CIA First International School vs TIA International School of Phnom Penh

	C CIA First International School Phnom Penh, Cambodia	T TIA International School of Phnom Penh Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KHR 13,400,000 - 30,240,000	Fees / year KHR 16,895,936 - 23,332,484
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 1½ - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum	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, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2004	Opened —
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 TIA is located in Khan MeanChey, Phnom Penh — Lot No 25, 60m Street, Prek Tarong Village, Sangkat Chak Angrae Krom (Phnom Penh 120602). The school website also notes a shuttle pick‑up point on St. Preah Monivong Boulevard (Master Gold), which provides a direct link for families coming from central Chamkarmon areas.
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 TIA accepts children from about 2.5 years old up to Grade 12. The school groups pupils into Kindergarten (pre‑school / pre‑K / K), Elementary (Grades 1–6), Middle (Grades 7–8) and High School (Grades 9–12).
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 TIA is presented as an international day school offering an international curriculum; its materials show a partnership with North Texas Academy (Plano, Texas) and Cambodian Ministry of Education accreditation. The school's public materials do not describe any boarding provision.
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 Admission materials state the school considers students with special educational needs case‑by‑case: individual interviews are required and the school requests a recent Educational Psychologist's report; the admissions page also notes the school's small class sizes and ability to provide extra support as needed.
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 TIA lists a partnership with North Texas Academy (an accredited U.S. homeschool in Plano, Texas) and is also accredited by the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.
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 The school's official materials and handbook do not indicate any religious affiliation; its mission and values are presented in secular terms.
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 The parents' handbook gives a class schedule: Morning session 08:00–11:00, Afternoon session 12:00–16:00, Full‑time 08:00–16:00. Gate times are specified (e.g. gates open 07:15 and close 08:15 for arrival; morning pickup 11:00–11:30; afternoon pickup gate 16:00–16:30); students arriving after 08:00 are recorded as late and the handbook sets a latest pick‑up expectation (by 17:00) with a late‑pickup charge.
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 provides a shuttle service; the contact/enrollment page lists a pickup on St. Preah Monivong Blvd (Master Gold) with the bus leaving at 07:30 and a note that parents must collect children at Master Gold by 17:00. The page also gives local contact numbers for shuttle enquiries.
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 / first‑time enrolment fees - Enrolment (one‑time) fee: KHR 1,993,159. - Administration (annual) fee: KHR 1,195,896. - Example total for a first‑year Nursery 1 enrolment (enrolment + admin + first year tuition): KHR 18,735,699. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term estimate) - Nursery 1 (age 1): Annual KHR 16,742,540 — Per term (annual ÷ 3) KHR 5,580,847 (calculated). - Nursery 2 (age 2): Annual KHR 16,742,540 — Per term KHR 5,580,847 (calculated). - Kindergarten 1 (age 3): Annual KHR 17,141,171 — Per term KHR 5,713,724 (calculated). - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): Annual KHR 17,938,435 — Per term KHR 5,979,478 (calculated). - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): Annual KHR 18,735,699 — Per term KHR 6,245,233 (calculated). - Grade 1: Annual KHR 19,134,331 — Per term KHR 6,378,110 (calculated). - Grade 2: Annual KHR 19,134,331 — Per term KHR 6,378,110 (calculated). - Grade 3: Annual KHR 20,330,227 — Per term KHR 6,776,742 (calculated). - Grade 4: Annual KHR 20,330,227 — Per term KHR 6,776,742 (calculated). - Grade 5: Annual KHR 21,924,754 — Per term KHR 7,308,251 (calculated). - Grade 6: Annual KHR 21,924,754 — Per term KHR 7,308,251 (calculated). - Grades 7–12: Annual KHR 23,120,650 — Per term KHR 7,706,883 (calculated). All annual figures and the one‑time fees above are published values; the per‑term figures shown are simple calculations (annual ÷ 3) to provide an estimated per‑term amount where parents prefer a term comparison. Chinese class surcharge - Chinese language classes for full‑time programmes (Bilingual and International) incur an additional charge: USD 150 per term. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school states that all payments must be settled before the first day of school. Late payments are subject to a penalty of USD 5.00 per day. All fees are described as non‑transferable and non‑refundable. These terms are published on the school's fees information. Boarding fees - No boarding fees or boarding programme are published for TIA International School of Phnom Penh; no boarding charges appear in the school's fee information. Other costs / additional fees - The school's published fee items list the one‑time enrolment and annual administration charges and tuition; no detailed public line items for uniform, bus, meals, learning‑support surcharges or examination fees are shown on the published schedule. Separate optional or incidental charges (for example for extra curricular programmes) may apply but are not itemised in the published fee schedule. Refund information - The school's published statement is that all fees are non‑transferable and non‑refundable. Fee payment options - The school's public fees page does not list specific accepted payment methods. For payments and invoicing parents should contact the school's admissions/finance office (contact details published on the school site).
