Canadian International School of Phnom Penh vs HOPE International School

	C Canadian International School of Phnom Penh Phnom Penh, Cambodia	H HOPE International School Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KHR 31,780,452 - 101,576,760	Fees / year KHR 31,780,452 - 66,779,177
Age range	Age range 1½ - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 400
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2012	Opened 2002
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location CIS's main campus is on Koh Pich (Diamond Island) at Elite Town Street in central Phnom Penh; two additional early-years campuses are Bassac Garden (Tonle Bassac) and Olympia City. The Koh Pich campus is linked to the city by the Rainbow, Swan and Naga bridges and is close to neighbourhoods such as Tonle Bassac and BKK1, with Aeon Mall and riverside areas within reasonable commuting distance.	Location HOPE International School is on Street TryHeng 3 in Sangkat Krang Thnong, Khan Sen Sok, northwest Phnom Penh (close to the international airport). The school site gives a full postal address and phone contacts for the Front Office; the campus is described as a purpose-built site on the edge of the city with open spaces and sports fields.
Stages	Stages CIS runs programs from nursery through Grade 12: Early Years (nursery to junior kindergarten), Elementary (Senior Kindergarten to Grade 6), Middle School (Grades 7–9) and High School (Grades 10–12). The school offers Alberta curriculum pathways and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the senior years.	Stages HOPE runs from Preschool (entry from age 3) through Kindergarten and Primary (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12). High school students follow IGCSE in Grades 9–10 and may study either the IB Diploma or the HOPE School Diploma in Grades 11–12.
School type	School type CIS is a privately operated, co-educational international day school that serves nursery through Grade 12 across its campuses. The website also lists a boarding programme (full and weekly) for students in Grades 4 and above on its services page, though the general admissions page states students must live with a parent or guardian — you should confirm current boarding availability with admissions.	School type HOPE is an international, co-educational day school that serves children of Christian workers and other international families. The school also operates a homeschool support program; boarding is not described on the official school pages (some third‑party listings mention boarding provision, so confirm with the Admissions office).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school publishes an Inclusive Education overview: universal classroom strategies plus targeted supports such as Learning Support teachers, an EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme, speech‑language services and social‑emotional counselling in Elementary, Middle and High School. The site also states it cannot provide some specialist on‑site therapies or psychological assessments and that EAL places and some specialist services may incur extra fees.	Additional learning support The website refers to a Student Support Team and procedures for wellbeing and pastoral care, and the school notes support for English language learners. Third‑party school listings indicate HOPE offers learning‑support roles (for example a Student Wellbeing Coordinator, guidance counsellor and Academic Resource Centre support staff); contact the school for current details and eligibility.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation CIS teaches the Alberta (Canada) provincial curriculum and is accredited by Alberta Education; students may graduate with an Alberta High School Diploma (with options to combine IB courses or the IB Diploma).	Country affiliation HOPE is an international school based in Cambodia and was established to support missionary families; it is not presented as affiliated to a single foreign government or national system. Governance includes representatives from member mission organisations.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school website does not indicate any religious affiliation; CIS is presented as a secular international school.	Religious affiliation The school is explicitly Christian and describes its mission as providing Christ‑centred education; staff and board members sign a statement of Christian faith.
School day structure	School day structure Timings vary by campus and age group. For example, the Bassac Garden preschool lists drop‑off 8:00–8:30 a.m., a first session 8:30–11:30 a.m., and full‑day pick‑up at 3:30 p.m.; other year groups follow different schedules, so confirm exact start/finish and break times for your child's year level with the school.	School day structure The campus opens to drop‑offs from about 7:30am and students arriving after 8:05am are recorded as late; whole‑school assemblies are scheduled around 7:50am and primary pickup procedures reference parents being allowed in hallways from about 2:25pm. The site also publishes a live school calendar (term dates, assemblies and half‑day events).
