Lanna International School Thailand vs Varee Chiangmai International School
Lanna International School Thailand and Varee Chiangmai International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS Levels programmes. Lanna International School Thailand also offers IEYC, IPC, Cambridge (Primary) and Reggio Emilia, and Varee Chiangmai International School also offers Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are THB 413,400 - 803,400 at Lanna International School Thailand and THB 244,000 - 524,000 at Varee Chiangmai International School, which puts Lanna International School Thailand roughly 58% higher. Both take pupils from 2 to 18. Lanna International School Thailand is the larger school, with around 978 pupils to Varee Chiangmai International School's 300. Both keep typical class sizes around 20.
IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Reggio Emilia Approach
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
978
Pupils
300
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1993
Opened
2010
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Lanna International School is located in Hang Dong, a quiet suburb just south of Chiang Mai, Thailand. The school is set in a semi-rural area surrounded by greenery, about 20 minutes from the city centre. The campus is accessible by main roads and close to family-friendly residential neighbourhoods. The surrounding area is peaceful, with good transport links into central Chiang Mai.
Location
The school is situated at 59 Moo 6, Mahidol Road, Nong Hoi, Mueang District, Chiang Mai, Thailand. It lies within easy reach of shopping centres, hospitals, supermarkets, and bus and train stations.
Stages
Stages
The school is structured into three main sections: Early Years (ages 2–4), Primary (ages 5–11), and Secondary (Years 7–13). The curriculum transitions from the IEYC and IPC in the Early Years and Primary School to the Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level programme in the Secondary School.
Stages
VCIS serves children aged 2 to 18, from Pre‑Nursery up through Year 13.
School type
School type
Lanna International School is a co-educational day school and does not offer boarding facilities.
School type
The school is fully co‑educational and currently operates as a day school. No boarding facilities are provided.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school offers learning support services tailored to students with mild to moderate additional learning needs. This includes support within mainstream classrooms and additional sessions when appropriate.
Additional learning support
Varee Chiangmai International School provides Learning Support and English as an Additional Language Programme.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Lanna International School is not formally affiliated with any single country.
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any specific country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school is non-denominational and has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no affiliation with any religion.
School day structure
School day structure
The typical school day runs from approximately 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Students have mid-morning and lunchtime breaks, with lunch available on campus. Exact timings may vary slightly by age group.
School day structure
Early Year and Primary School classes run from 8.00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Secondary School is from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. After-school activities for children in Primary run from 2:45 PM to 3:30 PM. For Secondary, after-school activities run from 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a daily bus service for students.
Bus service details
The website does not mention any school bus or transport service.
School Transport (Home to School, per year): Zone A: THB 37,800 Zone B: THB 50,400 Zone C: THB 56,700
English Support Levy (Non-refundable) Intensive English Support: THB 40,000 per year Intensive English + After School English Tutoring: THB 64,000 per year
Sibling Discounts 2nd child: 10% 3rd child: 15% Note: discounts are applied automatically and removed if accounts become delinquent.
Refund Policy 70% refund if withdrawal is before the semester begins 50% refund if within 1–20 days of semester start 20% refund if within 21–40 days No refund after 40 days into the semester
Payment Methods Payments are accepted via bank transfer.
Fee details
Application and Placement Fee: THB 6,000 (one-time, non-refundable)
Enrollment Fee (non-refundable): New student: THB 80,000 2nd and subsequent child: THB 60,000 Entry at A Level: THB 40,000
Sibling Discounts 5% for the second child 10% for third and additional children
Other Required Fees English Support (IEP/EAP): THB 30,000 per semester Lunch (Early Years to Key Stage 2): THB 9,000 per semester PTA Fee: THB 750 per family per year DoE Registration (if applicable): THB 2,000
Payment Options Cash, Visa/MasterCard, and Bank Transfer.
Refund Policy New students: 75% refund if withdrawn within 7 business days after semester start.
Current students: Full refund if withdrawal notice is given 15 days before the semester start.
No refunds for mid-semester withdrawals.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
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Food options
—
House system
House system
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House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Lanna International School offers a curriculum based on the English National Curriculum and Cambridge International framework. In the Early Years (ages 2–4), students follow the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) with a focus on play-based learning. Primary School (Years 1–6) continues with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) integrated with core subjects like English, mathematics, and science. From Years 7–9, students study a broad range of subjects in line with the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum. In Years 10–11, students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE, selecting from over 20 subject options. Years 12–13 follow the Cambridge International AS and A Level programme, providing in-depth specialization in subjects required for university admission. English is the language of instruction, and additional languages include Thai, French, and Chinese. In addition to the core A-level studies, the school also offers preparatory courses for SAT (USA College Board) and IELTS (UK alternative to TOEFL), and, optionally, a UK-accredited Sports Leadership course and/or the opportunity to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.
