Top International Schools in Phnom Penh: World-Class Education for Global Success

Here are the top international schools in Phnom Penh:

• International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP)
• Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC)
• British International School of Phnom Penh (BISPP)
• Lycée Français René Descartes (LFRD)
• Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS)
• Australian International School Phnom Penh (AISPP)
• Invictus International School Phnom Penh
• CIA First International School (CIA)
• East-West International School
• Paragon International School

With Phnom Penh rapidly growing as a hub for international families and businesses, schoolscambodia.com is now listing over 500 of international schools in Phnom Penh. Here is our list to help you navigate the top international schools in Phnom Penh.

Also Read: The Rise of International Schools

Table of content:

• Why Choose the Best International School?
• Factors to Consider When Choosing
• List of the Top International Schools
• Practical Tips for Selecting the Right School

Also Read: Top Preschools in Phnom Penh

Why Choose the Top International School?

International schools offer a unique advantage by combining high academic standards with multicultural environments. These schools often follow globally recognized curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International, or American programs.

• Exposure to diverse cultures and languages.
• Pathways to prestigious universities worldwide.
• Access to modern facilities and extracurricular activities.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best International School

1. Curriculum: Determine which curriculum aligns with your child’s long-term goals. For instance, IB is ideal for critical thinking, while the British system emphasizes structure.
2. Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by recognized bodies such as CIS or WASC.
3. Location and Facilities: Proximity to home and access to facilities like libraries, sports fields, and labs can significantly impact your child’s learning experience.
4. Tuition Fees: International schools can be expensive, the fees listed below are from their official website.
5. Class Sizes and Teacher Credentials: Smaller class sizes and qualified teachers often translate to better attention and quality education.

Top International Schools in Phnom Penh

1. International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP)

Curriculum: IB (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programs)
Tuittion Fee: $9,558 to $29,533

Key Features:

• Fully accredited by CIS and WASC.
• State-of-the-art campus with a swimming pool, sports facilities, and arts center.
• Strong emphasis on community service and extracurricular activities.

2. Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC)

Curriculum: IB (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programs)
Tuittion Fee: $11,340 and $29,016

Key Features:

• A member of Nord Anglia Education, offering a global network of opportunities.
• Extensive facilities which include science labs and performing arts spaces.
• Emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

3. British International School of Phnom Penh (BISPP)

Curriculum: British National Curriculum

Key Features:

• Small class sizes ensure personalized attention.
• Offers IGCSE and A-Level qualifications.
• Strong emphasis on academic rigor and discipline.

4. Lycée Français René Descartes (LFRD)

Curriculum: French National Curriculum
Tuittion Fee: $5,526 and $9,855

Key Features:

• Accredited by the French Ministry of Education.
• Offers education from preschool to high school with a focus on French language and culture.
• Strong emphasis on academic excellence and multilingual development.

5. Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS)

Curriculum: Canadian (Alberta) Curriculum
Tuittion Fee: $6,700 to $22,850

Key Features:

• Licensed by the Alberta Ministry of Education.
• Facilities include a MakerSpace, swimming pool, and dedicated arts rooms.
• Bilingual programs in English and French.

6. Australian International School Phnom Penh (AISPP)

Curriculum: Australian National Curriculum integrated with the International Baccalaureate (IB)
Tuition Fee: $6,800 to $25,995

Key Features:

• Only school in Cambodia following the Australian National Curriculum.
• Candidate school for IB programs (Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma).
• Located on a 6-hectare purpose-built campus in Russey Keo with facilities including a gymnasium, swimming pool, football pitch, butterfly and organic gardens.

7. Invictus International School Phnom Penh

Curriculum: Cambridge Curriculum with multilingual options (English, Chinese, French, Khmer)
Tuition Fee: $3,760 to $8,812

Key Features:

• Officially certified by Cambodia’s Ministry of Education.
• Offers a holistic education with a focus on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, libraries, art and PE spaces, computer labs, and wifi connectivity.
• Multilingual education with options to study Chinese, French, and Khmer alongside English.

8. CIA First International School (CIA)

Curriculum: International curriculum accredited by WASC
Tuition Fee: $2,964 to $6,930

Key Features:

• Large 32,000 sqm campus with extensive sports facilities including two football pitches, volleyball and basketball courts, and two swimming pools.
• Separate buildings for kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school.
• Facilities include playgrounds, clinics, canteens, and libraries.
• Instruction in English and Khmer.
• Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

9. East-West International School

Curriculum: Cambridge International Curriculum (IGCSE, AS, A Levels), International Curriculum, and Khmer National Curriculum
Tuition Fee: $4,320 to $6,895

Key Features:

• Established in 2006, leader in affordable bilingual education in Phnom Penh.
• Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
• Extensive music, arts, and extracurricular programs.
• High percentage (95%) of students pursue higher education.

10. Paragon International School

Curriculum: Khmer National Curriculum and the Cambridge Curriculum
Tuition Fee: $4,650 – $13,620

Key Features:

• Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and certified by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and the Cambodian Ministry of Education.
• Offers both national (Khmer) and international (Cambridge) curricula, including IGCSE and A Levels, from early years through pre-university.
• Graduates supported by a robust alumni network.

Practical Tips for Selecting the Right School

• Visit the Campus: Schedule a tour to see the facilities and meet teachers.
• Talk to Other Parents: Gain insights from families currently enrolled.
• Trial Days: Some schools offer trial days to help children adapt before enrollment.
• Review Extracurricular Options: Ensure the school provides opportunities aligned with your child’s interests.

Final Thought

Choosing the top international school in Phnom Penh is a significant decision that can shape your child’s future. By considering which factors is most important to you, like curriculum, facilities, community, and tuition fee, you can find a school that aligns with your family’s values and goals. Schools like ISPP, Northbridge, LFRD and CIS are among the top choices, offering robust programs and excellent support for students.