Dara Academy

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Dara Academy
Established	1878
School type	Private school
Grades	1-12
Director	Dr. Ratsamee Dangsuwon
Location	Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Students	approx. 7500
Teaching staff	approx. 300
Colors	Red and White
Website	http://www.dara.ac.th/

Dara Academy, the most-enrolled school in Northern Thailand, is a private, coeducational Christian school founded by members of the Church of Christ in Thailand.

1 Namesake
2 Royal visits
3 Native-speaker Program
4 Address
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] Namesake

In 1888, the school was named "Phra Racha Chaya Girls' School" after Phra Racha Chaya (พระราชชายา) Chao Dara Rasmi (ดารารัศมี), a princess from the Thipjakrathiwong dynasty of Chiang Mai. Technically, she was a "commoner" from the point of view of the Chakri dynasty, and was thus initially appointed as a Chao Chom. She was later 'ennobled' and given this particular title, which, although higher in status than Chao Chom, was still the most junior among the royal wives of King Chulalongkorn who were born princesses. In 1923 the school was re-named "Dara Academy". "Dara" means "star" in Thai language.

[edit] Royal visits

1925 His Majesty King Prajadhipok (Rama VII, Thai: พระปกเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว Phra Pokklao Chaoyuhua) and Queen Ramphaiphanni
1949 Queen Ramphaiphanni (Somdej Phra Nangchao Ramphaiphanni Phra Boromarajininat - สมเด็จพระนางเจ้ารำไพพรรณี พระบรมราชินี)
1958 His Majesty the King, Bhumibol Adulyadej