Dara Academy, located in Chiang Mai, is one of northern Thailand’s oldest and most respected private schools. Founded in 1879 by American missionaries Reverend Dr. Daniel McGilvary and Mrs. Sophia McGilvary, Dara Academy began as the first girls’ school in the region. Today, it has evolved into a coeducational institution, serving approximately 6,000 students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12.

The school is committed to nurturing students’ intellectual, moral, and cultural development. Dara Academy’s vision emphasizes the importance of ethics, life skills, cultural pride, and environmental awareness. The curriculum is designed to foster balanced growth in health, knowledge, and morals, preparing students to be responsible citizens both in Thailand and the global community.

Dara Academy has a long-standing reputation for excellence in education, guided by the principles of its founders. The school’s current director, Ms. Saovalak Deekaew, continues to uphold this legacy, ensuring that Dara Academy remains a leader in providing high-quality education in northern Thailand.