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 The school provides a School Menu.
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 school is led by a Head of School. Governance includes a Board with a Director; the Director is Annie Pagnapor Mao and a Board Member is Chumtiev Okhna Mao Pagnapor.
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 TIA International School of Phnom Penh delivers bilingual/international education from early years through Grade 12, with admissions listing programmes from 18 months (nursery) up to Grade 12. Early years include Nursery/Pre‑school/Pre‑kindergarten and Kindergarten; Primary covers Grades 1–6, Middle School Grades 7–8, and High School Grades 9–12 as shown on the school's overview. Instruction combines English‑medium core teaching with Khmer language provision and an added Chinese class offered across full‑time programmes. Third‑party listings and the school's materials describe the upper secondary pathway as Cambridge‑aligned, preparing students for Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS/A‑Level style qualifications in the senior years. The full scope of the curriculum includes academic subjects (English, maths, science, social studies), Khmer and Chinese language programmes, and campus facilities supporting arts, labs, sports and extracurricular activities.
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 TIA states a whole-child approach that supports students' intellectual, emotional, social and physical development on its “About Us” page. The school's Campus Life materials describe a “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” approach and list sports and cultural activities intended to build teamwork and resilience. Small class sizes are noted in the admissions information, which the school says enables extra support and more personalised attention. The site also lists additional support staff such as teaching assistants, a counsellor and student assistants who contribute to day-to-day pastoral care. These statements are published on the school website.
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 admissions page states that decisions about applicants with special educational needs are made by the Director and the pedagogical team and that the school will request a recent Educational Psychologist's report for students with identified needs. The same page notes the school can provide extra support as needed and refers to small class sizes as a factor that allows accommodation. Admissions for students with SEN require an individual interview and consideration of the school's ability to meet the student's needs. The website lists specialist support staff such as a speech pathologist and student assistants but does not list a named specialist SEN unit. The school does not present itself on its website as a specialist SEN institution and does not specify the exact types of SEN it will or will not support.
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 school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL.
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 school's Campus Life pages link physical activity and extracurricular engagement to mental and social wellbeing under a “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” theme. The Child Safety and Protection Policy describes staff training, reporting procedures and a focus on creating a secure environment, which the school presents as part of student wellbeing provision. The FAQ and staff pages list a counsellor, a school nurse and a speech pathologist among personnel who support students. Admissions and small class sizes are again cited as enabling more personalised pastoral attention where needed. These elements are described on the school website.
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 TIA publishes a Child Safety and Protection Policy that states a zero-tolerance position on child abuse and describes clear prevention, reporting and response procedures for concerns about a child's safety. The policy says staff undergo recruitment checks and training; the FAQ confirms staff must provide police-clearance certificates and that the school conducts reference checks. The policy covers activities on- and off-campus and emphasizes awareness, prevention and decisive action when concerns arise. The school also posts a Fire Certificate page describing compliance with national fire-safety law and staff training for rescue and firefighting. These safeguarding documents and requirements are available on the school website.
