Frequently Asked Questions

We are accredited by, and licensed by, the Thai Ministry of Education and accredited through the EDT Education Development Trust. We have been granted status as a CIE Centre (University of Cambridge International Examinations).

The school year runs from the beginning of August to the middle of June and is split into two semesters.

We are open for students aged 2-18 (Pre-Nursery – Year 13).

Early Years: The maximum class size is 20 children with one teacher and one teaching assistant.

Key Stage 1: Years 1 and 2 has a maximum class size of 25 children, with one homeroom teacher and a teacher assistant who moves between Years 1 and 2.

Key Stage 2: Years 3 and 4 has a maximum class size of 25 children, with one homeroom teacher and a teacher assistant who moves between Years 3 and 4.

Key Stage 3: The maximum class size is 25 children, with one homeroom teacher per year and subject specialists for each subject.

Key Stages 4 & 5: The maximum class size is 15 children, with one homeroom teacher per year and subject specialists for each subject.

Varee Chiangmai International School, provides Learning Support and English as an Additional Language Programme.

Yes. Students who are Thai first language speakers have the further option of writing their quota exams at Varee Chiangmai International School, as well as their GAT exams, allowing them entrance to universities throughout Thailand. Both first and non-native Thai First Language speakers will have access to International Programmes at Thai Universities, as well as the option to study abroad.

Currently Varee Chiangmai International does not offer boarding facilities.

At Varee Chiangmai International, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions. Clear consequences are set for behavioural choices and we follow up with parents, in cases where serious problems occur. Parents and students are given the school rules when they join the programme, together with outlined consequences.

In Primary, we offer English, Thai, and Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language.

In Secondary, we offer English, German, Thai as a first or a foreign language, and Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language.

All new students wishing to join Varee Chiangmai International School will be expected to do a placement test.

For more details please see our ‘How to Apply‘ page.

A-levels place emphasis on in-depth knowledge of specific subject areas, whereas the IB Programme focuses on more independent research across a broader range of subjects. Both qualifications allow students into top universities around the world, so long as students meet the university entrance requirements.

Varee Chiangmai International School has special instruction in Visual Arts, Drama, IT and Physical Education from Year 1 to Year 13.

Though our curriculum is not textbook based, we may use a range of books to support the teaching and learning on occasions. We focus on current teaching practices such as group and paired work, to teach the skills of how to learn and find information from a text, how to research, students are encouraged to think critically and to find the best solutions, etc.

Varee Chiangmai International School provides a range of extra-curricular activities each term, including sports, arts and music. We have a number of teams who compete with other schools across Chiang Mai in various sports.

The majority of our teaching staff are from the UK, Ireland, America, South Africa and Australia. All hold nationally recognised teaching degrees and some also hold Masters Degrees.

Key Stage 3 (Year 7 to Year 9)

Students are assessed on a 1 – 8 scale in all academic subjects at school level. Cambridge Checkpoint exams are written at the end of Year 9 in:

• Mathematics
• Science
• English (for First language English students)
• Cambridge First Certificate of English (for Second language English students)

At IGCSE level, students are graded from A* – G and at A-levels on an A – E scale. External Cambridge International Examinations are written at the end of Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13.

Students are prepared for university interviews and application essays, as well as the IELTS examination from Year 11 onwards. Students who wish to continue their English language studies through a more academic purpose, have the option to study English A-levels. All students not carrying a passport from an English speaking country are expected to take the IELTS exam between Year 11 and Year 13.

Yes. Our canteen offers a range of snacks and various foods. The lunch consists of Western, Thai and vegetarian dishes, as well as, Asian noodle soup, salad and fresh fruits. Children may also bring their own food from home.

Our Parent Teacher Association provides support for school events, such as sports days, donating food for celebrations such as Songkran and Christmas, leading groups at International Day and other social events.  Our parents can also take part in workshops offered during the school year.

One of the great advantages of Varee Chiangmai International is its central location in Chiangmai. We are within easy reach of shopping centers, hospitals, supermarkets, bus and train stations and within close range to the International Airport. As a result, most Varee families choose to live near the school.

We are unable to provide specific recommendations for condos, apartments or homes, but many real estate sites can be found through a Google search.

We do not have a Summer Camp, but some of our VCIS parents enroll their children into the Varee Anubaan or the Varee English Programme during the course of their summer break (March/April).