CIA First International School vs Home of English International School

	C CIA First International School Phnom Penh, Cambodia	H Home of English International School Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KHR 13,400,000 - 30,240,000	Fees / year KHR 18,967,700 - 19,997,548
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 5,000	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French, Mandarin	Instruction language English, Khmer
Opened	Opened 2004	Opened 1997
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location CIA FIRST is based in Phnom Penh with campuses in Sen Sok and Chbar Ampov and a Russey Keo campus listed on the school site; the main administrative address is No. 107, Street 2004 (Tek Thla) in Sen Sok. The campus pages give local orientation (e.g., Sen Sok campus is in front of Orkide; Russey Keo is on Street 330 near the Ministry of Land Management).	Location Head office and main playschool are in Boeung Keng Kang 3 (Street 360) in central Phnom Penh; the school also lists a Toul Kork branch (Street 1928) and a Prek Eng campus on National Road 1. Addresses and phone numbers for each campus are on the school's contact page.
Stages	Stages CIA FIRST operates programs from Pre‑K/Preschool through Grade 12. Individual campuses serve different ranges (for example: Sen Sok K3–G8, Sen Sok High School G9–G12, Chbar Ampov PreK–G12 and a Preschool site).	Stages Provision from playschool and kindergarten up through an International Program covering Grades 1–12; the site also lists a separate Khmer program and other children's programs.
School type	School type CIA FIRST is a co‑educational, day international school (no boarding provision is listed on the school website). It operates multiple purpose‑built day campuses across Phnom Penh.	School type Home of English presents itself as a private international day school (no boarding facilities are listed on the site). The school's material emphasises services for both expatriate and Khmer students.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school has a Student Support Services department that includes counselors, SEL coaches, Multilingual Learner (MLL) specialists, literacy specialists and learning‑to‑learn specialists; support is provided through a Multi‑Tiered System of Support with push‑in and pull‑out models and individualized learning plans. MLL support is offered for Grades 1–10 and interventions are guided by WIDA standards.	Additional learning support The school website does not publish detailed information about Additional Learning Needs / special educational needs provision or specific learning‑support services. Parents with children who need extra support are advised to contact the school's admissions office directly for current details and any available assessments or support plans.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is based in Cambodia and is accredited by Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS); it also holds WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation, which is a U.S. regional accreditor. It does not present a single overseas national affiliation.	Country affiliation The school is located in Cambodia and does not state an affiliation to a particular national government; its International Program uses American‑style curricula (Calvert in lower grades and Keystone for high school).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school website does not list a religious affiliation and presents itself as an inclusive, secular international school community (see the school's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion statement).	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated on the school website.
School day structure	School day structure Daily hours vary by campus and program. Typical start times are 7:30–8:00 AM; full‑day kindergarten and preschool run roughly 8:00 AM to 3:30–4:00 PM, international programs commonly finish around 4:00–4:15 PM, and students in the Full‑Time Khmer (FTK) option have additional Khmer‑curriculum classes running until about 5:15 PM (FTK schedules and exact times differ by campus).	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates its own door‑to‑door bus fleet across Phnom Penh with zoned fees (0–3 km, 3.1–6 km, 6.1–10 km) and an onboard assistant for supervision; buses are described as having seat belts, air conditioning and in‑bus CCTV and each vehicle has a stated maximum capacity (the site describes an 8‑student maximum per bus). Parents register per campus and contact details for bus registration are listed on the school bus page.	Bus service details The school's public pages do not describe a school bus or transport service. Because Home of English operates multiple campuses across Phnom Penh (BKK3, Toul Kork and Prek Eng), families often arrange private transport or enquire directly with the school about any route options; please contact the admissions team for up‑to‑date transport arrangements, route availability and costs.