Global English School

In 1980, Peter and Sue Ektrakul established Panda Kindergarten. Sue had trained overseas in early childhood education and had a passion for education as a way to improve community life. Peter, an independent businessman, had a passion for education as well, with an American Master's degree and a large book collection. Their kindergarten showed excellence from the beginning, enjoying a great reputation in Nonthaburi, with a succession of native English teachers and teams. When the Thai Ministry of Education announced the bilingual school program, the Ektrakuls were eager to get in on the ground floor and allow their kindergarten students the chance to develop their education in English.

Global English School was established as an outgrowth of Panda Kindergarten in 1997. Its goal: to provide a high quality, affordable English and Thai education in a Christian environment. It has grown from just 4 students at that time to over 300 students during the 2009-2010 school year. At its inception, Joy and Glen Ronald,close friends of the Ektrakuls, were asked to come in and provide administrative assistance.

Joy earned a Bachelor's degree is in Educatio and Glen a Bachelor's in Microbiology as well as a Bachelor's in education. Joy had also completed her Master's in Applied Linguistics and the two of them had four extra years of education in interdisciplinary studies, as well as almost ten years of experience teaching in several contexts. The Ektrakuls and Rondalds had an excellent working relationship, and their vision and hard work enabled the school to grow exponentially from its inception to the next three years! They are all still working with the school and excited to see continued growth. And they stand by the quality of both programming and resources at GES, a quality internationally-oriented program appropriate for both Thai and International students.

The success of Global English School lies in that it is a true bilingual school. Our staff consists of both native Thai speakers and native English speakers. 80% of the courses are taught in English and 20% in Thai (Thai language and Thai social studies). This progressive model meets the needs of parents who want their children to become fluent English speakers but not at the expense of Thai culture and language. The bilingual program is less expensive than International schools and provides students with quality education in their home community. It is also a mission driven entity that pursues excellence in all areas as it strives to educate the whole person.