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a school bus and local buggy service for students (buses and open‑air electric buggies) that operates throughout central Phnom Penh for children aged 4 and above; children under 4 may be registered if accompanied by a sibling aged 10 or older. Vehicle types listed include buggies (4 seats) and passenger vans (up to 10 seats). Routes, fees and registration are managed by the school, so contact Admissions or Transport for current route maps, pick‑up points and costs.	Bus service details The school's public pages do not include a dedicated daily bus‑transportation page, though the school calendar shows buses used for sports/event trips (for example buses leaving for fixtures). Third‑party listings are inconsistent about whether a regular daily bus service is offered, so it's best to confirm current daily transport options (routes, costs and registration) with Admissions or the Front Office.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & one‑time enrolment fees - Application fee (one‑time): KHR 1,002,500. - Enrollment / admission fee (one‑time): KHR 2,005,000. - Annual capital/maintenance fee (charged annually): KHR 4,812,000 (where applicable, see first‑year totals). Tuition — annual and per‑term (published 2025–2026 amounts, per grade) Note: CIS offers annual, semesterly and quarterly payment plans. The figures below show the published annual total (yearly). Semester = annual ÷ 2; Quarterly = annual ÷ 4 (equal instalment splits shown for clarity). All amounts are in Cambodian Riels (KHR). - Nursery 2 (age 2): Annual KHR 31,679,001 — Semester KHR 15,839,501 — Quarterly KHR 7,919,750. - Kindergarten 1 (age 3): Annual KHR 38,897,001 — Semester KHR 19,448,501 — Quarterly KHR 9,724,250. - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): Annual KHR 48,120,001 — Semester KHR 24,060,001 — Quarterly KHR 12,030,000. - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): Annual KHR 72,180,002 — Semester KHR 36,090,001 — Quarterly KHR 18,045,001. - Grade 1: Annual KHR 72,180,002 — Semester KHR 36,090,001 — Quarterly KHR 18,045,001. - Grade 2: Annual KHR 72,180,002 — Semester KHR 36,090,001 — Quarterly KHR 18,045,001. - Grade 3: Annual KHR 72,180,002 — Semester KHR 36,090,001 — Quarterly KHR 18,045,001. - Grade 4: Annual KHR 72,180,002 — Semester KHR 36,090,001 — Quarterly KHR 18,045,001. - Grade 5: Annual KHR 72,180,002 — Semester KHR 36,090,001 — Quarterly KHR 18,045,001. - Grade 6: Annual KHR 88,621,002 — Semester KHR 44,310,501 — Quarterly KHR 22,155,251. - Grade 7: Annual KHR 92,230,002 — Semester KHR 46,115,001 — Quarterly KHR 23,057,501. - Grade 8: Annual KHR 92,230,002 — Semester KHR 46,115,001 — Quarterly KHR 23,057,501. - Grade 9: Annual KHR 92,230,002 — Semester KHR 46,115,001 — Quarterly KHR 23,057,501. - Grade 10: Annual KHR 92,230,002 — Semester KHR 46,115,001 — Quarterly KHR 23,057,501. - Grade 11: Annual KHR 101,252,503 — Semester KHR 50,626,252 — Quarterly KHR 25,313,126. - Grade 12: Annual KHR 101,252,503 — Semester KHR 50,626,252 — Quarterly KHR 25,313,126. First‑year total example (includes one‑time fees) - Example shown in the published fee guide for a first year of enrolment: Nursery 2 first‑year total KHR 34,686,501 (this total includes the application fee, enrolment fee, capital fee and the tuition component noted above). Billing schedule and payment terms - CIS offers annual, semesterly and quarterly instalment plans; the school publishes Plan A (early annual payment) and related early‑enrolment discounts (3% discount for tuition paid under Plan A by the published early‑payment date). Family referral and sibling discounts are also offered. Exact invoice schedules and any instalment due dates are set in the school's Fee Guide and on invoices. Boarding - The School Services section of CIS lists a Boarding Program (full and weekly boarding for Grades 4 and above). Separately, the school's admissions/general‑requirements pages state residence expectations for enrolled students; confirm boarding availability and fees with admissions when enrolling. Other costs - Uniforms are available from the school store (school‑issued uniform is required; new students receive a complimentary CIS backpack). Lunch is provided via the school Lunch Program; bus/buggy transport, certain extracurriculars and some academy/program fees may incur additional charges. Refunds - The school's published Fee Guide contains the full refund and withdrawal terms (application and enrollment charges are typically handled as one‑time fees). Parents should review the Fee Guide or contact Admissions for the Fee Guide's refund and withdrawal clauses. Fee payment options - CIS publishes instalment plans and operates a parent portal (iSAMS) for family accounts; payment is normally made by bank transfer or by card/third‑party payment channels as specified on each invoice. Invoices and the Fee Guide set the accepted payment methods and any processing fees.	Fee details Application fees - A non‑refundable application fee of USD 100 per student is payable at application (cash or bank transfer accepted). One‑time / first‑year charges - New‑student enrolment/registration fee: KHR 2,406,000 (example shown for Kindergarten 1 as a one‑time charge). - Capital / school improvement charge (first year): KHR 4,090,200 (shown for K1). - These one‑time items are added to the first year's tuition total. Tuition fees by year group (annual totals by grade) - Kindergartens (K1, K2): KHR 31,679,001 per year (each). - K3 and Grades 1–5: KHR 46,475,901 per year (each). - Grades 6–8: KHR 52,571,101 per year (each). - Grades 9–10: KHR 63,558,502 per year (each). - Grades 11–12: KHR 66,566,002 per year (each). (Annual totals exclude the new‑student one‑time fees shown above.) Billing schedule and payment terms - New enrolments: once offered a place, families have one month to confirm by paying the required fee and specifying a start date. - Accepted payment methods listed by the school include cash or check to the cashier and bank transfer via ABA Bank (school finance handles invoicing and payment processing). Boarding fees - The school operates as a day school (no boarding facility listed). Other costs and typical additional charges - Typical additional charges shown in the school fee schedule include capital/campus fees and materials or technology charges and separate meal/canteen costs; meals are provided through the school canteen and billed separately. Exact items and amounts are invoiced in the school's additional fees schedule. Sibling discounts - Multi‑child discounts published are: 5% for a second child, 15% for a third child, 25% for fourth and subsequent children (applied to tuition). Refund information - The application fee is explicitly non‑refundable. Refundability of other fees (enrolment, capital, tuition pro‑rata rules) is defined in the school's fee schedule and standard finance terms; the application fee is stated as non‑refundable. Fee payment options - Cash or check to the school cashier; bank transfer (ABA Bank). The school's finance office handles payment processing and schedules.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The Boarding Program is available for students in Grades 4 and above. Full boarding and weekly boarding options are available.	Boarding arrangements The school operates as a day school with no boarding facilities.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement All students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 wear a school-issued uniform. There is a standard uniform, a separate PE uniform, and different uniforms for competitive sports teams.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Lunch is provided through a school Lunch Program; meals are prepared on-site at the Koh Pich Campus by Dara Airport Hotel Catering Service. All CIS campuses are nut-free zones; Early Years are served family-style, and Senior Kindergarten–Grade 12 have buffet-style meals.	Food options HOPE provides healthy meals for breakfast, lunch, and snacks through on-site meals; meals are offered via partnerships with C9 and Sahakom Community Cafe at affordable prices.