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Enrollment fees - Entrance test fee (one-time, required for new students K3–G12): USD 40. - Registration fee (one-time, required for new students): USD 850. - Re-enrollment (returning students)—early discounted re-registration and full re-registration amounts are published for the 2025–2026 cycle (early/discounted and full deadlines and late-payment penalty apply). Tuition fees (annual amounts by year group; per-term breakdown available in the school's published fee schedule) - Early years / Kindergarten (K3–K5): USD 3,950 to USD 5,950 per year (range by program/age). - Grade 1–Grade 5: USD 6,600 per year. - Grade 6–Grade 8: USD 7,550 per year. - Grade 9–Grade 12: high‑school program information (including diploma options) and associated fees are published for the high‑school age range; full grade-by-grade annual figures are included in the official School Fees document for AY 2025–2026. - Note: the school's formal AY 2025–2026 fee schedule contains the detailed per-term and per-item breakdown (tuition per term, capital/technology/resource fees, learning-materials, etc.). Annual totals for each grade are also reproduced by independent school-fee databases. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school asks that outstanding dues be paid by the 7th of each month; monthly contactless payment methods are promoted. Installment plans and term payment options are detailed in the published fee schedule. Remarks (student ID or full student name) are required on bank transfers. - Re-enrollment deadlines: early discounted re-registration payment deadline and a final re-registration deadline are published (late payment carries a daily penalty as noted in the re-enrollment notice). Boarding - No boarding / residential program is published for CIA FIRST campuses; the school operates multiple day campuses and lists school‑bus and day‑services rather than boarding. Other costs and optional services - School bus: door‑to‑door service with multiple distance zones; route options and fees are charged separately (fee breakdown and route poster are published by campus). Contact numbers for bus enquiries are provided per campus. - Uniforms and school merchandise: uniforms are required and may be purchased at the school Accountant Counter; costs vary by uniform set/level. - Miscellaneous: the school's published schedule lists technology & resource fees, capital/learning‑materials fees, and other one‑off or annual charges in addition to tuition and registration. - Sibling discount: a published sibling discount structure is reported (example: 5% for second child; additional child discounts are published in the school fee materials). Refund information - The school's public pages and re-enrollment notice set out re-registration deadlines and late‑payment penalties; a detailed refund schedule (withdrawal/refund percentages, refundable vs non‑refundable items) is not published on the general school pages. The official AY 2025–2026 fee schedule contains the full terms and conditions, including any refund/withdrawal terms. Fee payment options - ABA Mobile App and ABA bank transfer to the school's ABA account (Account Name: CIA FIRST International School Co., Ltd; Account Number: 089900012) with the requirement to remark Student ID or full student name. In-person payments at campus accountant counters are used for merchandise/uniform purchases. Additional contactless/payment methods are promoted by the school.	Fee details Application / Registration Fees - One-time registration (application) fee: KHR 1,002,500. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term equivalent) - Grades 1–4: Annual tuition total shown: KHR 18,907,150. If divided into three equal terms (simple arithmetic division), per term = KHR 6,302,383. - Grades 5–8: Annual tuition total shown: KHR 19,933,711. Per-term (three-way split) = KHR 6,644,570. - Grades 9–12: Annual tuition total shown: KHR 19,873,561. Per-term (three-way split) = KHR 6,624,520. - Typical first-year additional costs (one-off material/administration): Material cost KHR 902,250; total first-year package example for Grade 1 shown as KHR 19,909,651 (registration + material + annual tuition). Billing schedule and payment terms - A detailed billing schedule (term dates, standard instalment deadlines, or published multi‑term billing structure) is not available on the publicly listed tuition pages. The annual figures above are the published fee amounts; per-term values shown above are simple divisions of the annual total and used only as per‑term examples where a school bills in equal instalments. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed as a service for Home of English campuses (the school operates multiple day campuses). No boarding fee schedule is published. Other costs (uniform, lunches, materials, activities) - A separate material charge is published (see Material Cost above). Specific published line items for uniform, transport, optional activities, or after‑school clubs are not available on the public fee pages. Parents should note that some schools charge additional optional fees (transport, lunch plans, uniforms, exam fees) which are not itemised in the public fee summary. Refunds and withdrawal - A public, detailed refund or withdrawal policy specific to the published tuition pages was not located on the public fee pages reviewed. No standard refund schedule is published alongside the fee summary. Fee payment options - Payment methods (bank transfer, credit card, cash, or cheque) are not detailed on the public fee pages. The school lists contact details for admissions and campus offices for payment enquiries. Summary of sources and coverage: Published annual tuition, registration and material amounts are available in the school fee summary used above. Several common items (detailed billing timetable, published per‑term invoices, uniform costs, explicit payment methods, a formal refund schedule, and boarding fees) are not itemised on the publicly available fee summary pages reviewed.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement All students must wear school uniforms during the academic day and when representing the school at events. Sports uniforms must be worn for well-being and sports activities. Uniforms can be purchased at the Accountant Counter located at all school campuses. [turn1view0]	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The CIA FIRST Canteen serves Khmer, Chinese, Thai, European, and American cuisines; healthy meal plans are available; energy drinks and pre-packaged snacks are prohibited on school premises. HACCP certification applies to all CIA FIRST canteen campuses. Meal plans are available. [turn2view0]	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Founded in 2004 by His Excellency Oknha Dr. Trang Ly and Mr. Him Samath Sprung; CIA FIRST is governed by a Board of Directors with Michael Wilde as Chief Executive Officer. The school offers an English-speaking international curriculum with additional programs in French and Mandarin Chinese. CIA FIRST operates three campuses in Phnom Penh, with a fourth campus under construction, serving 5,500+ students with 1,100+ personnel and described as the largest dual International and Khmer curricula group of schools in Cambodia. [turn8view0; turn0view0]	Governance and ownership Independent private international school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Established in 1997 by Steve Billington. Operates four campuses: two in Boeung Keng Kang 3, plus the Sen Sok Branch and the Prek Eng Branch.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details CIA FIRST offers WASC‑accredited, standards‑based international education alongside Khmer‑accredited pathways from Pre‑K/preschool through Grade 12. The preschool/Early Years programme follows the Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood and uses a play‑based, hands‑on approach to social–emotional, language, physical, creative and cognitive development. The Elementary curriculum is UbD‑aligned and, together with Middle School (Grade 6–8), delivers a student‑centred, inquiry‑based STEAM and humanities programme that draws on Common Core, AERO and NGSS standards and includes English, mathematics, science, social studies, computer science, arts, music and physical education. High School (Grade 9–12) is WASC‑accredited, issues an international high‑school diploma recognised as equivalent to the national Grade‑12 diploma, and offers Advanced Placement courses (the school lists 22 AP subjects and the AP Capstone pathway). Families can choose Full‑Time International (FTI), Full‑Time Khmer (FTK — MoEYS‑accredited Khmer national curriculum offered as afternoon electives), or FTI+FTC (adds daily Khmer language and culture classes) to combine international standards with Khmer language and national recognition.	Curriculum details Home of English operates multiple streams—playschool & kindergarten, a Children's Program, an International Program (Grades 1–12) and a Khmer stream—plus a range of electives. The playschool and kindergarten curriculum is play‑based and skills‑focused, incorporating art, music, movement, sensory play, learning centers and a children's library to build early literacy and social‑emotional skills. The Children's Program (age six and up) follows an American‑style curriculum with full and half‑day options and explicit instruction in reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, social studies, computer studies and oral conversation; class sizes are limited for individual attention. For Grades 1–8 the school uses Calvert and American textbooks to deliver an accredited international curriculum, and Grades 9–12 follow the Keystone National High School program—students receive an American High School Diploma on graduation. The Khmer Program runs K–12 on a Ministry‑approved syllabus preparing students for the Grade 12 national exam (the site reports a high pass rate), and electives include physical education, music, art and a beginner Chinese course.
