NIVA Prospectus 2015

NURSERY

เนอร์สเซอรี่

KINDERGARTEN

อนุบาล

ELEMENTARY

ประถมศึกษา

SECONDARY

มัธยมศึกษา

WELCOME

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his prospectus is published to invite prospective p are n ts an d vi s it or s t o e x p lor e N iv a International School for a superb American international pre-K - 12 education for your children.

Niva International School was established in 1991, and has since earned a reputation for its genuineness and integrity as a school that cares about the wants and dreams of parents. The school does everything it can to bring out the best in children for a highly successful future from the day they join NIVA. NIVA upholds the belief that the students are primarily most important at school. Their success means success to parents as well as the school.

Parents are invited to attend many school functions and also to engage in the school’s curriculum and program developments. Through this partnership of parents and the school, the children receive a dynamic learning experience that harmoniously develops their intellectual, social, physical and moral potential to the optimum. NIVA also trains its students to become responsible, confident and mindful and respectful of cultural diversity.

Our teachers and staff accomplish this commitment through an attitude of NURTURING, INNOVATIVE thinking, and developing VIRTUOUS ideals in our students in order for them to ACHIEVE lifelong successes.

N I V A N I V A

URTURING

NNOVATIVE IRTUOUS CHIEVING

NIVA GRYPHONS

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A Message from the Board

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IVA International School’s Executive Board is made up of dedicated and visionary parents administrators, teachers, and staff. As the governing body, the Board wants the school to make a real difference in our children’s future through NIVA’s education. Every child must succeed.

The Board recommends you to take a few minutes to read through the plans and programs we have for your children, because we truly want to give them the best opportunities as they go through their important formative years here at NIVA. The Board believes that a nurturing school is only second to a loving and caring home. Therefore, NIVA’s fundamental approach to education is creating a positive attitude through a nurturing environment - an environment that fosters positive thinking that counterbalances negative mindsets, the reason for lack of motivation and behavioral problems. In a nurturing environment, the teachers, staff, students and parents maintain a friendly non-threatening environment where students feel comfortable to participate in learning, questioning, searching, engaging in

Nathan Anthony, M.Ed Pioneer

Adam Kahan Elementary Head

Penjit Prasertwanich Pioneer

Irene G. Anthony Kindergarten Head

practical skills and trying new innovations.

Children in positive environments value good behavior and responsibility, which are the foundation for compassion and productivity.

The Board believes nurturing involves the training of the mind, which is the center of all learning, attitude, social interaction and creativity.

The mind is often mistaken for the brain or the function of it. Unlike the brain which is an organ of the body, the mind is a formless continuum that functions to perceive, analyze, understand, make decisions and is able to create one’s physical and mental environment through thinking that can translate to reality. The development of the mind naturally happens as life continues with experiences, learning new things and time. All creations and innovations are of the mind and are the results of one’s imaginations, most of which are from early childhood to adolescence.

When you choose NIVA, you are choosing a school that will remain with your children all their life because it is a school that nurtures a positive mind for lifetime achievements.

Eugenia Maiocchi President

Darren Went Parent Representative

Jonathan Just Head of School

David Common Teacher Representative

Mayneil L. Leaño NPSC President

Alex de Guzman Staff Representative

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SCHOOL HISTORY

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iva International School was established in 1991, known t h e n a s N I VA O ve r s e a s School (NOS), which accepted only foreign and overseas Thai s tudent s. T he s tudent s then completed the British International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGSCE) program to qualify to enter Thai and overseas universities or to continue their education for the British “A� Levels.

From the beginning to date, NIVA has used the Seventhday Adventist philosophy of holistic education that harmoniously develops the intellectual, social, physical and moral capabilities to the optimum in a non-sectarian setting that welcomes and respects all human diversities.

After eight years of successful operation, NOS started Niva International Kindergarten.

As the student population grew steadily, the two schools were merged and relocated to the current location as Niva International School. The current

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school has three modern buildings and adequate indoor and outdoor facilities to achieve the vision, mission and school goals for our students.

In 2004, NIVA restructured its program to provide a complete 12year American college preparatory education while retaining most valuable strands from the British 11-year IGCSE program. In 2010, NIVA was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) for a period of six years.

MEMBERSHIPS AND ACCREDITATION Niva International School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The WASC is a highly prestigious accrediting organization in the United States that sets the standards for all of California and Hawaiian schools. With their accreditation, NIVA graduates qualify to go to any universities in the world to study in the courses of their choice.