House system	House system —	House system There are four HOPE Houses for activities and Sports Day: Hammond, Ellison, Verner, and Comarck.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership CIS is privately owned and governed by a Board of Directors. The Board provides strategic oversight of educational, financial, safeguarding, and employment health, while the Senior Leadership Team led by the Head of School manages daily operations. Ms. Daun Yorke is appointed Head of School for the 2026-27 academic year.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details CISP's Early Years Program (Nursery–Junior Kindergarten) follows Flight: Alberta's Early Learning and Care Framework and is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, using play‑based, child‑centred learning. Elementary (Senior Kindergarten–Grade 6) follows the Alberta curriculum delivered through the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP); students receive weekly instruction in Khmer, Mandarin, or French and may join French or Mandarin bilingual streams. Middle School (Grades 7–9) follows Alberta Grade 7–9 curricula with specialist teachers in core subjects and complementary courses such as art, Career & Technology Foundations, drama, music, Khmer, Mandarin and French. High School offers two pathways: the Alberta High School Program (Grades 10–12), accredited by Alberta's Ministry of Education and leading to an Alberta High School Diploma (minimum 100 credits, with varied course sequences), and the two‑year IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12, which includes six subject groups plus Theory of Knowledge, the extended essay and CAS. Across all stages students can access specialist services and programs such as English as an Additional Language, inclusive education, fine arts, sports, design and academic counselling.	Curriculum details HOPE delivers an English-medium curriculum taught with a Biblical worldview and links assessment closely to learning objectives; external IGCSE and IB examinations are used to validate student learning. Preschool (ages 3–5) follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and reports against its seven areas of learning, with specialist Art, Music, Library and PE lessons. Primary (K–5) is based on the UK National Curriculum supplemented by integrated studies (science, health, social studies) and specialist subjects including Computing, Art, Music, Khmer or Korean language, Library and PE. Middle School (Grades 6–8) provides a continuum from Primary to IGCSE with core Mathematics, English, Science and SOSE plus Languages, Art, Music, Computer Science, PE, Christian Perspectives and a Health & Wellbeing programme. In High School, Grades 9–10 follow two-year Cambridge IGCSE courses (core English, English Literature, Maths, Coordinated Science and optional IGCSEs such as French, History, Computer Science and Additional Maths), and Grades 11–12 offer the two‑year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (three HL, three SL, TOK, CAS and Extended Essay) with a HOPE Diploma pathway for students who do not complete the full IB Diploma.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning CIS provides social-emotional counselling across Elementary, Middle and High School to support students' emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and social skills. Counsellors offer individual and group support, respond to crises, and work with teachers and parents to build supportive classroom environments. The school describes these services as part of a continuum that aims to reduce barriers to learning and promote student well‑being. Staff implement schoolwide initiatives to develop social-emotional skills and refer families to external resources when needed.	Social & emotional learning HOPE states its curriculum aims to develop students “intellectually, physically, socially, [and] emotionally” and includes a Health and Wellbeing curriculum in Middle School alongside Christian Perspectives lessons. Preschool follows the UK EYFS framework, which lists personal, social and emotional development as a core area of learning. The school also publishes policies for responsible behaviour and anti‑bullying as part of its policy suite. Specific staff roles for SEL (for example, named counsellors or pastoral leads) are not detailed on the public site.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) CIS offers learning support teachers and speech‑language services to assist students with diverse learning and communication needs, providing targeted instruction, progress assessment, and classroom collaboration. A speech‑language pathologist is listed as providing assessment, individualised support plans, and therapy to improve communication and classroom participation. The school states it cannot provide specialised or highly individualised interventions (for example on‑site physical therapy, medical care, psychological assessments, one‑on‑one therapies, or assistive technologies). CIS presents these services as a continuum rather than as a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) HOPE's curriculum page says “special programs will be developed for those with additional needs,” and the school publishes an Inclusion Policy in its policies list. The policies index includes an Inclusion Policy (3280) and related documents, indicating the school has formal guidance on supporting additional needs. The public site does not list detailed categories of special educational needs the school can support, nor does it state that HOPE is a specialist SEN institution. For specifics about which needs are supported or available specialist staff, the school asks enquiries to be made to the Compliance Coordinator.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language CIS operates a specialised EAL programme and reports a skilled team of EAL teachers who support speaking, listening, reading and writing in small groups or through one‑to‑one targeted instruction. The admissions page specifies that specialist EAL support is provided for students in Grades 1–9, that students exit the programme once they demonstrate grade‑level proficiency, and that EAL placement may incur additional fees. EAL instruction is described as focused on both academic and social language needs and is integrated into the school's continuum of supports. For Grade 10–12 applicants the school requires demonstrated grade‑level English proficiency.	