Understand the Curriculums

A continuous K–12 programme with grades, credits and a grade point average. Students take a broad mix of subjects to the end of school; stronger students add AP courses that some universities count for credit. Common in American, Christian and Asian-run schools.

Stages

Kindergarten to Grade 12 (ages 5–18)

Leaving qualification

High school diploma, often with Advanced Placement (AP) courses and SAT scores

Often suits

Families heading to North American universities, or who want breadth rather than early specialisation.

NIS · CMIS · Grace · APIS · ACIS · UCIS · CCIS

Follows the structure of schools in England, usually through Cambridge International or Pearson Edexcel exams. Students sit IGCSEs in around eight subjects at 16, then specialise in three or four A Level subjects for the final two years.

Stages

Nursery and Reception, then Years 1–13 (ages 3–18)

Leaving qualification

IGCSEs at 16, then A Levels at 18

Often suits

Families moving between British-system schools, or students who are ready to specialise at 16. A Levels are accepted by universities worldwide.

LANNA · SISB · Panyaden · BCIS · Meritton · SBS · Wichai · Esara · Mill Hill · Varee

An inquiry-based framework run from Geneva and taught in many countries. The Diploma has six subject groups plus Theory of Knowledge, an extended essay and service activities. A school can offer one stage or the full continuum.

Stages

PYP (3–12), MYP (11–16), Diploma or Career-related Programme (16–19)

Leaving qualification

IB Diploma (DP) or IB Career-related Programme (CP)

Often suits

Internationally mobile families: the programme is the same in IB schools worldwide, and the Diploma is widely recognised.

Prem · APIS · Panyaden

Known for its structured maths method (“Singapore Maths”) and strong science, with English as the main language and Chinese widely taught.

Stages

Primary 1–6 (ages 6–12), usually followed by IGCSE

Leaving qualification

Typically IGCSE and A Level in an international school

Often suits

Families who value a structured maths and science foundation and Chinese as a second language.

SISB

Lessons in German following German state standards, with English and other languages added. Schools abroad are supported and inspected by Germany’s ZfA.

Stages

Kindergarten to Grade 12

Leaving qualification

German Abitur (DIA) and language certificates

Often suits

German-speaking families, or children who will continue in the German system.

CDSC

The French national curriculum, taught under the AEFE network that links French schools abroad, so children can move between French schools without a gap.

Stages

Maternelle and élémentaire in Chiang Mai (ages 3–11)

Leaving qualification

French Brevet and Baccalauréat (in full-range schools)

Often suits

French-speaking families, or families planning to return to the French system.

Windfield

Child-led learning in mixed-age classes with hands-on materials and long uninterrupted work periods. Teachers guide rather than lecture.

Stages

Mixed-age groups, usually 0–3, 3–6, 6–12

Leaving qualification

No set leaving exam; older students often move to IGCSE or another system

Often suits

Younger children and families who want a gentle, self-directed start.

Esara

The Thai Ministry of Education curriculum. Many private schools run an English Programme (EP) or bilingual stream where maths, science and English are taught in English, usually at much lower fees than international schools.

Stages

Kindergarten 1–3, Prathom 1–6, Mattayom 1–6 (ages 3–18)

Leaving qualification

Thai upper-secondary certificate (Mattayom 6)

Often suits

Thai or long-term resident families who want Thai language and culture alongside strong English.

Varee · ABA · ABS · Montfort · PRC · Dara · Regina