Curriculum details
Varee Chiangmai International School follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to Year 13. In the Early Years (Pre-Nursery to Reception), the curriculum is based on the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with a focus on language, numeracy, and learning through play in English and Thai contexts. The Primary phase (Years 1–6) continues with subjects such as English, maths, science, humanities, computing, arts, Thai language, and physical education. In Secondary (Years 7–9), students prepare for Cambridge Checkpoint exams in English, mathematics, and science, alongside subjects including geography, history, ICT, and the arts. For Years 10–11, the school offers the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum with a combination of core and elective subjects. In Years 12–13, students choose three A-Level subjects and continue with non-exam subjects such as Thai language, PE, and university preparation activities.
1. Book a school tour (optional but recommended) Once your enquiry is received, the admissions team may invite you to visit the campus—either in person or online. Tours are scheduled by appointment and are a good way to become familiar with the facilities, meet staff, and ask specific questions.
2. Complete the online application form The admissions team will provide a link to the formal application form. Parents will need to submit student details, previous school reports in English, and other requested documentation. For Early Years applicants (ages 2–5), previous school reports are not required.
3. Interview and assessment The type and length of assessment depend on the applicant’s age:
* Early Years (2–5): a play-based session with the child and a short parent interview. * Years 1–3: a short 30-minute interview and basic assessment. * Year 4 and above: a more comprehensive 3-hour session including an essay, reading comprehension, cognitive ability testing, and an interview with a principal.
4. Decision and waitlist The school’s head, principals, and admissions team review each application considering academic performance, assessment results, interview performance, English level, and age placement. The school may contact the applicant’s previous school to check for any unresolved financial matters. Results are typically shared within 10 working days. If no space is currently available, the applicant may be placed on a waiting list.
5. Offer acceptance and submission of documents Accepted students will receive a formal offer by email along with a tuition invoice. Parents must submit additional documentation such as passports, birth certificates, Thai ID (if applicable), and details for transport or visa support. Offers expire if not accepted within ten working days.
6. Enrollment and start of school services Once the invoice is paid and documents submitted, the student is enrolled. The school then assists with uniforms, bus transport, and visa processes where required. The visa officer can guide families needing Non-Immigrant ED or Guardian-O visas.
Admissions
Initial interview Parents and students meet with the English Language Specialist. Students entering Key Stage 2 (Year 3) or higher complete assessments in English, Mathematics, and Science as appropriate for their level.
Complete application form & pay fee If successful in the interview, submit the application form and pay the non-refundable 6,000 THB application and placement test fee.
Placement Test Tests are scheduled at the beginning or end of the day. Younger students (Early Years, Years 1–2) join classroom activities for assessment.
Acceptance Decision The Principal recommends, and the Director makes the final admission decision.
Enrollment Following acceptance, complete enrollment forms, pay the enrollment fee and tuition (due one week before term start), and receive a copy of the Parent Handbook.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Lanna International School offers scholarships with a focus on academic achievement, talent, and personal contribution to school life.
1. Academic and Talent Scholarships (Years 5–11) Open to new students applying for entry into Years 5 to 11. These scholarships cover up to 60% of tuition fees. Selection is based on academic performance or demonstrated talent in areas such as arts, sports, STEM, or humanities. Applicants must also show good character and a commitment to school life. Awards are renewable annually, subject to review.
2. Sixth Form Scholarships (Years 12–13) Available to current Lanna students entering Year 12. Scholarships are awarded in three tiers: Gold (60%), Silver (40%), and Bronze (20%). They are based on predicted IGCSE results, school involvement, and overall contribution. The scholarship continues through Year 13, pending a review during Semester 2 of Year 12.
Scholarships
The school does not have publicly available information on their scholarships.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Lanna International School operates a waitlist system when year-level spaces are full. Students may still go through the full admissions process, including assessment and interviews, even if a place is not immediately available. Those who meet the admissions criteria are placed on the waiting list.
If admission is not offered immediately, a retest may be scheduled in 3, 6, or 9 months depending on the applicant’s age and performance.
Waitlist
VCIS operates a rolling admissions policy. If space is available and assessment criteria are met, children may join at any time during the year. However, entry into Year 9, Year 10, and Year 12 is restricted to the beginning of the school year.