English as an additional language HOPE states instruction is delivered in English and that students are expected to communicate in English; it also notes an English Language Learners (ELL) policy with a maximum of 25% ELL students per class. The curriculum and high‑school pages show ELL/ELL‑type classes are offered and that ELL proficiency is considered for progression into IGCSE/secondary programs. The school therefore operates ELL provision but does not publish detailed course outlines, staffing numbers, or specific EAL intervention programs on the public site. For enrolment and proficiency requirements the admissions information should be consulted.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing CIS lists social‑emotional counselling as a core part of its supports, with counsellors providing individual and group work, crisis response, and skill development in areas such as emotional regulation. Counsellors collaborate with classroom teachers and parents and may refer students and families to external mental health resources when appropriate. The school frames these services as part of a broader collection of supports intended to maximise academic success, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging. The admissions and inclusive‑education pages explicitly include social‑emotional counselling among the school's published supports and services.	Mental wellbeing HOPE's published materials reference a Health and Wellbeing curriculum and list a formal “Crisis Care and Counselling” policy in the school policies index, indicating a framework for supporting student wellbeing and crisis response. The Safeguarding page also states the school is committed to protecting children and to educating the community about child harm, which links to wellbeing and safety practices. The public site does not provide detailed descriptions of counselling staff, schedules, or external mental‑health providers. For information about available counselling personnel or referral pathways, families are directed to contact the school.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding CIS states it recognises its child‑protection responsibilities and maintains a Child Protection Team with designated leads in each school section; staff are required to report suspected abuse via the school's referral process. Teaching staff must complete Level 1 safeguarding training and teaching assistants, after‑school coaches and other support staff must complete Awareness‑level safeguarding training through childsafeguarding.org. The school uses a risk‑assessment matrix adapted from the UN Rights of the Child and displays information and a QR link to the referral process around campus. CIS emphasises that safeguarding is the responsibility of all staff and that student welfare is paramount.	Safeguarding HOPE publishes a Safeguarding page that states the school commits to protecting children, collaborates with the Child Safety & Protection Network (CSPN), and requires screening and codes of conduct for staff, volunteers and external providers. The site links to a full Safeguarding Policy and an online reporting form and says all child safety concerns are reported to the Director for assessment by the school's Child Safety Team. The policies index also lists a formal Safeguarding (Child Safety) policy and related codes of conduct for employees and volunteers. Contact details for policy queries and a Compliance Coordinator are provided on the policies page.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Three campuses provide world-class facilities in Phnom Penh: Bassac Garden Preschool, Koh Pich, and Olympia City Preschool. The school serves nursery through grade 12 with almost 1,000 students from more than 30 nationalities. CIS delivers the Canadian curriculum with Alberta accreditation and offers four graduation pathways, including the Alberta High School Diploma and the IB Diploma Programme. It is an IB World School delivering the IB Primary Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme, with English as an Additional Language support. Bilingual education includes certified French and Mandarin programs.	Facilities overview The campus is a purpose-built site in the northwest of Phnom Penh, near the international airport. It serves about 270 students from Preschool through Grade 12. The facilities include two full-sized basketball courts, a soccer field, and multiple outdoor spaces for running and play. Dedicated visual art studios, assembly and performance spaces, a library, computer facilities and newly built classrooms are on the campus.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities There are 50 sports teams and 25 clubs across CIS. Two high-performance sports academies support student-athletes. Facilities are described as world-class and are provided across campuses to support athletics and physical education. Physical education and sports are integrated into daily school life. The school operates across multiple campuses with dedicated spaces for sports and recreation.	Sports facilities Two full-sized basketball courts and a soccer field are on site, with additional outdoor spaces for sport and recreation. Secondary students have opportunities to represent the school in volleyball, basketball and football as they compete against other international schools in Phnom Penh.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities CIS offers four educational programs: Early Years (Nursery to Junior Kindergarten), Elementary School (Senior Kindergarten to Grade 6), Middle School (Grades 7–9), and High School (Grades 10–12). The school follows the Canadian curriculum with Alberta Education accreditation and four graduation pathways, including the Alberta High School Diploma and the IB Diploma. CIS is an IB World School delivering the IB Primary Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme. Bilingual education includes French and Mandarin programs, and English as an Additional Language support. Ages range from 18 months to 18 years.	Academic facilities Instruction is delivered in English. The Primary Core Curriculum is based on the UK National Curriculum and is supplemented by integrated studies and specialist subjects such as Computing, Art, Music, Khmer or Korean language, Library and PE. The Middle School provides a continuum to IGCSE, and the High School offers IGCSE in Grades 9–10 and the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12, with external IGCSE and IB assessments recognized internationally. All subjects are taught with a Biblical worldview, and HOPE maintains an English Language Learners policy of a maximum of 25% ELL per class.