Founded in 1963 in Bangkok, Thailand, the Convent School of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) reflects the vision, dedication and skill of the Infant Jesus Sisters, who were pioneers in their day in the instruction and education of young girls who wished to master the English language - without the need to go abroad - and thus have a good situation.
Since then, CHIJ has remained true to its mission and has passed on this legacy. The school has shaped and trained many young people into competent, caring citizens of integrity.
A little history
Fifty-nine years ago, many wealthy families and some royal families in Thailand sent their daughters to Penangs’ religious schools to further their education, especially in English. But admission to these religious schools became more difficult as the religious reserved places for the local population. Mother Mary Lunt, then superior of the Ruam Rudee convent in Bangkok, proposed a solution: the opening of a business school where all instruction would be in English. CHIJ was established on 17 May 1963 in Bangkok. The school has since gained a solid reputation and its graduates are sought after for their English language skills and high level of competence.
Recent changes
Over the past few decades, education in Thailand has evolved: international schools have opened, bilingual programmes and English language programmes have been established in Thai public schools. At the same time, companies require their employees to have at least a bachelor's degree: to meet this requirement, CHIJ students have to attend non-formal education (NFE) classes outside of school hours on Sundays. The CHIJ, which "always seeks to adapt to circumstances and to provide answers in order to keep the spirit of the NFE alive, especially among young people who are called to be actors of change today and tomorrow", according to the director, therefore signed a memorandum of understanding on 21 April 2022 with the Pramahatai Suksa School (PSS), a fully operational Thai formal school belonging to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. Collaboration between two institutions, one formal and the other not, formal, previously considered impossible, but now encouraged by the new policies of the Ministry of Education and which will maximise the chances of their students. CHIJ students will no longer need to attend extra classes at the NFE on Sundays, but will still obtain the secondary school leaving certificate, issued by the PSS. A win-win exchange!