EFI (French International School of Phnom Penh) - Koh Pich Campus vs Lycée Français René Descartes

	E EFI (French International School of Phnom Penh) - Koh Pich Campus Phnom Penh, Cambodia	L Lycée Français René Descartes Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KHR 22,856,290 - 55,274,999	Fees / year KHR 24,225,554 - 31,611,492
Age range	Age range 6 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, French Curriculum	Curriculum French Curriculum, American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,150
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 2015	Opened 1951
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location EFI operates two campuses in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Koh Pich (Diamond Island) and Bassac Garden City. The Koh Pich campus sits on Elite Town Street and shares its facilities with the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh. The Bassac Garden City campus houses the TPS (nursery) and PS (pre-kindergarten) classes and is located in a quiet Bassac Garden City neighborhood on premises shared with CIS. The two campuses together support EFI's bilingual education model.	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 EFI operates two streams: an International stream (English-based) and a 100% French stream starting August 2024. The Koh Pich campus serves students from Moyenne Section and Junior Kindergarten onward, while Bassac Garden Campus houses the younger TPS and PS groups. The school provides education from early years through Grade 12, with Grade 11 opening in 2023 and Grade 12 in 2024.	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 EFI is a private bilingual school. It operates across two campuses serving a range of year groups from early years through secondary; the school does not list a boarding provision.	School type The school is a co-educational day school; there are no public indications of boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix EFI serves around 200 students with representation from about 30 nationalities. The most common nationality is French (about 51%). The school states it has 30 nationalities represented; a precise local-to-international ratio is not publicly disclosed.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support EFI offers differentiated learning with access to therapists and specialists (including speech therapists, child psychiatrists, and psychologists). After a diagnosis, the school can implement a differentiated pathway and ongoing support as needed; staff are trained to address Special Educational Needs (SEN) within the school's framework.	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 EFI is affiliated with France through the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE).	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 EFI is a secular school; no religious instruction is part of the standard curriculum.	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation is not listed; the school operates as a secular French international school.
School day structure	School day structure Morning drop-off begins around 7:40 am; lessons start at 8:00 am. On Koh Pich, older students finish at 3:00 pm (MS–CM2) or 3:15 pm (Collège/Lycée), while younger students finish at 3:00 pm on the Bassac Garden campus for TPS-PS. Lunch at Koh Pich is typically at 12:00 pm (MS–CM2) or 12:15 pm (college/lycée). The school does not offer on-site daycare; students must be picked up on time.	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 EFI offers a school bus service. Details and routes are arranged to accommodate families, with bus options noted in school communications and listings.	Bus service details A publicly listed school bus service is not indicated on the site.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and enrollment fees - Enrollment fee for any new student: USD 1,200. - Re‑enrollment/place deposit: USD 1,000 (deducted from the first invoice for the school year). - Refundable book/library deposit (requested from MS/Junior-K and above): USD 150 for MS/JK–CM2 (G5); USD 300 for Collège/MS–Lycée/HS. This deposit is refunded at the end of the student's schooling, subject to return condition of books. Tuition and capital fees by year group (total annual fees) - Nursery (TPS, 18 months–2 years) — Half day: USD 5,700 (Tuition + capital fee). - Nursery (TPS, 18 months–2 years) — Full day: USD 6,500 (Tuition + capital fee). - Kindergarten PS (Pre‑K) — Half day: USD 8,130 (Tuition + capital fee). - Kindergarten PS (Pre‑K) — Full day: USD 9,050 (Tuition + capital fee). - Kindergarten MS/JK / GS (Junior‑K / Senior‑K): USD 9,550 (Tuition + capital fee). - Primary CP–CE2 (Grade 1–3): USD 11,350 (Tuition + capital fee). - Upper Primary CM1–CM2 (Grade 4–5): USD 11,950 (Tuition + capital fee). - Middle School 6ème–3ème (Grade 6–9): USD 12,850 (Tuition + capital fee). - High School 2nde (Grade 10): USD 13,650 (Tuition + capital fee). - High School 1ère–Terminale (Grade 11–12): USD 14,550 (Tuition + capital fee). Discounts and concessions - Early‑payment discount: 3% discount on tuition when the full year is paid in one payment before the published early‑payment deadline. - Sibling discount: 5% discount on tuition for the second child; 10% discount for the third and subsequent children. A legacy 10% rule applies for families with children enrolled before the 2023–2024 school year (as noted in the school's fee documentation). What is included and what is charged separately Included in the school fees: - Textbooks, learning materials and basic stationery. - Initial uniform set for first registration (MS and above: class uniform, PE uniform, hat, backpack, library bag; TPS/PS: hat, backpack, library bag). - Some language support (FLE/ESL) may be included subject to availability; intensive external language courses required for newcomers are charged to the