"I'm looking for a high-quality IB (International Baccalaureate) school in Bangkok, but I'm losing hope because the waiting list at NIST is incredibly long for our nationality..."
We frequently hear this from parents planning to relocate to Thailand for work or educational purposes.
On par with NIST in offering top-tier IB education in Bangkok, yet possessing a warm community unlike larger mega-schools, is the prestigious KIS International School.
Furthermore, with the 2024 opening of its massive new 'Reignwood Park' campus, featuring extensive sports facilities and boarding options, KIS has become one of the most talked-about schools in Thailand.
In this article, we, the international school admissions experts at ELT, will provide a thorough breakdown of the key differences between the established 'Bangkok Campus' and the new 'Reignwood Park Campus,' its IB scores that far exceed the global average, and the tough realities of the MAP test and EAL requirements that families from non-English speaking backgrounds often face.
1. What is KIS International School? One of Thailand's Premier 'Full IB' Schools
Established in 1998, KIS is a pioneer in Thailand as a full IB World School, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP).
With its mission of "Inspiring Individuals," the school's defining feature is the "attentive care unique to a mid-sized school," setting it apart from overly large international schools. It is often reviewed as "feeling like home" the moment you step onto campus, thanks to the close relationships between parents, teachers, and students, which foster a very strong community atmosphere.
Is the IB (International Baccalaureate) Too Difficult? Understanding the PYP/MYP/DP System and How to Avoid Dropping Out
2. [Key] How Do the Two Campuses Differ? (Bangkok vs. Reignwood Park)
The difference between the existing 'Bangkok Campus' and the new 'Reignwood Park Campus' is a common point of confusion for prospective families. These are not separate schools but a strategic campus expansion under the same brand.
Comparison Point | KIS Bangkok (Original Campus) | KIS Reignwood Park (New Campus) |
Location | Closer to central Bangkok (near Rama 9). Commutable from Sukhumvit. | Northern suburbs of Bangkok (Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani). |
Campus Size | Urban campus. Compact and functional with an Art & Design Center, black box theatre, 25m pool, etc. | A massive 60-acre campus. Features a 1000-seat stadium, professional-grade sports gym, golf development facilities, etc. |
Schooling Type | Day School only | Day School + Boarding |
Boarding Options | None | Options for Part (3 nights/week), Weekly (5 nights/week), and Full (7 nights/week) boarding. Available for Grade 4 (age 9) and above. |
Current Grade Levels Offered | Early Years to Grade 12 (fully operational) | Phased opening (※Accepting up to Grade 10 for the 2025/26 academic year. Please verify the latest information). |
[The Bottom Line for Choosing]
If your priority is the immediate track record for Grade 11-12 university placements (IBDP scores & acceptances), the 'Bangkok Campus' is the clear choice. However, if you want to maximize the value of an environment with vast natural spaces, state-of-the-art sports facilities, and boarding options, the 'Reignwood Park Campus' is the best option.
3. Outstanding IBDP Scores and Placements at Top World Universities
Despite its welcoming atmosphere, KIS's academic results are on par with Bangkok's top-tier schools like NIST and Patana.
NIST International School Review: Admissions and Fees at Bangkok's Premier Full IB School
IB Scores Far Exceeding the World Average
The results for the Bangkok Campus's Class of 2024 are as follows:
- IBDP Average Score: 35 points (significantly surpassing the world average of 30.3)
- Percentage of students scoring 30+ points: 83%
- Pass Rate: 98% (world average 80.5%)
- Highest Score: 44 (out of 45)
These are world-class scores, comparable to NIST's average (approx. 37 points), and are consistently achieved.
Placements at Top Universities Worldwide, Including in Japan
Graduates have received over 700 university offers from 21 countries.
- USA: UC Davis, UC San Diego, Boston University, Carnegie Mellon University, etc.
- UK: UCL, King's College London, The University of Edinburgh, The University of Manchester, etc.
- Japan: Placements include Osaka University, with successful applications through returnee admissions (kikokusei) and English-taught degree programs.
