Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh has a way of confounding expectations. The city most people picture — tuk-tuks, temples, backpacker hostels — coexists with a genuinely cosmopolitan capital that has been quietly building one of Southeast Asia's more interesting international school markets. With 65 international schools offering 34 distinct curricula, this is not the thin pickings some relocating families fear. It is, frankly, one of the better-kept secrets in the region.
The dollar economy helps. Cambodia runs on USD for most transactions over a few dollars, which means tuition is quoted and paid in US dollars — no currency conversion headaches, no exchange-rate surprises eating into your school budget. And the fee range is striking: you can find credible international education starting under $3,000 a year, while the premium tier still tops out well below what you'd pay in Singapore, Hong Kong, or Dubai. For families relocating on a local contract rather than a generous expat package, Phnom Penh offers genuine options at every price point.
But "65 schools" is a lot to sort through, and quality varies more here than in established expat hubs with decades of regulatory oversight. This guide is meant to help you navigate that landscape with your eyes open.
Explore all Phnom Penh international schools to search by curriculum, age group, or fee range.
The curriculum landscape: What's actually on offer
Phnom Penh's school market is dominated by British-curriculum schools — roughly 27 of the 65 schools offer some form of British programme, whether that's the full pathway through IGCSE and A-Levels or just the primary years. American and Cambodian national curricula tie for second at about 16 schools each. IB programmes are present but less widespread than in Bangkok or KL, concentrated in a handful of established institutions.
British curriculum
The British pathway is the backbone of Phnom Penh's international school scene. At the top end, you have genuine UK heritage brands that have set up shop in Cambodia. Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh — yes, the same Shrewsbury that runs one of Bangkok's most prestigious campuses — opened on the Chroy Changvar peninsula with a purpose-built campus featuring an 18m swimming pool, drama studio, music rooms, science labs, and a gymnasium with a climbing wall. It's still small at around 50 students with a class average of just 6, which means your child essentially gets tutorial-level attention. That intimacy is rare at any price.
Bromsgrove International School Cambodia brings another respected UK name, offering British curriculum from Early Years through A-Levels with a Montessori-influenced early years programme. The Sen Sok campus has performing arts facilities, science labs, and a proper sports programme including cricket — a detail that tells you something about the school's British DNA.
Reigate Grammar School Phnom Penh is a more recent arrival, with an impressive physical plant — indoor pool, full-sized football pitch, basketball courts, badminton hall, and a black box theatre. It offers both IGCSE/A-Levels and the IB, giving families the flexibility to decide later which examination pathway suits their child.
For families wanting a British education at more accessible fees, East-West International School has been operating since 2006 with WASC and EARCOS accreditation — a notable combination that signals genuine quality control. With 500 students from 19 nationalities and class sizes of 16-20, it delivers the IPC, IMYC, IGCSE, and A-Levels pathway in a BKK3 location. The bilingual English-Khmer programme is a smart option for families planning a longer stay.
Paragon International School, founded in 1997, is one of the city's longest-running international schools with CIS accreditation and Cambridge Assessment International Education recognition. The international programme keeps class sizes to 10-12 students — genuinely small — while serving around 1,000 students across both its international and national programme tracks.
The honest trade-off with A-Levels: your child narrows to three or four subjects at 16. Some teenagers thrive with that focus. Others aren't ready to specialise. Know your kid.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB scene in Phnom Penh is smaller but includes the city's most established international school. International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP) has been operating since 1989 — making it the elder statesman of the city's international school community. It runs the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, Diploma) for around 875 students representing 50+ nationalities, with Cambodian students capped at 30% per grade level. That cap matters: it ensures a genuinely international classroom environment, which is not something every school in Phnom Penh can claim. Class sizes average 22 students, and the school sits on Hun Neang Boulevard with solid facilities.
Northbridge International School Cambodia is part of the Nord Anglia Education group — the same network behind top-tier schools in Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Dubai. With about 1,000 students, average class sizes of 18, and the full IB continuum, Northbridge brings corporate-backed resources and global connections (including collaborations with Juilliard and MIT). The 2025 IB Diploma average of 35.0 points — well above the global benchmark of 30.5 — speaks to genuine academic quality. The Sen Sok campus reflects Nord Anglia's investment-heavy approach. No uniforms, which is unusual and a plus for some families.
Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CISP) blends IB PYP with a Canadian (Alberta) curriculum framework on the increasingly popular Diamond Island (Koh Pich). About 1,000 students from 37 nationalities, with a 50/50 Cambodian-to-international split. Target class sizes of 16-20. The trilingual instruction — English, French, and Mandarin — is a genuine differentiator. Scholarships available, which is worth asking about.
Golden Gate American School has been steadily building its IB programme alongside an American and Chinese curriculum, offering PYP and MYP with around 900-1,500 students. The trilingual model (English, Khmer, Chinese) appeals to Cambodian families who want international credentials with Mandarin fluency, and the central Daun Penh location is convenient.
American curriculum
American-curriculum schools in Phnom Penh tend to serve a higher proportion of Cambodian families, which shapes the campus culture. CIA First International School is the giant of the city — 5,500 students, founded in 2004, with AP courses and EARCOS membership. The Russey Keo campus has a 50-metre pool, astro-turf football field, and full sports complex. At 75% Cambodian enrollment, this feels more like a Cambodian school with international standards than an expat school, which is either exactly what you want or not quite the fit — depending on your family.
Logos International School has been operating since 2005 with an American curriculum and AP courses wrapped in a Christian ethos. About 350 students, 20+ nationalities, and a 54% international student body — one of the more balanced mixes you'll find. The school is upfront about its faith integration while accommodating non-religious families, and it offers financial aid and scholarships, which matters in a city where not every family has an employer picking up the tab.
For families who want an American framework with an IB option, HOPE International School offers both British and IB curricula alongside its Christian foundation. Founded in 2002, it has 375 students from 28 nationalities with class sizes averaging 17. The international student ratio here (roughly 80% international, 20% local) is unusually high for Phnom Penh — the school draws heavily from NGO, embassy, and mission families.
The alternatives worth knowing about
- Waldorf/Steiner: Gecko Garden School has been offering Waldorf-inspired education since 2001 for ages 2-8. Just 60 students, class sizes of 12, with a deliberate home-like atmosphere and a commitment to wonder over worksheets. If you know you want Waldorf, this is your school. If you're not sure, visit — it either clicks or it doesn't.
- IB Primary: The Giving Tree International School runs IB PYP for ages 1-12, with 180 students from 40 nationalities and a BKK location. The 15-student average class, yoga studio, makerspace, and STEM lab signal a progressive, inquiry-driven approach.
- STEEAM/Boarding: AUPP Liger Leadership Academy is something genuinely unusual — a STEEAM-focused residential school for ages 12-18, with just 160 students. Two teachers per classroom. If your teenager is self-directed and would benefit from an immersive, project-based boarding environment, Liger is unlike anything else in Cambodia.
- French: Lycee Francais Rene Descartes serves the francophone community with the French national curriculum through to the Baccalaureat. Cambodia's historical ties to France mean there's a genuine francophone community here, and the Lycee is its anchor school.
- Singaporean: Singapore Cambodia International Academy and Harrods International Academy (part of Singapore's Global School Foundation, 1,050 students) bring the structured Singaporean approach combined with British curricula.
What you'll actually pay: Fee ranges in USD
Cambodia's dollar economy makes fee comparisons refreshingly simple. No converting baht or ringgit — everything below is in the currency you'll actually pay in.
Budget tier: Under $5,000/year
This is where Phnom Penh really distinguishes itself from pricier Asian capitals. Schools in this range include smaller institutions and those with a higher proportion of Cambodian students. The teaching quality can be perfectly good — you're trading campus scale and brand names for lower overheads and more intimate communities.
Schools like Home of English International School (American curriculum, ages 6-18) and First International Cambodian-American School operate at this end of the spectrum. Expect smaller campuses and a predominantly local student body, but credible English-medium instruction.
At this price point, ask hard questions about teacher qualifications, turnover, and the percentage of native English speakers on staff. The answers will tell you more than the brochure.
Mid-range: $5,000–$12,000/year
This is where most expat families in Phnom Penh end up, and the value here is genuinely excellent by regional standards. iCAN British International School, with published fees of $5,626-$11,807 depending on year group, is a useful benchmark: a proper British curriculum, classes capped at 20, in a central Tonle Bassac location on Sothearos Boulevard.
Schools like East-West International School (WASC-accredited, IGCSE/A-Levels), Footprints International School (WASC-accredited, Cambridge pathway, 1,156 students), and Invictus International School (British curriculum, 380 students from 43 nationalities) sit in this range. You get established accreditations, experienced international teachers, decent facilities, and a genuine mix of nationalities in the classroom.