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 CIA FIRST publishes a Student Leadership programme that includes a Student Learners' Voice and an elected Student Council through which class representatives and student leaders raise concerns and run initiatives. The school also lists a Student Support Services team and a named Director of Student Support Services, indicating an institutional point of contact for student wellbeing. The school's curriculum materials note classroom work that addresses themes such as mental health and life skills within Humanities and English courses, which can support social and emotional learning in class. The website does not, however, publish a separately named, detailed SEL programme or a full description of specific SEL staff roles beyond the Student Support Services function.	Social & emotional learning The school's Playschool & Kindergarten page states that the curriculum “includes social-emotional practices” as part of classroom activities. The Children's Program also lists “character education” and the six C's (including collaboration and communication), which the website presents as part of students' personal and social development. The site describes an English-immersion environment where beginners learn through interaction with teachers and peers, which the school frames as supporting social skills and peer learning. The website does not, however, describe a named SEL curriculum, dedicated SEL team, or specific pastoral staff roles on its public pages.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) CIA FIRST's public site lists a Student Support Services team and a Director of Student Support Services, which suggests an organisational structure for supporting diverse learner needs. The About Us page also says the Student Support Services team receives ongoing training, implying the school invests in developing that provision. The website does not provide a list of specific categories of Special Educational Needs it can support, nor does it state that the school is a specialist SEN institution. If you need details on particular diagnoses, therapy access, or specialist placements, the school does not publicly disclose that information on its site.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) support on its website. For general contact details for enquiries the site provides phone numbers and email addresses for its head office and branches.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language CIA FIRST operates a Full‑Time International (English‑language) programme and describes itself as an English‑speaking international school, which establishes English as the primary instructional language. However, the school website does not publish a dedicated EAL/ESL programme description, named EAL staff roles, or explicit EAL entry/exit procedures. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL.	English as an additional language The website describes an English-immersion environment and explicitly notes that beginners learn from teachers and peers in classroom settings. The International Program page also notes the school serves expatriate and advanced Khmer students using Calvert and Keystone materials, indicating an international/English-medium curriculum for a mixed student body. The site does not, however, describe a separate or named EAL programme, dedicated EAL staff, or pull-out EAL support on its public pages.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing CIA FIRST's curriculum pages show that topics such as mental health and wellbeing are addressed within classroom units in Humanities and English at middle and high school levels, indicating curricular coverage of related issues. The school also lists a Student Support Services team and a Director of Student Support Services as a resource for students. The About Us material highlights annual child safety training and ongoing training for the Student Support Services team, which supports a safeguarding and welfare framework. The website does not, however, publish detailed descriptions of dedicated counselling staff, specific mental‑health programmes, or how external mental‑health referrals are handled.	Mental wellbeing The About page states the school aims to create a “mindful student body” and to provide a safe and nurturing environment. The Playschool & Kindergarten page also describes support for the child and family by offering a “safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.” The website does not publicly describe specific mental-health programmes, school counsellors, or named wellbeing staff on its pages.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding CIA FIRST's About Us page states that student safety is a top priority and that the school is a member of the Phnom Penh International Schools Safeguarding Association; it also says the school works with Child Safe and the Child Protection Unit and provides annual child safety training for all staff. The school's recruitment information notes strict child protection policies and background checks for applicants, which the school presents as part of its safeguarding procedures. The website also says the Student Support Services team and School Heads receive ongoing training in child safety, indicating organisational responsibility for child protection. If you need the full safeguarding policy text or named safeguarding officers, those documents or names are not posted in detail on the public site and would need to be requested from the school directly.	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection policies on its website. For enquiries the website lists contact details for its head office and branches.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview CIA FIRST operates four modern, purpose-built campuses across Sen Sok and Chbar Ampov, with a Russey Keo campus opening soon. The campuses serve Pre-K through Grade 12, including CIA FIRST Sen Sok (K3–G8), CIA FIRST Sen Sok High School (G9–G12), CIA FIRST Chbar Ampov (PreK–G12), CIA FIRST Russey Keo (K3–G8), and CIA FIRST Preschool. The spaces are designed to inspire learning and social change through purpose-built classrooms and facilities. A playground opened at the Chbar Ampov campus on October 22, 2025 to support outdoor learning and holistic development. The school maintains a library across campuses and operates a modern bus service with door-to-door pickup and safety features, including a fleet with features like seatbelts and air-conditioning.	