Dara Academy
| Dara Academy | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
|
Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province Thailand | |
| Information | |
| Type | Private school |
| Established | 1878 |
| Director | Dr. Uayporn Wangtrakul |
| Teaching staff | approx. 400 |
| Grades | 1-12 |
| Number of students | approx. 7000 |
| School color(s) | Red and White |
| Website | http://www.dara.ac.th/ |
Dara Academy (Thai: โรงเรียนดาราวิทยาลัย), is a private, coeducational Christian school founded by members of the Church of Christ in Thailand. It has the highest enrollment of any school in Northern Thailand.
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 renamed "Dara Academy". "Dara" means "star" in Thai language.
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
Native-speaker Program
Dara employs over 30 native speakers for its foreign language program (called NP), teaching English and Chinese.
Countries represented include:
Native Speaker Program website
Address
196 Kaewnawarat Rd, Tambon Watget, Amphoe Muang, Chiang Mai 50000
Address (Thai language): 196 ถ.แก้วนวรัฐ ต.วัดเกต อ.เมือง จ.เชียงใหม่. 50000
See also
- Montfort College, a neighboring school
- Prince Royal's College, brother school
- Education in Thailand
External links
Coordinates: 18°47′53″N 99°00′46″E / 18.7980118°N 99.0126944°E