Island Schools Overview
International School of Samui
(Ages 3–18 · ~฿350k–618k/yr)
The island's premium option — small class sizes, strong academic results, marine conservation and STEM programs.
PBISS International School
(Ages 3–18 · ~฿255k–470k/yr)
The largest school by enrollment, serving 500+ students from around 40 nationalities.
Greenacre International School
(Ages 3–16 · ~฿189k–282k/yr)
Newer (2017), mid-tier pricing, strong environmental/holistic focus.
Oonrak Koh Samui School
(North shore · Ages 3–12 · ~฿172k–195k/yr)
Best fit for families wanting real Thai-language immersion alongside an international curriculum. Primary years only.
Lamai International School
(Ages 3–11 · ~฿135k–180k/yr)
Most affordable option, smallest class sizes. Primary-only — plan a transfer for secondary school.
PanyaDee, British International
(Bophut · Ages 3–18)
Balances academics with creative, physical, and community-service development. British, IGCSE/A-Level.
Education Alternatives
Local homeschooling community
Koh Samui Homeschool & Self-Directed Learning Network
A local coordination space for beach meetups, nature days, and peer interaction. It connects foreign resident families following self-directed pathways or preparing for Ministry of Education registration.
Accredited online K-12 platforms
Pearson Online Academy
Accredited K-12 US curriculum starting at ~$8,250/yr. Provides structured live and self-paced lessons backed by a globally recognized academic name.
Keystone School (K12 / Stride)
Cognia-accredited and self-paced, serving families in over 75 countries. Known for a long track record supporting internationally mobile expat families.
Laurel Springs
WASC & Cognia dual-accredited platform offering 24/7 asynchronous access. Designed to be flexible across different time zones for military and expat families.
CambriLearn
Pearson Edexcel accredited British-system pathway. A strategic choice for families who may later transfer into one of Samui's British-curriculum schools.
Always check for Cognia, WASC, or NEASC accreditation before enrolling — this ensures transcripts transfer if you relocate again or apply to university later.
School FAQs
Western-Style School Discipline?
International schools generally follow British-style pastoral care standards as part of their accreditation. Thailand banned corporal punishment nationally in 2025, providing a safe environment aligned with Western expectations for expat families.
Secondary School Transfers?
Families typically transfer to ISS, PBISS, or PanyaDee for secondary school. Since all the island's schools use a British-style curriculum, transfers are generally straightforward if year groups and Cambridge pathways are matched.
Is Homeschooling Legal?
Yes — it is legal for foreign residents and there is a vibrant local community connecting parents. Many families combine local meetups with accredited online platforms like Pearson Online Academy to ensure recognition for future transitions.