International schools in Pattaya, from a parent.
I've been through choosing a school here for my own kids. Answer five questions and I'll give you a shortlist, with the 2026/27 fees and how long the school run will really be.
By Shane RuddlePattaya parent · 8 schools · 2026/27 feesHow old is your child?
If you have more than one, pick the oldest.
Every school, side by side
Pick where you'll live to see the school run from there. Most of the schools are on the east side of town, which is why most families live in East Pattaya.
| Curriculum | Ages | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tara Pattana International SchoolThe closest to town, and more reasonably priced. My kids go here. | British | 2 to 18 | ฿264k to ฿606k | ~10 min |
| Lovell International SchoolA smaller school east of the city. | British | 2 to 18 | ฿341k to ฿561k | ~10 min |
| Hastin International SchoolA small British school for younger children. | British (EYFS and primary) | 2 to 14 | Not published | ~10 min |
| Regents International School PattayaOne of the longest-established, with the IB Diploma. | British, then IB DiplomaDay and boarding | 2 to 18 | ฿436k to ฿829k | ~15 min |
| Highgate International School ThailandBrand new in August 2026, with a Man City Football School. | British | 2 to 18 | ฿375k to ฿795k | ~15 min |
| Rugby School ThailandFirst-class facilities and the top fees to match. | British (IGCSE, A Level)Day and boarding | 2 to 18 | ฿552k to ฿1.45m | ~20 min |
| International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE)The American and IB option, north-east of Pattaya. | American and IB | 3 to 18 | ฿358k to ฿646k | ~25 min |
| St Andrews International School Green ValleyA family feel, but over an hour on the school run. | British, then IB Diploma (plus a Dutch section) | 2 to 18 | ฿207k to ฿842k | ~50 min |
Tuition is each school's published 2026/27 annual fee, youngest to oldest year group, before one-off fees, uniforms, buses and boarding. Check the school's current schedule before you commit. School-run times are my estimates one way, outside rush hour; add 15 to 30 minutes in high season.
Don't underestimate the school run.
When we chose, we lived close to the centre. All the international schools are quite a way out, and in high season the drive back from some of them would have taken a long time.
So we chose Tara Pattana, mainly on location. At primary age I didn't think it made much difference to go to the very best school. Rugby is arguably the best, and if you've got an older child there, the bill is close to ฿400,000 every term. Plan for it.
International schools: short answers
How much do international schools in Pattaya cost?
Published 2026/27 tuition runs from about ฿200,000 a year for the youngest children at the cheaper schools to over ฿1.4 million for older children at Rugby. As a parent, I'd budget ฿30,000 to ฿100,000 a month per child, and remember you pay term by term, so the bills come in big chunks.
What's the best international school in Pattaya?
Rugby School Thailand is arguably the best, with first-class facilities. But the right school depends on your child's age, the curriculum you want, your budget and where you'll live. I chose Tara Pattana for my own kids, mainly on location.
Where should I live for the international schools?
East Pattaya. Most of the schools are on that side of town, it's mainly houses and villas, and much of what kids do is there. From Jomtien or Central, expect 25 to 35 minutes each way outside rush hour, and longer in high season.
Are there American or IB schools in Pattaya?
Yes. ISE (International School Eastern Seaboard) teaches an American curriculum and the IB. Regents and St Andrews Green Valley follow the British curriculum and then offer the IB Diploma for the final two years.
What extra costs should I budget for?
One-off application, enrolment and deposit fees (Highgate's enrolment fee is about ฿200,000), plus uniforms, trips, the school bus and boarding if you need it. Check each school's current fee schedule before you commit.
Ask Shane
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