Facilities overview Home of English International School operates four campuses in Phnom Penh: two in Boeng Keng Kang 3 (Head Office and Playschool & Kindergarten), the Sen Sok Branch, and the Prek Eng Branch. The Head Office campus features outdoor playgrounds and computer labs. The Playschool & Kindergarten campus supports early-years learning as part of the school's network. The four campuses collectively accommodate programs for early years through secondary levels.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Football is offered as an extracurricular activity. An outdoor play space supports physical activities, with a new playground opened at the Chbar Ampov campus in October 2025 to enhance active learning and recreation.	Sports facilities Outdoor playgrounds at the Head Office campus support outdoor activities. The facilities gallery shows playground spaces across the Head Office site.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and MoEYS. The Full Time International (FTI) program includes AP courses for college credit. Khmer tracks include Full Time Khmer (FTK) and Full Time Khmer Language and Culture (FTC). A library catalog (CIA FIRST Library Catalog) is available across campuses. Preschool is offered at a dedicated campus. The curriculum supports both international standards and Khmer language programs.	Academic facilities The school operates four Phnom Penh campuses: Head Office and Playschool & Kindergarten in Boeng Keng Kang 3, plus the Sen Sok Branch and the Prek Eng Branch. Head Office includes computer labs. Programs available include Playschool & Kindergarten, Children's Program, International Program, Khmer Program, and Electives. English is the language of instruction across the programs.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular Activities include Dancing Class, Ballet, Football, Arts and Crafts, Yoga & Dance, Drawing Class, and Chinese Language. There is a Kindergarten ECA Hub, with activities organized for different grade levels. Sign-ups are handled through front desk teams at each campus (e.g., Sen Sok and Chbar Ampov).	Extra curricular facilities Electives are offered as part of the program options. The program structure supports activities beyond core academics.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History CIA FIRST International School was founded in 2004, opening with 17 students and expanding steadily since then. The school now operates multiple purpose-built campuses in Phnom Penh and serves a community of several thousand learners. It was established by His Excellency Oknha Dr. Trang Ly and Mr. Him Samath Sprung and is governed by a Board of Directors with an appointed CEO. The school's international programmes hold external recognition, including WASC accreditation and recognition from Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.	History Home of English International was established in 1997 by Steve Billington as a private international school in Phnom Penh. The school operates multiple campuses (two in Boeng Keng Kang 3 plus branches in Sen Sok and Prek Eng) to serve different parts of the city. Its stated motto is “a place where people care,” and the school notes ongoing donations and engagement with charities and orphanages in Cambodia. Ownership is private and the school emphasizes affordable, community-focused education.
Community	Community CIA FIRST describes a diverse student body drawn from more than 20 countries and a range of language backgrounds. The school's community channels (news, galleries and press releases) document regular campus events such as annual high‑school graduation ceremonies, sports and academic competitions, and charity/CSR activities — for example the school's graduation ceremony on June 27, 2025. The website also publishes updates on student achievements and community initiatives throughout the year.	Community The school describes itself as a diverse, nurturing community focused on academic, social and personal development and on “building a community” that welcomes families and staff. The website highlights charitable outreach and community-minded activities as part of student development. The site also maintains a calendar and events section for the school, though individual event listings and recent community-program details are not prominent on the public pages.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association CIA FIRST maintains Parent Executive Committees (parent associations) at campus and year‑group levels to strengthen communication between families and school leadership. The Chbar Ampov Parent Executive Committee page lists named parent executives for Kindergarten, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School and High School, indicating committees are organised by school level. The committees are described as collaborating with the school to facilitate communication, support school initiatives, and ensure parents are engaged in their children's education. In practice, the school and parent groups work together on parent-facing activities and information support — for example the school ran Classe365 login support booths for parents during the 2025 transition to a new information system. Parents can view contact points and brief profiles ("Hear from...") for their Parent Executives on the Parent Executive Committee pages.	Parent teacher association The Home of English website does not publish a dedicated Parent Teacher Association (PTA) page or detailed PTA roster, meeting minutes, or event listings. An alumni page is marked “under construction,” and the public site focuses on programs, campuses and a calendar rather than explicit parent‑governance structures. Because specific PTA information isn't available on the site, parents typically contact the school directly to learn about parent committees, volunteer opportunities, fundraising drives, classroom support, or event coordination; if you need contact details or recent PTA activity, the school's Contact page or main office would be the best next step. (Note: the statements above about the absence of published PTA information and the recommendation to contact the school are based on the content and structure visible on the school website.)
