CIA First International School vs Lycée Français René Descartes

	C CIA First International School Phnom Penh, Cambodia	L Lycée Français René Descartes Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KHR 13,400,000 - 30,240,000	Fees / year KHR 24,225,554 - 31,611,492
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum French Curriculum, American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 5,000	Pupils 1,150
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French, Mandarin	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 2004	Opened 1951
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 The Lycée Français René Descartes is located at Rue Christopher Howes (Rue 96), Wat Phnom, BP 1132, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The campus sits in the Daun Penh district in central Phnom Penh, near the Wat Phnom area, with access to local transport such as taxis and tuk-tuks. The address is publicly listed as part of its Phnom Penh footprint.
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 The school serves preschool through terminale (the final year of lycée). Classes range from petite section (maternelle) to terminale, and the curriculum includes the Brevet des Collèges and the Baccalauréat.
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 The school is a co-educational day school; there are no public indications of boarding facilities.
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 follows an inclusive education approach. For students with special educational needs, LFRD provides three specialized teachers, an orthophoniste (speech-language pathologist), and a school psychologist who work with families to create an action plan and an individualized support arrangement.
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 affiliated with France through the AEFE network (Agency for French Education Abroad) under agreement with the French government.
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 Religious affiliation is not listed; the school operates as a secular French international school.
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 Exact start and end times are not published publicly. The school provides on-site meals: Kindergarten meals around $3.60 per meal; Primary/Middle/High school meals around $4 per meal.
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 A publicly listed school bus service is not indicated on the site.
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 and registration fees - First (initial) enrolment fee: USD 2,300 for students of Cambodian and/or French nationality; USD 3,042 for students of other nationalities. - Re-enrolment (registration) fee: USD 496 for Cambodian and/or French nationality; USD 571 for other nationalities. Annual tuition fees by school level - Primary (per year): USD 5,526 for Cambodian and/or French nationality; USD 7,415 for other nationalities. - Collège / Middle school (per year): USD 6,512 for Cambodian and/or French nationality; USD 8,720 for other nationalities. - Lycée / High school (per year): USD 7,362 for Cambodian and/or French nationality; USD 9,855 for other nationalities. Billing schedule and per-term amounts (annual fees split over three terms) - The school bills fees in three periods (trimesters) and applies the standard split of 40% of the annual tuition for the first term, 30% for the second term and 30% for the third term. Invoices are issued at the start of each period and are payable within 15 days of the invoice date. - Per-term amounts calculated on that 40% / 30% / 30% basis (amounts shown in USD): - Primary (Cambodian/French): 1st term USD 2,210.40; 2nd term USD 1,657.80; 3rd term USD 1,657.80. - Primary (other nationalities): 1st term USD 2,966.00; 2nd term USD 2,224.50; 3rd term USD 2,224.50. - Collège (Cambodian/French): 1st term USD 2,604.80; 2nd term USD 1,953.60; 3rd term USD 1,953.60. - Collège (other nationalities): 1st term USD 3,488.00; 2nd term USD 2,616.00; 3rd term USD 2,616.00. - Lycée (Cambodian/French): 1st term USD 2,944.80; 2nd term USD 2,208.60; 3rd term USD 2,208.60. - Lycée (other nationalities): 1st term USD 3,942.00; 2nd term USD 2,956.50; 3rd term USD 2,956.50. - Standard trimester calendar: 1st term = September–December; 2nd term = January–March; 3rd term = April–June. Billing and payment terms (key points) - Families may choose to pay annually or by trimester; invoices for each period are issued in advance and are payable within 15 days of the invoice date. - A family may request exceptional monthly instalment arrangements; such requests must be submitted in writing and require approval by the school's management/board. - Arrivals or departures during a trimester are handled on a prorata temporis basis with the rule that any month begun is due in full. - Consequences of non-payment include suspension of participation in activities, temporary exclusion from classes, and possible cancellation of registration if invoices remain unpaid beyond the stated deadlines. Boarding (internat) fees - Boarding is available for students in third (3ème) to terminale. The annual boarding fee (including accommodation and meals) is USD 5,200 per academic year. Pupils receiving school bursaries receive support on the same scale as their awarded bursary; transport for bursary students to family homes is included at the bursary