Quick summary of key school information
School details
Number of students |
626 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
25 |
Most common nationality |
American, Thai, Korean, and Chinese |
Ratio of local students to international students |
1:10 |
Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
The TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program at Grace International School provides Academic English language support services to students whose first language is a language other than English, and who have been classified as English Language Learners (ELL). TESOL support is provided mainly through collaboration with content teachers and in the ESOL classroom. The goal of our program is to help ELL students develop a level of Academic English proficiency that allows them to function independently at their grade level. |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
Thai, Mandarin, Spanish |
Max. number of students per class |
Grades K & Grade 1 - 16 students per class
|
Average number of students per class |
22 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
Use of technology in the classroom |
We have instituted a 1:1 Chromebook program so that each student has a Chromebook. GIS also offers several technology and design-focused classes and clubs to allow all students to gain the skills and experience needed to excel in today’s digital age. Students become adept at Google Apps and learn basic computer science and programming skills. They are trained to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly in the digital world. All the computers in our computer lab are up to date and equipped with Adobe Creative Suite and other specialized software for students to use for creative classes. Students are free to use the computer labs during study hall. |
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
We have instituted a 1:1 Chromebook program so that each student has a Chromebook. During the COVID-19 outbreak, as every student K–12 had access to educational resources and their teachers through their Chromebooks when we transitioned into online learning. |
Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Grace International School offers an integrated Christian education through an American-style, college-preparatory curriculum. The Spiritual Life Office at GIS has coordinated programs and events inviting GIS students to strengthen their faith and belief in God. These include weekly middle school, high school (student-led), and elementary chapels, chapel service teams, regular worship nights, local outreaches, and more. |
How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
We emphasize belonging to all students regardless of their religious background. GIS intentionally invests time and resources through the “Belong in Grace” initiative to create a strong and thriving culture of belonging. We want to better love and care for those in our halls, classrooms, among our staff, and throughout our community. |
External examinations or assessments available |
Elementary and middle school students take the MAP, while high school students take the SAT and AP exams. |
Results in these examinations |
Https://gisthailand.org/about-us/school-profile/ |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
90% |
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
Learning support offered |
Grace Accommodation Plan (GAP) or Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
|
The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Through differentiated instructional strategies. |
Student access to education psychologist |
Yes. GIS is committed to holistic care for our students. Two domains that are key for student development and an inspiring learning environment are mental health and social-emotional realms. GIS has a Schoolwide Counselor who is available for mental health check-ins, to assist students transitioning into and out of GIS, and for short-term critical care during times of crisis and trauma. GIS also partners with local counseling centers available for long-term care when students have ongoing challenges. |
Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Students are evaluated through interviews, reading and writing samples, and entrance exams. |
Waiting list |
Yes |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
New student applications for the next academic year are accepted between February and May. |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, students may enroll starting Semester 2 of the academic year. Applications for Semester 2 are accepted between August and November. |
School start time |
Kindergarten - Grade 5 starts at 8:10
|
School finish time |
15:15 |
Supervised care before/after school |
No |
School bus service available |
No |
School provided lunches |
Yes |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
Uniform required |
Yes |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Art Club
|
Sports activities included |
PE, Sports Leadership |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes. GIS offers the following: Basketball
|
Facilities at the school |
Library, science labs, computer labs, playgrounds, band room, and art studio. |
Sports facilities at the school |
Soccer fields, covered courts for basketball and volleyball, cross-country track, weight room and fitness center. |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Grace International School (GIS) was founded in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to meet a critical need in the missions community. Faithful men and women serving Southeast Asia and beyond were faced with returning to their home countries because of inadequate educational options for their children. GIS moved quickly to address this issue. As we pass our 20th anniversary, we currently serve as one of the largest faith-based international schools in the world—with over 500 students yearly, whose families represent over 85 member organizations and serve in 40+ countries across the globe. GIS uses the American curriculum while integrating biblical truths into the classroom to ensure rigorous education and spiritual growth. Our staff have taken a leap of faith in raising their own support to teach here. They share both their knowledge and personal life journey with Christ to students. Alongside our full-time academic program, we offer educational support through adaptive instruction and access to long-distance education. Our students also have opportunities to participate in clubs, compete in sports, and get involved in community outreach. In addition to offering a traditional Christian day-school experience, GIS is committed to providing additional services to support both students with special needs and homeschooling families. |
Teaching approach of the school |
Grace International School exists primarily to serve families of International Christian workers. We serve students in grades K–12, offering an integrated Christian education through an American-style college preparatory curriculum accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Additionally, we are committed to providing services to support students with special needs and to homeschooling families. Our elementary and middle school (K–8) provides a nurturing environment that stimulates and challenges each student, enabling them to realize their academic, social, and emotional potential. Our high school (9–12) offers an American-style, College-Preparatory curriculum that integrates academic rigor with biblical truth and real-world application. *Language Arts, Maths, Science, Social Studies, the Arts, Foreign Languages, Physical Education, Religious Studies, Technology & Design |