4. KIS Tuition and Initial Fees (Bangkok & Reignwood Park)
The fee structures differ by campus. Below is a comparison of the estimated first-year cash outlay (total mandatory payments) for a new student in the MYP (Middle School / Grades 6-10), based on the official 2025/26 fee schedule.
First-Year Total Cost Simulation (in THB: Thai Baht)
Fee Item | Bangkok Campus (Day) | Reignwood Park Campus (Day) | Reignwood Park Campus (Full Boarding/7 nights) |
Application Fee | 6,000 | 6,000 | 6,000 |
Registration Fee | 260,000 | 260,000 | 260,000 |
School Development Fund (SDF) *1 | 250,000 | 250,000 | 250,000 |
Boarding Deposit *2 | - | - | 20,000 |
Annual Tuition Fee (MYP) | 859,700 | 945,000 | 945,000 |
Annual Full Boarding Fee | - | - | 535,600 |
Total First-Year Cash Outlay | 1,375,700 THB | 1,461,000 THB | 2,016,600 THB |
*1 For the School Development Fund, families can choose between an annual payment of 45,000 THB (non-refundable) or a one-time lump sum of 250,000 THB (conditionally refundable). The amount above reflects the initial cash outlay if the lump sum is chosen.
*2 The unused portion of the Boarding Deposit is refunded at the end of the academic year.
*Additional costs such as lunch (via smart card purchase), school bus fees, uniforms, and extra EAL fees will apply.
The Reignwood Park campus, with its new and expansive facilities, has slightly higher tuition fees compared to the Bangkok campus.
5. The Reality of Admissions Hurdles: The MAP Test and EAL (English as an Additional Language) Support
KIS is not necessarily 'easy to get into' just because it's welcoming. The school has very strict English proficiency standards, especially for transfers into higher grade levels.
The Strict 'Deadline' for EAL Support
For families from non-English speaking backgrounds, the KIS EAL policy can be the most daunting aspect.
The school clearly stipulates that students must exit the EAL program by the end of Grade 9 to ensure they have the English proficiency required for the IBDP starting in Grade 11. Furthermore, there is a strict assessment criterion: students who are not deemed likely to transition to the mainstream curriculum by Grade 9 at the time of admission will not be accepted.
In other words, there is virtually no room in the system for a middle school student with limited English to transfer in; they must demonstrate the potential for 'Academic English' (the ability to handle curriculum-level English) at the admissions stage.
The Challenge of the MAP Test (Adaptive Computer Test)
The computer-based test for English and Mathematics used for admissions and post-enrollment academic benchmarking at KIS is the MAP test (specified as 'MAP Growth' by the Reignwood Park campus).
The MAP test is 'adaptive,' meaning the difficulty of the next question changes based on the student's previous answers. Preparation is essential in the following areas:
- Math in English: Not just calculation skills, but the ability to accurately interpret English word problems (units, conditions, comparisons).
- Reading Comprehension: More than just direct translation; it requires the ability to summarize, find evidence, and make inferences within a time limit.
- Familiarity with the Computer Interface: Getting used to on-screen functions like highlighting text and using the online calculator beforehand.
MAP Test (MAP Growth) Score Benchmarks and Prep Strategies: How to Interpret RIT & Percentile Scores and Overcome Plateaus
Conclusion: From a Backup to a Top Choice
KIS International School is one of Bangkok's premier institutions, successfully combining outstanding IB scores comparable to NIST's with an intimate and warm community. The addition of the new Reignwood Park campus has also introduced the attractive option of 'suburban boarding'.
However, this also means the bar for English proficiency in admissions (MAP test and EAL criteria) is high, making a meticulous preparation strategy essential.
"Can my child demonstrate the potential to exit the EAL program by Grade 9 with their current English level?"
"We want to prepare for the MAP test's 'Math in English' and reading sections with a native-speaking instructor."
"Considering the waiting list situation at NIST, we need advice on which KIS campus we should apply to."
If you have such concerns, we invite you to use ELT's one-on-one counseling and trial lessons. Our professionals, who have in-depth knowledge of admissions to Thailand's top IB schools, will provide a fully customized preparation plan to overcome KIS's rigorous English assessments and propose an optimal application strategy.