rate. Other costs and typical ancillary fees - School meals: USD 3.60 per meal for kindergarten (maternelle); USD 4.00 per meal for primary, collège and lycée. - Extracurricular activities: charged per semester; indicative price ranges by activity are published (examples: homework help USD 55–70 per semester; various sports and arts activities typically USD 20–120 per semester depending on level and frequency). - Exam/registration-related fees and some other charges (exam entries, specific activity fees, certain material fees) are billed separately when applicable; exam fees are billed when registrations are made and are not refundable once the school has completed the registration with the examining authority. - The standard tuition fee covers several items: membership to the parents' association, loan of textbooks, civil-liability insurance, school supplies for primary and art materials for collège, as specified in the school's financial regulations. - No uniform charge is listed as a compulsory school fee on the published fee schedule; costs for optional items or specific equipment (sports kit, special materials) may apply and are billed separately when required. Refunds and non‑refundables - Initial enrolment (first-inscription) fees are non‑refundable. Exam registration fees are not refundable once the school has processed the entries with the examining authority. - For families leaving the school during a trimester, a prorated adjustment is applied with the policy that any month started is payable in full; the school requires account settlement and return of loaned materials before final departure formalities are completed. Accepted payment methods and practical notes - Accepted payment methods include bank transfer (bank details are provided on invoices), payment by cheque where applicable, and cash deposits following the instructions printed on the invoice; bank transfer fees are borne by the payer. Credit-card payment is not listed as a standard method in the published financial regulations. - Bank transfers must include the pupil's name, class and the period being paid so the school can allocate the payment correctly. Families whose fees are paid by an employer remain contractually responsible for timely payment and should ensure the school receives the funds by the invoice due date. Sibling discounts and reductions - Sibling reductions are published: discounts on first-inscription fees (e.g., a USD 50 reduction for the third child and USD 100 per child from the fourth child onward) and reductions on annual tuition (for example, 2nd and 3rd child: 8% annual reduction; 4th child and beyond: 10% annual reduction) as set out in the fee schedule. Contact for finance matters - The school's finance department can be contacted by phone at +855 77 414 965 or by email at finance@lfrd.net for invoice queries, payment instructions and confirmation of bank details. (Amounts and procedural rules are given in USD as published in the school's official fees and financial regulations.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Boarding is available for students from Year 9 through Terminale. The on-site dormitory, opened in September 2023, is supervised by two staff and provides housing and meals, with a daily shuttle to the lycée. Boarders stay Sunday evening through Friday evening and may return home or stay with a host family on weekends and holidays. The dormitory can accommodate up to 15 residents, and the annual price for lodging and meals is $5,200, with scholarships available.
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 School meals are provided through the school's catering service. Prices per meal are $3.60 for Maternelle, and $4.00 for Primary, Collège, and Lycée.
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 The Lycée Français René Descartes is a private, non-profit school run by the management and the board of the Association des Parents d'Élèves (APE), under contract with AEFE. The school is AEFE-contracted and is co-governed by the APE and the leadership team named by AEFE, with governance defined by the AEFE convention and a partnership between elected parents and the school leadership.
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 Lycée Français René Descartes (LFRD) in Phnom Penh provides the French national curriculum from preschool through terminale, aligned with AEFE standards and supported by the French Embassy. Instruction is delivered primarily in French, with English and Khmer offered as language options and language learning placed at the heart of the program. Cycle 2 (grades 1–3) covers French and mathematics, adds English and the host-country language, plus arts, physical education and civic education. Cycle 3 (grades 4–6) continues consolidation and prepares for secondary education; in the lycée, the 10th grade introduces Economics and Social Sciences (SES) and Digital Sciences and Technology (SNT) with electives and a weekly hours framework around 26–30 hours. From Seconde (10th) to Terminale (12th), core subjects include French, history-geography, sciences and modern languages, with a range of electives in 11th grade and Philosophy becoming compulsory in Terminale; final results count toward the Baccalauréat, with pathways to the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) and a Section Internationale Américaine (SIA) available.
