Roong Aroon International School

Philosophy: Holistic and Transformative Education

Roong Aroon International School (RAIS) was born from a philosophy that education must do more than transmit knowledge — it must transform lives. The school's official mission states: "Our purpose is lifelong, holistic and transformative learning – to develop a deep understanding of our common humanity and values, and to cultivate a meaningful and purposeful life as independent, reflective and active citizens."

This philosophy is rooted in the founding ethos of Roong Aroon School (established 1997), which sought to pioneer a new direction for Thai education by centring learning on the whole child — intellectual, emotional, social, and ethical dimensions alike. When the international school was launched in 2020, these same principles were carried forward and fused with the rigour of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) framework.

Experiential and Inquiry-Based Learning

RAIS strongly emphasises project-based and inquiry-driven teaching methods. Lessons are designed to be contextual and meaningful, connecting academic content to real-world situations and encouraging students to ask deep questions rather than simply recall facts. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through self-directed exploration.

The IB as a Vehicle for Values

The choice of the IB continuum — MYP (Grades 6–10), CP and DP (Grades 11–12) — is deliberate. IB programmes share RAIS's emphasis on international-mindedness, ethical reasoning, and community engagement through the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and Community Project components. The IB's Learner Profile attributes — including being principled, reflective, and open-minded — align directly with the school's vision of active global citizenship.

Natural Environment as Pedagogy

The 20-acre campus in Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok, is itself a pedagogical tool. Set in a green, natural environment, the campus is designed to foster connection to nature, mindfulness, and a sense of community. Outdoor learning spaces encourage students to engage with the natural world as part of their daily educational experience, reinforcing the school's belief that meaningful relationships — with ideas, with peers, and with the environment — are central to a good education.

History: Building an IB International School from a Thai Educational Tradition

Origins (1997)

Roong Aroon School was established in June 1997 by Thai educators committed to creating a new model of education in Thailand — one grounded in holistic values, experiential learning, and the cultivation of inner wisdom alongside academic excellence. The school's name, Roong Aroon (รุ่งอรุณ), means 'dawn' in Thai, symbolising a new beginning and hope for a transformed approach to learning in the country.

Over more than two decades, the original Roong Aroon School built a strong reputation for its distinctive educational philosophy, drawing on Buddhist humanistic principles and progressive pedagogy to serve Thai families seeking an alternative to traditional rote-based schooling.

Expansion into International Education (2020)

In August 2020, Roong Aroon International School (RAIS) was formally established as a distinct international branch, extending the school's philosophy to a global audience and aligning it with the internationally recognised IB curriculum framework. The school opened to its first cohort in the 2020–2021 academic year.

IB Authorisation Milestones

RAIS pursued full IB authorisation at an ambitious pace:

• January 2022: IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) authorisation for Grades 6–10
• August 2022: IB Career-related Programme (CP) authorisation
• July 2024: IB Diploma Programme (DP) authorisation

These milestones mean that by 2024, RAIS offers a comprehensive IB pathway from middle school through to university preparation, making it one of the few schools in Bangkok offering the full MYP-CP-DP continuum.

Current Standing

Today, RAIS operates as a small, intimate international school of approximately 110 students from around 15 nationalities, housed on a 20-acre green campus in Bangkok's Bang Khun Thian district. Its relatively recent founding as an international school means it is still establishing its track record, but its strong philosophical roots and rapid IB authorisations signal significant ambition and institutional maturity.

Academic Culture: The IB Continuum at RAIS

Curriculum Structure

Roong Aroon International School currently offers the International Baccalaureate continuum for secondary students:

• Grades 6–10: IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) — authorised January 2022
• Grades 11–12: IB Career-related Programme (CP) — authorised August 2022
• Grades 11–12: IB Diploma Programme (DP) — authorised July 2024

This places RAIS among a select group of Bangkok international schools offering both the CP and DP pathways at the senior level, giving students flexibility to choose the track best suited to their strengths and university aspirations. The CP is particularly notable as it combines IB DP subject courses with a career-related study, preparing students for both higher education and the professional world.