As stipulated in the 1997 constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA) collaboratively worked with WASC to ensure that NIVA is a responsible international school in providing international education in Thailand and adheres to Thai laws and regulations to maintain the quality of education and to continuously improve it.

NIVA International School is registered with Ministry of Education of Thailand for its operation since 1991.

ISAT acts as the unified voice for international education in Thailand and as a center for collective action on behalf of its membership. It serves and strengthens its membership by articulating and promoting high standards of educational quality, ethical practices and student learning. NIVA has been a member of ISAT since 1995.

The International Schools Athletic Association (ISAA) is an athletic conference consisting of international schools in and around the greater Bangkok area.

NIVA is member of the ISAA.

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CURRICULUM

iva International School follows a restructured American curriculum and educational program to meet the needs of the host country and the international community of students. The American open thinking allows freedom of inclusion for innovation with valuable strands from other international curriculum to make a strong integrated curriculum. As a result, the NIVA curriculum incorporates Asian and European strands along with the main American strands to emphasize high standards, independence and choices, pragmatism, global citizenship and character development. NIVA graduates can join any university program ,

MISSION

To provide a holistic education that will produce able, responsible, and compassionate individuals, who upon graduation are prepared for higher education, life’s challenges and opportunities.

VISION

To be a leading international educational institution that helps students to become who they want to be as successful and responsible members of society.

PHILOSOPHY 6

whether it is of the American, British or other national and international programs. When it comes to determining what career paths our graduating students will choose, the Guidance and Counseling department provides early career and college education previews and continual guidance for our students to plan well ahead through the required and elective subject offerings as well as different tracks of study in the high school at NIVA that are typical of American schools. The guidance department also helps with admissions to colleges and universities, as well as to secure scholarships for students who have been highly motivated and successful.

Each student is unique and able to develop his or her potential in intellectual, social, physical, and moral faculties to the optimum.

NURSERY

Takes care of the students from 1 1/2 years to 3 years old.

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lay, the major aspect of the child’s experience at nursery school, is truly the child’s work.

Children are naturally motivated to observe, to investigate and to learn as they “play.” The NIVA nursery teachers set the stage for the children to intellectually engage in a variety of play for learning activities.

Through planned creative play in art, music, movement, touching, smelling, feeling, seeing, and doing, children gain confidence with their

environment and their own abilities.

Through these opportunities to practice they develop their skills. Besides play, the NIVA Nursery teaches a variety of pre-reading skills to make them love books and reading; water play, outdoor activities, eating nourishing food, and having adequate sleep and rest is also part of the nursery program.

This all-inclusive nurturing environment develops children to be confident and alert as they grow intellectually, emotionally and socially positive.

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KINDERGARTEN

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he kindergarten life of a child is indeed one of the most important stages of development. Major character and learning qualities that are formed during these years remain for the most part of one’s life.

Therefore, the teachers and staff of the kindergarten need to be determinedly nurturing, patient, and firm, and must always present a positive environment for children to develop their social, physical, emotional and intellectual capacities of early childhood, which become the foundation for later stages of life.

As teachers and staff of Niva International Kindergarten, we are proud of what we can do for our children and their parents. As much as the job requires stamina as well as constant care and work, it is also a job that is fun, rib-tickling and rewarding.

Over the last twenty years, NIK has continually made heaps and leaps of advancements and has become an expert in childcare and early childhood pedagogy.

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NIK’s day-to-day environment naturally instills a love of learning as we share our own passion for learning with our students, and they learn through well-thought-out play and learning activities. although we essentially teach similar skills and concepts as other kindergartens, it is our approach through nurturing and conscientiously setting the foundation for the development of the mind and body that makes us unique. Children learn the essential basics of literacy in English and Thai, numeric skills, and life skills that include basic science and social studies. They also learn to express themselves and enjoy creative experiences when learning art, music, and physical development activities, as well as practical life skills such as cooking, swimming, and other extracurricular activities.

Niva International Kindergarten can help transform your child to be the best they can be in reaching their potential skills and character to your awe and delight.

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ELEMENTARY

E

lementary School is an exciting time when natural curiosity gets the best of the children.

They are active, mobile and dexterous.

This keeps the teachers on their toes to create a constantly changing environment for students to discover new things and become excited about learning as they begin to explore nature and discover the world around them. At NIVA, the student activities for art, music, dance, sports and festivities thematically alternate with core curricular studies; this motivates an excitement in students to fully attend and enjoy school. NIVA is a truly happy school for elementary students.

