Group of students in class with their hands up

Choosing an international school for your child is a big decision, and it can feel overwhelming. Many parents aren’t sure where to start, and that’s completely normal. The key is to find a school that not only excels academically but also nurtures your child’s overall well-being. This means looking for a school that supports their physical, mental, and social development. Every child learns differently, so the best schools use various teaching methods that cater to each student’s unique needs.

To help make the decision easier, we’ll explore how to choose the right international school for your child in Bangkok. Each factor, from the curriculum to the school’s location, plays a part in shaping your child’s future.

How To Choose an International School in Bangkok

If you are planning to pick an international school in Bangkok, here are some things you need to consider before deciding.

Evaluate the Curriculum

When choosing a school, one of the first things you’ll want to look at is the curriculum. This can help you quickly narrow down your options. In Bangkok, international schools offer different programs, like the British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB) systems. Each of these has its strengths, depending on what fits your child’s learning style and future plans.

However, at BASIS International School Bangkok, we offer an advanced and well-rounded curriculum. Our unique approach combines liberal arts and sciences, giving students a more in-depth learning experience than many other schools in the U.S. or the UK.

Our students take subjects like mathematics, humanities, engineering, and the sciences from a young age (including separate courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics by grade 6). Also, our middle and high school students can access Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Capstone projects, preparing them for university-level work. This way, our students can often bypass entry-level college courses, allowing them to proceed to their chosen major sooner and helping parents spend less on tuition fees.

Faculty and Teaching Standards

The quality of your child’s education depends on the teachers. Experienced and well-qualified teachers make a big difference in how well students learn. In Bangkok, many international schools take pride in hiring experts passionate about teaching their subjects. While the class size and the ratio of students to teachers are factors you need to consider, the most important is the level of expertise that those teachers bring to life within the classroom.

At BASIS International School, our teachers are experts in their fields, using their passion to engage and motivate students. Instead of memorizing facts, we focus on helping students apply what they learn through critical thinking and problem-solving.

In grades 1–4, our Learning Expert Teacher/Subject Expert Teacher (LET/SET) model allows students to take academic risks while receiving personalized support, which is something totally unique to BASIS. The LET focuses on each student’s social, emotional, and academic needs throughout the day, while the SET brings deep subject knowledge to the classroom, making lessons engaging and lively. Our teachers actively help students learn to advocate for themselves and use the resources around them to thrive in a dynamic learning environment.

Consider the School’s Facilities and Activities

Students at BASIS reading a book in the library

Modern and well-maintained facilities provide a safe and inspiring environment for students to explore and grow. When choosing a school, you need to consider the resources available. Most international schools in Bangkok offer state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, libraries, sports facilities, and art studios. These facilities should be designed to enable a variety of activities while inspiring children to explore new interests and develop new skills. We understand the value of extracurricular activities at BASIS International School, which is why we provide a range of extracurricular activities with new options added regularly. Our goal is to inspire students to discover their interests and develop those passions as they build confidence, become strong leaders, and learn new skills.

We actively seek opportunities for our students to participate in interscholastic competitions and take pride in having received several accolades across multiple academic competitions, including Kangaroo Math, American Math Olympiad, Hippo English Language Olympiad, and International Science Olympiad.

We offer over 90 clubs and extracurricular activities each year, including the National Merit Honors Society, investment club, student-led chess club, basketball, swimming, badminton, rock bands, symphonic bands, musicals, and many more. Our clubs are designed to help students explore their leadership and interests and enable teachers and students to nurture them based on their personal interests.

Location and Accessibility

The location of a school can have a major impact on your daily routine. A school close to home or work can make managing school drop-offs and pickups easier, especially in a busy city like Bangkok. But no matter where you are in Bangkok, you’re going to face traffic from time to time.

Our school is conveniently located at Rama 2 road on the outbound portion of the city, making our school ideal for many families that commute from other parts of Bangkok. We suggest you look at various housing options that are available in that area since they are close to the school and other popular shopping destinations like Central Rama 2 and major healthcare facilities like Nakornthon Hospital.

School Community and Values

A school is not just a place of learning but a community where your child will spend a significant portion of their formative years. The values and culture learned in school will be a huge part of their character formation and worldview. A diverse and inclusive environment that respects and celebrates different cultures can give your child a broader world perspective. At BASIS International School, we are committed to embracing diverse, multicultural perspectives, including understanding unique and complex identities of ourselves and others, and we strive to cultivate kindness, empathy, and respect in our students. We take pride in welcoming families from all backgrounds, supported by faculty and staff who value and respect this diversity.

Tuition Fees and Financial Considerations

Investing in your child’s education is a significant commitment. When considering tuition fees, look beyond the cost and evaluate what the school offers in return, such as academic programs, academic support, counseling, extracurricular activities, facilities, and the overall quality of education. Consider a school that provides a comprehensive education with a strong focus on academic excellence.

Also, well-prepared students can obtain scholarships for University and beyond. We have various types including academic, needs-based, or other forms of University scholarships. Our team at BASIS International School Bangkok is happy to discuss these matters with you as part of your overall consideration.

Consider BASIS International School Bangkok for Your Child

Choosing the right international school in Bangkok involves considering various factors, from the curriculum to the teaching quality and community values. At BASIS International School, our curriculum, modern facilities, inclusive community, and convenient location near Rama 2 make our school a great choice for your kids.

Book a school tour today to see how our school can meet your child’s educational needs and set them on the path to success.