International School Bangkok

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International School Bangkok (ISB) is an international school located in the village of Nichada Thani, in Nonthaburi Province, approximately 25 kilometers north of Bangkok, Thailand. Established in 1951, ISB provides educational services to primarily wealthy citizens and residents of Thailand and expatriates from over fifty countries residing in the greater Bangkok area. It is considered one of Thailand's premier schools. Though called "International School of Bangkok", it is not, however, located within Bangkok city.

[edit] ISB history

ISB opened in 1951 as the first international school in Thailand. Its initial enrollment was 50 children of United Nations and U.S. diplomats. First located on Rajadamri Road, ISB expanded to provide both primary and secondary education for English-speaking children in Bangkok. In 1960 ISB moved from the U.S. Embassy grounds to Sukhumvit Soi 15 but had to open another campus seven years later in Bangsue to accommodate the ever-growing enrollment. In 1992, International School Bangkok was relocated to the present US $25-million campus that consists of a separate elementary, middle, and high schools interwoven into one Thai-style complex.

Parents oversee the operation of ISB, which is a nonprofit, independent, and non-sectarian school. Parents are all members of the school association and elect the governing board of ISB. Parents are also welcome to use the school's facilities for sports, arts, and adult education classes. ISB's facilities and after-school activities are unmatched by any other school in Thailand. ISB and Bangkok Patana School are the only schools in greater Bangkok which randomly hair tests its students for drug use.

[edit] Mascot, Symbol, and Seal

The panther is the mascot, and the school colors are black and gold. The symbol is composed of triangles and lettering. The gold triangle represents the 3 components of education that work together—students, teachers, and parents. The inner triangle is the color of the ruby, a precious gem native to Thailand, and reflects International School Bangkok's heritage with its host country. The large black letters of the school's name are overlaid on the gold triangle.

At the center of the school seal is the Hanuman. In Hindu mythology, Hanuman is the divine monkey chief in the Indian epic, Ramayana (Romance of Rama), written by Valmiki over 2000 years ago and at the core of Thai culture. Hanuman aids Rama in rescuing his wife Sita from Ravana thereby acquiring divine rank. As the conqueror of demons and hostile spirits, as a god of strength and wisdom, and as an unselfish and faithful friend, Hanuman is held in high esteem in Thai culture and thus was chosen to represent ISB as the official school seal.