Phnom Penh offers the widest range of schools in Cambodia with international educational standards.
The Charming City offers the best schooling options in Cambodia, and there are a plethora of Phnom Penh international schools using American, British, and French curricula. In 2024 there are more accredited international schools than ever before. Don’t be fooled by the names, though; some of the worst schools in Cambodia call themselves “international” or “American” or “British,” but their curricula don’t match their titles. Local schools are best avoided if at all possible, as the standard of education is low. The ones we have listed here are “real” international schools.
If you’re just getting started, we have a detailed blog post about choosing an international school in Cambodia that covers things to consider before you start your search for the right school for your child. Below, we have info about the most popular international schools in Phnom Penh:
International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP) is a not-for-profit school that offers one of the best educational opportunities Cambodia has to offer. They are accredited abroad, offering International Baccalaureate programs through high school and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school is housed on a gorgeous campus with an impressive range of facilities, from a professional-sized performing arts theater and swimming pool to playgrounds, computer labs, and sports fields. ISPP is committed to diversity and has students from more than 50 countries and many environmental and community initiatives, including local scholarships and teacher training programs. The school offers an excellent education for students aged 3 through 12th grade. Tuition cost is $7,700 to $24,000 depending on age and including capital fees. More about International School of Phnom Penh.
Invictus International School (invictus.edu.kh) provides an affordable British-based education from ages 3 to 18. Starting with the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which teaches language and social development through games and play for young learners, then moving to International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for children up to age 11. Middle-age students follow the Cambridge Secondary Curriculum, then move onto International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in preparation for Cambridge A-Levels. Invictus is part of a regional network of schools based in Singapore, all teaching a British curriculum. The cost of education at Invictus compares favorably to the other big international schools in Phnom Penh, with yearly fees start at $1,980 for half-day nursery students up to $7,700 for students in year 10 and up, plus a one-time $1,100 registration and assessment fee. More about Invictus International School Phnom Penh.
The Canadian International School of Phnom Penh is an accredited school with three campuses that offers preschool through grade 12 on their 10-acre campus. CIS offers a Canadian curriculum from the province of Alberta, in English, with internationally certified teachers. There are also campuses at Olympia City and Bassac Garden for preschool-aged children. Yearly fees start at $6,600 for nursery students up to $19,400 for grade 9.
Also popular with expats is the slightly more moderately priced and centrally located iCAN British International School, which teaches a British curriculum for pre-school students up to grade 9. Their internationally focused program uses International Primary Curriculum (IPC), International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), and National Curriculum for England. Tuition starts at $5,000 and goes to $13,000 depending on age, that includes a yearly capital fee.
Australian International School of Phnom Penh (AISPP) is a member of the Australian International Schools Association (AISA) is a Member of the Council of International Schools (CIS) and offers the International Baccalaureate education from the Primary Years Programme (PYP), through to the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and closes with both the Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) for the final two years. Tuition costs range from $5,000 to $22,000, depending on the year level.
Northbridge International School offers International Baccalaureate programs through high school. The school has joined the Nord Anglia network of international schools and is leveraging the Nord Anglia relationship to bring even more opportunities to their students, including collaborations with Julliard and Barcelona Football Club. Tuition costs between $6,000 and $24,000 depending on the age of the student, including capital fees.
The Lycée Descartes, a school licensed by the French government, offering international-quality education in English and French from pre-school through high school that follows the French national curriculum. Tuition ranges from $6,000 to $9,000 per year, and there’s a discount of around $2,000 if the student is Cambodian or French. Scholarships are available.
Footprints International School is a popular school for expats not looking to break the bank (and who want their kids to learn to speak Khmer). Footprints offers a bilingual program in English and Khmer from nursery classes to grade 11, in several locations around Phnom Penh. The curriculum focuses on math, language arts, science and social studies, as well as computers, art, swimming, and more for an integrated approach to education. Footprints are Cambridge registered for primary and secondary, and internationally accredited through Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Prices range from $2,200 to $4,800 depending on grade.
Logos International School is a Christian school that teaches students from pre-school through grade 12. The school is a fully accredited member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The curriculum follows North American standards, and most of the teachers come from that continent. The school is known for solid academics, but can be a difficult adjustment for non-Christians — bible studies are mandatory. Annual tuition at Logos is $4,000 to $8,000 based on grade. Discounts are offered for large families and the children of missionaries.
Brighton International School is a pre-school and primary school for children aged 2 to 11 in Boeng Tumpun, south of central Phnom Penh. Subjects are taught in English and Khmer, and the curriculum is based on the UK national curriculum, using the Early Years Foundation System (EYFS) for young learners. Fees range from $2,160to $3,600.
Started by two expat mothers who wanted to offer their children a true international education, The Giving Tree offers part- and full-time programs for children from 6 months through 5th grade. The primary program is supported by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), and while classes are taught in English, it’s possible for students to study Japanese, French, and Khmer. Their teachers are from all around the world, and most are accredited in their home countries. Tuition ranges from $1,000 to $2,200 depending on age.
Got kids? We have more information about activities for kids in Phnom Penh, and blog posts about raising expat kids in Cambodia.
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