The King's School, Vattanacville is an interesting option here — just 74 students with class sizes averaging 10, housed in the Vattanac Capital building with access to a heated pool, sports arena, and fitness centre. It's tiny and central, which suits certain families perfectly.
Premium: $12,000–$25,000+/year
The top tier in Phnom Penh costs a fraction of what comparable schools charge in Singapore or Hong Kong, and the gap in quality is much narrower than the gap in price.
Northbridge International School Cambodia (Nord Anglia, full IB, 35.0 IB average) and International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP, full IB since 1989, 50+ nationalities) sit at the top of the market. Canadian International School of Phnom Penh and Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh also occupy this bracket.
At this level, expect purpose-built campuses, strong IB or A-Level results, robust university counselling, deep extracurricular programmes, and the kind of institutional stability that comes from established management groups or long operating histories.
Schools to put on your shortlist
Here are 10 schools that represent the range of what Phnom Penh offers. Not a ranking — a starting point.
International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP)
Full IB (PYP, MYP, Diploma) | Ages 3-18 | ~875 students | 50+ nationalities The school every other school in Phnom Penh is measured against, whether they admit it or not. Operating since 1989, ISPP has institutional memory that matters — it has weathered Cambodia's political ups and downs and kept running. The 30% cap on Cambodian students per grade means your child's classmates genuinely come from everywhere. The Hun Neang Boulevard campus is established rather than flashy, and the school draws heavily from the embassy, NGO, and international organisation community. EARCOS member. If you want the most internationally diverse student body in the city, this is it.
Northbridge International School Cambodia
Full IB (PYP, MYP, Diploma) | Ages 2-18 | ~1,000 students | Nord Anglia Education The 2025 IB Diploma average of 35.0 points puts Northbridge solidly above the global mean, and Nord Anglia's backing means serious investment in facilities, teacher recruitment, and global programmes. Late Mondays (10am start on Mondays) are a nice touch — gives families a gentler start to the week. French, Korean, and Mandarin offered as additional languages. The Sen Sok location is slightly out of centre, which keeps the campus spacious. No uniform policy.
Canadian International School of Phnom Penh
IB PYP + Canadian (Alberta) | Ages 2-18 | ~1,000 students | 37 nationalities The Diamond Island campus puts CISP in one of the city's more pleasant settings. The trilingual model — English, French, and Mandarin — is genuinely distinctive and hard to find elsewhere in Cambodia. Class sizes target 16-20 with a maximum of 20. The 50/50 local-to-international mix gives the school a balanced character. Scholarships available, dedicated ELL programmes, and support for special learning needs. Founded in 2012, so relatively young but already at scale.
Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh
British, IGCSE, A-Levels | Ages 2-18 | ~50 students | 6 nationalities A UK heritage brand in its Phnom Penh infancy. With roughly 50 students and an average class size of 6, Shrewsbury is essentially offering bespoke education right now. The Chroy Changvar campus has facilities that punch well above that enrollment — swimming pool, drama studio, gymnasium with climbing wall, science lab, design technology classroom. The 50:50 local-to-international ratio and Mandarin and Khmer language options round it out. This school is a bet on the future — if it grows the way the Bangkok Shrewsbury did, early families will look very smart.
Bromsgrove International School Cambodia
British, Montessori, IGCSE, A-Levels | Ages 2-18 Part of the Bromsgrove family of schools with over 470 years of heritage in the UK. The Montessori-influenced early years programme sets it apart from other British schools — younger children get a more play-based, child-led start before transitioning into the structured British pathway. EAL support, strong sports programme (cricket, football, swimming, robotics), and performing arts centre. The Sen Sok campus means you're away from the central congestion.
CIA First International School
American, AP | Ages 2-18 | 5,500 students | 27 nationalities | EARCOS member The sheer scale is remarkable — CIA First is one of the largest international schools in Southeast Asia. Founded in 2004 with 16 students, it now serves over 5,500 across multiple campuses. AP courses for the upper years, EARCOS accreditation, and facilities including a 50-metre pool and astro-turf football field. The 75:25 local-to-international ratio means this feels distinctly Cambodian, which can be a real advantage for families who want their children integrated into the local community rather than insulated from it. An education psychologist and dedicated learning support staff are notable additions.
