Starfish School Reaches Finals for 2024 World’s Best School Prize in Innovation

Thailand’s Starfish School is honored as a finalist for the World’s Best School Prize, transforming education with equitable, pioneering programs.

Thailand celebrates a landmark achievement as Starfish School has reached the finals for the 2024 World’s Best School Prize for Innovation, awarded by T4 Education in collaboration with global partners. This recognition highlights Starfish School’s dedication to innovative education, advancing meaningful and inclusive learning, and serving as a model for schools worldwide.

Starfish School, located in Chiang Mai, is the first Thai institution ever to be named a Top 3 finalist for the World’s Best School Prize in Innovation. The school is breaking new ground in education for marginalized communities with its “3R Innovation Curriculum” and Makerspace Program, designed to support critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a hands-on, student-centered environment.

Since its founding in 2006, Starfish School has strived to create an inclusive learning experience for its 249 students, blending local wisdom with forward-thinking teaching practices.

Established by T4 Education in partnership with Accenture, American Express, and the Lemann Foundation, the World’s Best School Prizes celebrate exceptional schools that address today’s educational challenges.

Following the impact of COVID-19, these awards—covering categories such as Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, and Innovation—offer a platform to showcase schools that are positively transforming education.

Dr. Nanthaporn Prae Seributra, President of Starfish Education Foundation, expressed her pride in this accomplishment:
“We are deeply honored to be recognized on such a global platform. This achievement reflects the dedication of our teachers, students, parents, and board members who have embraced our vision. We hope this inspires other schools in Thailand to develop new educational innovations that elevate learning quality across the country.”

Chiang Mai’s Vice Governor, Mr. Siwa Thamikanon, praised Starfish School’s educational efforts:
“Having a school in Chiang Mai recognized among the world’s best is a significant honor for Thailand. Starfish School’s curriculum emphasizes literacy, numeracy, and creative self-directed learning, equipping students with practical, analytical skills that they can apply in real life.”

About Starfish School:

Starfish School is a charity-funded institution serving kindergarten to primary levels in Chiang Mai, offering equitable, high-quality education through its “3R Innovation Curriculum,” Makerspace Program, Project-Based Learning, and other innovative approaches.

The curriculum uses the “Thaiglish” language model, which simplifies Thai for non-native speakers, enhancing literacy while integrating English learning. Students develop essential skills through STEAM activities, with notable projects such as creating functional air conditioners from local materials.

The school follows the UPRISE framework (Useful, Problem-Solving, Real World, Impactful, Self-Directed, and Experiential learning), ensuring that its practices remain relevant and impactful. This vision has earned Starfish School recognition as a Sandbox School and established collaborations with both government and private organizations to further strengthen its educational impact.

About T4 Education:

T4 Education believes that every child deserves access to quality education. It aims to build the world’s largest network of teachers and schools, offering a platform for collaboration and sharing best practices that improve learning outcomes. By amplifying educators’ voices, T4 Education seeks to empower those at the core of education to shape a better future.