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual CIA FIRST offers three program pathways: Full Time International (FTI), Full Time Khmer (FTK), and Full Time Khmer Language and Culture (FTC). The FTI program is a WASC-accredited, standards-based curriculum blending Common Core, AERO, and NGSS, with AP courses for college credit. FTK allows students to complete the international curriculum while earning Khmer education, delivered as afternoon electives from 2:00 to 5:15 pm after completing required FTI subjects. FTC adds Khmer Language and Culture courses (one hour daily) to the FTI program, enabling Khmer language development while continuing AP coursework and extracurriculars.	Academic & intellectual The International Program combines the Calvert Program in the early grades with Keystone National High School in grades 9–12. It uses American textbooks and accredited courses, and graduation yields an American High School Diploma issued by Keystone. Keystone credits are accepted at more than 140 colleges and universities. The elementary and middle school curriculum covers reading, writing, math, science, geography, world history, art, and health, with a focus on developing critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Extracurricular Activities include Dancing Class, Ballet, Arts and Crafts, and Drawing Class. The program also includes Football and Yoga & Dance as movement-centered activities. ECAs extend learning beyond the classroom and support creative expression and collaboration.	Arts & creative The Music program provides foundational skills, including instrument technique and music notation, and involves group performances to build listening and collaboration. The Art program supports visual arts across grade levels, fostering creativity and technical proficiency. The Arts Corner and related resources supply a wide range of materials to support creative expression.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Chinese Language is offered as an extracurricular option. The FTC program includes Khmer Language and Culture courses (one hour daily) as part of the international curriculum, along with AP coursework. The FTK and FTC programs support bilingual learning by combining international standards with Khmer language and cultural education.	Cultural & language Khmer Program uses a curriculum approved by the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, with about 95% of students passing the Grade 12 National Exam each year. Home of Khmer began in 2003 and offers Khmer education from Kindergarten through Grade 12 across branches. The school also offers a Beginner Chinese Program that teaches fundamentals of Chinese, including pinyin, tones, pronunciation, and basic character writing, exposing students to language and culture. The Children's Program provides an immersion-English environment, and the English Curriculum includes reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, social studies, computer studies, and conversation.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies ECAs provide opportunities to explore interests beyond academics, including arts, language, sports, and dance. Activities emphasize teamwork and problem-solving, and aim to balance growth with academics. Participation in ECAs supports social development and peer connections.	Social & hobbies Physical Education is part of the weekly class rotation, with instruction, intramural games, and interscholastic competition to build teamwork and sportsmanship. Extracurricular activities include sports, music, drama, and community service opportunities as part of the Keystone program.
Community & service	Community & service The school features charity and CSR activities as part of its community program. Student leadership initiatives include charity events such as a Food Stall for Charity on Family Day, Habitat for Humanity donations, and other fundraising efforts. These programs involve students in community service and social responsibility.	Community & service Keystone program extracurriculars include community service opportunities that foster social responsibility. The school emphasizes leadership development and the cultivation of professional skills through student programs and activities.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student leadership is integrated into CIA FIRST, with Student Learners' Voice and a Student Council representing Kindergarten through High School. The council leads initiatives to enrich the student experience and organize projects. Elections and leadership opportunities are ongoing to enable students to lead and contribute to the school community.	Leadership & professional Keystone National High School emphasizes leadership development, career development, and professional skills as part of its high school program, alongside opportunities for participation in sports, music, drama, and community service.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Extracurricular activities include Football and Yoga, which support physical fitness and well-being. Dance and movement opportunities provide mindfulness and expression. The ECA program emphasizes balanced growth and well-being alongside academics.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Students participate in regular Physical Education, intramural and interscholastic activities designed to promote physical health and teamwork. The program structure supports a balanced approach to academic learning, arts, sports, and social engagement to foster well-being and global citizenship.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is taught as a core subject across grade levels, including English Language Arts in Middle and High School. Khmer language and culture are taught through FTK and FTC programs; FTK blends the international curriculum with Khmer accreditation for a bilingual learning experience, and FTC adds daily Khmer Language and Culture classes. World Language and Culture Electives are offered in Elementary and Middle School. The curriculum is constructivist and UbD-based, with WASC and MoEYS accreditation and AP courses available in the international track.