Footprints International School - TK Campus vs Paragon International School

	F Footprints International School - TK Campus Phnom Penh, Cambodia	P Paragon International School Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KHR 19,764,223 - 27,958,752	Fees / year KHR 22,077,001 - 42,929,731
Age range	Age range 1½ - 18 years	Age range 2 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, British Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 1,100
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 12
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Khmer
Opened	Opened 2007	Opened 1997
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Footprints International School is in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, operating two urban campuses: Toul Kork (Building A, No.16–18, Street 570) and Toul Tom Poung (Building A, No.84, Street 135 / intersection with Street 470). Both campuses serve Nursery–Grade 12 and list campus contact numbers and opening hours on the school site/handbook; they are located in central city districts commonly reached by car, taxi or tuk‑tuk—contact the school for specific directions or pickup points.	Location Paragon International School is located in the Svay Pak / Russey Keo area of Phnom Penh (Building No. 402, Plov Lom, Phum Lor Kombor, Sangkat Svay Pak, Khan Russey Keo). The campus is accessible from major parts of the city and the school lists a single consolidated campus address on its website.
Stages	Stages The school runs from Nursery through Grade 12. Early Childhood covers ages ~1.5–5 (Nursery to Kindergarten); Primary is Grades 1–5; Secondary covers lower and upper secondary through Grade 12. Footprints offers Cambridge (CAIE) pathways alongside a Cambodian National Programme.	Stages The school runs Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary programmes (age bands shown as Kindergarten 2–5, Primary 6–11, Secondary 12–17). Age-level details and grade distribution are published on the school site.
School type	School type Footprints is a co‑educational international day school (no boarding is listed). It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and authorised to deliver IEYC and Cambridge programmes while also being licensed by the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.	School type Paragon ISC is an independent international day school offering programmes from early years through Grade 12; the school operates multiple campus sections (Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary). The school website and campus pages do not advertise boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school operates a Centre for Wellbeing and Career Excellence (CWCE) that coordinates counselling, early identification, a three‑tier assessment system, targeted support and referrals to external specialists via a CARE Centre. The handbook sets out processes for assessment, individual planning and referrals; parents should contact Admissions/Family Engagement for details about specific learning‑support arrangements.	Additional learning support Paragon publishes a Learning Support page describing a dedicated Learning Support department that works with teachers, teaching assistants and parents, runs awareness events (for example on dyslexia and ADHD), and participates in local SEN networks. The school uses in‑school interventions and refers to external specialists when needed.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Footprints is an international school based in Cambodia and is licensed by the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport; it is not presented as affiliated to any single foreign country.	Country affiliation The school is registered in Cambodia and is authorised/recognised by the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports; it also delivers Cambridge (CAIE) qualifications and holds international accreditation (CIS).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated in the school's published materials or parent handbook.	Religious affiliation Paragon ISC does not list any religious affiliation on its public ‘About' and accreditation pages; the provision is presented as secular/international.