Teaching Approach

Academic culture at RAIS is characterised by inquiry-based, student-centred learning. Rather than passive reception of content, students are expected to engage actively with ideas, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning journey. Project-based learning, interdisciplinary connections (a hallmark of the MYP), and authentic assessments are central to the pedagogical approach.

Language of Instruction

All IB programmes at RAIS are delivered in English, with Thai language instruction offered as a subject. English language support (ESL/EAL) is available for students who are still developing their English proficiency, reflecting the school's inclusive approach to international admissions.

Admissions Assessment

Prospective students sit an Oxford English Proficiency Test and the CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test 4) as part of the admissions process — providing the school with a holistic picture of each applicant's academic readiness and learning profile rather than relying solely on prior academic records.

Admissions Culture: Thoughtful Entry, Inclusive Community

Application Process

Admission to Roong Aroon International School involves a structured assessment process designed to evaluate both academic readiness and personal fit with the school's holistic values. The process includes:

1. Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of 3,000 Thai Baht is paid at the time of application.
2. Oxford English Proficiency Test: An internationally recognised assessment of English language ability, used to determine whether a student can access the English-medium IB curriculum.
3. CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test 4): A comprehensive cognitive abilities assessment that measures verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning — providing a well-rounded picture of a student's learning potential beyond pure academic achievement.
4. Interview: Students and/or families participate in an interview as part of the process.

The full assessment process is reported to take approximately 4 hours.

Fees at Entry

• Application Fee: ฿3,000 (paid once at application stage)
• Enrollment Fee: ฿120,000 (paid once upon acceptance, to confirm enrolment)
• Annual Tuition: ฿450,000 (uniform across Grades 6–12, payable in three termly instalments)

Sibling Discount

Families enrolling a second or subsequent child at RAIS receive a 50% discount on the enrollment fee (฿60,000 saving), making the school more accessible for multi-child families. This is the only fee concession currently published.

No Boarding

RAIS is a day school only — there is no boarding provision. All students commute to campus daily.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

No formal scholarship or financial aid programme is currently published by RAIS beyond the sibling discount. Families seeking financial assistance are advised to contact the school directly.

Campus Atmosphere: Nature, Community, and Belonging

Location and Setting

Roong Aroon International School is situated at 391/5 Soi Anamai Ngam Charoen 25, Rama II Road, Tha Kham, Bang Khun Thian, Bangkok 10150 — a suburban district in the south of Bangkok that retains a greener, less urbanised character than central Bangkok. The campus spans approximately 20 acres and is notable for its lush natural environment, unusual for a Bangkok school.

Design Philosophy

The campus is intentionally designed to support the school's educational philosophy. Natural outdoor spaces are integrated into the learning environment, allowing students to engage with nature as part of their daily school experience. The greenery, open spaces, and thoughtful layout encourage students to slow down, reflect, and cultivate meaningful connections — with their peers, their teachers, and the natural world around them.

Community Feel

With only approximately 110 students across Grades 6–12 and class sizes capped at around 18, RAIS has the feel of a tightly-knit learning community rather than a large institution. This intimacy is a defining feature of the campus culture: teachers know students individually, pastoral care is personalised, and the school community is small enough for every student to feel seen and known.

Cultural Experiences

The campus also serves as a stage for rich cultural programming. Thai classical arts — including Khon (โขน), the traditional Thai masked dance-drama — are performed and celebrated, connecting students to Thai heritage even within an international educational framework. This blend of global curriculum and local cultural rootedness gives RAIS a distinctive identity among Bangkok's international schools.

Access

The campus is accessible by several public bus routes (lines 34, 68, 76, 140, 141, 142, 147), though its suburban location means it is approximately one hour by car from Suvarnabhumi Airport. It is not served by the BTS or MRT metro systems, and families typically rely on private transport or school bus services.