Schools for Expat Families in Cambodia

Cambodia's international school sector has grown considerably over the past two decades, driven primarily by the expat community concentrated in Phnom Penh. Families moving to Cambodia — whether for work, NGO service, or the expat lifestyle — will find a range of quality education options, from established IB schools to affordable bilingual programs.

The range of choice is widest in Phnom Penh, which has the largest expat population and the most developed school infrastructure. Siem Reap has a smaller but functional international school sector. Other cities (Kampot, Sihanoukville, Battambang) have limited or no international schooling options, making homeschooling or online education the typical choice for families based there.

Budget realistically: tuition fees are just part of the picture. Capital development levies, uniforms, textbooks, sports and activities, and transport add substantially to the annual cost. A family with children at a mid-range international school should plan for $10,000–18,000 per child per year all-in.

The following schools are the primary options for expat families in Phnom Penh:

Siem Reap's international school options are more limited than Phnom Penh's but have improved in recent years:

• SRIS (Siem Reap International School): The main international school for expat families in Siem Reap; offers English-medium education for primary and some secondary; small classes; fees approximately $4,000–8,000/year
• Heritage International School: Smaller school; primarily primary level; English-medium; community feel
• Footprints International School: Christian-affiliated; primarily for missionary families; affordable fees

For families with secondary-age children in Siem Reap, options are limited. Some families choose boarding school in Phnom Penh, Bangkok, or online schooling for secondary education.

Beyond curriculum and fees, consider these factors:

• Curriculum portability: If you will move again, IB is the most universally recognized. If returning to France, the French school is ideal. US/Canadian curricula are best for North America return.
• Class sizes: International schools in Cambodia typically have 15–25 students per class — larger than some families expect from premium-priced schools.
• Teacher turnover: A persistent challenge in Cambodia. International schools see higher teacher turnover than in Western countries; ask schools about their average teacher tenure.
• Extracurricular activities: Sports, arts, music, and clubs vary considerably. Visit during school hours to observe.
• Transport: Most schools offer bus services for an additional fee ($50–150/month). Check route coverage for your neighborhood.
• Location: Most international schools are in the Toul Kork, BKK, and Chroy Changvar areas of Phnom Penh. Traffic can add 20–40 minutes to school runs from outlying areas.

Published tuition fees rarely tell the full cost story. Here is a realistic total for a child at a mid-range international school in Phnom Penh:

The typical admission process for international schools in Phnom Penh:

1. Initial inquiry: Contact the school's admissions office; request a tour and information pack
2. Application form: Complete and submit with previous school records, report cards, and teacher references
3. Assessment: Most schools conduct a brief academic assessment appropriate to the child's age — reading, writing, and numeracy
4. Interview: Older students (Grade 6+) typically have a student interview; parents may also be interviewed
5. Offer: If a place is available, an offer is made; a deposit ($1,000–3,000) typically secures the place
6. Enrollment: Complete enrollment paperwork; submit vaccination records; arrange uniforms and transport

English language proficiency is assessed for non-native speakers. Most schools have English Language Learner (ELL) support programs, but children with very limited English may face a settling-in period.

Cambodia's public school system is free and Khmer-medium. Quality varies considerably by location — schools in Phnom Penh are generally better resourced than rural schools. Class sizes are large (40–50+ students per class), and the academic calendar differs from international schools.

A small number of expat families choose public school immersion for their children, particularly those who intend to stay long-term and want their children to be fully bilingual in Khmer. Children who attend Cambodian public school typically also study English or French through private tutoring or supplementary classes.

Between full international schools and public schools lies a growing sector of bilingual schools teaching in both Khmer and English (or French). These are popular with Cambodian upper-middle-class families and expat families wanting cultural integration. Fees range from $1,000–4,000/year — significantly cheaper than international schools.

Notable bilingual school groups include:

• Northstar Schools: Khmer/English; primary and secondary; affordable fees
• PUC School: Affiliated with Paññāsāstra University; Khmer/English bilingual
• Harrow School: Premium Cambodian bilingual (not affiliated with Harrow UK)

For families staying 2+ years, a bilingual school can be an excellent choice — developing Khmer language skills while maintaining English proficiency.

Homeschooling is legal in Cambodia and has grown in popularity, particularly among digital nomad families and long-term expats in cities without good international school options. Common approaches include:

• Cambridge International: IGCSE and A-Level by distance learning; internationally recognized qualifications
• Khan Academy + structured curriculum: Free online resources combined with a structured curriculum guide
• Abeka / Bob Jones University Press: US-based Christian homeschool curricula; popular with missionary families
• Sudbury / democratic schooling: Some families in Phnom Penh operate informal co-ops

The Phnom Penh homeschool community is active. Facebook groups connect families for co-op learning, field trips, and social activities. Children homeschooled in Cambodia can sit Cambridge IGCSE exams at approved exam centers in Phnom Penh.

Pre-school and kindergarten options in Phnom Penh are plentiful and span a wide price range:

• International school preschool/kindergarten: $400–800/month; all the international schools listed above have preschool programs
• Independent international kindergartens: $300–600/month; several high-quality independent options in BKK and Toul Kork
• Bilingual kindergartens: $100–250/month; growing sector; good for Khmer language development
• Playgroups: Many expat communities run informal playgroups; free or very low cost; check Facebook for listings

Connecting with other expat parents is invaluable for school recommendations, settling-in advice, and social support:

• Facebook: Phnom Penh Expat Parents — active group with school recommendations, event listings, and advice
• Facebook: Siem Reap International Parents — smaller but helpful for the Siem Reap school scene
• Facebook: Homeschooling in Cambodia — dedicated group for homeschool families
• School parent committees: Most international schools have active parent associations; excellent for meeting other families and influencing school direction
• International Women's Club of Cambodia (IWC): Regular events; good for meeting parents across all school communities