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 TIA International School offers high-quality education with an international curriculum. The approach emphasizes 21st-century skills—critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and global citizenship—enhanced by modern facilities. The school is located in Phnom Penh at Lot No 25, 60m Street, Prek Tarong Village, Sangkat Chak Angrae Krom, Khan MeanChey, Phnom Penh 120602. The site also presents language options: English, Khmer, and Chinese.
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 —
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 provides high-quality education with an international curriculum and a holistic approach to learning.
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 —
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 TIA's public “About” materials identify its senior leadership (Head of School His Excellency Soviseth Thun and Director Chumtiev Okhna Mao Pagnapor) and describe the school as a privately operated international school; the site lists a Phnom Penh address and contact details. The school's pages emphasise a philosophy of holistic, 21st‑century learning and outline values and policies such as child‑safety procedures. The website and public event listings do not state a formal founding year; the school's blog and external event listings show active operations and public events in 2024–2025 and admission activity for the 2025–2026 year. If you need an exact founding date or legal ownership documents, the school's admissions or administration office can confirm those details.
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 TIA presents an active campus with sports facilities, science labs, library and arts/music spaces and promotes a mix of athletic, cultural and academic activities on its Campus Life and News pages. The school calendar and news posts show regular community activities such as Cultural Week, field trips (for example a Grade 6 visit to the SOSORO museum), math competitions and donation drives, and an annual graduation/awards ceremony. Summer‑camp and term‑start notices are also publicly listed, indicating seasonal programmes and family‑facing events.
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 —
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 campus features state-of-the-art classrooms equipped with the latest technology. Dedicated science labs, a well-stocked library, and modern arts and music rooms support interactive and engaging lessons. The school emphasizes 21st-century skills including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and global citizenship. English, Khmer, and Chinese curricula are delivered by specialized faculty to support language development across grade levels.
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 campus includes modern arts and music rooms to support creative pursuits. An Arts and Music Teacher leads these subjects, contributing to a program that encourages creative work and performance. The program emphasizes visual arts, music, and related creative activities and provides opportunities for students to showcase work.
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 The school offers English Curriculum, Khmer Curriculum, and Chinese Curriculum. A diverse faculty delivers these language curricula, with dedicated teachers for each track. This multi-language structure supports language development across early years to high school.
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 The school offers a robust sports program with basketball, football, badminton, and volleyball, supported by facilities such as an outdoor mini-football field, playground, and a sports arena. Students can participate in cultural activities such as Taekwondo and music. The campus provides gathering spaces and vibrant communal zones to foster collaboration and social interaction. The program promotes teamwork, resilience, and leadership through extracurricular activities.
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 —
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 —
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 The school promotes holistic well-being with a Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Happy Life philosophy. Sports facilities support physical health and teamwork, and the campus includes gathering spaces that nurture student social connections. The environment is designed to be safe and inclusive, enabling students to reach their highest potential.
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 The school offers English Curriculum, Khmer Curriculum, and Chinese Curriculum. English Curriculum is taught by English-language teachers across Preschool through High School. Khmer Curriculum is taught by Khmer teachers. Chinese Curriculum is taught by Chinese teachers.
