The American Pacific International School (APIS) can be found in the Hang Dong district of Chiang Mai. The school was founded in 1997, initially serving students from Grades 7 to 10, but this was expanded in 2009 to Grade 1 to 12. APIS aims to bring an international standard of education to students in Chiang Mai, preparing them for further education either in Thailand or abroad. They are proud that the average class size is just 14. The school also accepts boarders making it one of the few international schools in Chiang Mai to do so.
APIS teaches the International Baccalaureate programme from the primary years through to the Diploma Programme. They have in the region of 400 students who come predominantly from Thailand, Japan and Korea, although several other nationalities are proudly represented. The school employs a number of native English speakers who are ably supported by Thai teaching assistants. All lessons are in English, with additional English, Thai and Chinese lessons also available for students.
While the emphasis is naturally on academia, APIS believe that all students should get a broad and balanced education. Everyone’s emotional wellbeing is essential, and the school endeavours to ensure that all pupils develop emotional and social awareness. Physical education, of course, is a core element of the syllabus to ensure that students also develop physically. Students are encouraged to ask questions, do wider reading and critically analyse what they are being taught to gain a better understanding of the topic.
The American Pacific International School has a good academic record, with many students going on to further education at home and abroad. The use of technology is prominent in most lessons, with all students taught to embrace modern technology. They are advocates of innovative ways of learning, and remote learning is an option. However, they are keen to stress that remote learning is no substitute for face-to-face learning and mixing with other students in a classroom environment.
APIS has good facilities which are improving all the time with sports particularly well catered for. The music, science and art departments are also impressive and far better than those you would find in Thai state schools. The school offers students a wide selection of extracurricular activities. APIS is in the mid-range price bracket.