Action Plan for 2026-2027 School Year

Last Updated: October 2025
Target: Grade 10 Entry, August 2026
Move to Bangkok: April 2026

Overview

This action plan outlines the complete timeline from now (October 2025) through school enrollment for the 2026-2027 academic year. The student will move to Bangkok in April 2026, allowing for in-person school visits and assessments before the August 2026 school start.

Phase 1: Pre-Move Preparation (October 2025 - March 2026)

October 2025 (NOW) - Foundation

Week 1-2: Document Gathering

• Request official transcripts (Grades 7, 8, 9) from current school
• Obtain certified birth certificate copies
• Get passport photos taken (6-8 copies)
• Update/obtain immunization records from doctor
• Check passport validity (needs >6 months for applications)

Week 3-4: Recommendations & Translations

• Request recommendation letters (give teachers 2-3 weeks):
  • Current homeroom teacher
  • English teacher
  • Optional: Principal or counselor
• Find certified translator for Japanese→English documents
• Begin English translations of transcripts and recommendation letters

November 2025 - Initial Research & Contact

Week 1-2: School Research

• Review complete school research in Gemini Research Report
• Finalize target school list (5-7 schools)
• Review Application Checklist in detail
• Research each school's specific EAL program details

Week 3-4: First Contact

• Email admissions offices using Email Templates
• Specifically ask:
  • EAL eligibility for B1 English level (Eiken Grade 2)
  • Application deadlines for August 2026 entry
  • Possibility of remote interviews or assessments
  • School visit options (virtual or in-person)
• Schedule virtual school tours if available

December 2025 - Applications Begin

Week 1-2: Digital Preparation

• Scan all documents at 300 DPI in PDF format
• Create organized digital folder structure:

  /Student Documents
    /Transcripts
    /Recommendations
    /English Proficiency
    /Passport & Photos
  /Parent Documents
  

• Test document uploads on school application portals

Week 3-4: Submit Initial Applications

• Apply to schools with rolling admissions (earliest opportunity):
  • American School of Bangkok (ASB)
  • Wells International School
  • International Community School (ICS)
  • TCIS Bangkok
  • Charter International School
• Pay application fees (~5,000-6,000 THB per school)
• Track submitted applications in spreadsheet

January 2026 - Applications Continue

Week 1-2: Priority School Applications

• Submit applications to top-recommended schools:
  • Ruamrudee International School (RIS) - Score: 10
  • Regent's International School - Score: 9
  • St. Andrews S107 - Score: 8
  • St. Andrews S71 - Score: 8
  • Bromsgrove International School - Score: 7

Week 3-4: Remote Assessments

• Complete any remote/online assessments if offered
• Practice English interview questions with student
• Prepare student's self-introduction (2-3 minutes in English)
• Review English grammar and writing
• Review Math terminology in English
• Prepare questions about EAL support programs

February-March 2026 - Final Prep Before Move

February Tasks

• Confirm Bangkok housing/address for applications
• Set up Thai bank account (if possible remotely, or plan for April)
• Research Bangkok neighborhoods near shortlisted schools
• Follow up with schools on application status
• Attend virtual interviews if scheduled

March Tasks

• Finalize moving logistics to Bangkok
• Plan school visit itinerary for April-June
• Book accommodation for initial Bangkok arrival
• Prepare questions for in-person school visits
• Review and update application materials if needed

Phase 2: Post-Move in Bangkok (April 2026 - July 2026)

April 2026 - Arrival & School Visits

Week 1-2: Settling In

• Arrive in Bangkok, settle into accommodation
• Update all applications with Bangkok address
• Register at local clinic for health requirements
• Obtain Thai SIM card and local phone numbers
• Open Thai bank account if not done remotely

Week 3-4: Begin School Visits

• Schedule in-person campus tours (5-7 schools)
• Prioritize top-scoring schools first:
  1. Ruamrudee International School (RIS)
     • Contact: admissions@rism.ac.th
     • Focus: EAL program structure, IB DP details
  2. Regent's International School
     • Contact: admissions-bkk@regents.ac.th
     • Focus: "Little or no English" support program
  3. Wells International School
     • Contact: admissions@wells.ac.th
     • Focus: ESL fee structure, curriculum pathway

