Suratthani International School

Suratthani International School is situated in Surat Thani, southern Thailand, about ten minutes by car from the city center. The city is a regional hub on the Gulf of Thailand, with ferry connections to nearby islands such as Koh Samui and domestic air links to Bangkok. The school’s setting provides a balance between access to local transport routes and a quieter residential environment.

The school admits children from early years through the end of primary. Programmes begin from preschool (around age 2) and continue through Grade 6, covering kindergarten and primary school levels.

STIS is a co-educational day school. It does not provide boarding facilities, so students commute daily from the surrounding area.

The school operates an English Language Support (ELS) programme with tiered levels of assistance, delivered either within regular lessons or in small group sessions. A Learning Support Coordinator oversees provision for academic, emotional, and social needs, and a Pastoral Counsellor (psychologist) is available when required.

The school does not have an official affiliation with any one country. Its curriculum is based on the California State/Common Core standards and it is a Candidate School for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).

The school has no formal religious affiliation.

The academic year runs from mid-August to mid-June, split into two terms. The school day starts in the morning and ends in the mid-afternoon, with lunch and short breaks built into the timetable. After-school care is available until 16:45 for younger students.

The school website does not provide information about a school bus or coach service.

Suratthani International School follows the California State/Common Core curriculum, providing a structured programme from early years through the end of primary. The school is also a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), reflecting its focus on inquiry-based learning in the early and primary stages. Core subjects include English, mathematics, science, and social studies, taught in English as the language of instruction. Mandarin is offered as a compulsory additional language, and Thai is taught in line with Ministry of Education requirements. Learning is supported by specialist facilities such as an ICT Studio, Science Studio, Creative Arts Studio, and a Music and Dance Studio. Student progress in English and mathematics is benchmarked against international standards using MAP Growth testing from Grade 2 onwards.

STIS incorporates social and emotional development into daily school life through class activities and pastoral support. The school provides a Learning Support Coordinator who monitors students’ academic, emotional, and social needs. When necessary, a Pastoral Counsellor, who is a trained psychologist, offers additional support. Students also participate in meditation retreats held in collaboration with local groups, which encourages mindfulness and reflection. These activities are integrated alongside academic programmes to help students build confidence and resilience.

STIS supports students with additional learning needs through an in-school Learning Support Coordinator. The Coordinator works with classroom teachers to provide strategies and adjustments within lessons. For more complex needs, the school arranges individual or small-group sessions. A psychologist is available to support emotional and behavioural development where needed. STIS is not a specialist SEN institution, but it provides targeted support for students with mild to moderate learning or social-emotional needs.

The school offers a structured English Language Support (ELS) programme for students requiring additional help in English. Support is organised into tiers, with the most intensive level (Tier 3) providing focused small-group or individual instruction. Lessons can be scheduled during school hours or after school, depending on the student’s needs. Specialist ELS instructors deliver the programme, aiming to help students integrate into mainstream classes effectively.

Mental wellbeing is supported through the pastoral care system, which includes the Learning Support Coordinator and Pastoral Counsellor. Students can access individual guidance and counselling when needed. The school promotes wellbeing through structured activities such as meditation retreats, cultural events, and outdoor learning opportunities. Staff are encouraged to identify concerns early and refer students to additional support where required.

STIS outlines policies to ensure student safety and child protection. The school provides accident insurance that covers incidents during school hours and activities. A designated staff structure exists for pastoral care, ensuring that safeguarding responsibilities are clearly defined. Students take part in supervised residential trips, camps, and after-school activities where safety measures are in place. The school states that all fees and deposits must be cleared before a student withdraws, which ensures proper documentation and accountability.

1. Initial Inquiry and Application: Families begin by submitting an application form along with the required supporting documents. Thai citizens must provide identification and a birth certificate, while expatriates are asked to provide passports, visas, and previous school records.

2. Testing and Assessment: Applicants are scheduled for a suitability test, which varies by grade level. These assessments evaluate academic readiness and language ability, helping the school place students in the correct programme.

3. Admission Fee and Deposit: Once an applicant is accepted, parents are asked to pay the admission and deposit fees. This step secures the student’s place before the first day of school.

4. Enrollment Confirmation: The school confirms placement after the required documents and fees are submitted. Families are then provided with start-date details, orientation information, and access to uniforms and the school shop.

The school does not publicly disclose information about scholarships or financial aid opportunities.

STIS operates a waitlist system when classes are full. Parents must complete registration in order to be placed on the waiting list. If a place becomes available within a year, the family is invited to proceed with admission. If no place becomes available, the registration is refunded.