International Community School (ICS), in Bangkok, was started in 1993. A group of mission families were already meeting together in a homeschool co-op but the changes in the law at this time enabled Thai nationals to start attending international schools. This led to rapid growth, and by 1998 ICS was accredited by the Thai Ministry of Education as an unashamedly Christian, American curriculum, international school.

Serving missionary families 

Thirty years later, staying faithful to its roots, the school continues to provide a significantly subsidised education for missionary families in the Bangkok area. 

When we first arrived in Thailand mission workers still faced painful farewells to their children at the airport or train station as they sent them off to Chefoo, Malaysia or Chiang Mai, North Thailand. Over the years, we have farewelled more than one mission family as they made the difficult decision to return to their home country for the secondary education of their children. By providing a quality education the school enables mission workers to continue serving the Thai church. 

Sharing the love of God 

Currently, around 70% of the student population at ICS would be from a non-Christian background. The Christian ethos of the school means that there are numerous opportunities for these students to hear the good news of Jesus. 

The gospel is winsomely and consistently presented by the whole staff team through events, classroom conversations, and through longterm relationships with parents. The whole community stops to pray each morning before class. There are opportunities for students to join Bible study groups, Friday night youth groups and student camps. All students attend a weekly chapel, and teachers are expected to present a biblical worldview in lessons. 

Peace’s children joined ICS in 2019. Her husband grew up in England and, as a Thai family, they wanted their children to have the opportunity of an excellent international education. During the pandemic Peace and her husband started to think more seriously about life and death. They were also blown away by the love and care teachers showed their family during those difficult days. Deciding to join an online parenting course run by the school, they started to understand more of what made ICS so special. 

During the pandemic Peace and her husband were blown away by the love and care teachers showed their family.

Eventually, they went to church with friends from the parenting course, joined a Bible study group and came to faith. Today Peace and her husband are eagerly sharing with other parents the good news of Jesus Christ at the school gate and through the parenting courses run at the school.

 

Pray for us!

ICS is a community of believers daily seeking to share the gospel in both word and deed, with students, their families and the wider community. 

Pray that we will:

  • teach with excellence.
  • love our students and their families well.
  • clearly and unashamedly proclaim the gospel in word and deed.
  • serve humbly alongside the Thai church.
  • be a blessing to Christian families, enabling them to serve in other local ministries and churches for many years to come.

 

Ann McClean serves as a teacher in the International Community School, Thailand