Chiang Mai International School is a K-12 International school founded in 1954 in Chiang Mai, Thailand by members of the Church of Christ in Thailand. The School is approved by the Thai Ministry of Education, and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Chiang Mai International School (CMIS) has been meeting the educational needs of the international community in Chiang Mai, Thailand for more than 50 years.
Missionaries returning to work with the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT) after World War II established a school for their children in Chiang Mai. Classes began on June 1, 1954 with eight students. In 1958, construction was begun on the present campus for “The Chiang Mai Children's Center.” As more expatriate families moved to Chiang Mai and sought an English language education for their children they, too, were accepted at the school.
In 1984, representatives of the Thai Foreign Ministry and the CCT agreed that the formal establishment of an international school in Chiang Mai was a necessary step to achieving the school's legal status. Classes under the new name, “ Chiang Mai International School ” (CMIS) began in September 1985 for Kindergarten to Grade 8. High School grades were progressively added from 1992 to 1995.
Today CMIS maintains its heritage of Christian faith as the basis for its principles and conduct in the school. CMIS remains committed to its first priority of serving the educational needs of missionary families, while welcoming international children from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and religious beliefs. CMIS is approved by the Thai Ministry of Education and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).