NIST International School

NIST International School is an international school located in the Watthana District of Bangkok, Thailand. The school was established in 1992 with the support and guidance of the Bangkok-based branch of the United Nations. It was originally named the New International School of Thailand and later changed its name to NIST International School in 2012.

NIST is a full International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and welcomes more than 1,700 students of over 60 nationalities. The school offers all three IB programmes: the IB Primary Years Programme, the IB Middle Years Programme, and the IB Diploma Programme. NIST is governed by the parent-elected NIST International School Foundation, which is a non-profit organization.

The mission of NIST is to inspire, empower, and enrich lives through an education that is rooted in compassion, excellence, and leadership for a better world. The school’s core values include integrity, care, courage, community, and growth.

NIST is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that empowers students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and responsible global citizens. The school also places a strong emphasis on holistic development and encourages students to pursue their passions and interests outside of the classroom.

Campus

NIST’s campus is located in downtown Bangkok near Asok BTS Station, one of Bangkok’s commercial hubs. The campus is spread over a 30-acre plot of land and is home to dedicated buildings for the early years, elementary, and secondary sections.

The school’s facilities include a sports complex, creative arts building, and four multi-purpose buildings. The sports complex includes a FIFA-certified football pitch, gymnastics studio, sports hall with multiple basketball and volleyball courts, swimming pool, two tennis courts, and multiple classrooms. Arts facilities include a 300-seat theatre, multiple visual arts studios, multiple dance studios, multiple instrumental and vocal music rooms, private practice rooms, and a recording studio.

In addition to academic and extracurricular facilities, the campus also includes green spaces, gardens, and outdoor learning areas. The school’s facilities are designed to support and enhance student learning, growth, and development in all areas of life.

Academics

NIST International School is a full International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering all three IB programs: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). The school was authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme in 1993 and the IB Middle Years Programme in 1996. In 1999, it became the first school in Thailand to offer all three IB programmes with the addition of the IB Primary Years Programme.

The school offers a challenging and rigorous academic program that aims to develop students’ critical thinking, creativity, and international-mindedness. The curriculum is designed to be engaging, relevant, and inquiry-based, emphasizing conceptual understanding, skills development, and character education.

NIST’s academic program includes a broad range of subjects across all three IB programmes, including language arts, mathematics, sciences, humanities, the arts, physical education, and technology. In addition, the school offers a range of language courses, including English, Thai, Chinese, French, and Spanish, as well as a mother-tongue language program.

The school also emphasizes the development of 21st-century skills, such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy, through a range of programs and activities, including service learning, student-led conferences, and interdisciplinary projects.

Overall, NIST International School is committed to providing an education that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing global environment, and its academic program is designed to support this mission.

Management

NIST International School is governed by the parent-elected NIST International School Foundation (NIST Foundation), a non-profit organization that is responsible for the overall management of the school. The NIST Foundation is led by a Board of Directors, which is made up of volunteer parents, alumni, and community members, who work together to set the strategic direction of the school and ensure its long-term sustainability.

The day-to-day operations of the school are overseen by the Head of School, who is responsible for the management of the school’s academic program, student services, and administrative functions. The Head of School is supported by a team of academic and administrative leaders, including the Heads of Elementary, Middle, and High School, who oversee the implementation of the school’s academic program and student support services.

In addition to the academic and administrative leaders, NIST employs a team of experienced and qualified teachers who are responsible for delivering the school’s curriculum and providing high-quality instruction to students. The school also employs a range of support staff, including counselors, librarians, technology specialists, and administrative staff, who play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the school.

Overall, NIST International School’s management structure is designed to ensure that the school is run in an effective and efficient manner, and that its programs and services are aligned with the school’s mission and values. The school’s commitment to a collaborative and inclusive approach to management ensures that all stakeholders, including parents, students, staff, and community members, have a voice in the school’s decision-making processes.

Admission

Admission to NIST International School is competitive and based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement, English language proficiency, and character. The admissions process is designed to ensure that students who enroll at NIST are a good fit for the school’s academic programs, values, and community.

Prospective students must submit an online application and provide a range of supporting documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores. In addition, applicants must participate in an admissions interview, which may be conducted in person or online, and may be required to complete additional assessments or tests as part of the admissions process.

NIST welcomes students of all nationalities and backgrounds, and places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The school seeks to enroll students who are committed to academic excellence, personal growth, and service to others, and who demonstrate a strong sense of character and leadership potential.

Once admitted, students are assigned to a grade level based on their age and academic background, and are placed in a homeroom class with a qualified teacher. The school’s academic program is designed to challenge and support students at all levels, and includes a range of extracurricular activities and service learning opportunities to enrich students’ educational experiences.

Achievement

NIST International School has a long history of academic excellence and innovation, and has received numerous awards and accolades for its programs and initiatives.

One of the school’s most notable achievements is its status as a full International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering all three IB programs (Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme) to its students. NIST was also the first school in Thailand to offer all three programs, and has been authorized by the IB to offer them since the early 1990s.

In addition to its IB programs, NIST has a strong track record of academic achievement, with students consistently scoring well above international averages on standardized tests such as the International Schools’ Assessment (ISA) and the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The school’s graduates have gone on to attend some of the world’s most prestigious universities and colleges, including Ivy League institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.

NIST has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, receiving numerous awards and certifications for its green initiatives and practices. The school has a comprehensive sustainability program that includes a student-led Green Project, a rooftop garden, and a partnership with a local organic farm.

Finally, NIST is known for its strong commitment to service learning and community engagement, with students and faculty actively involved in a range of local and global service projects and initiatives. The school has a dedicated Service Learning program that encourages students to develop empathy, leadership skills, and a sense of social responsibility through hands-on service projects and community partnerships.