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.� ~Carl Sagan~

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On the pedagogical side, we engage our students in a hands-on and minds-on approach for them to think and acquire the basic academic skills. Our English for reading, writing and speaking are of first language to native speaker levels; our mathematics standards take into consideration the American, British (Singapore) and Thai universities’ expectations; our Thai language standards are adopted at National curriculum level that provides the full opportunity for our Thai students to become fully bilingual in Thai and English. All other subjects are taught with consideration of the best of American, British and IB standards.

“Learners

Today, Leaders Tomorrow“

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

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iddle school is designed around the unique developmental needs of early adolescents; a formative time for taking energetic and spirited children and developing them into responsible teenagers. Their intellectual, social, physical, and emotional needs are unique; they are not to be considered as a bridge between elementary school and high school, an exaggerated elementary

development is unified with subject curricula. When the behavioral conflicts become clearer for them, they usually make positive choices.

They must continue to learn what is appropriate in their own level identity, which will naturally prepare them for high school work. They also need adults who instill positivity and provide a structured environment that emphasizes integrity in reaching goals and overcoming obstacles.

school or a miniature high school. Middle school students begin to question more strongly and face the struggles of growing up with strong peer influence. The skills and values they acquire at this age usually shape their character later in life. Therefore, They need a customized educational program in which character

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ucation is The whole purpose of ed dows. to turn mirrors into win ~Sydney J. Harris~

As teachers of Niva International Middle School, we are proud of the positive and encouraging atmosphere we establish with our teachers. Through our integrated

approach to education, Niva International Middle School sets the right habits and attitudes for our students to be happy, stable and successful young teenagers.

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HIGH SCHOOL

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he high school is an active final phase for adolescents to prepare to face the challenges of choosing a career, selecting a university, meeting entrance requirements and facing admission competitions. This is also the phase to emerge from adolescence into independent, mature and responsible young adults where they learn the demands of the real world. The guidance department works hand-in-hand to help with university admissions, scholarships and careers choices.

At this stage in development, there is much stress and anxiety for many high schoolers. Therefore, it is also crucial for our high school teachers to be clear, firm and expecting high standards and the need to be positive, encouraging, open-minded and helpful.

NIVA high school’s mission is to bring theory alive through hands-on learning, to remove perceived limitations, to expand the fields of opportunity and to nurture passion for high standards, professionalism, integrity, leadership and community mindedness.

Through the NIVA high school curriculum, our students learn entrepreneurial, scientific, technological, and critical thinking skills. Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and some liberal arts courses are taught up to American Advanced

Placement level. Our students’ level of spoken and written English is as fluent as native speakers because of the high expectations and the requirement to speak in English when in campus.

Our high school students are also primed for SAT and AP exams, project-based learning, public speaking and presenting a variety of content knowledge for any type of discipline.

Students also take charge of leading and running events on campus. NIVA students are not only ready to enter university but are also ready to lead!

In conclusion, Niva International High School is deeply committed to making sure your children are well taken care of and therefore, takes it serious to prepare its students to excel in a highly competitive, collaborative, and complex world.

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. ~John Quincy Adams~

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ENGLISH

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ne of the m a i n aspects of a good international school i s i t s h i g h s ta n d a rd o f English. English today is the world’s language!

From the internet to entertainment, from the business world to the a r t s, E ng l i sh i s crucial for expressing and communicating globally. NIVA therefore places great importance on each student acquiring the highest possible standard of English.

NIVA students are required to speak in English when on campus. The school’s goal is for our students to reach native speaker fluency and

many of them do. We reach our goals by having a rigorous English language curriculum with many events and activities that create opportunities for our students to practice and demonstrate their English skills and ability. We measure if we have reached our targeted goal by standardized tests that help us compare our school with our counterparts in America.

Along with having high standards in English, NIVA also has a strong support system for students who are acquiring language skills through our English Language Development program. At NIVA, we take English seriously!

ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

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ccepted students whose Eng l ish p rof iciency level is below grade level expectations are placed in the English Language Development program, where they are supported towards mastering a sufficiently high standard of English. Most of our students exit the ELD program within six months to a year, and occasionally a few students exit

after two years. These classes are conducted during the school hours by our specialized English Language Development teachers.

NIVA also has an English only when on campus policy, which ensures that our students from a variety of backgrounds and language levels progress quickly in English from peer learning and a lot of practice.

CHINESE AND OTHER LANGUAGES

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n addition to mastering English and Thai; NIVA also teaches Chinese, which is a major language of the Asian region. Our Chinese teachers are native speakers and are professionally qualified for teaching Chinese Language. Chinese is offered as a requirement in the kindergarten, elementary and middle schools. It is offered as an elective in the high school. NIVA parents strongly requested Chinese for

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their children, as they believe that Chinese, along with English and Thai, will increase their professional opportunities in the future.