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities There are 50 sports teams and 25 clubs. English as an Additional Language and the Soccer Academy are among the specialized programs. Performances, exhibitions, and specialist art classes are offered as part of the arts program. Daily extracurricular offerings are provided across the campuses, complemented by a diverse, multi-national community.	Extra curricular facilities HOPE offers after-school activities and service-learning opportunities. Vision in Action (VIA) provides service hours for upper grades, and students participate in sports and arts clubs as part of extracurricular life.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History CIS was founded in 2012 as a private international school and received Alberta (Canada) accreditation in that year. The school opened its Bassac Garden campus in 2012 and a second Koh Pich campus in 2015, then expanded the Koh Pich site in 2018 with additional theatre, sports and middle/high school facilities. In the late 2010s and early 2020s CIS added bilingual programs and, later, IB authorizations and specialist programmes such as an Artist in Residence. Through the 2020s the school continued phased facility and programme development, including sports academies, new studios, environmental initiatives, and external accreditation visits.	History HOPE International School was established in 2002 in Phnom Penh to meet the educational needs of missionary and Christian worker families in Cambodia. The school's stated mission is to support world missions by providing Christ-centered educational services and a core international curriculum from preschool through high school. HOPE is governed by a voluntary board made up of one representative from each member mission organization, together with parent- and staff-appointed representatives; the Head of School and Board Secretary serve ex officio. The school presents itself as a non-profit, mission-focused community with operations and policies shaped around its statement of faith.
Community	Community The school describes an active community made up of students, parents, staff and alumni, and emphasises parent–school partnership through curriculum nights, meet‑the‑teacher events, parent‑teacher conferences and learning celebrations. Regular community events include cultural celebrations, sports tournaments, fine‑arts showcases, assemblies and organised family days. CIS also partners with local recreational venues (for example, the CIS Roller Dome and Ice Dome Cambodia), runs camps during school breaks, and notes participation in events such as the Angkor Wat Marathon as shared community activities.	Community The school describes an international, faith-based community that participates in regular extracurricular and cultural activities, including a broad clubs program and a visible athletics program known as the HOPE Koupreys. Community-facing programming for parents (Parent University) offers talks and recorded sessions on topics such as digital citizenship and family wellbeing. Parents and volunteers support campus life through roles like classroom helpers, library support, coaching and other regular volunteer positions; the school also publishes a live calendar and parent handbook to coordinate events and services.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association CIS's parent body is organised through a School Council: all parents are automatically members and are invited to attend regular meetings. Meetings are described as beginning with breakfast, followed by discussion of items important to families and a concluding workshop; they are conducted in English with interpretation into Khmer and Mandarin. A parent‑led School Council Executive coordinates meetings, gathers parent feedback, and raises matters with the Head of School. The website states the School Council typically meets every second month and serves both to inform parents about school initiatives and to provide a formal route for raising concerns or suggestions. School communications (weekly principal emails, Seesaw for younger years, Google Classroom for older students and the iSAMS portal) are used alongside Council meetings to organise sessions, share information and invite parents to workshops and events.	Parent teacher association HOPE's parent body is represented formally through a Parent Council, which has an elected representative on the school's governing board. The school encourages parent volunteering in specific areas—substitute teaching, coaching, library support and classroom assistance—and provides a Volunteer page with signup information. Parent-focused programming is delivered through the Parent University series, with recorded audio sessions and invited speakers on practical topics for families. The school also shares practical parent resources (a Parent Essentials handout and Parent Handbook) and a live school calendar to coordinate community events and ticketed occasions such as secondary social events (for example, High School Formal and Middle School “fUNformal” are referenced in the school's homeschool-services information). The Parent Council therefore functions as a liaison between families and school leadership, helping to coordinate volunteers and communicate parent needs to the administration and board.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school is an IB World School delivering the IB Diploma Programme. It serves Nursery through Grade 12 and offers four educational programs: Early Years (Nursery–Junior Kindergarten), Elementary (Senior Kindergarten to Grade 6), Middle School (Grades 7–9), and High School (Grades 10–12). In the 2025–2026 school year, Elementary comprises Senior Kindergarten to Grade 6, and Middle School begins in Grade 7. The school operates from two centrally located campuses in Phnom Penh.	Academic & intellectual HOPE follows an international core curriculum delivered in English. In Grades 9–10, students study the IGCSE, and in Grades 11–12 they may pursue the IB Diploma or the HOPE Diploma. External IGCSE and IB assessments validate learning and are transferable to universities worldwide. English is the language of instruction with English language support through ELL, and additional language options include French, Khmer, and Korean.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Performances, exhibitions, and specialist art classes are part of the arts program. The school fosters creativity and builds skills in music, drama, and visual art. Students have opportunities to participate in arts across the campuses.	