Moving to Pattaya with children quickly changes priorities. While lifestyle, beaches, and cost of living attract many expatriate families, choosing the right school often becomes the most important factor when deciding where to live.

Pattaya now offers several international schools serving expatriate families, including Regents International School Pattaya, Rugby School Thailand, St Andrews Green Valley, Tara Pattana International School, and the International School of Chonburi (ISC). These schools offer a mix of British, American, and international curriculum pathways for students of different age groups.

Many families only realise the importance of school location after they begin viewing properties. The distance between home and school, curriculum options, school facilities, and daily commute times can all influence long-term family life in Pattaya.

This guide introduces the main international schools serving the Pattaya region, the curriculum options available, typical tuition expectations, and the schools most commonly considered by expatriate families relocating to the city.

Quick overview of international schools in Pattaya

Families relocating to Pattaya will find approximately 15–20 international schools across Pattaya and the surrounding Eastern Seaboard region.

While some campuses are located directly in Pattaya, others are in nearby areas such as Huay Yai, Pong, Ban Chang, Si Racha, and Rayong, all within a reasonable commuting distance.

Most international schools in the region follow British curriculum pathways leading to IGCSE and A-Levels, while some also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma Programme) or American-style education systems.

Well-known international schools serving families in Pattaya include:

- Regents International School Pattaya

- Rugby School Thailand

- St Andrews International School Green Valley

- Garden International School

- International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE)

- Tara Pattana International School

- Mooltripakdee International School

- International School of Chonburi

- École Française Internationale de Pattaya (EFIP)

A new campus, Highgate International School Thailand, is also currently under development in East Pattaya.

How many international schools are in Pattaya?

There are around 15–20 international schools serving families living in Pattaya and the surrounding Eastern Seaboard region.

Although some schools are located directly inside Pattaya, many expatriate families also consider campuses located within a 30–45 minute driving distance, particularly in:

- East Pattaya

- Ban Chang

- Rayong

- Si Racha

- Huay Yai

Because of this, the Pattaya international school network extends across a broader region rather than being concentrated in the city centre.

What curriculum do international schools in Pattaya follow?

Most international schools serving the Pattaya area follow British curriculum frameworks, which typically lead to the following qualifications:

- IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)

- A-Levels

These are widely recognised academic pathways used for university admissions around the world.

Other curriculum systems available in the region include:

- International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma Programme)

- American curriculum

- French national curriculum

Many schools begin with early years and primary education before progressing to secondary programmes such as IGCSE and A-Levels or IB.

How much do international schools in Pattaya cost?

International school tuition varies depending on the campus, facilities, and student age group.

Typical annual tuition ranges in the Pattaya region are approximately:

- ฿250,000 – ฿450,000 per year for smaller or mid-sized international schools

- ฿450,000 – ฿750,000 per year for larger international campuses

- ฿750,000 – ฿950,000+ per year for premium schools with extensive facilities or boarding programmes

In addition to tuition fees, families should expect additional costs such as:

- application or registration fees

- capital development contributions

- uniforms and materials

- school transportation

Fee structures may change each academic year, so families should always confirm the latest tuition schedule directly with the school.

Major international schools in and around Pattaya

Below are some of the most recognised international schools serving expatriate families living in Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard region.

Regents International School Pattaya

Location: Pong / Banglamung area

Curriculum: British curriculum, IGCSE, A Levels, and IB Diploma Programme

Age range: Early years to secondary

Regents International School Pattaya is one of the largest international schools in the region and is part of the Nord Anglia Education global network. Students typically progress through IGCSE before choosing between A-Levels or the IB Diploma Programme in the final years of secondary school.

The campus offers extensive sports, performing arts, and extracurricular facilities.

Rugby School Thailand

Location: Khao Mai Kaew, Chonburi

Curriculum: British curriculum with IGCSE and A-Levels

Age range: 2–18

Rugby School Thailand operates as a British-style independent school with both day school and boarding options. The campus sits on a large countryside site and offers facilities designed around sports, arts, and academic programmes.

It follows a traditional British academic pathway leading to IGCSE and A-Levels.

Tara Pattana International School

Location: East Pattaya

Curriculum: British curriculum leading to IGCSE and A-Levels

Age range: 2–18

Tara Pattana International School is located in East Pattaya and provides a full K-12 British education pathway. Its location makes it a convenient option for families living in East Pattaya and nearby residential areas.

Mooltripakdee International School (MIS)

Location: East Pattaya

Curriculum: British curriculum with IGCSE and A-Levels

Age range: Nursery to secondary

Mooltripakdee International School offers a British curriculum education pathway leading to IGCSE and A-Level examinations. The school serves families seeking a structured academic pathway within a smaller campus environment.

International School of Chonburi (ISC)

Location: East Pattaya

Curriculum: English National Curriculum

Age range: Early years to secondary

ISC follows the English National Curriculum and provides education from early years through secondary levels. The school offers a smaller campus environment compared with larger international schools.

