How Classes Work at Chiang Mai Cedar, and the 2026–2027 Calendar
How Chiang Mai Cedar International School teaches in English on an American school year, the divisions from PK to Grade 12, and the four terms of the 2026–2027 calendar.
The two questions families ask most often when they are planning a move to Chiang Mai are: how do lessons work, and when does the term start? This article answers both.
How children learn
Chiang Mai Cedar International School (CCS) runs an English-medium American education. In practice, families notice three things:
- All subjects in English. English is not only a language lesson. Mathematics and science are taught in English too.
- Small classes. With small class sizes, teachers check each child's understanding directly and follow it through the lesson.
- An American school year. The year begins in August. In high school, students receive a transcript and GPA for university applications, and an Advanced Placement (AP) pathway is available.
If you are considering a transfer or a return, the last point matters most. A student's progress is recorded in a form that other American schools and universities can read.
Divisions
| Division | Grades |
|---|---|
| Early Years | PK – K3 |
| Primary | G1 – G5 |
| Middle School | G6 – G8 |
| High School | G9 – G12 |
A child can stay in one school from kindergarten through graduation, so there is no need to readjust to a new environment at each change of school.
The 2026–2027 calendar
The school year runs from August to June in four terms.
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | 3 August 2026 – 8 October 2026 |
| Term 2 | 14 October 2026 – 17 December 2026 |
| Term 3 | 4 January 2027 – 11 March 2027 |
| Term 4 | 16 March 2027 – 8 June 2027 |
The school year starts at a different point from a Korean semester system, so when you choose a start date, it helps to align with a term boundary and reduce the gap in learning.
If English is still limited
New students take a pre-admission assessment covering English, Math, Grammar and Reading. The purpose is not to screen children out. It is to find each child's starting point, so that support can be planned before the first lesson.
Our teaching team comes from Thailand, China, the US, the UK, Ireland, the Philippines, Myanmar and India, and holds credentials including TESOL, CELTA, TEFL and child-protection certification. You can read more on the About page.
Next steps
Use the enquiry form on the admissions page, or call +66 (0) 62 620 8307 to speak with the admissions team. The school is at 2 Soi 5, Chiang Mai–Mae On Road, Tambon On Tai, Amphoe San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai, and visits are welcome.