School day structure	School day structure Daily timings vary by programme: Early Childhood (Nursery–Kindy) runs roughly 8:00am–4:00pm with morning, lunch/napping and afternoon sessions; Primary International classes typically run 7:45am–1:50pm (with snack and lunch breaks); Secondary International classes start at 8:00am and run until about 2:35pm (one‑hour lunch). The campus gate opens earlier (a gate babysitter from 7:00am is noted) and the handbook gives precise session times by year group.	School day structure Published information from school‑profile sources indicates a typical school day with families able to drop off from about 07:50 and school finishing around 15:30; exact start/finish times can vary by year group and term, so confirm with admissions for your child's year.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school publishes a paid bus service covering many parts of Phnom Penh. Each bus is staffed with a bus monitor; parents must register through the school office, the bus will not wait more than five minutes at stops, and the school may be unable to accommodate families living a long distance from campus. For routes, fees and registration, contact the Family Engagement/Admissions office.	Bus service details The school coordinates a contracted bus service for student commuting and lists a transport/registration page with contact details for bus enquiries; routes are organised into pickup/drop‑off zones and fees depend on location (term‑ or annual‑based payment options). For route details and registration you should contact the school transport team.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Enrolment fees - Application fee (new applicants): USD 30 (Kindy–Grade 12). - Enrolment fee (payable once on acceptance): USD 600 for all grades; USD 300 for siblings. Annual capital & administration and learning‑materials (books) - Capital & administration fee: USD 300 per student (paid annually; 50% charge applies if enrolment is in Term 3). - Print & digital learning materials (annual, non‑refundable): Kindy USD 50; Grades 1–5 USD 175; Grades 6–8 USD 200; Grades 9–10 USD 400; Grades 11–12 USD 450. Tuition fees (AY 2025–2026) — full year and per term - Nursery – Pre‑K2 (Part‑time): Full yearly USD 2,706; Full yearly (10% if paid in one payment) USD 2,435; Termly (3 payments): USD 902 per term. - Nursery – Kindy (Full‑time): Full yearly USD 4,563; Discounted yearly USD 4,106; Termly USD 1,521 per term. - Grades 1–5: Full yearly USD 5,106; Discounted yearly USD 4,595; Termly USD 1,702 per term. - Grades 6–8: Full yearly USD 5,691; Discounted yearly USD 5,121; Termly USD 1,897 per term. - Grades 9–12: Full yearly USD 6,250; Discounted yearly USD 5,624; Termly USD 2,083 per term. Billing schedule & payment terms - Tuition may be paid annually (one payment) or termly (three payments). Term‑payment dates for AY 2025–2026 are shown in the fee table; term payments occur before each term (late July 2025, mid‑November 2025, late February 2026); annual payments are expected at the start of the academic year (early August 2025). - Late payment penalty: USD 5 per day; non‑payment may result in suspension or withholding of reports. - Partial, midterm and National‑programme adjustments are specified in the fee schedule. Optional and other fees - Healthy student lunches: Nursery–Grade 4 — Full yearly USD 567 (5% off if paid yearly) or termly (USD 180 / USD 174 / USD 213 by term); Grade 5–12 — Full yearly USD 756 (5% off) or termly (USD 240 / USD 232 / USD 284). - School bus (optional): 2‑way full year USD 900 (5% off = USD 855) or termly USD 300; 1‑way full year USD 720 (5% off = USD 684) or termly USD 240. Sibling transport discounts apply. - IP afternoon clubs & activities: Full yearly USD 520 or termly USD 180. - Cambridge examination fees (per subject / component) vary by level (e.g. IGCSE USD 145 per subject; AS/A2/A‑level fees listed in schedule). Discounts, refunds & withdrawal - Sibling tuition discounts: 2nd child 15% off; 3rd child onward 20% off. A 15% discount applies to Nursery/Pre‑K1 new students for 2025–2026 (not combinable with other discounts). - Withdrawal: written notice (Withdrawal Form) at least 30 days before the student's last day. - Refunds: refunds on paid tuition and lunch fees apply only for full terms not attended; a processing charge equal to 10% of the refunded/transferred amount applies (same 10% applied to Cambridge exam refunds/transfers when parent/student changes/withdraws). Uniforms & other incidental costs - The school's policy requires a school uniform, but the published fee schedule does not list a specific uniform charge. Uniform policy and related expectations are stated separately in school information. Payment methods & bank details - Accepted payment modes: cash (amounts under USD 100), cheque or bank transfer for larger amounts; bank transfer fees are the payer's responsibility; the school accepts payments only from registered banks operating in Cambodia. - Bank deposit details for fee payments (as provided by the school): Bank: ABA; Beneficiary: EDUINVEST INTERNATIONAL CO LTD; Account No.: 000145244; Beneficiary address as published by the school.	