École Française Internationale de Pattaya (EFIP)

Location: Huay Yai

Curriculum: French national curriculum

Age range: Early years and primary

EFIP follows the French national education system and is recognised by the French Ministry of National Education. The school mainly serves French-speaking families living in the Pattaya area.

Highgate International School Thailand (Opening AUG 2026)

Location: East Pattaya

Curriculum: British curriculum (phased opening)

Highgate International School Thailand is a new international school currently being developed in East Pattaya. The campus plans to open gradually, beginning with younger year groups before expanding into additional levels.

Families interested in Highgate should confirm opening timelines and available year groups directly with the school.

St Andrews International School Green Valley

Location: Ban Chang, Rayong

Curriculum: British curriculum, IGCSE, and IB Diploma Programme

Age range: 2–18

St Andrews Green Valley is part of the Cognita international education group and offers a large green campus environment focused on both academic development and extracurricular activities.

Students typically progress through IGCSE before continuing to the IB Diploma Programme.

Garden International School

Location: Ban Chang, Rayong

Curriculum: British curriculum and IB Diploma Programme

Age range: Early years to secondary

Garden International School is another established campus in the Eastern Seaboard region. It offers IGCSE and IB Diploma pathways and serves families from Pattaya, Rayong, and surrounding areas.

International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE)

Location: Si Racha, Chonburi

Curriculum: American curriculum with IB Diploma Programme

Age range: Early years to Grade 12

ISE follows an American-style international education system and offers the IB Diploma Programme for senior students. The school serves many families working in international industries across the Eastern Seaboard.

New International Schools Emerging in Pattaya

Pattaya’s international education landscape continues to evolve as new campuses are planned across the city. One example is Highgate International School, a new British-curriculum campus planned near Siam Country Club in East Pattaya.

You can read more about how this upcoming campus may influence family relocation and property demand in Pattaya in our Highgate International School Pattaya investment guide.

Where families often live near international schools in Pattaya

Many international schools serving Pattaya are located east of Sukhumvit Road, particularly around:

- East Pattaya

- Mabprachan Lake

- Huay Yai

- Pong

- the Highway 36 corridor

- Soi Siam Country Club

Because of this, many expatriate families choose to live in these areas to reduce school commute times.

Families exploring housing options often start by reviewing properties for sale in Pattaya to identify neighbourhoods located near major school campuses.

Why school commute matters in Pattaya

Daily commute time is an important factor for families with school-aged children.

Many international schools are located outside central Pattaya, meaning the drive between home and school can vary significantly depending on where you live.

Before choosing a home, many families test the drive during morning school hours to ensure the journey remains manageable throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions About International Schools in Pattaya

What are the best international schools in Pattaya?

The most well-known international schools in Pattaya include Regents International School Pattaya, Rugby School Thailand, St Andrews International School Green Valley, Tara Pattana International School, and the International School of Chonburi (ISC).

The best choice depends on each child’s needs, preferred curriculum, school environment, and family location. These schools offer British, American, and international education pathways from early years through secondary level.

How many international schools are in Pattaya?

There are approximately 15 to 20 international schools serving Pattaya and the wider Eastern Seaboard region.

Some campuses are located directly in Pattaya, while others are in nearby areas such as East Pattaya, Ban Chang, Rayong, and Si Racha, all within reasonable driving distance for expatriate families.

What curriculum do most international schools in Pattaya follow?

Most international schools serving Pattaya follow the British curriculum, typically leading to IGCSE and A-Level qualifications.

Some schools also offer alternative pathways such as the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma Programme), American curriculum systems, or the French national curriculum, depending on the campus.

Are there international schools in East Pattaya?

Yes. Several international schools are located in East Pattaya and surrounding residential areas, including Tara Pattana International School, Mooltripakdee International School (MIS), International School of Chonburi (ISC), and the planned Highgate International School Thailand.

East Pattaya is popular with families because of its residential communities and proximity to multiple school campuses.

Do all international schools in Pattaya offer education until age 18?

No. Some schools offer full K–12 education through secondary level, while others focus only on early years and primary education.

Families should confirm the current age range and examination pathways available before applying.

How much do international schools in Pattaya cost?

International school tuition in Pattaya typically ranges from approximately ฿250,000 to over ฿950,000 per year, depending on the school, facilities, and student age group.

Additional costs may include registration fees, uniforms, transportation, and extracurricular activities.

Because tuition structures and fee schedules may change each academic year, families should always check the latest official pricing directly with each school before making enrolment decisions.

How do families choose the right international school in Pattaya?

Families usually compare schools based on curriculum pathway, daily commute time, campus facilities, age range offered, and long-term university plans.

Because many schools are located east of Sukhumvit Road, parents often shortlist schools first and then choose a neighbourhood that allows a manageable daily commute.

Many expatriate families researching education options also explore which neighbourhoods are most suitable for long-term living. Our guide to the best areas to live and buy property in Pattaya explains which districts are most popular with international residents and why.