What qualifications do NIS graduates leave with?

NIS graduates receive a WASC-accredited U.S. high-school diploma, with the option to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses for additional credit recognised by universities in the U.S., U.K., Thailand and across Asia.

Where is NIS and how far from the city?

NIS is in San Sai district, on the north-eastern side of Chiang Mai. It is about 20–30 minutes by car from Nimman or the Old City depending on traffic, and school buses cover most expat neighbourhoods.

Is NIS a Christian school?

NIS has a Christian foundation and includes weekly chapel and Bible class in its programme, but enrols students of all faiths.

Does NIS require an entrance exam?

Yes. Applicants sit English and maths placement assessments appropriate to their grade, and older applicants also complete a writing sample and interview.

How does tuition compare to other Chiang Mai international schools?

NIS sits in the mid tier — generally less expensive than Prem, CMIS or Panyaden, and broadly comparable to Lanna and Grace at similar grade levels.

Chiang Mai · San Sai

Nakornpayap International School

Nakornpayap International School (NIS) is an American-curriculum, WASC-accredited school in San Sai, on the north-eastern edge of Chiang Mai. It runs Pre-K through Grade 12 leading to a U.S. high-school diploma and AP courses, and has historically been one of the more affordable full-English international options in the north.

Curriculum

American

Ages Accepted

full

Tuition Tier

₿₿

Tuition Range (THB/year)

฿220,000–฿380,000

Main Language

English

Entry Exam

Required

Founded

1993

Website

Visit

Notes for Parents

WASC-accredited U.S. curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses in the upper grades.
Located on a green suburban campus in San Sai, roughly 15 minutes from the Super Highway ring road.
One of the most affordable full international schools in Chiang Mai at the upper-secondary level.
Korean and Thai are widely spoken among the student body alongside English.
School-bus routes run from Nimman, the Old City, Hang Dong and the San Kamphaeng road.
Sports and after-school clubs include football, basketball, swimming and a Model UN programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accreditation

Nakornpayap International School states on its own website that it holds the following. Read 2026-08-22; not independently confirmed with the accrediting bodies, so check directly if it is decisive for you.

ONESQAThailand's national education quality assessment
WASCWestern Association of Schools and Colleges — the US regional accreditor

Chosen by shared curriculum, city and fee band — the attributes on this page, not an editorial ranking.

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