East-West International School
British (IPC, IMYC, IGCSE, A-Levels) | Ages 2-18 | 500 students | 19 nationalities Double-accredited by WASC and EARCOS, which is the most robust quality assurance you'll find in Phnom Penh. Founded in 2006, East-West runs a bilingual English-Khmer programme alongside its international track — a practical choice for families who want their children to pick up some Khmer. The BKK3 location is central and walkable, class sizes of 16-20 keep things personal, and the Hagar International lunch partnership (supporting survivors of trafficking) means even the school canteen has a story.
Harrods International Academy
British, IPC, IGCSE, A-Levels | Ages 2-18 | 1,050 students | 21 nationalities Part of Singapore's Global School Foundation, Harrods brings structured Singaporean management to a British curriculum. The BKK1 location on Street 302 is central, and the campus includes a swimming pool, auditorium, and science labs. Class sizes of 18-25 depending on level. At 80% Cambodian enrollment, the school skews local, but the Singaporean operational model generally ensures consistency in teaching standards and school management — something that can vary at less institutionally-backed schools.
The Giving Tree International School
IB PYP | Ages 1-12 | 180 students | 40 nationalities If you're looking for a small, progressive primary school with a genuinely international student body, The Giving Tree deserves a visit. Forty nationalities in 180 students is an extraordinary ratio. Class sizes average 15, the BKK campus includes a yoga studio and makerspace, and the IB PYP framework drives inquiry-based learning. The school goes through to age 12, so you'll need a secondary plan, but for early years and primary, this is a standout.
Logos International School
American, AP, Christian | Ages 4-18 | 350 students | 20+ nationalities A faith-based school that manages to be welcoming to non-religious families while maintaining its Christian identity — a balance not every school gets right. Operating since 2005, Logos offers AP courses, scholarships, and financial aid. The 54% international student body is one of the more balanced mixes in the city. Sports teams compete in ISSAPP and ASAC leagues. If you're on a tighter budget and want an American curriculum with a values-driven community, Logos is worth a serious look.
Neighbourhoods: Where to live for the school run
Phnom Penh traffic is nothing like Bangkok or Jakarta — the city is compact enough that most commutes stay under 30 minutes even in rush hour. But the neighbourhood you choose still shapes your daily life, and proximity to school matters when it's a tuk-tuk ride in 35-degree heat.
BKK (Boeung Keng Kang) 1, 2, and 3
The expat heartland. Tree-lined streets, the best café scene in the city, international restaurants, and a walkable grid. BKK1 is the most established (and priciest) area, home to Harrods International Academy and close to iCAN British International School on Sothearos. BKK3 has East-West International School. Rent here runs $800-2,500/month for a decent apartment. Most embassies and NGOs are in or near BKK, so this is where the international community clusters.
Tonle Bassac
Adjacent to BKK1 and increasingly popular, with newer developments and slightly more space. The Giving Tree International School is on Street 71 in Boeung Keng Kang, and Invictus International School sits on Norodom Boulevard. Good access to the riverside, Aeon Mall, and the diplomatic quarter. A strong option if you want to be central without paying peak BKK1 prices.
Sen Sok
The northern growth corridor — less charming than BKK but significantly more affordable, with newer housing stock and larger living spaces. Northbridge International School Cambodia, Bromsgrove International School Cambodia, and HOPE International School are all in Sen Sok. Families on local contracts who want a premium school but need to keep rent reasonable often end up here. AEON Mall Sen Sok has made the area more liveable for expats who want familiar retail options.
Chroy Changvar (The Peninsula)
Across the Chroy Changvar Bridge from central Phnom Penh, this riverside area is where Shrewsbury International School has planted its flag. Still developing, with a mix of new condos and older properties. The commute across the bridge to central Phnom Penh is quick outside rush hour but can bottleneck. If your life will orbit around the school, this works well. If you need to commute to BKK or Riverside daily, factor in the bridge.
Russey Keo
Further north, this is where the city starts to feel more Cambodian and less expat. CIA First International School and Paragon International School are both here. Housing is the most affordable of any neighbourhood on this list, with villas available at prices that would get you a studio in BKK1. The trade-off is distance from the expat social scene and fewer international dining and retail options — though that's changing fast.