May 2026 - Assessments & Interviews

Week 1-2: Assessment Tests

• Complete in-person assessment tests at each school
• Typical assessments include:
  • English language test (reading, writing, speaking)
  • Math test (may be in English)
  • Cognitive ability test
  • Writing sample
• Budget: ~2,500 THB assessment fee at some schools (e.g., NIST)

Week 3-4: Student & Parent Interviews

• Attend student interviews at schools
  • Student should practice:
    • Self-introduction (English, 2-3 minutes)
    • Why interested in this school
    • Academic goals
    • Hobbies and interests
    • Talking about current coursework
  • Dress code: Smart casual (school uniform-style acceptable)
• Attend parent interviews
  • Ask about:
    • EAL transition support specifics
    • IB/AP curriculum structure
    • Japanese student community (if any)
    • Tuition payment schedules and methods
    • Extracurricular programs

School Visit Checklist

During Each Visit, Observe/Ask About:

Academic Programs

• EAL/ESL class structure and schedule
• IB Diploma vs AP course offerings
• Class sizes and teacher-student ratio
• Support for students with B1 English level
• Homework and assessment policies

Campus & Facilities

• Library and study spaces
• Science labs and technology
• Sports facilities
• Cafeteria and meal options
• Transportation options/school bus routes

Student Support

• Counseling services available
• Learning support team
• University/college counseling for IB students
• Integration support for new international students

Community & Culture

• Diversity of student body
• Clubs and extracurricular activities
• School values and atmosphere
• Parent involvement opportunities

Practical Considerations

• School uniform requirements and costs
• Technology requirements (laptop, iPad, etc.)
• School calendar and holiday schedule
• Commute time from your Bangkok residence

June 2026 - Decision Time

Week 1-2: Receive Offers

• Receive admission decisions from schools
• Review financial aid offers (if any)
• Compare total costs:
  • Tuition fees
  • Registration/Capital fees
  • EAL program fees (if separate)
  • Uniform, books, technology
  • Transportation
• Revisit top choice schools if needed

Week 3-4: Make Final Decision

• Compare offers against priorities:
  • EAL support quality (highest priority)
  • IB Diploma program strength
  • Community and campus culture fit
  • Affordability
  • Commute/location
• Discuss with student their preferences and comfort
• Accept enrollment offer
• Pay enrollment deposit and registration fees

July 2026 - Enrollment Preparation

Week 1-2: Enrollment Process

• Submit signed enrollment contract
• Pay first tuition installment (or full year if required)
• Submit final required documents:
  • Official transcripts
  • Original certificates
  • Health/immunization records
• Complete student information forms
• Register for school technology platforms/portals

Week 3-4: Pre-Start Preparation

• Order school uniforms (multiple sets)
• Purchase required textbooks and materials
• Attend new student orientation (if offered)
• Meet with EAL coordinator/advisor
• Set up school email and online platforms
• Plan first day logistics (transportation, meal plans)

Phase 3: School Start (August 2026)

Week Before Start

• Final uniform fitting and pickup
• Organize school bag with supplies
• Review school map and schedule
• Practice commute route and timing
• Attend parent orientation (if scheduled)
• Connect with other new families (via school groups)

First Week of School

• First day of Grade 10!
• Meet with homeroom teacher and EAL teachers
• Get class schedule and locker assignment
• Join orientation activities
• Start settling into routine
• Check in with student daily about adjustment

First Month Follow-up

• Attend first parent-teacher conferences
• Monitor EAL progress and support needs
• Encourage student to join 1-2 clubs or activities
• Establish homework/study routine at home
• Build relationships with other parents
• Review IB Diploma subject choices (for Grade 11)

Recommended School Visit Schedule (April-May 2026)

Week 1 (April):

• Monday: Ruamrudee International School (RIS)
• Wednesday: Regent's International School
• Friday: Wells International School

Week 2 (April):

• Monday: St. Andrews S107
• Wednesday: St. Andrews S71
• Friday: Bromsgrove International School

Week 3 (May):

• Monday: Second visit to top choice (if needed)
• Wednesday: Assessment day (if scheduled)
• Friday: Follow-up visit or interview

Buffer Time:

• Reserve 1-2 additional weeks for unexpected scheduling
• Some schools may require multiple visits
• Assessment dates may not align perfectly

Budget Summary (2026-2027)

