Starting at NIST
Upon joining the NIST community, you may have many questions about resources, policies, procedures and other aspects of the school, and we hope you are able to find the answer to your query in the information below.
If you have any further enquiries, please contact a member of the Admissions team.
Online Enrollment
Upon enrolling at NIST, you will receive a link requesting you complete an online enrollment. This will allow you to provide the school with additional contact details, and will give you access to the school's software databases used for signing up to parent-student-teacher conferences, accessing student reports and grades, and ordering school lunch online, amongst other things.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Information
- When will I know my child’s schedule?
- How can I connect with others in the NIST community?
- Where do I find information about the school and my child?
When will I know my child’s schedule?
Students who join NIST in August are provided with a class schedule on the first day of school. Elementary students who join in January will receive it from their homeroom teachers. Secondary students who join in January must first select their language and arts classes, at which point they will receive their schedules.
The 10-Day Cycle
NIST is on a 10-day cycle. Each school day is lettered from A to J. NIST follows a published calendar for the 10-day cycle, which is updated on the school’s website. The 10-day cycle was implemented to avoid the disruption caused by public holidays, which often fall on the same day of the week.
How can I connect with others in the NIST community?
We strongly believe that schools should be hubs for the community, places where you can connect and learn from others. Dozens of events are hosted each semester to allow you to meet administrators, teachers and other parents. Upon joining NIST, you will receive two weekly emails providing you with details on upcoming events organised by NIPTA, cultural groups, students or school support staff, as well as information sessions and presentations specifically for parents. You will also receive welcome emails from your Cultural Group Representative and from NIPTA members.
If you do not receive these emails, simply contact your Admissions Team representative, and they will be able to connect you.
- NIST Parent-Teacher Association (NIPTA): More than any other group, NIPTA provides a way for you as a parent to be involved in the NIST community and meet others who share your interests. In addition to hosting regular small events such as coffee mornings and luncheons, NIPTA also organizes major annual events such as Pinktober and Starry Nights, both of which generate funds that are directed toward charitable causes.
- Cultural Groups: For parents who wish to connect with others who share their languages or backgrounds, cultural groups are an excellent way to network and become involved in many events both inside and outside the school.
- Community Learning Hub seminars: Information and discussion sessions are organized throughout the year for both elementary and secondary parents. Topics range from positive parenting techniques to training sessions that provide guidance in accessing school information. Each Monday an email is sent highlighting upcoming events, and most presentations are archived in the NIST Parent Portal in Veracross.
Where do I find information about the school and my child?
NIST uses several online systems to provide information for both parents and students. The main website provides an overview of the school and programmes. However, the most valuable resource for keeping up to date with our community, as well as information specific to your family, is the NIST Parent Portal in Veracross, a one-stop system for all school information. Every new parent will receive a welcome email with your Veracross login information. The Veracross Parent Portal is also used for accessing the NIST Catering online system and for ordering student lunches. Along the top of the portal, you will see numerous menu items that we encourage you to browse, as they contain additional information and resources.
School Services
- How do I get school identification cards?
- How do I purchase meals for my child?
- How do I arrange transportation for my child?
How do I get school identification cards?
The Admissions team will use the photographs you submitted during the online application process to create parent ID cards. In some cases we may ask for an additional photograph if the one that was submitted is not suitable. Please note that it is also important for us to have recent photos of each of your children so that our school database system is up to date. This is very important for security reasons.
The school provides one ID card per parent. You will receive ID cards during your orientation, or on your child(ren)’s first day of school. If you would like to purchase additional cards for other family members or domestic staff/house help, you can do this by providing a photo, ID application form and copy of the ID card/passport at the reception desk at the school entrance. Additional cards are made for THB 300 each.
How do I purchase meals for my child?
NIST Catering provides multiple services at the school, operating the cafeteria and kiosks around campus.
Elementary Students
A semester meal plan can be purchased for elementary students, which includes both a morning snack and lunch. Students also have the option of bringing lunch from home. However, please note that equipment for heating lunches is not available at school. The annual cost for the meal plan for early years and elementary students is about THB 25,000 per school year. Payments can be made using cash, credit card (plus 1.5% surcharge) or cheque.
Elementary parents must order their child’s lunch using their Veracross user names and passwords. Meals may be ordered up to one month in advance starting the first day of school. Full details of this process, as well as video and print guides, are available under Catering (under Services, Resources & Guides) in the NIST Parent Portal in Veracross. This will be accessible when you receive your login information.
Secondary Students
Secondary students do not buy a meal plan but instead register their ID card and top up money on their account using our kiosk payment machine. Students typically use an average of THB 130-150 per day for snacks and lunch.
How do I arrange transportation for my child?
For those families who choose to not use personal or public transportation, Montri Transportation Corporation offers private busing for the NIST community. This service includes multiple timings to accommodate students in activities and also provides monitors who will accompany students in Early Years and Year 1 to and from their classes. Parents who wish to sign up for the busing service should sign up through the NIST Parent Portal in Veracross. This will be accessible when you receive your login information. You can also request more information from admissions@nist.ac.th.
Supplies & Technology
- Does my child receive an iPad or MacBook?
- How do I purchase uniforms for my child?
- Which school supplies does my child need to bring to school?
Does my child receive an iPad or MacBook?
Secondary school students are issued a MacBook Air during their first week of class. This laptop is to be used at school and taken home to complete assignments. All parents will receive additional information about insurance coverage early in the school year, and you will be able to sign up for laptop insurance.
Elementary students will use school laptops and iPads only while in school and when it applies to their learning. School laptops and iPads cannot be taken home.
How do I purchase uniforms for my child?
The NIST Shop provides all school uniforms, as well as other NIST-related items. Depending on the number of sets of uniforms you wish to buy, please plan an allowance of approximately THB 5,000 per child. Payment can be made in cash or credit card (1.5% surcharge) only.
It is highly recommended that uniforms are bought before the first day of school. Should you wish to purchase uniforms ahead of time, please contact our admissions staff at admissions@nist.ac.th to make an appointment or check the school shop opening hours.
The NIST Shop stocks all school uniform items, including sports uniforms, swimming costumes, sun hats and sweaters. The Shop also sells NIST-related items including water bottles, umbrellas, calculators for senior students and library bags. The parent run sustainability group also manages a second hand uniform stall. Talk to your Admissions team representative for more information.
Which school supplies does my child need to bring to school?
NIST provides all stationery for elementary students. Please provide a backpack and a water bottle for your child(ren) to take to school each day. From Year 1 upward, bags that can fit A4-size materials are appropriate. Water bottles can be filled up at the many water fountains around campus.
Teachers will provide information about any other supplies for each of their individual classes.
Students in Years 9 to 13 also need a graphing calculator, and the required calculator is the Texus Instruments TI-84+ CE model, sold at the school shop at a reduced cost of THB 6,600. All secondary students can request access to a locker and purchase a combination lock at the NIST Shop or they bring their own lock from home. Elementary students do not use lockers.