Diamond Island (Koh Pich)
A reclaimed island in the Bassac River that has become Phnom Penh's aspirational development zone. Canadian International School of Phnom Penh is the anchor school here. The island has parks, a concert arena, and increasingly upmarket housing. It feels more like a planned community than an organic Phnom Penh neighbourhood, which appeals to some families and leaves others cold.
Admissions: Timing, assessments, and practical tips
When to apply
Most Phnom Penh schools run rolling admissions, which gives you more flexibility than you'd have in Hong Kong or Singapore. But "rolling" at the more popular schools still means limited seats in popular year groups. For ISPP, Northbridge, and CISP, start the conversation 6-12 months before your intended start date. For mid-range schools, 2-3 months is usually enough, and many will accommodate mid-year arrivals.
Entrance assessments
The approach varies by school and age:
- Early years (ages 2-5): Most schools use observation-based assessment — your child plays while teachers watch. Gecko Garden School does it through a morning school tour and teacher observation. iCAN British International School assesses English fluency for non-native speakers from age 4.
- Primary (ages 5-11): Expect reading and maths assessments plus teacher references from the previous school. Invictus International School uses CAT4 assessments plus one-on-one evaluations.
- Secondary (ages 11-18): More formal testing. CIA First International School uses WIDA model tests and abilities assessments. East-West International School interviews with the Secondary Principal.
English language support
This matters more here than in many other cities. Several schools serve a predominantly Cambodian student body, which means EAL (English as an Additional Language) support exists but may not be as deep as at schools with larger international populations. ISPP offers dedicated EAL programmes but stops EAL support from Grade 9 — if your child needs ongoing language support in secondary, ask specifically whether the school can provide it.
Schools like Northbridge, CISP, and CIA First all offer EAL/ELL programmes. Logos International School offers EAL for elementary students. For older students with limited English, your options narrow — be honest about your child's level and ask schools directly what support they can realistically provide.
Documents you'll need
Have these ready before you start: passport or birth certificate copies for your child, the last two years of school reports, vaccination records, and passport photos. Some schools (like Logos International School) charge an application fee — $50 USD in Logos's case. East-West International School has a registration fee of $800 USD. Ask about all fees upfront — application fees, registration fees, development fees, and technology fees can add meaningfully to the headline tuition.
Practical considerations
The dollar economy is real. Tuition, rent, groceries at international supermarkets — all paid in USD. Riel (the local currency) circulates for small transactions, but your school payments will be in dollars. This makes budgeting straightforward and eliminates the currency risk that complicates school fees in Thailand or Indonesia.
Rent is remarkably affordable. Average expat rent runs around $500/month, though you'll pay more in BKK1 and less in Sen Sok or Russey Keo. A two-bedroom apartment in a modern building with a pool can be had for $800-1,200 in central areas. This means more of your budget goes to school fees rather than housing.
School buses exist but aren't universal. Northbridge, CIA First, Harrods, Bromsgrove, Paragon, and Southbridge all run bus services. ISPP and East-West do too. Gecko Garden and The Giving Tree do not — you'll be doing the school run yourself. Tuk-tuks and private drivers are cheap enough that many families don't use school buses regardless.
The academic calendar at most international schools follows a Northern Hemisphere schedule (August/September to June), though some schools offer January or mid-year intake. Check the specific school's calendar before planning your move.
Safety and quality of life: Phnom Penh scores modestly on safety indices — expat surveys rate it around 2-3 out of 5. Petty crime exists (phone snatching from tuk-tuks is the classic), but serious crime affecting expat families is rare. The city's livability has improved dramatically over the past decade, with modern malls, international healthcare, and a food scene that routinely surprises new arrivals.
Finding the right fit
Sixty-five schools is a lot, but the field narrows quickly once you know your curriculum preference, budget, and neighbourhood. The real variable — the one no spreadsheet captures — is community. A 50-student Shrewsbury will feel nothing like a 5,500-student CIA First, and neither is inherently better. The question is which environment your child will wake up excited to walk into.
Start with the Phnom Penh city page on Scholae to filter schools by curriculum, age range, and fee bracket. Once you've narrowed to a shortlist of four or five, use the compare tool to see them side by side — class sizes, student demographics, accreditations, and facilities in a single view.
Phnom Penh is not the obvious choice for international schooling, and that's exactly why it deserves a closer look. The families who end up here tend to be a particular kind of adventurous — the kind who chose Cambodia deliberately, not as a fallback. That self-selection creates school communities with a character you won't find in more conventional expat cities. Your child might just thank you for it.