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 Lycée Français René Descartes (LFRD) promotes social and emotional development through an inclusive school culture where all pupils are treated with kindness, in their individual uniqueness, and receive support to progress. An explicit inclusive ethos aims to ensure a successful learning journey from kindergarten to lycée, with a strong emphasis on student wellbeing and belonging. The school emphasises a close school–family partnership as a fundamental lever for students' growth, flourishing, and achievement. For pupils with special educational needs, the teaching teams are assisted by three specialized teachers, a speech-language pathologist, and a school psychologist, who, with parents, propose an action plan and tailor a pedagogical setup to meet each student's needs. This framework integrates wellbeing, belonging, and tailored support within the broader educational approach.
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 LFRD uses an inclusion model to support students with special educational needs. For pupils with ‘besoins éducatifs particuliers,' the pedagogy teams work with three specialized teachers, a speech-language pathologist, and a school psychologist to develop an action plan and an adapted educational arrangement in agreement with parents. The aim is to enable each student to progress and realize their full potential within the school from early years through to lycée. The site does not enumerate specific categories of SEN; the emphasis is on an inclusive, individualized approach rather than a separate SEN unit. The school describes the partnership between school and family as a fundamental lever for the wellbeing and success of students with special educational needs. The establishment is not presented as a dedicated SEN institution.
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 EAL support is integrated into LFRD's language pathways. The school foregrounds multilingual environments and language development as central to its identity, with explicit emphasis on English, Khmer, and other world languages. AEFE-initiated PARLE (Parcours Adaptés et Renforcés de Langues Étrangères) aims to strengthen foreign-language proficiency through EMILE (integrated content in a foreign language) in the first cycle or DNL (discipline non linguistique) in the second cycle. In the lycée, students can choose a fourth language—Spanish or Chinese—as part of these language-parcours options. The Section Internationale Américaine (SIA) provides a bilingual/bi-cultural pathway focused on English language study and American culture, facilitating access to higher education in the United States and other Anglophone contexts. These provisions collectively represent formal EAL support and bilingual opportunities rather than ad hoc assistance.
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 Mental wellbeing is supported through an inclusive approach that emphasizes student care and a nurturing climate. The school highlights that every student is welcomed in a respectful, caring environment, with ongoing attention to progress and well‑being as part of the learning journey. The inclusion team includes a school psychologist, underscoring access to mental health–related support within the school structure. Physical education and sport are valued as vehicles for health, autonomy, discipline, teamwork, and social values, contributing to students' overall wellbeing. LFRD also notes the central role of school–family partnership in supporting students' emotional and social development.
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 Safeguarding and child protection are embedded in the school's safety-oriented, caring climate. The site describes the campus as safe and the environment as one where younger students learn and grow within a secure, nurturing context. The emphasis on an inclusive, respectful culture and on school–family partnerships likewise supports safeguarding by promoting oversight and supportive relationships. Explicit safeguarding policies are not itemized on the public pages, but safety and well‑being are presented as core priorities across the school's communications. The materials emphasize creating a safe, supportive setting for all students from maternelle through lycée.
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 The campus was recently restructured with facilities that are well suited for preschool and elementary students. French is the primary language of instruction, with Khmer taught daily as part of linguistic pathways alongside English, Spanish, and Chinese. The library system includes a primary library (BCD Primaire) and a Centre de Documentation et d'Information (CDI) of 230 m² with an online catalog and abundant resources. The school offers a school meals program with Preschool meals at $3.60 and Primary/College/Lycee meals at $4. After-school care (periscolaire) and a range of activities are available, supported by the Parents' Association.
