
Chiang Mai is a strong option for families seeking a slower pace, smaller campuses, and holistic education. With Doris, you can find schools that match your child’s needs — without relying on rankings or paid listings.