The information on this school’s profile is taken from publicly available sources, and has been collated by AI and curated by human moderators. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, but factual inaccuracies are possible. If you would like to report inaccurate information please email support@doris.school
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Kindergarten
Introduction
Buds International School Phuket is a bilingual nursery, kindergarten, and primary school for children aged 1 to 12, based in Chalong, Phuket. It follows the California Common Core Standards in English and incorporates additional Thai and Mandarin (with optional Italian) language classes. Class sizes are capped at 14–18 students, maintaining a staff-to-student ratio of approximately 3:1. The school emphasises core subjects, group social learning, project-based work, and daily specialist lessons, including Thai, swimming (from age 3), and computer skills.
4/6 Moo 2, Soi Palai 2, Chaofa East Road, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand.
The Essentials
Buds International School Phuket has 200 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English.
Location
Buds International School Phuket is located at 4/6 Soi Palai 2, Chaofa East Road in Chalong, about 1.2 km north of Chalong Circle, on the main road toward Phuket Town. The campus sits in a quiet, residential area just past the Chalong police station and Wine Connection restaurant, with easy access by car from Rawai, Kata, Karon, Patong, and Nai Harn.
Stages
Buds International School Phuket is structured into three clear levels: Nursery (ages 1–3), Kindergarten (ages 3–6), and Primary School (Grades 1–6, ages 6–12). This setup supports a smooth academic progression from early years through elementary education.
Type
Buds International School Phuket is a co‑educational day school that welcomes both Thai and international students.
Country affiliation
Buds International School Phuket is officially licensed and regulated by the Thailand Ministry of Education and the Provincial Educational Office, making it a recognized institution by Thai government authorities.
Religious affiliation
Buds International School Phuket is not affiliated with any religion and welcomes families from all backgrounds,
School day structure
Buds International School Phuket is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. From 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., students can attend additional English and Thai lessons, followed by optional after‑school care until 5:00 p.m.
Bus service
Buds International School Phuket provides a door-to-door bus service in Phuket using new school buses fitted with Western-style safety seats. Routes cover key areas including Chalong, Rawai, Sai Yuan, Kathu, Kata, Karon, Patong, and Nai Harn. The service is supervised by staff to ensure student safety and convenience.
Fees
Annual tuition at Buds International School Phuket ranges from THB 159,000 to THB 18,900 for 2026/27.
Application and One-Time Fees
Application Fee: THB 10,000 (covers registration, assessment, one uniform, and a drinking tumbler) Enrollment Fee: THB 40,000 for new Primary students (includes books, computer use, school supplies, breakfast, and lunch) Enrollment Fee (Nursery and Kindergarten): THB 20,000
Annual Maintenance Fee: THB 10,000 (covers art supplies, writing materials, meals for existing students) After-school Programme (3–4 p.m.): THB 2,500/month or THB 7,500/term Swimming Lessons: THB 1,500/month or THB 5,000/term School Bus Service: THB 2,500–5,000/month (based on route) Uniforms: Sold on-site (included in the enrollment fee for new students)
Payment Terms and Methods
Tuition and additional fees are billed annually but may be paid under various plans. A late fee of THB 200/day applies up to 7 days past the due date. Enrollment is cancelled if payment is not settled after 7 days. Sibling discount: 10% for second child, 15% for third child. A 10% discount is available for four-month prepayments. Full-year payment discounts available on request.
Payment Methods: Bank transfer (Bangkok Bank or Siam Commercial Bank) PayPal (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
Refund Policy
All fees are non-refundable. The security deposit becomes refundable upon withdrawal, provided all accounts are settled.
Academics
Buds International School Phuket teaches American Curriculum for students aged 1 to 12.
Curriculum
Buds International School Phuket follows a single curriculum pathway from Nursery through Grade 6: the American Curriculum, based on the California Common Core Standards.
The Early Years programme (Nursery to Kindergarten) uses a play-based and theme-driven approach. Children engage in structured weekly themes alongside outdoor play, early literacy, numeracy, and group routines designed to support social development.
In the Primary School, students study core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, in line with U.S. benchmarks. These are complemented by specialist lessons in Art, Music, Physical Education, Geography, History, and Computer Studies.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school does not publicly disclose specific programs or staff dedicated to social and emotional learning (SEL).
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Buds does not present itself as a specialist school for SEN and provides no detail on formal support structures, trained SEN staff, or types of learning differences supported.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not offer any specific program branded as EAL.
Mental Wellbeing
No specific mental health support programs, counselors, initiatives, or staff positions are referenced on the official site.
Safeguarding
There is no publicly available information about the child protection policy.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Schedule a campus visit or tour. Parents are encouraged to visit the school to understand the environment and facilities. During the tour, you can discuss the school’s play-based and internationally informed approach to learning, as well as meet staff members.
2. Submit the application form and required documentation. Once you’ve confirmed interest, you’ll be asked to complete the official application form. For Primary applicants, required documents include your child’s academic records, birth certificate, and relevant medical or learning history.
3. Complete the assessment process. For students applying to Year 3 and above, a placement test is conducted to determine readiness and academic fit. The fee for the test is THB 2,000 and it is scheduled directly with the school. Students from Year 1 and up may also be invited to an interview with the Head of Primary.
4. Receive confirmation of placement and class allocation. Following the interview or assessment, families receive feedback from the school. Students are placed in the appropriate year group based on age and ability. If a student qualifies to enter a level above their age group, it is discussed with the Head of School.
5. Review fees and finalize enrollment. Parents will be guided through the annual fee structure, assessment charges, and billing arrangements. Once you confirm acceptance, you’ll receive start date and orientation information, along with practical details such as uniforms and transportation options.
Waitlist
Buds International School Phuket does not publicly state that it operates a formal waitlist or pool system.
FAQs
What curriculum does Buds follow?
Buds follows the American curriculum based on California Common Core Standards for Nursery through Grade 6, with English as the primary language of instruction.
What age range does the school serve?
The school serves children aged 1 to 12, from Nursery through Grade 6.
What are the fees at Buds?
Annual tuition ranges from approximately 159,000 to 169,000 THB. Application fee of 10,000 THB covers registration, assessment, uniform and a tumbler.
What is the class size?
Classes are capped at 14-18 students with a staff-to-student ratio of approximately 3:1.
Does the school offer a bus service?
Yes, Buds provides door-to-door bus service across Phuket using buses with Western-style safety seats, covering areas including Chalong, Rawai, and Sai Yuan.
Is the school bilingual?
Yes, Buds is bilingual with English as the main language and Thai taught as part of the curriculum. Mandarin classes are also available with optional Italian.
Does the school provide meals?
Yes, breakfast and lunch are included for full-time Nursery and Kindergarten students. A lunch menu is published regularly.
What accreditations does Buds hold?
Buds is licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education and registered with the Phuket Provincial Education Office.
When was the school founded?
Buds began in the early 1990s, founded by a Thai educator. It is now managed by a Thai-Holland-American team.
What sports facilities are available?
The school has a football field on campus, with off-campus access to tennis courts and a swimming pool.
Are there after-school activities?
Additional English and Thai lessons run from 3-4 pm, followed by optional after-school activities until 5 pm including dance and swimming.
How many students attend Buds?
The school has approximately 200 students from both Thai and international families.