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 tour — contact admissions and request a meeting. The school says an admission consultant will respond within 24 hours after you submit the online form, so keep a copy of your submission and the meeting date you requested. (Source: TIA enrolment/online-application page). 2. Confirm age/grade eligibility and programme. Check the age cut-off for the programme you want: the school's pages show early-years entry (one page lists “2.5 years old” while another page refers to acceptances from “18 months”); because the site has slightly different phrasing on different pages, confirm the exact cut-off for the cohort and academic year with admissions before applying. Also tell admissions whether you want the bilingual or international programme and whether you expect full-time Chinese classes (there is an extra Chinese-class charge noted on the fees page). 3. Complete the online application and upload basic documents. Fill in the Student Online Application on the school website (the form asks for names, contact details, number of students applying, academic year and a meeting request date) and upload the items requested by the school. For new transfer students (elementary through Grade 12) the school specifically requests previous school report cards—have those recent transcripts/reports ready and translated if they are not in English. The enrolment portal and the downloadable “Recommendation for Admission” (available from the site) may list any additional forms; keep copies of everything you submit. 4. Assessment and entrance testing (where required). For students transferring into elementary and up through Grade 12, the school requires an entrance test to assess placement and curriculum needs; prepare your child for a short placement/diagnostic test in core areas (usually English and maths). The school also says it can accommodate a range of educational backgrounds and will provide extra support where possible, but placement testing helps the school determine required support and class placement. If your child will be assessed, ask admissions what form the test will take (paper, online, timed) and whether you should bring pencil-and-paper originals of recent work. 5. Interview with school leaders and teachers. After preliminary assessment the school schedules an interview with the Vice Principal and the relevant teacher(s) to discuss the student's academic history, learning needs and social adjustment; parents should expect to discuss previous schools, specific strengths/weaknesses and any routine or medical information that affects school life. For students with identified special educational needs, the school requires an individual interview and requests a recent Educational Psychologist's report so the Director and pedagogical team can assess whether the school can meet those needs. Bring original or certified copies of any assessments, Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or specialist reports to this meeting. 6. Offer, acceptance and contract steps. If a place is available and the school makes an offer, you will be given an offer letter and details of the fees and payment schedule; the school operates rolling admissions and admits new students throughout the year subject to class availability. The school's tuition page states that all fees are non-transferable and non-refundable, and that all payments must be settled before the first day of school; late payments incur a penalty (the site notes a $5.00 per day late fee). Read the offer and fee schedule closely — ask for a written list of what is included (tuition, admin fees, capital or other charges) and for deadlines for initial and ongoing payments. 7. Payment of fees and optional charges. When you accept a place you will be asked to pay the required enrolment/administration and tuition amounts according to the school's schedule; note that the school's page highlights an additional charge for full-time Chinese classes (USD 150 per term) and reiterates the non-refundable nature of fees. Keep receipts and confirm whether payments may be made in KHR or USD, what payment methods are accepted, and whether sibling discounts or payment plans exist (the public pages do not list discounts or a payment plan). If anything about payment timing is unclear, request written confirmation from admissions before paying. 8. Final placement, orientation and first day. Once payments and paperwork are complete the school will confirm final placement and provide start-date details; because TIA's admissions policy is rolling and places depend on class availability, final confirmation may be time-sensitive—ensure you have the confirmed start date in writing. The school's Parents' Handbook and school policies (available from the site) explain health, safety and arrival procedures—review those ahead of the first day and bring any required medical forms, medications or permissions. If you need to withdraw before the start date, check the written offer for the school's refund/withdrawal policy because fees are marked non-refundable on the school pages.
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 There is no mention on TIA's publicly available admissions or tuition pages of school-wide scholarships, bursaries or an explicit financial-aid programme. The school's tuition/fees page lists payment policies and an optional Chinese-class charge but does not advertise any scholarships or fee-waiver schemes. Because some international schools handle scholarships off-line or on a case-by-case basis, if you need financial assistance or are seeking merit-based support you should contact the admissions office directly (admin@tsia.edu.kh or the phone/Telegram contacts on the site) and ask whether any limited scholarships, sibling discounts, or hardship concessions are offered and what documentation would be required. If you would like, the admissions team can confirm in writing whether any scholarship or discount options exist for the year you plan to apply.
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 TIA's public admissions information does not describe a formal, published waitlist system; instead the school states it operates rolling admissions and admits students “throughout the year, based on class availability.” That language means places are offered while space exists at each grade, rather than via a clearly documented central waitlist on the website. Parents should therefore assume that if a class is full the school will keep enquiries on file and recommend contacting admissions directly to ask whether they maintain an internal waiting list or can notify families when space opens. For the clearest answer on current availability and any internal waiting/notification process, contact admissions (phone/Telegram/email) and ask whether they will place your child on an internal waiting list and how they prioritise families (date received, siblings, other factors).
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