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 A Basketball section was opened for the 2023 school year. Physical Education is mandatory across all levels: Primary three hours per week; College four hours in 6th grade and three hours in other grades; Lycée two hours per week. An optional sports track provides two extra hours per week and training for Young Officials. The program emphasizes teamwork, inclusion, and citizenship and includes inter-school matches via the school's sports structure.
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 is AEFE-accredited and follows the French Ministry of National Education curricula for preschool through terminale. French is the primary language of instruction; Khmer is taught daily, with English, Spanish, and Chinese available as foreign languages. Inclusive education is supported by a dedicated team including three specialized teachers, a speech-language pathologist, and a school psychologist. Language pathways include PARLE for reinforced foreign language learning, EMILE-based DNL, and a Khmer language pathway (PLK); In lycée, students may choose a fourth language (Spanish or Chinese). The American International Section (SIA) offers an avenue to the International French Baccalaureate (BFI). The CDI is 230 m², with a wide range of resources and an online catalog; BCD Primaire provides a primary library.
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 After-school care (periscolaire) is offered. The school runs an active sports program via the Sports Association and offers a basketball section; Model United Nations; trips (Voyages); and vacation camps. Cultural and citizenship activities are regularly featured, and AEFE-related exchanges and activities are encouraged.
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 The Lyce9e Frane7ais Rene Descartes (LFRD) in Phnom Penh was inaugurated in March 1951 with 252 students, marking the official return of structured French education to post-war Cambodia. It began as a school serving French expatriates and Cambodian elites and quickly evolved into a center of bilingual and multicultural education. The school was closed during the Khmer Rouge regime in 1974 and reopened in 1991 by a group of parents, reviving French education in Phnom Penh. Over the following decades the campus was expanded and modernized, with new facilities added to accommodate a growing student population. LFRD operates as a non-profit association under French law and is AEFE-accredited, providing instruction from preschool through terminale in line with the French national curriculum.
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 Since its founding in 1951, LFRD has embodied Franco-Cambodian friendship, with French as the primary language of instruction and Khmer taught daily as part of linguistic pathways that also enable learning English, Spanish, and Chinese. The school participates in Phnom Penh9s cultural life through collaboration with the Institut Franais du Cambodge (IFC) and hosts events such as La Nuit des Ide9es, science fairs, and art exhibitions. Anniversaries and public performances bring together diplomats, alumni, and community leaders, underscoring the school9s role in the city9s cultural scene. Recent renovations reflect ongoing community involvement, including significant input from the Parents7 Association (APE).
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 school9s Parentsb0 Association (APE) is a formal body that participates in school governance and life. The APE has played a significant role in campus renovations, with involvement from its board members and administrators. This parent-led involvement demonstrates the active engagement of families in shaping facilities and resources for students. The school governance framework includes the APE alongside the elected board and French educational administrators. The Lyce9e Frane7ais Rene Descartes operates within the AEFE network and maintains close ties with the French Embassy and Institut Franais du Cambodge, creating opportunities for parent-led initiatives and cross-cultural exchange. APE coordination with school leadership supports ongoing activities and events that enrich student life.
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 school is homologated by the French Ministry of National Education and offers education from kindergarten through terminale in accordance with official French programs. French is the language of instruction; Khmer is taught daily through the Khmer Language Pathways. Reinforced language pathways in English, Khmer, Spanish, and Chinese are available, including the Section Internationale Américaine (SIA) for English and the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) from première. The school reports excellent results in the Diplôme National du Brevet, the baccalauréat, and certifications.
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 Arts et Culture is a component of the pedagogy. Library resources are provided through Nos bibliothèques (BCD Primaire and CDI) to support arts and culture. Cultural activities are integrated into school life and reflected in ongoing programs such as Album de l'année.
