Chiang Mai Living Guide

Learning & community

Children’s schools and supplementary Japanese classes

Compare curricula and applications, and check Japanese supplementary schooling and textbooks.

Checked This page does not update automatically.
A primary-school classroom in Na Wa, Thailand, 2007; illustrative
A primary-school classroom in Na Wa, Thailand, 2007; illustrative · User:Mattes · Photo source · Public domain · Resized and converted to WebP; display may crop.

Start with these three things

  1. CMIS describes US educational standards, while Prem offers IB programmes. These provide starting points for comparing learning and future pathways.
  2. Supplementary Japanese schools teach selected subjects using Japanese textbooks outside pupils’ regular school hours.
  3. Current vacancies, total costs, transfer conditions and the supplementary school’s teaching venue remain unverified. Ask each school before applying.

Steps

"Tip" marks a planning suggestion, not an official rule.

  1. Tip List the child’s age, current school and grade, learning language, preferred transfer date and plans after graduation.
  2. Prem’s official process moves from enquiry and a visit to an application, parent-and-child interview and academic assessment.
  3. Tip Give candidate schools the same information when requesting advice and cost estimates, and include the child’s impressions in the decision.

What to prepare

Planning tips (not official rules)

  • Organise current coursework, school reports, support needs and transport preferences for discussion. Prepare mandatory submissions only after receiving each school’s instructions.
  • Include questions about meals, transport, uniform, materials, activities and refunds as well as tuition.

Where to ask

Each school’s Admissions office; Chiang Mai Japanese Supplementary School

Chiang Mai Japanese Supplementary School appears on Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs list of designated schools.

School-visit reception hours are not yet confirmed. Confirm with the school before visiting.

Things to watch for

"Tip" marks a planning suggestion, not an official rule.

  • Tip A grade name does not automatically match the same age or curriculum in Japan. Confirm placement and continuity with the school.
  • Filing a Japanese overseas residence notification does not automatically request textbooks. Pupils at the supplementary school receive them through the school.

Compare both curriculum and daily life

CMIS describes education from Preschool through Grade 12, including AP subjects at high-school level. Prem offers the IB PYP, MYP, DP and CP, with day and boarding options. These are the choices presented by the schools themselves.

Planning tips (not official rules)

Alongside teaching language, ask who helps when a child has difficulties, what learning support is available and how travel and after-school time work. Check transport coverage and the daily route before choosing a home.

Continuing Japanese learning

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes supplementary schools as places where pupils attending local or international schools study subjects such as Japanese and mathematics outside regular classes. Chiang Mai’s school is also on the designated list.

Planning tips (not official rules)

Discuss whether Japanese conversation, literacy or preparation for returning to Japan is the priority. Ask the supplementary school about grades, visits, home study, fees and parental involvement, and consider the combined workload.

Remember textbooks and residence procedures

The Japanese consulate lists textbook distribution for eligible children with Japanese nationality. Eligible pupils at local or international schools need to apply; supplementary-school pupils receive books through their school.

Planning tips (not official rules)

Alongside admissions, check residence procedures separately for the child and each parent. Before paying for a visit or application, obtain written fees and refund terms if enrolment does not proceed.

Inclusion is not a recommendation.

Sources & dates checked

  1. OfficialAcademic ProgramsChiang Mai International School · Checked 2026-10-11
  2. OfficialInternational School Chiang Mai - Prem International SchoolPrem International School · Checked 2026-10-11
  3. OfficialAdmissions - Prem International SchoolPrem International School · Checked 2026-10-11
  4. OfficialMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 海外教育Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan · Checked 2026-10-11
  5. OfficialMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 外務大臣が指定した在外教育施設（補習授業校）一覧Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan · Checked 2026-10-11
  6. OfficialConsulate-General of Japan in Chiang Mai 教科書配付のお知らせConsulate-General of Japan in Chiang Mai · Checked 2026-10-11