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching CIA FIRST offers bilingual options through Full Time Khmer (FTK) and Full Time Khmer Language and Culture (FTC). FTK blends the international curriculum with Khmer-accredited education, providing a bilingual learning experience. FTC adds daily Khmer Language and Culture classes to the international program, enabling Khmer language development while pursuing AP courses. These options run alongside the Full Time International (FTI) track.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The following accreditations, memberships and authorised curricula are explicitly listed on CIA FIRST's website (each line: accreditation — one-line explanation and significance): - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — WASC is a U.S. regional accrediting body; CIA FIRST's website states the school holds WASC accreditation for PK–12, which means its international diploma is recognised as equivalent to an American high-school diploma and that the school has undergone WASC's continuous-evaluation process. - Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), Cambodia — the site states that the school's Khmer programme and the international high‑school diploma are officially recognised by MoEYS (the Grade 12 diploma is treated as equivalent to the national Grade 12 Khmer diploma), indicating formal national recognition. - East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) — the school lists EARCOS among its accreditations/memberships; EARCOS is a regional organisation for international schools in East Asia that supports professional collaboration and school development. - College Board — the website states CIA FIRST runs College Board–approved Advanced Placement (AP) courses and is approved to run the AP Capstone Diploma; this indicates the school is authorised to offer AP curriculum and assessments that are recognised by many universities. - Habits of Mind (HoM) — the site identifies Habits of Mind as a framework used by the school; Habits of Mind is a set of dispositions for problem solving and lifelong learning that the school uses to structure teaching and learning. - Understanding by Design (UbD) — the curriculum pages state CIA FIRST uses the UbD framework; UbD is a curriculum-planning approach focused on teaching for understanding and on backward design of learning outcomes. (Notes: the items above are taken from the school's public pages describing curriculum, accreditations and "Why Choose" information. I limited entries to items explicitly presented on the school website.)	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Make an inquiry and/or book a campus tour. Contact the Admissions office to ask about program options (Full‑Time International, Full‑Time Khmer, or Khmer Language & Culture) and to arrange an on‑site tour at the campus you prefer. Parents should bring or be ready to upload basic documents (ID, previous school reports) when requested and note that the school recommends scheduling visits in advance during Admissions office hours. See the school's published enrollment steps and contact links. 2. Readiness assessment and admissions test. Kindergarten applicants sit a short readiness assessment (about 20–30 minutes); students from Grade 1 to Grade 12 take a paper‑ or computer‑based entrance test (approximately 2–3 hours) followed by an interview with a school principal. Parents should confirm which campus and test format will be used for their child, prepare recent school reports if applicable, and allow time for the post‑test interview that influences placement. Test scheduling is done through the Admissions team. 3. Submit an application after assessment. If the student passes the readiness assessment or admissions test the school will issue an enrollment offer and parents complete the formal application. The school provides an application form to download and asks that supporting documents (birth certificate/passport, previous transcripts, immunisation records where requested) be submitted with the form. Verify that the child's intended program (FTI, FTK, FTC) and campus are correctly shown on the application to avoid later schedule or fee mismatches. 4. Pay fees to secure the seat and complete enrolment. The offer becomes a confirmed place once required one‑time and tuition payments are made; the site lists common items that must be paid (registration fee, tuition, technology/resource fees, uniform sets and other miscellaneous fees). The public fee page shows an Entrance Test Fee of $40 (one‑time) and a Registration Fee of $850 (one‑time); parents should download the detailed AY fee schedule and check payment deadlines and bank transfer instructions before paying. If you need payment plans, campus‑specific figures (some campuses list different tuition ranges) or promotional discounts, contact Admissions for the current schedule and any time‑limited offers.	Admissions 1. Initial enquiry and campus selection (What to do first). Contact the admissions team to start — Home of English lists a head office and separate phone/email contacts for the Playschool/Kindergarten and branch campuses; parents should phone or email the campus that is most convenient because availability, age ranges and office hours can differ by campus. Save the admissions contact details and note which campus the enquiry is for (Head Office, Playschool & Kindergarten, Toul Kork or Prek Eng). For contact details and campus phone numbers/emails see the school's contact page. 2. Arrange a visit or information meeting (School tour and program choice). Ask for a school tour or an in-person/virtual information meeting so you can confirm which program you need (Playschool & Kindergarten, Children's program, International program Grades 1–12, or Khmer program) and see classrooms and facilities. During the visit, request sample timetables, class sizes, language support options and the program curriculum so you can compare what will suit your child — the site describes multiple program tracks including an International program based on Calvert/Keystone materials. Bring a list of specific questions (transport, uniforms, lunch, after-school options). 