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 Parcours linguistiques offers reinforced language pathways in English, Chinese, Khmer, and Spanish, with French as the host language. PARLE (Parcours Adaptés et Renforcés de Langues Étrangères) strengthens foreign-language learning through EMILE (teaching a subject in a foreign language) or DNL (discipline non linguistique). The Khmer Language Pathway (PLK) strengthens Khmer and supports a trilateral lineup with French and English starting in cycle 4. The Section Internationale Américaine (SIA) provides bilingual/bicultural programming, and the BFI supports access to higher education in the United States.
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 Activities include Le périscolaire (after-school), L'Association Sportive (sports association), Les rencontres, and Les camps de vacances (holiday camps). Voyages and other excursions are part of student life. The school's libraries (BCD Primaire and CDI) support informal culture and reading activities as part of daily life.
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 The school operates as an association à but non lucratif under Loi 1901. The Association des Parents d'Élèves (APE) contributed to recent restructuring and governance. The school maintains close collaboration with the Embassy of France and the Institut Français du Cambodge (IFC). The address is PO Box 1132, Rue 96 (Christopher Howes), Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh; +855 61 805 832; secretariat@lfrd.net.
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 Governing bodies include the direction, the board of administration, the conseil d'établissement, and the conseil d'école, alongside the L'APE. The school hosts Model United Nations (MUN) programs and participates in Agora Monde for orientation and higher-education discussions. The school emphasizes excellence and multicultural openness as core values, aligned with AEFE-network principles. The leadership highlights collaboration with national and international partners to advance student opportunities.
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 Physical education is mandatory for all students, with two hours of EPS per week for lycée and opportunities for deeper sports training. A basketball section was opened in 2023. The EPS curriculum emphasizes physical health, safety, autonomy, and citizenship through regular activity and structured evaluation.
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 Languages offered as reinforced pathways include English, Chinese, Khmer, and Spanish; Khmer language is strengthened through PLK, a tri-lingual path with French, Khmer, and English from cycle 4; The SIA (American Section) provides bilingual/bicultural studies; PARLE enables EMILE or DNL in various levels; In the lycée, students may choose a fourth language (Spanish or Chinese).
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 The Lycée Français René Descartes offers bilingual pathways through the American Section (SIA), which provides bilingual and bicultural instruction within the French system. The SIA integrates American language and literature to support access to higher education in the United States via the BFI option. The school also offers PARLE (Parcours Adaptés et Renforcés de Langues Étrangères), strengthening foreign-language training with EMILE (an integrated-language approach) or DNL (a non-language discipline) in different levels. The Khmer Language Pathway (PLK) provides a tri-lingual option of French, Khmer, and English starting from cycle 4.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs EMILE and DNL-based approaches provide language-immersed study in a foreign language across levels. PARLE supports this approach by delivering disciplinary content in the same foreign language. From cycle 4, students can follow a Khmer-language track (PLK) that strengthens Khmer while incorporating French and English.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
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 The school is accredited by the French Ministry of National Education and is part of the AEFE network under an agreement with AEFE; it benefits from support from the French Embassy and collaboration with the Institut Français du Cambodge.
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 Step 1. Pre-registration for new admissions is conducted online via the EDUKA platform. The pre-registration campaign for the 202502026 school year for children not currently enrolled at LFRD is closed. A strict list of criteria governs first-time enrollment due to high demand. Step 2. Enrollment decisions for new registrations are processed online via EDUKA, with selection based on the established criteria. The school is accredited by AEFE and follows official curricula. Step 3. Required documents for new admissions include a valid passport, an ID photo, and a vaccination record; expired documents are not accepted. Step 4. Re-enrollment is completed in EDUKA using the Re-enrollment tab; the 202502026 re-enrollment campaign is closed. Payments must be made by May 8, balances must be zero, and scholarship applicants may have post-results payment arrangements. Step 5. For assistance, contact the Admission office via email and phone.
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 Two scholarship campaigns are organized each year by the French Embassy in Cambodia, in January and September. Scholarships are awarded under conditions of resources and are available to French residents in the consular district enrolled in AEFE-homologated schools. For more information, refer to the school's scholarship details and contact the secretariat for guidance.
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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