Arts & creative HOPE has dedicated visual art studios and assembly/performance spaces on campus, supporting arts instruction and student creative expression. These facilities enable participation in art-related projects and on-campus performances.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Language learning is a specialization within the Global Citizenship program, emphasizing multilingual skills. The school promotes cultural understanding through global programs and opportunities like Experience Week, which includes off-campus and community engagement. Students participate in clubs that explore culture and global issues, such as Model United Nations.	Cultural & language English is the language of instruction with a language program that includes French, Khmer, and Korean. ELL support is available to help students achieve English proficiency as needed.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies From the After-School Activities Program, CIS offers a wide range of clubs and activities. The school has over 50 developmental and competitive sports teams. The Soccer Academy is open to students in Grades 6–12 as a high-performance sports program.	Social & hobbies Secondary students participate in after-school activities and sports; the campus supports volleyball, basketball, and football competitions against other international schools. The campus provides spaces for student engagement in sports and other after-school activities.
Community & service	Community & service Service learning is integrated into the IB Diploma Programme as part of CAS. Experience Week offers off-campus adventures that connect students with local communities, and students engage in local service projects. Service learning aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and is implemented through student clubs, projects, and a CAS framework.	Community & service Vision in Action (VIA) provides service-learning hours and is integrated with the curriculum as part of mission-driven education and community engagement. VIA activities connect students with global missions and community service opportunities.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student councils and student ambassadors provide leadership opportunities. The school hosts student-led events such as Model United Nations and robotics clubs, offering teamwork and leadership experiences. Students develop professional skills through clubs and project leadership within the After-School Activities Program.	Leadership & professional IB Diploma includes Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), and Extended Essay (EE). The school emphasizes leadership development and service through VIA and mission-focused programs.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Soccer Academy is a high-performance program for Grades 6–12. Health services are provided on each campus, and all campuses are nut-free zones. The school offers a lunch program and a bus/buggy service to support daily logistics.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The curriculum includes P.E. and Health and Wellbeing as part of high school offerings. The campus includes two full-sized basketball courts and a soccer field, along with a library and other spaces that support physical activity and well-being.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Khmer, French, and Mandarin are taught. Senior Kindergarten to Grade 9 students take language classes in Khmer, Mandarin, or French, with language study optional from Grade 10 onward. English as an Additional Language support is available for non-native English speakers. Khmer language and culture is offered as a credit-bearing course for Grades 10–12 under Alberta's system, enabling up to 15 credits toward an Alberta High School Diploma.	Language provision The school teaches in English; English is the language of instruction, and students are expected to communicate in English at all times. Khmer and Korean are offered as language subjects; Khmer or Korean is available as a primary language option and languages are taught as specialist subjects in Middle School. French is offered as an IGCSE option in Grades 9–10. English Language Learners are supported with a policy allowing a maximum of 25% ELL students in a class, and students are expected to speak English in class and on the playground.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching French Bilingual Program and Mandarin Bilingual Program are available for Senior Kindergarten through Grade 6. Students study the Alberta (Canadian) curriculum in the bilingual language for about 35% of the school day. Language assessments are required for Grades 2–6 admissions, and spaces are limited. The bilingual programs are included in tuition.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Below are recognitions or awards recorded on the school's website that were received by the school (not by individual students) within the past five years (2021–2025), with a one-line explanation each. These are limited to items explicitly shown on the school's public site. - Council of International Schools accreditation (2024) — the school's site records that CIS received evaluators from the Council of International Schools for a preparatory evaluation visit and was granted accreditation; this is an external accreditation awarded to the school after a standards review. - CIS Goes Green / Eco-Schools Programme participation (2024) — the site states CIS joined the Eco‑Schools Programme and launched the CIS Goes Green initiative; this represents recognition of the school's engagement in an established international sustainability programme. - Top accreditation ranking among Alberta-accredited international schools (2025) — the school's timeline states CIS achieved the top accreditation ranking (listed on the site as Tier 1 in 2025) among Alberta‑accredited international schools; this is a ranking/recognition awarded to the school and reported on the school website. If you'd like, I can (a) extract the exact site page links and relevant passages for each item, (b) prepare a short PDF with the cited screenshots from the school site, or (c) check whether external bodies (for example the IB or Alberta Education) show the same accreditation dates for independent confirmation.	Awards • ACSC Division II Tri-Sport Tournament — Boys' team first-place (2023). The school's sports site reports that HOPE's boys' team finished first at the Asia Christian Schools Conference (ACSC) Division II tri-sport tournament in 2023; that entry is presented as a school/team achievement on HOPE's website.