3. Application form and required documents (what to prepare). Ask admissions for the official application form and the exact document checklist — common documents schools require include the child's birth certificate/passport, recent school reports or transcripts, immunisation records, proof of residence, parental ID and passport copies, and passport-sized photos; however Home of English's website does not publish a detailed, machine-readable “required documents” list, so you should confirm the exact list with admissions before you prepare originals. Also ask whether documents must be notarised or translated and whether electronic copies are acceptable for the first submission. 4. Placement assessment and interview (how placement is decided). For entry to the International program the school indicates use of the Calvert/Keystone curriculum, so expect some form of placement assessment or review of prior reports to ensure correct year/level placement; for younger children there may be informal observation rather than formal testing. Ask admissions which assessments are used (English reading, writing, maths or an interview) and whether assessments can be done in advance or on the day of enrolment. If English is not your child's first language, ask about language support and whether a separate English-proficiency check will affect placement. 5. Offer, fees and payment (confirm costs and deadlines). If a place is offered you will normally receive an offer or invoice that lists one‑time and annual fees and payment deadlines; Home of English publishes tuition/fee information (see external fee summary below) and the school charges a registration/one‑time fee plus annual tuition and material costs for the first year. Before paying confirm which fees are refundable, the accepted payment methods, and whether there are installment options or deadlines that could affect enrolment. Use the specific figures in the school's fee schedule or confirm the current amounts with admissions — published fee figures for 2025/2026 are available from third‑party fee listings and should be verified with the school. 6. Enrollment confirmation, orientation and start dates. After payment and paperwork the school will confirm enrolment and give you orientation information (start date, uniform list, school calendar, bus or lunch registration). Check the school calendar and events page for the academic term start/holidays and any parent orientation dates — the school posts a calendar but does not publish a detailed online enrolment timeline. Keep a printed or digital copy of the signed contract/receipt and confirm the child's class teacher and room before the first day. 7. After enrolment: ongoing administration and re-enrolment. Note deadlines for re-enrolment, fee changes and school communications (news, events, parent meetings) and keep the school updated if your contact details change. If you expect a mid-year arrival or departure, ask admissions about mid‑term intake, prorated fees, and notice periods for withdrawal. If you need an official school letter for visa or work purposes, request it from the admissions office well in advance. (Important note) I did not find a dedicated, detailed “Admissions” page or a published step‑by‑step admissions checklist on the school website as of December 30, 2025, so the school's admissions office is the best source for the precise current steps, required documents, assessment formats and payment policies.
Scholarships	Scholarships There is no single, clearly described merit scholarship programme listed on the school's main Admissions or School Fees pages. The public site does, however, show that CIA FIRST has active partnerships and promotional arrangements that can include discounts, tuition credits, or scholarship opportunities: for example, a memorandum of understanding with the American University of Phnom Penh references scholarship and tuition‑discount pathways for CIA FIRST students, and a more recent partnership announcement with Trinity College (University of Melbourne) refers to a scholarship opportunity (up to a stated amount in that announcement). The school also appears in third‑party promotion programmes and member discount schemes (for example insurer or chamber member offers) that list registration or tuition concessions for eligible customers. Because these offers vary by year, campus, partner and target group (founding‑family discounts, partner promotions, or university‑pathway scholarships), parents should not assume a permanent, school‑wide need‑ or merit‑based scholarship is available; instead, ask Admissions which current scholarships, partner discounts, or promotional offers apply to your child, what the eligibility criteria are, and whether an additional application is required. For program‑specific scholarship details and the most recent availability, contact admissions@ciaschool.edu.kh or request the Admissions team to confirm any partnership scholarships and timelines.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist The school's public admissions pages do not describe a formal, published waitlist or central pool system; instead they emphasise that seats are limited and recommend starting the application process early. Because the website directs families to inquire and schedule tests and notes that places are secured by payment, the practical implication is that availability is managed case‑by‑case by the Admissions office rather than through a clearly advertised waitlist. If you are applying and a grade/campus is full, ask Admissions whether they operate an internal waiting list, what the typical wait times are, and how they notify families (email, phone, or their student management system). For the most accurate, up‑to‑date answer about current seat availability or an internal wait list for a specific campus/grade, contact admissions@ciaschool.edu.kh or the phone numbers listed on the site.	Waitlist —
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