family. Not included and charged separately: - School canteen and meals (paid directly to the campus partner – CIS). - Extra‑curricular activities (paid through CIS per session). - Certain school trips, tournament or event costs, specialist external interventions (e.g., private therapists), and computer equipment required from Grade 9 onward. Refunds and withdrawal rules - Any term that has commenced is due in full; no refund is made for a term once it has started. - For annual payments, refunds are calculated only on unstarted term(s), except in exceptional cases assessed by school management. - Re‑enrollment deposit is refundable up to the published deadline; after that deadline it is retained by the school. Enrollment fees are non‑refundable. - All refunds are subject to a 10% administrative handling charge unless otherwise approved by the school. - In cases of force majeure, the school may review refund requests upon written application. Payment methods and bank details - Currencies and payment: fees are payable in US dollars (USD). - Accepted payment methods: bank transfer, cash deposit to the school account (by appointment at the administration), or cheque issued by a Cambodian bank. The published materials also provide a QR code payment option. Parents must indicate the student's name on the payment reference and supply proof of payment to the administration. - Published bank information for bank transfers (account name and account number) is provided on the school's fee documentation and should be used exactly as shown on invoices.	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 —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Koh Pich campus has two school restaurants.	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 EFI is a private school registered in Cambodia and is managed by a board of directors composed of five permanent members and two guests. The school is run by Amaury de Saint Blanquat and Fabrice Filachet is the Principal of EFI. The board of directors includes Antoine Fontaine (Independent administrator), Kek Pung (Independent administrator), Boun Tan (Independent administrator), Fabrice Filachet (Guest and EFI principal), and Géraldine Barta (Guest). There is a parents committee representative on the governance.	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 The school provides a dual educational framework combining the French Ministry of Education programs with the Cambridge Assessment International Education system across all grade levels. Instruction is delivered via a bilingual immersion model in French and English, with primary cycles utilizing a split timeline involving both French-speaking and English-speaking educators. From the primary school stage onward, core subjects include mathematics, sciences, history, geography, physical education, arts, and an optional third language choice between Khmer and Mandarin Chinese. As students progress into middle school, spanning grades six through nine, the academic track prepares them to take the French National Diploma examination at the conclusion of grade nine. Finally, the high school stage covering grades ten to twelve structures learning around international certifications, where students complete Cambridge IGCSEs before advancing to A-Levels and the French Baccalauréat qualifications.	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 EFI Phnom Penh prioritizes the education and well-being of each child and aims for students to thrive socially and emotionally in the school environment. The curriculum emphasizes holistic development and well-being, including social‑emotional aspects from early years. In bilingual classes, two teachers per class support active participation and social integration. The school offers a stimulating, varied environment to develop intellectual, artistic, relational, and emotional growth, with a focus on self‑confidence and collaborative skills. Through project‑based learning and a multidisciplinary approach, EFI fosters kindness, teamwork, and thoughtful engagement.	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) EFI provides differentiated learning to address diverse needs. The school notes differentiated learning and reinforced French/English language support to ensure participation. Children with special educational needs may include difficulties in adapting, behavioral issues, and learning difficulties. Diagnoses are often identified by teachers in the first weeks, with a professional diagnosis by therapists available in Phnom Penh. After diagnosis, EFI, the family, and the therapist implement appropriate measures to support the child, potentially including a differentiated pathway. The information does not state that EFI is a specialist SEN institution.	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 EFI supports English as an Additional Language through a bilingual program in which two teachers per class teach in French and English. The programs taught are those of the French National Education but in two languages, and outside of classroom time students are immersed in an English‑speaking environment. Sixty percent of study time is with the French‑speaking teacher and forty percent with the English‑speaking teacher. English and French are present every day in students' timetables. The school also notes that, outside class, students are exposed to English through interaction with peers on the CIS campus. This structure supports language development and academic success in both languages.	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 In the early years, the TPS/Nursery program is specifically described as prioritizing the well‑being of the child, including physiological, relational, emotional, and educational needs. EFI creates a stimulating and varied environment to support the child's full potential and holistic development. The curriculum reinforces self‑confidence, autonomy, socialization, and emotional richness through language, play, and social interaction. The bilingual, multicultural setting and collaborative activities contribute to students' mental wellbeing by fostering belonging and positive relationships.	