Other languages such as Japanese, German, French and Spanish can be offered as electives in the high school whenever a minimum of six students are interested.

TEACHERS

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IVA’s teachers are unique. they are groomed to maintain the nurturing and positive environment unique to NIVA in both class and out-of class activities.

Students and teachers mingle with each other like friends playing their different roles. Students feel comfortable and free to deal with teachers, staff and administrators.

Our teachers are stringently selected for their qualifications and experience in their specialty areas, professional qualification in education, fluency in the English language and attitude to be caring and innovative teachers. They come from around the world to provide diversity and support the

multiculturalism that our world is heading towards in this age of the computer and the Internet. The majority of our teachers are from the United States, Canada, and England.

Others come from Australia, France, Germany, India, the Philippines, China, and Thailand. Our Thai teachers are exceptionally talented and dedicated to teach our Thai students to be truly bilingual in Thai and English. The English level of our students is very high, and many of them reach international standards for English or native English speakers’ fluency. Our Chinese teachers are establishing and developing a third language that is gaining strength and importance each year.

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FACILITIES

BADMINTON COURT

SWIMMING POOL

VOLLEYBALL

BASKETBALL

MULTI-PURPO

SE FOOTBALL

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FIELD

ETHEL & EDWARD JAMES

HEISLER HALL

ial are the cilities spec fa r u o s ke ps, class hat ma sports, grou ilities, but w s, c e fa iti f o tiv ols that t c A se s are the to facilities. their own tie s se ili a e c h th l fa o d e o n h u th and Each sc rmed aro come alive s that are fo makes NIVA t a l. communitie h o w o h re sc a ls in d teams ve their goa projects an se to achie u n a c ts n e the stud

CAFETERIA

SCIENCE LABORATORIES

ART ROOM LIBRARY

MUSIC CENTER

PLAYGROUNDS

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AFTER TION A U D A R G

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IVA students are primed for admissions to universities and colleges around the world. The instruction and guidance in the high school allows them to choose subjects directly related to the career courses of their interests as well as the admission requirements of the college or university of their choice. During the last two years of high school, they are trained to be leaders

through the requirement to lead in school activities. Many of our graduates are highly ambitious and competitive and choose high-end professional career courses and prestigious universities in Thailand and overseas. Several of our graduates have received scholarships from Thai and overseas universities, and a few have graduated as top students of their universities.

WHERE OUR STUDENTS GO THAILAND Chulalongkorn University Thammasat University Mahidol University Kasetsart University JAPAN Waseda University AUSTRALIA Macquarie University Monash University Victoria College of the Arts CANADA Simon Fraser University

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MALAYSIA Sunway University KOREA Incheon National University Hankuk University of Foreign Studies UNITED KINGDOM Newcastle University Cardiff University TAIWAN Ming Chuan University HONG KONG China University of Hong Kong

USA Tarrant Country College Providence College DePauw University University of Minnesota Hiram College La Sierra university Baruch University University of Delaware University of Tennessee University of Rhode Island Grinnell College Pasadena City College SINGAPORE Nanyang Technological University

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LUM A L U F S S E SUCC

wanluck Puifai Cha ur ntreprene Celebrity/E

kok B a n g as from w I d r. e o duat e” t Hon I G r a y with Firs “The Voic it at rs t s e a s ine Univ nt a bus n ntesta a Co 2, I started chorwoma , n n n A o io s t s a a w Se du Ne er gra ur as a 17, w ars right aft Entreprene r e e d li y n p 2 a p r r u s e fo Sing ega: C m M e s rs Ho wa gear.

EO at and C s and riders t e e bes of hors ent th p s I re nt.” is whe stude “NIVA my life as a f time o

I studied at NIVA for 12 years and g a in e d a lo t o f c o nf id e nc e in leading, publ ic speaking an d musical performance s. Now I ho ld double majors in M usic and M anagement and a minor in Education.

Upon my graduation from La Sierra University, I was appo inted as a Teacher as adjunct facu lty in the C ollege of Visual and Pe rforming Arts to teach music and to work as the registrar and office manager. I teach flute, guitar, and m usic theory.

I also perform as a soloist an d principal flutist with th e La Sierra Un iversity Wind Ensemble an d Orchestra .