Application Phase (Oct 2025 - Mar 2026)

Assessment Phase (Apr 2026 - Jun 2026)

Enrollment Phase (Jul 2026 - Aug 2026)

Grand Total Budget Estimate

327,000 - 1,035,000 THB

Realistic Target for Excellent Tier School: 500,000 - 700,000 THB total

Critical Deadlines Reference

Application Windows for August 2026 Entry

Rolling Admissions (Apply ASAP):

• American School of Bangkok (ASB)
• Wells International School
• International Community School (ICS)
• TCIS Bangkok
• Charter International School

Priority Deadlines (Typical):

• Most schools: January - March 2026
• Premier tier (NIST, ISB, BPS): Often earlier, check by November 2025
• Some schools may have waitlists - apply early!

Assessment Periods:

• Typically scheduled 2-4 weeks after application submission
• In-person assessments preferred (good thing you'll be in Bangkok from April!)
• Virtual assessments possible for early applicants (Dec 2025 - Mar 2026)

Quick Reference: Priority Schools Contact List

Key Success Factors

For Student

1. English Practice: Daily English reading, writing, speaking from now until August
2. Interview Prep: Practice self-introduction and answering common questions
3. Academic Review: Stay strong in current Grade 9 coursework (transcripts matter!)
4. Positive Attitude: Show enthusiasm and willingness to learn during visits/interviews
5. Extracurriculars: Continue or start activities to discuss in applications

For Parents

1. Early Start: Begin document gathering NOW (October 2025)
2. Organization: Keep all documents (physical + digital) meticulously organized
3. Communication: Respond promptly to all school communications
4. Flexibility: Be open to unexpected opportunities or changes in timeline
5. Financial Planning: Have funds ready for deposits when offers arrive

For Applications

1. Apply Broadly: 5-7 schools across tiers (reach, target, safety)
2. Prioritize EAL: Focus on schools with proven B1 English support
3. Visit When Possible: In-person visits make a strong impression (April-May!)
4. Follow Up: Maintain contact with admissions offices
5. Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to clarify EAL support details

Application Strategy & Tips

EAL Support Considerations

• B1 English Level (Eiken Grade 2): Some premier schools (NIST, ISB) require "Intermediate/Advanced" - contact admissions first to confirm eligibility
• Best EAL Programs: RIS, Regent's, Wells have most transparent and inclusive policies
• Ask During Visit: "What does EAL support look like in Grade 10?" and "Are there additional fees?"

Application Approach

• Apply to 5-7 schools: Mix of reach, target, and safety
• Rolling Admissions: Many schools accept applications year-round (ASB, Wells, ICS, TCIS, Charter)
• Waitlists: Premier schools (BPS, NIST) often have waitlists - apply early
• Visit First: Some schools require campus tour before application

Contact Before Applying

These schools have unclear EAL policies at Grade 10 - email/call first:

• NIST (may not accept B1 level)
• ISB (Intermediate/Advanced only)
• KIS (NO EAL at Grade 10)
• Bangkok Patana (unclear at Y10/IGCSE level)

Resources & Next Steps

Essential Documents to Review:

• Application Document Checklist - Complete list of required documents
• Email Templates - Ready-to-use templates for contacting schools
• Full Research Report - Detailed analysis of all 22 schools

Immediate Action (This Week):

1. ✅ Start document gathering (transcripts, birth certificate, passport)
2. ✅ Request recommendation letters from teachers (give 2-3 weeks)
3. ✅ Research certified translators for Japanese documents
4. ✅ Create school visit wishlist (5-7 schools)
5. ✅ Read full Application Checklist and Email Templates

This Month (October 2025):

1. ✅ Complete all document gathering
2. ✅ Begin English translations
3. ✅ Send first round of emails to schools
4. ✅ Finalize target school list

Timeline at a Glance:

• Oct 2025 - Mar 2026: Document prep, applications, remote assessments
• Apr 2026: Move to Bangkok, begin school visits
• May 2026: Complete in-person assessments and interviews
• Jun 2026: Receive offers, make final decision, enroll
• Jul 2026: Prepare for school start (uniforms, books, orientation)
• Aug 2026: Grade 10 begins! 🎓

Good luck with the application journey! This timeline provides plenty of buffer time for unexpected delays and allows for thorough school research and visits after arriving in Bangkok.