Program Overview

Thai International School (TIS) offers a U.S.-based, inquiry-driven curriculum for Grades 6–8, aligned with the Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and Thai Ministry of Education benchmarks. The school is ONESQA-accredited and WASC-accredited.

The middle school curriculum emphasizes Phenomenon-Based Learning, interdisciplinary instruction, critical thinking, and student-centered project-based learning. Three tracks are available:

• TIS BLKGEM Program (academic core plus intensive performing arts training)
• Fusion Learning Program (academic core and professional career training)
• Full Day Program (comprehensive academic and STEAM focus)

Core Academic Courses

Students complete 1,230–1,350 instructional hours per year depending on program track, including:

• English Language Arts I–III: Literature analysis, structured writing, grammar, presentations, and vocabulary development.
• Mathematics I–III: Ratios, algebra, geometry, functions, statistics, and probability, integrating conceptual and procedural understanding.
• Science I–III: Life, Earth & Space, and Physical Sciences through hands-on inquiry, modeling, and engineering design.
• Social Studies:
  • Grade 6: World Civilizations
  • Grade 7: The Ancient World
  • Grade 8: History of Thailand
• Thai Language, Culture, and History I–III: Thai language development and national history (taught in Thai).
• Chinese I–III: Aligned with HSK Level 2–3 standards, including vocabulary, reading, writing, and speaking practice.

STEAM and Technology

The STEAM curriculum emphasizes real-world applications and 21st-century skills. Topics include:

• Robotics, drone flight, virtual reality, and 3D modeling
• Block coding, Python, HTML/CSS, cybersecurity, and cloud computing
• Engineering and design thinking
  
• Business planning, marketing, accounting, and entrepreneurship

BLKGEM Performing Arts Program

Designed for students pursuing professional training in entertainment.

• Vocal I–III: Technique, range, harmony, genres, and live performance
• Dance: Hip-hop (boys), Jazz and Jazz Fusion (girls), choreography, flexibility, dynamics
• I.E.V. Program: Identity, Expression, and Vision training for public speaking, self-awareness, and stage confidence

Students replace traditional electives with 600 hours of specialized training annually.

Additional Subjects (Standard Program)

• Visual & Performing Arts: Drawing, sculpture, band, chorus, Thai music and dance
• Life Skills: Agriculture, cooking, tool maintenance, business and finance
• PE & Health: Fitness, game strategy, teamwork, mental health, nutrition, and sexual health education

Grading and Assessment

• Core subjects use an A–F letter scale; specialist subjects use a 1–4 rubric
• MAP Testing (K3–8) in Reading, Math, Language, and Science conducted three times per year
• Quarterly report cards and biannual parent conferences provide progress updates

Admission Requirements

There are no formal prerequisites for most courses. Students are expected to have completed the prior year of study. MAP scores, English proficiency, and interviews may be used for placement and support.