Studying the American Curriculum in Thailand: The Most Important Tips

  • Posted on: 27 September 2019
  • By: dischool_admin

You've probably torn between having your little one at a local school or if enrolling him in a Thai international school is a smart idea. Well, choosing an international school that primarily follows the "American-style" curriculum for your child in Thailand is a brilliant idea.

They admit school-going kids of natives and expats or foreigners alike

Any Thai international school that adheres to the American curriculum usually admits kids aged between 5 and 18 years. Kindergarteners eventually graduate at the 12th Grade and continue their college education either within Thailand or in the US.

Ideally, the kind of education offered to pre-schoolers is play-based learning with more emphasis on drawing, learning letters, numbers and shapes, and more. After a year in the kindergarten, the kid enters the elementary school and starts at the 1st Grade. Grade school is made up of Grade one to Grade six where the child, upon graduating, starts schooling at Junior high.

Junior high starts at Seventh Grade and the pupil will last until Grade 12, which also is the last class. By then, the kid should be turning 18 and mature enough to face college life. 12th Grade, however, ends with the child sitting for the International Baccalaureate (IB) tests or the Advanced Placement (AP) examinations in readiness for college placement.

It is not automatic that anyone studying the American education system up to the 12th Grade at a Thai international school will end up in the US. Most colleges demand both the college results and SAT or ACT before admitting one. Thankfully though, both tests are available in Thailand, and one can sit for them at Grade 11.

But, here's one more thing to remember

Thai international schools that follow the curriculum of the United States of America don't necessarily have a similar program of study. It is normal to spot variations in both the length of the curriculum and what it generally covers.

In this case, the most crucial factor to consider is whether the institution complies with the standards stipulated by the US-based academic accreditation bodies. The most popular ones are the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Middle States Association of College and School and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. You can also trust a school accredited by the New York State Board of Regents.  

If you looking for Thai International School, please visit The American School of Bangkok.