Top 7 International Schools in Pattaya: A Guide for Families Choosing Education Abroad
The Best International Schools in Pattaya
Pattaya has long ceased to be just a resort city. Over the past ten years, dozens of international schools have opened here, offering British and American curricula. Families from different countries move specifically for the education: children study in a multicultural environment, and graduates enter Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, and other top universities.
At the same time, tuition fees are noticeably lower than in Moscow or Europe. In Pattaya, a year at an international school starts from 200,000 THB.
Below are seven schools most frequently chosen by expats. Each has its own approach, atmosphere, and strengths.
REGENTS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PATTAYA (RISP)
Regents is considered one of the strongest schools in Southeast Asia. It is a large university-style campus with a thousand students, its own theater, stadium, tennis courts, Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a recording studio.
The school offers IB and IGCSE programs. The main focus is academic excellence and preparation for top international universities. Students come from over 60 countries, and graduates continue to Oxford, Cambridge, MIT.
Why families choose it: strong academic program, prestige, university-level facilities, talented student body, and high university acceptance rates.
The school offers IB and IGCSE programs. The main focus is academic excellence and preparation for top international universities. Students come from over 60 countries, and graduates continue to Oxford, Cambridge, MIT.
- Tuition: 500,000–900,000 THB per year
- Location: Jomtien, 15 minutes from the city center
Why families choose it: strong academic program, prestige, university-level facilities, talented student body, and high university acceptance rates.
GARDEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (GIS)
A British school with a softer atmosphere and accessible tuition. The campus is green and cozy, with a strong parent community and excellent support for newly relocated children.
Curriculum — Cambridge (IGCSE, A-Levels). The school has an active extracurricular life, clubs, activities, and sports programs. Russian-speaking coordinators are available.
Why families choose it: strong value for money, British standards, friendly environment, gentle adaptation for bilingual children.
Curriculum — Cambridge (IGCSE, A-Levels). The school has an active extracurricular life, clubs, activities, and sports programs. Russian-speaking coordinators are available.
- Tuition: 300,000–600,000 THB per year
- Location: near U-Tapao Airport
Why families choose it: strong value for money, British standards, friendly environment, gentle adaptation for bilingual children.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL EASTERN SEABOARD (ISE)
ISE follows the American education system. The focus is on individuality, critical thinking, and project-based learning. Classes are small — up to 18 students — allowing for lots of personal attention.
The school offers the American Curriculum and Advanced Placement, giving graduates access to universities in the U.S. and Europe.
Why families choose it: American-style academics, small class sizes, personalized approach, affordability.
The school offers the American Curriculum and Advanced Placement, giving graduates access to universities in the U.S. and Europe.
- Tuition: 250,000–500,000 THB per year
- Location: northwest Pattaya
Why families choose it: American-style academics, small class sizes, personalized approach, affordability.
RUGBY SCHOOL THAILAND
A branch of the legendary British school founded in 1567. It follows the classic British educational model: discipline, sports, leadership, and strong academic foundation.
The campus resembles traditional English boarding schools: football fields, swimming pools, sports halls, and separate buildings. Programs include IGCSE and IB.
Why families choose it: British standards, strong sports culture, character building, and excellent pathways to top UK universities.
The campus resembles traditional English boarding schools: football fields, swimming pools, sports halls, and separate buildings. Programs include IGCSE and IB.
- Tuition: 600,000–900,000 THB per year
- Location: Huay Yai (20 minutes from the center)
Why families choose it: British standards, strong sports culture, character building, and excellent pathways to top UK universities.
TARA PATTANA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
A modern school focusing on project-based learning and the development of soft skills. The curriculum is Cambridge, but with integration of Thai cultural elements.
An excellent environment for families planning to stay long-term in Thailand and wanting their children to become bilingual. Classes are small and the approach is individual.
Why families choose it: bilingual development, project-based learning, a blend of Eastern and Western approaches, convenient location.
An excellent environment for families planning to stay long-term in Thailand and wanting their children to become bilingual. Classes are small and the approach is individual.
- Tuition: 280,000–550,000 THB per year
- Location: central Pattaya
Why families choose it: bilingual development, project-based learning, a blend of Eastern and Western approaches, convenient location.
ST. ANDREWS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
One of the most affordable international schools in Pattaya. Works under the Cambridge curriculum and focuses heavily on supporting children arriving without English.
Ideal for primary and middle school levels. The campus is large and green, with a calm atmosphere and attentive teachers.
Why families choose it: affordability, soft entry, support for bilinguals, convenient location for families.
Ideal for primary and middle school levels. The campus is large and green, with a calm atmosphere and attentive teachers.
- Tuition: 200,000–400,000 THB per year
- Location: East Pattaya
Why families choose it: affordability, soft entry, support for bilinguals, convenient location for families.
MOOLTRIPAKDEE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
The most budget-friendly school on the list, yet offering solid educational quality. The curriculum is bilingual — English and Thai. Strong emphasis is placed on mathematics and sciences following Asian standards.
Classes are small, the environment is family-like, and adaptation happens gradually and gently.
Why families choose it: low tuition, bilingual environment, individual approach, strong foundation for primary education.
Classes are small, the environment is family-like, and adaptation happens gradually and gently.
- Tuition: 200,000–300,000 THB per year
- Location: Naklua, 15 minutes from Wongamat
Why families choose it: low tuition, bilingual environment, individual approach, strong foundation for primary education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Schools in Pattaya
1. Are British and American curricula very different?
Yes. The British system focuses on exams and academic structure. The American system emphasizes projects, critical thinking, and flexibility. Both are accepted by universities worldwide.
2. Do children from Pattaya’s international schools have a sufficient level of English?
Yes. Most graduates speak fluently and easily enter international universities.
3. Are there schools with Russian-language support?
Yes. GIS, St. Andrews, and several other schools have coordinators and teachers who help Russian-speaking children adapt.
4. What is the best age for relocation?
Ideally — primary or middle school. In high school, adaptation may take longer.
5. Is it expensive to live near the schools?
No. Most school areas have both budget-friendly apartments and family homes. Housing options depend on the family’s needs.
Yes. The British system focuses on exams and academic structure. The American system emphasizes projects, critical thinking, and flexibility. Both are accepted by universities worldwide.
2. Do children from Pattaya’s international schools have a sufficient level of English?
Yes. Most graduates speak fluently and easily enter international universities.
3. Are there schools with Russian-language support?
Yes. GIS, St. Andrews, and several other schools have coordinators and teachers who help Russian-speaking children adapt.
4. What is the best age for relocation?
Ideally — primary or middle school. In high school, adaptation may take longer.
5. Is it expensive to live near the schools?
No. Most school areas have both budget-friendly apartments and family homes. Housing options depend on the family’s needs.
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