FAQs - NIST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL in Bangkok, Thailand

About NIST

How is NIST different from other international schools in Bangkok?

Thailand has a very high ratio of international schools per capita compared to other countries in Asia, providing parents with an immense number of choices. However, most international schools in Bangkok offer only British or American curricula, with few other options available. NIST is one of only three full IB international schools, and the only one with not-for-profit status and a central campus in the heart of the city.

The IB philosophy permeates our school, and our values of integrity, caring, community and growth are central to our learning and actions. To inspire, empower and enrich our students, we diligently work to provide unique learning opportunities that you may not find at other international schools in Bangkok.

WHAT DOES NIST OFFER THAT OTHER INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN BANGKOK DO NOT?

In addition to activities that encourage and challenge, such as Action Week and Challenge by Choice, NIST partners with elite organizations around the globe to offer first-class programmes and resources such as the Global Citizen Diploma.

While there are many international schools in Bangkok, few can offer the expansive facilities, resources and programmes available at NIST while also maintaining a strong, caring community.

How multicultural is NIST?

NIST was founded primarily to serve the children of expatriate families living temporarily in Bangkok. We also welcome Thai and other long-term, Bangkok-based residents who are committed to the mission of the school and can contribute meaningfully to our community.

Approximately 25% of our student population is Thai, while the remaining 75% represents over 75 nationalities. Learn more about our community here.

Can English language learners study at NIST?

NIST has a well-resourced English as an Additional Language (EAL) department, and in the elementary school we are able to accept beginner English language learners. Because of the curricular demands in the secondary school, we are only able to support intermediate and advanced level English language learners through our English Language Acquisition (ELA) programme.

English is the language of instruction in all year levels and it is important that students are able to successfully access the curriculum within our available EAL/ELA support resources. We may therefore limit the number of EAL/ELA students in each year level to ensure they have access to needed services and that strong English language standards are maintained throughout the school.

Does NIST offer boarding?

How many students and teachers are there per class in each year level?

We recognise the need to maintain a student-teacher ratio that offers maximum opportunities for instruction and learning. In principle, the maximum number of students per class is as follows:

Early Years
Classes & Students: 6 composite classes, 18-19 students each
Teachers & Assistants: 1 teacher, 2 assistants
Year 1
Classes & Students: 6 classes, 20 students each
Teachers & Assistants: 1 teacher, 1 assistant
Year 2-4
Classes & Students: 6 classes, 23 students each
Teachers & Assistants: 1 teacher, 1 assistant
Year 5-6
Classes & Students: 6 classes, 23 students each
Teachers & Assistants: 1 teacher, shared assistants
Year 7-9
Classes & Students: 6 classes, 23-24 students each
Teachers & Assistants: Dependent on class subject
Year 10-13
Classes & Students: 5 classes, 24 students each
Teachers & Assistants: Dependent on class subject

Admissions

What criteria do you use to make your admissions decisions?

In accordance with our mission statement, we serve children in Early Years to Year 13 who are committed to the mission of the school and can contribute meaningfully to our community. We want every student to thrive, and NIST will provide learning pathways for students to flourish and positively impact others. We are committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. NIST does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, admissions or employment policies, but may take into account factors including an applicant’s prior educational and linguistic background for purposes of admission in order to fulfill our mission, and the availability of resources and services at the school.

NIST exists to serve the educational needs of students from international and internationally-minded families living in Bangkok, and we strive for a mix of students who represent diversity in nationality. It is the mission of the Admissions Department to help prospective families through the admissions process in reflection of our core values of integrity, caring, community and growth.

We consider several factors when we review an admissible application in order to make a decision whether to extend an offer of enrollment, including space availability, age, previous school records and teacher’s recommendation(s), siblings currently at NIST, IB programme experience, community involvement and the availability of support services at NIST.

When should I submit an application?

We take applications for August admissions one school year in advance. Mid-year applications by families coming to Thailand from overseas may be submitted at any time throughout the school year. In all cases we encourage families to visit our campus, if possible, before submitting an application. This gives us a chance to meet with you, answer your specific questions and give you a personal school tour.

Will my child have to complete any tests as part of the application process?

What is the application timeline?

Once you have submitted an online application, you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of the application. Although applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year, we maintain a relatively constant schedule for our annual planning:

Mid-September: Applications for the following school year open.
September – December: Families are encouraged to make an appointment with a member of the Admissions team to tour the campus or meet virtually.
January: Any outstanding records, such as report cards and transcripts, must be submitted.
February – March: The Admissions team contacts families regarding assessment dates.
March – April: Admissions assessments take place, and the first acceptance letters are sent as spaces become available.
May – July: Acceptance letters continue to be sent as spaces become available.

Curriculum

What is NIST’s curriculum?

Are students grouped into classes by ability?

Class placement is not based on ability, but is instead carefully considered to meet the academic and social needs of each student. Educational research has consistently demonstrated that planned implementation of mixed-ability classes results in equal or superior levels of performance. In line with our philosophy of inclusion and diversity, our teachers, administrators and learning specialists work together to place students in learning environments that enrich all learners.

How much homework is assigned?

We believe in assigning homework not as “busy work”, but rather as a means of reinforcing concepts, building connections and practicing skills. The amount of homework students receive thus varies by year, teacher and subject. In general, NIST teachers provide enough work to challenge students, while still allowing time for activities. Additional details are available in the parent handbooks.

Living in Bangkok

What is the traffic like? Does the school provide transportation?
Where do most families live?

What is the traffic like? Does the school provide transportation?

Traffic can be quite heavy in Bangkok, especially during rush hour, when a 15-minute drive on major roads can quickly change to an hour-long journey. To help families avoid the traffic, the Montri Transportation Corporation provides daily pick-up and drop-off services throughout the city. Additionally, students who travel on the BTS skytrain or MRT subway can take a complimentary courtesy shuttle, operated by NIST from locations near the BTS and MRT station to and from the school.

Where do most families live?

One of the great advantages of NIST is its central location in downtown Bangkok. We are within easy distance to shopping centres, hospitals, green spaces, many dining and entertainment options, as well as the skytrain and subway stations. As a result, most NIST families choose to live near the school and near public transportation, in order to avoid long commute times when traffic is heavy.

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

School Day

What time does school begin and end?

Do students need to wear a school uniform?

Does the school provide lunch and snacks?

NIST Catering operates the elementary and secondary cafeterias, as well as cafés in the Secondary Building and The Hub. All students have accounts created for them through the NIST Catering Campus Online system. This system can be topped up with funds via credit card or cheque, or by cash through the kiosks on campus.

Parents may choose to purchase a meal plan for elementary students, which includes a light morning snack. Secondary students are able to buy snacks and lunch with either cash or through their NIST Catering accounts.

Can my child be involved in activities?

Yes. NIST offers a wide range of activities for students in Years 2 to 13, and a more limited selection is also available for students in Early Years 2 and Year 1. These activities usually take place immediately after school, with activities for EY2 and Year 1 running from 2:15 to 3:00 PM, and activities for Year 1 to Year 13 typically running from 3:00 to 4:00 PM.

Times may vary for some activities, particularly sports. The cost of activities varies, with many offered free or at a minimal cost to cover school resources, while those activities run by external groups may cost more.