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 The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection policies. A privacy policy is published on the site, outlining data handling practices.	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 EFI Phnom Penh operates on two campuses: Koh Pich for the older students and Bassac Garden for the youngest learners. The Koh Pich campus includes an amphitheater with 600 seats, a 25-meter swimming pool, two sports halls, two school restaurants, a fitness room, two libraries, and common rooms such as an atrium and a café. Classrooms are equipped with interactive smart boards and ergonomic furniture, and the infrastructure supports physical, arts, music, and multimedia activities. The Bassac Garden campus provides a garden environment with playgrounds, obstacle courses, soft play, and a swimming pool suitable for young children, and is shared with the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh. The Koh Pich campus spans about 3 hectares and can accommodate up to 1,600 students. EFI Phnom Penh offers two streams: international and French.	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 The Koh Pich campus features two sports halls, a 25-meter swimming pool, a fitness room, and a sports field to support a range of physical activities. Outdoor pitches and large outdoor spaces enable multiple school and extracurricular activities. The Bassac Garden campus provides outdoor spaces and a swimming pool suitable for younger children, supporting early-education physical activities. The facilities are designed to accommodate team sports, individual fitness, and recreational play across both campuses.	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 Classrooms at the Koh Pich campus are equipped with interactive smart boards and ergonomic furniture. The campus includes an IT lab and two libraries to support reading, research, and digital learning. Common rooms such as an atrium and a café provide spaces for informal collaboration. The Bassac Garden campus offers early-learning oriented spaces for TPS and PS with age-appropriate resources and quiet learning areas. Both campuses provide spaces that support technology, reading, and collaborative work to foster academic development.	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 The infrastructure supports physical and sporting activities, arts and music, and multimedia learning across the campuses. The Koh Pich campus includes an amphitheater with 600 seats for performances and events. Two libraries and common rooms support study, collaboration, and social activities outside regular class time. Outdoor spaces, pools, and diverse indoor facilities enable a variety of extracurricular activities beyond academics.	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 EFI opened its Koh Pich campus in August 2015, marking the start of EFI in Phnom Penh. The Bassac Garden campus now hosts the TPS/Nursery and PS/Pre-K classes, expanding EFI's presence in the city. In 2020, the Koh Pich campus underwent a major expansion, adding an amphitheater, a 25-meter swimming pool, two sports halls, two libraries and other facilities, increasing capacity. A 100% French stream began in August 2024. EFI is a private school registered in Cambodia and is governed by a board of directors.	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 EFI serves around 200 students representing 30 nationalities, with about half of the students being French nationals. The International stream offers a bilingual environment with 60% of courses in French and 40% in English, with all teaching in French and English and immersion outside class. The school offers more than 20 extracurricular activities, including rugby, painting and robotics, and publishes annual yearbooks. EFI hosts visits by diplomats and AEFE representatives, reflecting an active international community.	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 EFI has a formal Parents Committee as part of its governance. The committee links parents with the school management, promotes student interests and provides regular feedback to the leadership. It organizes events to inform, meet or welcome new families and participates in major school events, while proposing new activities for the community. A dedicated parent representative participates in governance alongside the board. Yearbooks and other parent resources are published and available, with printed yearbooks from multiple years available at the school reception; the Extracurricular program includes more than 20 activities (as of Sept 2023).	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 —	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 —	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 The EFI Phnom Penh offers two tracks: the international track and the French track. The international track provides 60% of the curriculum in French and 40% in English, and follows curricula from the French Ministry of National Education and Cambridge Assessment International Education in two languages. The French track is guided toward AEFE accreditation and offers the French national education program for the maternelle (preschool) with a 100% French-language preschool. The two campuses (Koh Pich and Bassac Garden City) host the different tracks; Koh Pich houses the main campus, while Bassac Garden City hosts early-years classes. The school has 200 students; 51% of students are French nationals, and students come from 30 nationalities; the school reports a 100% exam success rate.	