# Chiang Mai International School

Chiang Mai International School (CMIS; Thai: โรงเรียนนานาชาติเชียงใหม่, RTGS: Rong Rian Nana Chat Chiang Mai) is a K–12 International school founded in 1954 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, by members of the Church of Christ in Thailand. The school is approved by the Thai Ministry of Education and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
CMIS is an independent, co-educational, non-profit day school offering an English-language education.
An article by lifestyle magazine Chiang Mai CityLife states the school's “enrollment is highly competitive and based on a student’s overall grades, their level of English communication and their performance on the mandatory standardized tests.”

## History

Missionaries returning to work with the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT) after World War II established a school for their children in Chiang Mai. Classes began on June 1st, 1954, with eight students. In 1958, construction began on the present campus for the "Chiang Mai Children's Center." Student numbers grew as more expatriate families seeking an English-language education for their children moved to Chiang Mai.
In 1984, representatives of the Thai Foreign Ministry and the CCT agreed that the formal establishment of an international school in Chiang Mai was a necessary step to achieving the school's legal status. Classes began in September 1985 for Kindergarten to Grade 8 under the new name "Chiang Mai International School" (CMIS). High school grades were progressively added from 1992 to 1995.
Today CMIS is a dynamic international school with over 500 students, but it still retains a friendly and relaxed campus environment. It also remains true to the traditions of its founders, serving missionary families and maintaining the heritage and values of the Christian faith at the heart of the school, while welcoming children of all beliefs, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds from the growing international community in Chiang Mai.

## Education and Curriculum

CMIS offers an English-language, American-sourced education from preschool to grade 12, with a curriculum aligned to international standards. The school focuses on active learning and provides opportunities for students to excel in academics, arts, athletics, community service, and leadership. Its mission is to foster educational excellence in a caring Christian community that respects and celebrates diversity.
The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and prepares students for higher education worldwide. CMIS also integrates the Thai language and culture into its curriculum, ensuring students connect strongly to their host country.

## Accreditation and Memberships

CMIS holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is accredited by Thailand’s Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA). The school is a member of the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) and participates in the Chiang Mai Athletic Conference.

## Campus and Facilities

The CMIS campus is located at 13 Chetupon Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand. The urban campus features modern facilities to support various academic and extracurricular activities. These include:
* Science laboratories
* Learning Center with extensive resources
* Sports fields and courts
* Performing arts spaces
* Technology-equipped classrooms
To further its mission and support future growth, CMIS is constructing a new campus on the Second Ring Road of Chiang Mai. The new campus, designed to accommodate state-of-the-art facilities, is expected to enhance the learning environment for students. The school anticipates relocating to this new campus by 2027.