ADMISSIONS
START YOUR JOURNEY WITH GIS TODAY
WELCOME TO ADMISSIONS
We invite you to join one of the largest faith-based international schools in the world!
From the start, our mission has been to offer affordable and quality education to children of international Christian workers so that they may stay in the field long-term. While staying true to our purpose, GIS also serves other families who desire a rigorous K–12 education through an American curriculum from a biblical worldview for their children. Our vision is that every student will excel academically and spiritually while equipped with the right tools to impact the world for Christ.
What makes GIS so unique is that all of our highly qualified staff raise their support to teach here in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to keep tuition costs low. You can be confident that your child will grow in an inspiring learning environment with loving staff who are examples of what it looks like to live out God’s calling for their lives.
To meet the diverse needs of international Christian workers, Grace Connect provides a flexible alternative to full-time enrollment. Families educating their children at home can access curriculum resources, academic services, and opportunities to stay connected to the GIS community. Visit our Grace Connect page to learn more.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Enrollment for the 2026-2027 School Year is complete.
- We are currently accepting inquiries for:
- The 2027/2028 academic year: Admissions processes students between February through May 2027.
- The 2028/2029 academic year: Admissions processes students between February through May 2028.
- The 2027/2028 academic year: Admissions processes students between February through May 2027.
- Please complete and submit an Inquiry Form so we can learn more about your family, Admissions will contact you within 3-5 days.
- Admissions campus visits are limited to families who qualify for the upcoming school year, and visits are scheduled during an active school day from August through May.
INQUIRE TODAY
Ready to join the Grace family? Then click below to apply! We know that applying for a new school can be stressful and confusing so we try to make our application process as clear and simple as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
ACCREDITATION
You can have confidence that your children will be getting quality education at GIS. We are accredited by ACSI (Association of Christian School International), WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), and ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment). It is our top priority to make sure that our academic programs and school environment consistently meet requirements for these accreditations.
DIVERSITY
At GIS we value and take pride in our diversity, with students and staff from all around the world. We have 14 different nationalities on staff, 23 nationalities in our student body, and parents serving in over 40 countries across the globe. Everyone in our community comes from different walks of life and many of them have lived in multiple countries because of their calling. Each of them has a unique story to tell. What is yours?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers. We understand you may have questions beyond this. If you don't find your answer below please email us and we'll respond ASAP!
Prospective Students
Class sizes will generally be no more than the following:
- Kindergarten & 1: 16 students per classroom
- Grades 2–3: 18 students per classroom
- Grades 4–5: 20 students per classroom
- Grades 6–8: 24 students per classroom
- Grade 9–12: 24 students per classroom
GIS has trained staff who work with students in our EAL program. Students spend the majority of their time in the mainstream classroom and are expected to perform alongside their native English-speaking peers. All applicants with a primary home language other than English must pass an English proficiency test during the enrollment process.
For detailed information about Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, please see Welcome to EAL at Grace.
An applicant for Kindergarten must be 5 years old by September 1.
Prospective student entrance exams include:
- Pre-Screening Interview
- Writing Sample with Prompt
- Standardized Testing for Reading and Math
- English Proficiency Test (applicants with a primary home language other than English)
Each of these four tests incorporate grade-appropriate exercises for GIS social and academic guidelines.
For detailed information about Entrance Exams for Elementary, Middle, and High Schools please see How To Apply.
Grace International School accepts Inquiry Forms year-round for the upcoming 2 academic years.
Enrollment and Application annual timelines:
Semester 1: February through May
Semester 2: August through November
Elementary, Middle School, and High School have Semester enrollment. Semester 1 begins in August and Semester 2 begins in January. Under special circumstances, Elementary offers Quarterly enrollment. Quarter 2 begins in October and Quarter 3 begins in March.
GIS has an established Vaccination Policy in accordance with The CDC, WHO, and Thai Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialists. All new and returning students, including Grace Connect students, must provide documentation of vaccination or evidence of having begun the process of vaccination.
Elementary – Bible class and Chapel attendance are required for students.
Middle School – Religious Studies class, Advisory, and Chapel attendance are required for students.
High School – Religious Studies classes are required for graduation (See High School Academic Program), Advisory and Chapel attendance are required for students.
Grade by Age
Kindergarten: Age 5–6
Grade 1: Age 6–7
Grade 2: Age 7–8
Grade 3: Age 8–9
Grade 4: Age 9–10
Grade 5: Age 10–11
Grade 6: Age 11–12
Grade 7: Age 12–13
Grade 8: Age 13–14
Grade 9: Age 14–15
Grade 10: Age 15–16
Grade 11: Age 16–17
Grade 12: Age 17–18
In an effort to provide an environment conducive to and focused on learning that is respectful to the many cultures represented in the GIS community, GIS has established a school uniform policy that allows for the expression of individuality and provides flexibility within established guidelines.
To find out more about the GIS uniform, visit the Tiger Shop.
Not at this time.
Not at the time. Short term enrollment is considered less than 1 school year.
New Students
GIS does not provide transportation to and from school. This is the responsibility of the parent. However, it is possible to contract with “song-taew” and ‘tuk-tuk’ drivers to provide transportation. Families can contact the Elementary, Middle, or High School to learn more.
Elementary students need to bring a bookbag or backpack and a water bottle. The school provides pencils, paper, and other supplies in grades K-5.
Middle School and High School students need to bring a bookbag or backpack and a water bottle. The teachers will communicate what supplies are required during the first week of school; it is recommended students bring lined paper, a pen, and a pencil.
All Middle School and High School students are assigned a locker. Students are responsible for the general care and cleanliness of their locker. Please see the PSMO for more detailed information.
GIS offers a quality hot lunch program. A variety of Thai food, Western food, and a daily salad bar are available. The school lunch plan can be purchased by the Semester through the GIS Finance office.
Students can pack a lunch from home and bring it to school. The school does not provide assistance in preparation; however, there are microwaves available for student use in the cafeteria.
All students enrolled at GIS are able to check out books from the library. No card is needed for check out. Elementary students visit the library once a week as a class and may also come in during 1st and 3rd recess with a pass. High school and Middle school students may visit the library throughout the day with a paper pass or a library pass. For more details please visit our library page.
Students are issued an electronic ID cards in Quarter 1 of the school year. If you wish to have a printed ID card, further information will be provided in the Weekly Roar during Quarter 1 of the school year.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL–GRADE K–5
8:10 a.m.–3:15 p.m. | Monday–Friday
MIDDLE SCHOOL–GRADE 6–8
8:05 a.m.–3:15 p.m. | Monday–Friday
HIGH SCHOOL–GRADE 9–12
8:05 a.m.–3:15 p.m. | Monday–Friday
GIS uses a school information system called FACTS. Both students and families can access student grades and attendance at any time.
All Middle School and High School students are issued a school-owned Chromebook for school use, which is provided during the first week of Quarter 1. For more detailed information, please read the GIS 1:1 Chromebook Program.
Other devices, including mobile phones, may only be used outside of school hours.
GIS does not provide dormitories or boarding. Parents not living in Chiang Mai while their children attend GIS are responsible to find suitable housing for their student(s).
Students are enrolled in core classes determined by completion of each grade level.
Students will be contacted by their school with any questions regarding scheduling. Note that not all student requests can be fulfilled. High School students can meet with their Academic Counselor at the start of Semester 1 if they have questions about class options.
Students will receive their class schedule at the end of July.
New students may be required to take Math and / or Thai placement tests. If this is a requirement for your student, the Middle School or HIgh School will email you directly to schedule the exam on campus.