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 The Koh Pich campus features an amphitheatre for events, a 25‑meter swimming pool, two gyms, a school restaurant, a fitness room, two media libraries, and expansive common spaces and outdoor areas; it was expanded in 2020 and can accommodate up to 1,600 students on a 3‑hectare site shared with the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh. The Bassac Garden City campus serves TPS–MS in a safe, green environment with bright classrooms and a child-friendly outdoor play area, including a pool suitable for younger children. Tariffs for 2024‑2025 are published.	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 Languages taught include French and English. In the international filière, 60% of instruction is in French and 40% in English, using French national education programs and Cambridge Assessment International Education in two languages. The filière française emphasizes French as the language of instruction, with about 80% of teaching in French. Exam options include the Brevet, IGCSE, A-Levels, and the Baccalauréat.	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 EFI Phnom Penh operates two filières: an international bilingual track and a 100% French track. The international filière provides a bilingual education with 60% of the curriculum in French and 40% in English, following the French Ministry of Education programs and Cambridge Assessment International Education in two languages. The filière française is in the process of AEFE accreditation and has a Koh Pich campus in Phnom Penh. The school emphasizes project-based learning, benevolence, and interdisciplinarity as its guiding principles.	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 null	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations The school operates as École Française Internationale de Phnom Penh (EFI Phnom Penh) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It has two campuses: Koh Pich campus and Bassac Garden campus. The Koh Pich campus is CIS's big campus on Koh Pich and opened in August 2015 with facilities including an amphitheatre, swimming pool, multiple sports spaces, libraries, and restaurants, and the campus capacity is 1,600 students. The Bassac Garden campus hosts the TPS and PS programs in Bassac Garden City in premises shared with CIS. +855 92 259 124; contact@efi.asia.”,	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. Online Application and Document Submission Parents initiate the process by completing a digital enrollment application via the school's online EDUKA platform. This step requires compiling and uploading a designated collection of records, including signed procedural rules, a health history form with proof of immunization, past academic report cards, and identification passports for students, parents, and any authorized pickup guardians. Once all digital materials are fully compiled, an automated acknowledgment of receipt is issued to the family via email. Reviewing families must ensure all data is accurate, as incomplete application files will pause the evaluation process until all missing documents are provided. 2. Principal Interview and Review Meeting For families located in Phnom Penh during the enrollment period, the school schedules an in-person meeting with the school Principal. This session serves as a factual review of the applicant's academic profile and provides an opportunity to discuss their linguistic background in relation to the school's dual educational paths. It ensures that the academic frameworks of the school match the student's learning profile before an official decision is issued. For overseas families who cannot attend a meeting in person, alternative communication arrangements are coordinated directly through the school administration. 3. Placement Review and Language Assessment Following the initial profile review, the administration evaluates the student's linguistic capabilities and age eligibility to determine the correct grade level placement. Students are strictly assigned to classes based on their exact chronological age as of December 31st of the current academic year, with the nursery stream accepting children starting at eighteen months old. If an applicant does not exhibit a sufficient level of English proficiency for immediate independent tracking, the school issues specific pedagogical recommendations to support their integration. This step guarantees that incoming students are structurally prepared for the linguistic demands of their assigned stream. 4. Admission Decision and Registration Finalization The final step concludes with a formal admission decision communicated directly to the parents by the school Principal. The decision will explicitly categorize the student as admitted, conditionally admitted, placed on the official waiting list, or not admitted. To secure the offered placement, families must finalize the financial registration requirements, which include paying the non-refundable first-time enrollment fee and the capital fees. Access to classrooms, extracurricular activities, and school transport services is conditional upon completing these upfront financial allocations before the designated payment deadlines.	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 To accommodate households with varying financial situations, the school manages an official scholarship program authorized by the Board of Directors. This program operates as a confidential, needs-based financial assistance system rather than an automatic merit-based track.	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 Waiting lists operate as follows: Priority 1 is for students already enrolled at EFI; Priority 2 is for siblings of EFI students; Priority 3 is for students who have previously been enrolled at EFI; Priority 4 is for new students, in the order that complete dossiers are submitted to the school administration.	Waitlist —
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