Discover the Difference at International School Eastern Seaboard
Nestled on the lush fairways of a golf course outside Pattaya, the International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE) has been quietly shaping futures for more than three decades. For families seeking an international education that balances academic excellence with personal growth, ISE offers a uniquely compelling choice.
What truly sets ISE apart is its sense of community. With intentionally small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio, students are not lost in the crowd. “It really does feel like a family here,” says Head of School Emily Cave. “Every child is known, supported, and encouraged to grow in ways that suit them best.” That family-like atmosphere allows students to develop confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning.
Parents often echo this sentiment. “We moved to the Eastern Seaboard from overseas and were nervous about finding the right school,” says one ISE parent. “From the first week, our children felt welcomed. Teachers knew their names, classmates became friends, and we immediately felt part of a community.”
As the only American-style international school on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard, ISE emphasizes the process of learning as much as the results. Through an inquiry-based approach, students learn to ask questions, think critically, and solve problems — skills that serve them well not only on exams but also in university and beyond.
Students themselves value this approach. “At ISE, I’ve learned how to think, not just what to think, I know how I learn best and I can manage my time;” shares a current high school student. “That’s made me feel prepared for the IB Diploma, and I know it will help me when I go to university.”
At the same time, ISE is proudly independent. Unlike franchise schools bound by corporate models, ISE has the freedom to design its own programs and maintain a strong, student-centered identity. This flexibility extends to its academic pathways: students can choose to graduate with a WASC-accredited U.S. High School Diploma or pursue the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Both options provide excellent preparation for admission to leading universities around the world.
The school’s unique setting on a golf course has also helped nurture a number of exceptional student-athletes. ISE golfers have earned scholarships at top American universities and achieved high rankings at local and international golf tournaments — a testament to the way academics and athletics are balanced on campus. “Without ISE’s support, I never would have had the chance to combine academics with my training,” reflects one student preparing for university in the United States.
Another area where ISE consistently shines is languages. With an unparalleled range of language options and a track record of IB results that consistently exceed global averages, ISE equips students with the cultural and linguistic fluency needed to thrive in a connected world. An alumna now working in Europe recalls, “It was my IB language courses at ISE that opened doors for me. I was well-prepared to study abroad and now use those skills every day in my career.”
The combination of family atmosphere, independent spirit, diverse diploma options, and strong academic and athletic programs makes ISE a rare gem in Thailand’s educational landscape. “Our mission is to inspire and empower young people to make a difference,” says an alumnus. “When students leave ISE, they leave not just with a diploma, but with the skills, values, and confidence to succeed anywhere in the world.”
Families interested in learning more are warmly invited to visit the ISE campus and experience for themselves what makes this community so special.
ISE at a Glance
• Established: 1994
• Location: Burapha Golf Course, Chonburi
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Diplomas Offered: U.S. High School Diploma & International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
• Student-Teacher Ratio: Among the lowest on the Eastern Seaboard
• Languages: Wide range of offerings with above-global-average IB results
• Athletics: Strong support for student-athletes, member of multiple international school conferences