Accreditations	Accreditations - Alberta Ministry of Education (Alberta Education) accreditation — The school is accredited by the Ministry of Education of the province of Alberta, Canada; this means CIS is authorized to deliver the Alberta curriculum and issue Alberta-recognized high school credentials. - Approval to operate from the Kingdom of Cambodia (Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport) — the school received official approval to operate in Cambodia, which is a legal requirement for schools working in the country. - International Baccalaureate (IB) World School authorizations — CIS is an authorized IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme (authorization in 2021) and the IB Primary Years Programme (authorization noted on the school site in 2025); IB authorization means the school meets the IB Organization's standards and is permitted to deliver those IB programmes. - Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation/membership — the school's site records that evaluators from the Council of International Schools visited and that CIS was granted accreditation; CIS accreditation is an external, multi‑year review against international standards for school quality, safeguarding, and governance. - LabelFrancÉducation seal (French Ministry of Foreign Affairs) — CIS's French Bilingual Program received the LabelFrancÉducation distinction (the school's site identifies CIS as the first school in Cambodia to receive this seal); the label recognizes schools that provide enhanced French-language instruction and integrate other subjects in French. - Eco-Schools Programme participation (CIS Goes Green) — the school's site states CIS joined the Eco‑Schools Programme; Eco‑Schools participation is an international environmental education and management programme that schools join to plan and implement sustainability action. Notes: the items above are taken from the school's public pages and the school's listed affiliations; the site also lists other affiliations (for example AAIS/Alberta Accredited International Schools and WIDA membership) that relate to curriculum oversight, quality assurance, and English‑language learning networks.	Accreditations • International Baccalaureate (IB) — HOPE is authorised as an IB World School and offers the two-year IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12. The IB Diploma is an internationally recognised pre-university curriculum and assessment system used by universities worldwide; this programme and the IB logo are shown on HOPE's curriculum/about pages. • Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge / IGCSE) — HOPE offers externally examined IGCSE courses (Grades 9–10) administered by Cambridge Assessment International Education; the school displays the Cambridge/IGCSE logo and describes the IGCSE pathway as preparation for the IB. This indicates Cambridge international programme affiliation for the IGCSE years. Note: these accreditations/logos are presented on the school's public site (About / Curriculum / International Accreditations sections).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Complete the online application: Start by creating and submitting an application through CIS's online platform (gibbon.cisp.edu.kh). Parents should save progress if they cannot upload everything at once; the school says you can return later and the Admissions Team will contact you after submission to confirm receipt and next steps. Be prepared to provide accurate birth and passport details because these determine grade placement and residency checks. 2. Pay the application fee: The application fee must be paid (in person or by bank transfer) before CIS will consider the application or schedule an assessment. The site states the fee is non-refundable — plan for that cost when you apply and keep payment confirmation to avoid delays. If the fee is not paid, the school will not proceed to the assessment or interview stage. 3. Submit required supporting documents: CIS lists documents required for all applicants (recent school reports, completed online recommendation forms, standardized test results if available, passport ID pages for student and parents, birth certificate or family book, vaccination records, signed CIS Parent Agreement, and a signed student health questionnaire). Additional, grade-specific recommendations or extra report cards are required for different year levels (for example, Grades 10–12 require three years of report cards plus multiple teacher recommendations). Parents should collect original or certified copies and be ready to upload them to the online platform; recommendations are submitted online by the referees. 4. Assessment, interview and English requirement: After documents are reviewed, CIS may request an interview and/or academic assessments (these can be online or in person). Students from Senior Kindergarten through Grade 12 may need an English-language proficiency assessment; Grade 10–12 applicants must show grade-level English proficiency (via prior records from an accredited English-instruction school or an assessment). If your child will require EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, note that CIS provides EAL for Grades 1–9 but enrolment in the EAL program carries additional fees. 5. Offer, deposit and fee arrangements to confirm enrolment: If CIS offers a place, parents must accept the offer and pay the required deposits to confirm enrolment — the school specifically states deposits and the ability to meet school fee requirements are conditions of enrolment. CIS publishes a 2025–2026 Fee Guide and offers multiple payment plans (annual, semesterly, quarterly); the school also runs specific discounts and referral/voucher programs (for example, an early-enrolment discount, sibling discounts, and referral vouchers). Before accepting an offer, review the fee guide and confirm which payment plan and any applicable discounts you will use. 6. Placement, first day and orientation: Grade placement is determined by year of birth for Nursery–Grade 6 and by a combination of birth year and prior education for Grades 7–12; parents are expected to accept the school's placement decision. CIS accepts applications on a rolling basis and the Admissions Team can schedule personalized campus visits; they also provide information to prepare families for the student's first day and run a New Family Orientation.	