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NIST has earned a reputation for academic excellence, and our students continually outperform national, regional and global averages in the standard IB diploma examinations and SAT. The graduating Class of 2020 posted exceptional results in the IB DP exams, nearly matching the school’s record with an average score at 36.2, with 42.1% of the students earning 38 or more points, and 26.3% earning 40 or more points. Comparatively, 22.3% and 12.8% of test takers worldwide achieved those same levels. Similarly, previous classes achieved averages well above many of their peers, setting NIST’s five-year IB average at 35.4. This is particularly notable in that it is the highest average among any large cohort in Thailand with nearly the full class enrolled in the DP each year.
IB Diploma Examination Results
As an IB World School, NIST offers students in Years 12-13 the opportunity to pursue the IB Diploma, a high school qualification that is recognized by universities around the world. All students who choose to pursue the diploma must take the standardized IB examinations, administered by the IB. NIST students have traditionally excelled in these exams, posting scores well above the global averages, and often leading other schools in the region.
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 5-Year Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class Size | 110 | 116 | 111 | 103 | 106 | - |
| Students in DP | 94 | 112 | 99 | 95 | 96 | - |
| IB Diplomas Awarded | 91 | 111 | 98 | 90 | 95 | - |
| NIST Pass Rate | 96.8% | 99.1% | 99.0% | 94.7% | 99.0% | 97.7% |
| Global Pass Rate | 79.3% | 78.4% | 78.2% | 77.8% | 85.4% | 79.8% |
| NIST Average Score | 34.2 | 36.3 | 35.3 | 35.0 | 36.3 | 35.4 |
| Global Average Score | 30.0 | 29.9 | 29.8 | 29.7 | 31.4 | 30.2 |
| NIST % of Bilingual Diplomas | 56.0% | 48.6% | 54.1% | 44.4% | 52.6% | 51.1% |
| Global % of Bilingual Diplomas | 22.6% | 22.6% | 22.8% | 23.8% | 26.0% | 23.6% |
| NIST High Score | 45 | 45 (2) | 45 | 43 | 45 | - |
| Global # of Perfect Scores (45) | 201 | 278 | 259 | 275 | 316 | - |
SAT Results
Note that this table reflects the prior version of the SAT. As we assess longitudinal data for the new SAT in 2020, this will be updated.
The SAT is a standardized examination offered to college-bound students worldwide, and a SAT score is required by many universities in order to complete the admissions process. Two key areas, math and reading, are measured, with an optional essay portion (as of 2016). Global averages remain relatively consistent at approximately 500 in each area. (See the College Board’s full results from 1972 to 2015 here.) NIST seniors consistently outperform these averages in both math and reading.
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIST Critical Reading Average | 535 | 574 | 560 | 550 | 566 |
| Global Critical Reading Average | 496 | 496 | 497 | 495 | 494 |
| NIST Math Average | 600 | 620 | 622 | 612 | 639 |
| Global Math Average | 514 | 514 | 513 | 511 | 508 |
The Global Citizen Diploma
An optional qualification that students may choose to pursue during their high school years, the GCD allows students to reflect on learning experiences that are not traditionally measured through the IB programme. These reflections are reviewed and approved by a panel of staff members according to a standard set of expectations, allowing the students to earn recognition for their accomplishments in a wide variety of areas.
University Guidance & Matriculation
At NIST we begin the college guidance process in students’ first year of high school and work closely with them to select universities that are a good match. The guidance programme includes dozens of visits from university representatives each year; information sessions for students and parents; and a clear, transparent process that allows universities to trust that they are receiving serious applications from our students.
As a result of this careful planning, NIST students have been accepted to every one of the top 100 universities worldwide, and NIST alumni can be found in dozens of countries around the globe. However, acceptances are often contingent on test scores or performance, as well as the intention of the student to actually attend institutions to which they apply. A more accurate measure of a school’s success is the actual matriculation, or enrollment, of its graduates. Members of NIST’s most recent graduating classes are enrolled in the following universities:
What Do Universities Say?
At NIST we encourage students to seek out institutions that best align to their interests and goals, regardless of name recognition or ranking. This approach empowers students to capitalize on their strengths and set themselves up for future success. Does this approach work? Hear directly from the students and university representatives.
Family Survey Results
In 2015 we launched a revised, comprehensive family survey that is tracked from year to year. Assessing major areas of the school—including quality of teaching, quality of learning, leadership and learning environment among others—the survey uses Likert scale items to gauge overall parent agreement in each area. The data was also analyzed in SPSS, enabling us to identify trends and predictive measures that can be integrated into the school’s strategic initiatives.
These survey results indicate overall strong support among the parent community, the previous two years of results indicate improvement in overall satisfaction. [Note that some individual areas decreased slightly due to shifting of several statements to align to the predictive constructs.] On a scale of one to six, with one being strongly disagree and six being strongly agree, each area of assessment has averaged at least 4.6:
| Area | ||
|---|---|---|
| Quality of teaching | 5.0 out of 6.0 | 5.0 out of 6.0 |
| Quality of learning | 5.2 out of 6.0 | 5.2 out of 6.0 |
| Leadership | 5.0 out of 6.0 | 5.0 out of 6.0 |
| Learning environment | 5.6 out of 6.0 | 5.5 out of 6.0 |
| Communication | 4.7 out of 6.0 | 4.7 out of 6.0 |
| Technology | 4.8 out of 6.0 | 4.6 out of 6.0 |
| Extra-curricular activities | 4.9 out of 6.0 | 4.6 out of 6.0 |
| Community | 5.1 out of 6.0 | 5.1 out of 6.0 |
| Overall satisfaction | 5.2 out of 6.0 | 5.4 out of 6.0 |
| Net promoter score | 42 | 52 |
The improved Net Promoter Score of 52 put NIST on par with The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in respect to the overall willingness of parents to recommend our school to others. In the comments section, parents consistently identified several aspects of NIST that they most valued: the school’s diversity and openness, strong community feel, teachers and leadership, and caring and safe environment.