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“Pop nd und ageme a n il Tha my Ma m Gra

I cam e Grade to NIVA fro m 5 me lon without an Russia and y Engli g to b e sh. It d joined the all my comp id su e receiv bjects. Afte tent and ge not take ed rg ttin Univers a full schola raduating fr g ‘A’s in ity, USA om NIV rsh A, I and ha ip to study at ve rec ently g DePauw radua ted.

Jason Anthony Graduated with President’s Award at La Sierra University, USA

Maiocchi SA Margarita niversity, U DePauw U Scholar at

i Elisaus Pancham ster Manche Doctor in I grad ua 2005. I ted from NIV su A in th e to do m bsequently got a fu summer of y A lev in Eng ll scho els at S larship la t 2007 w nd. I comple Michael’s C o ith 4 ‘A te llege d my A ’s of Ma levels nches and got into te th comp r to e Unive in lete stu been w d my degre dy Medic rsity ine. I e in 20 orking 1 since. a I loved s a doctor in 2 and have many m fond m y time in N Manchester iva an emorie dh s of the schoo ave l.

and m NIVA in 2008 I Graduated fro cific Pa ia As an sumeik went on to Rit pan Ja , ta ppu city, Oi University in Be Later r. fe of ip sh lar ho with a 100% sc in Tokyo eda University moved to Was studied ip, sh lar ho sc ll with a pre-enro the first as d te ua d grad for 3.5 years, an .

March 2014 valedictorian in Kantar g I worked in tin ua ad gr r Afte is the ich wh PP group, Japan under W ting and ke ar m e on r world’s numbe I am t or ga ni za tio n. ad ve rti se m en working as a k ko ng Ba in now back office of the executive consultant for e house ar ftw so e oldest Double Pine, th in Thailand.

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ADMISSIONS

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The reasons why you should go to NIVA 1. The nurturing environment that promotes positive learning and behavior.

2. Our meticulously selected qualified teachers are trained to work with students like caring friends, and maintain high expectations.

3. Whatever your children want to be in their future we do our best to help them and many of our graduates are highly successful.

4. All our subject departments; English, Thai, mathematics, sciences, business, social studies, art, music and PE and sports are of high standard. We transform our students to be confident, talented and responsible.

5. Our curriculum incorporates high standards from the America, England, Asia and from the IB program.

Our students can competently study in any major universities from around the world. We also offer the American Advanced (AP) classes and help our students with SAT and TOEFL. 6. If we accept your child, we are committed to make them succeed.

7. NIVA’s tuition is very reasonable given the high standard.

8. The most outstanding feature of NIVA is its family aspect of unity and cooperation that exists among all administrators, teachers, students, parents, and staff. Our students are happy, warm, friendly, respectful, responsible and competitive and high achieving. They speak English when on campus.

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Admissions Criteria NIVA accepts students who meet the following requirements: Admission at NIVA is open to all nationalities, race and religion from 11/2 - 18 years.

Registration period for new students:

Applicants whose class level academic preparedness and English language fluency are good will be admitted to mainstream classes.

All year from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays)

The applicants, who do not qualify for the mainstream, will be admitted to our ELD programs.

The parents or guardians of the applicant are able to pay the required fees of the school.

Applicant with serious disciplinary problems in their previous school/s, such as smoking, drug or alcohol abuse, fighting, etc. or falsify application information are not eligible for admission.

Admission Process Receive Information From Front Office Attend Interview

Take a School Tour

Enroll & Pay Fees

Apply & Take Admission Tests

Receive Books, purchase uniforms & Attend Class

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r, Note: If you need pl ea further information se or clarification, you ca ll 0 may speak with our 29 registrar, guidance 48 460 counselors, academic .t h 5-7 .ac a or em v i administrator or the director. n ail us at info@ Please inform the admissions staff to make arrangements.

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TEL: 02 948 4605-7 www.niva.ac.th SO AE

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7-ELEVEN

IP SO

Find us through Google maps: 13°48’10.1”N 100°37’49.2”E

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AK YE FAMILY

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TESCO LOTUS

MONTRI STUDIO

KE HO

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CHIC REPUBLIC

NIVA is situated in a quiet private area where it is conducive for learning and playing. We have a high level of security system to keep our students safe.

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BANGJAK GAS STATION

JA

CRYSTAL PARK

MART

BUENGTHONGLANG TEMPLE

IMPERIAL LADPRAO / BIG C

LADPRAO HOSPITAL

VEJTHANI HOSPITAL

LADPRAO ROAD THE MALL BANGKAPI

18 Soi Phokaew 3 Yeak 9, Ladprao 101, Bangkapi, Bangkok, Thailand 10240 FAX: 02 948 4211, EMAIL: info@niva.ac.th