Admissions 1. Initial enquiry and visit: Contact the Admissions office by phone, Telegram, or email to request information and arrange a school visit; the site lists phone numbers and the campus address for in-person visits. A visit is recommended so parents can see facilities, ask about grade-level placement, and confirm program fit before applying. Scheduling a visit also helps clarify fee expectations and the documents you will need to prepare. 2. Complete the online application and pay the application fee: Begin by filling out the school's online application form and submitting the required documents. A non‑refundable application fee of US$100 per student is due on submission and may be paid in cash or by bank transfer. Keep a copy of your payment receipt and the submitted application confirmation for your records. 3. Provide school records and (if applicable) missionary verification: Submit academic records for the past two school years (report cards preferred); if records are not in English, provide translated and authenticated copies. If you are applying as a missionary or full‑time Christian worker, include a verification letter from your organization with contact details and job information. These documents are used to assess historical placement and to advise on an appropriate grade level. 4. Placement testing (and ELL assessment if required): After the Admissions team reviews your application and documents, they will schedule placement testing—typically English and mathematics. Students who are English Language Learners will take an ELL assessment that covers writing, speaking, listening, and reading so staff can determine appropriate language support. Test results are considered together with records and recommendations when deciding grade placement. 5. Interview and admissions decision: The school may arrange an interview with a principal after reviewing application materials and test results. You will be notified of the admissions decision following the interview and review. If accepted, you have one month to confirm enrollment by paying the required fee and specifying a start date; if the student does not start within two months the offered placement may be withdrawn. 6. Enrollment formalities and orientation: Once tuition and required fees are paid, the school will complete the enrollment process and provide onboarding information for parents and students. New families are invited to attend an orientation session to learn school procedures, schedules, and expectations. Make sure you confirm payment deadlines and required documents (e.g., vaccinations, emergency contact details) before the first day. 7. Fees and follow-up details: HOPE publishes a dedicated Tuition & Other Fees document for the 2025–2026 school year and a separate Additional Fees document; these outline grade‑level tuition, payment methods, and any ancillary charges. The Admissions office can confirm current rates, available discount eligibility, and payment schedules—contact them if you need the specific fee table or a breakdown for your child's grade.
Scholarships	Scholarships The CIS Phnom Penh admissions and fees pages do not describe a scholarship program for incoming students; the school's published fee information focuses on payment plans, an early-enrolment discount, sibling discounts, referral vouchers, and a forthcoming loyalty discount. CIS's community page also notes partner discounts (for example, a Canadia Bank junior account offers a tuition discount). Because other schools in the wider ‘CIS' network (for example, CIS branches in Vietnam) do run named scholarship or talent programs, be careful not to assume those apply to the Phnom Penh campus. If you want a definitive answer about scholarships, hardship assistance, or merit-based awards for the Phnom Penh campus, request that information directly from admissions@cisp.edu.kh — they can confirm whether any scholarships or internal assistance programs exist and explain eligibility, application windows, and documentation required.	Scholarships HOPE does not currently offer scholarships to prospective (incoming) students, according to the school's Frequently Asked Questions. However, the school states that enrolled families may be eligible for a limited scholarship program that provides temporary financial assistance in unforeseen circumstances, and that some discounts may be available for eligible applicants. For details about eligibility criteria, application procedures, and caps or durations of any assistance, contact the Admissions office directly; the school's fee documents for 2025–2026 and Admissions staff will clarify what temporary aid or discounts might be offered.
Waitlist	Waitlist CIS does not publish a detailed public waitlist policy on its website; the General Requirements page instructs prospective families to contact the Admissions Team for information about waiting lists. That wording implies a waiting-list or vacancy-management process exists but that specific places and prioritization rules are handled case-by-case by Admissions. If you need to know whether your child will be placed on a waitlist, the likely next vacancy date, or how long wait times are, contact admissions@cisp.edu.kh — they are the official source for current waitlist status and any documentary steps required to remain on a list.	Waitlist HOPE operates a waiting list system: if there is no immediate placement available after the admissions review, your child will be placed on a waiting list in accordance with the school's Admissions Policy. The published admissions information notes that offers must be confirmed within one month and that failure to begin within two months can result in loss of the offered placement; this timing also affects how long an offer is held before being released to another family. Parents should contact Admissions for their child's current position on the list and for guidance about likely wait times or alternative start dates—waiting‑list handling follows the formal Admissions Policy referenced on the school site.
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