Fee details Application fees - Toddler–Pre-K: USD 60 (payable once on application). - KG–Grade 12: USD 120 (payable once on application). (These application fees are non‑refundable and non‑transferable.) One‑time enrolment / initial fees - Enrolment (one‑time on acceptance): Toddler–Pre‑K USD 750; KG–Grade 12 USD 1,500. These enrolment fees are non‑refundable and non‑transferable. Annual registration and capital fees - Registration (annual): USD 850 (paid annually; non‑refundable). - Capital fee (annual): Toddler–Pre‑K USD 600; KG–Grade 12 USD 1,200 (payable annually in two instalments; non‑refundable). Tuition fees — annual amounts by year group (USD, annual) - Kindergarten: Toddler (half day) USD 4,650; Toddler (full day) USD 5,500; Nursery half day USD 4,650; Nursery full day USD 5,500; Pre‑K (full day) USD 6,875; K (full day) USD 6,875. - Primary (Bilingual / International examples): Grade 1 Bilingual USD 7,660 / International USD 11,250; Grades 2–3 Bilingual ~USD 7,660 / International USD 11,250; Grades 4–6 Bilingual ~USD 7,970 / International USD 11,970. - Secondary (Bilingual / International examples): Grades 7–9 Bilingual USD 9,340 / International USD 12,910; Grades 10–12 Bilingual USD 9,720 / International USD 13,620. (Annual tuition varies by programme, campus and transfer status.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment options: full payment (early full payment discount: USD 100) or instalments. - Instalment schedules published include a two‑instalment option (1st due 31 August; 2nd due 31 December) or a four‑instalment option (1st due 31 August; 2nd due 31 October; 3rd due 31 December; 4th due 28 February). - Late payment penalties: USD 50 if less than 30 days overdue; USD 100 if over 30 days overdue. (If paying by instalments, equal splits of the annual tuition across the chosen number of instalments is a common practice — the dates above are the published due dates; instalment amounts will be set on the invoice / enrolment agreement.) Boarding - No boarding programme is listed for Paragon ISC; the school operates as a day school. Other costs and optional fees - Transport (school bus), lunch, clubs, external exam fees, extra uniforms and additional textbooks and co‑curricular charges are charged in addition to tuition; amounts vary by service. One set of school uniform and one PE set plus main subject textbooks are provided on registration. Refund information - The school explicitly states that application, enrolment, registration and capital fees are non‑refundable and non‑transferable. Refund rules for tuition or other charges are determined in the enrolment agreement and invoicing (no separate general tuition refund schedule is published on the public fee pages). Payment methods - Onsite payment at the Finance Office; online payment (enter school ID in payment remarks); bank transfer to ABA Bank (PARAGON EDUCATION CO., LTD.) with campus‑specific account numbers provided by the school. The school publishes bank transfer details on the fee page.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The uniform policy requires Footprints International School uniforms to be worn to school every day. Students must wear a complete uniform to attend classes; school shoes or black shoes are required, with black shoes bearing colored logos acceptable. Uniforms must be clearly labeled, and on the last Friday and Saturday of the month there is a Casual Dress day.	Uniform requirement One set of school uniforms and one PE uniform are provided to each student upon registration.
Food options	Food options Footprints offers a healthy lunch menu with set options. Parents can sign up to receive school lunches by contacting the Family Engagement Office. Students may bring their own healthy lunches and snacks to school; deliveries from outside suppliers are not allowed.	Food options The school has a canteen that provides breakfast and lunch with a wide range of food options, catering to dietary requirements and tastes.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Board of Governors is the legal authorising body of Footprints International School and operates in line with the By-Laws. The Board supports the vision, mission, values and beliefs of Footprints and ensures fiscal health, governance and risk management; day-to-day administration is delegated to the Focus on Learning (FoL) Steering Committee, which acts as the School Leadership Team. In September 2021 the Board approved a strategic plan for 2021–2025 focusing on Responsible Growth, Creating a Nurturing Learning Eco-System, Developing an Effective and Efficient Management Platform, and Building Capacity.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a School Board. It is certified by the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) and Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), and Paragon International School is a registered Cambridge examination centre; it has accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Footprints International School delivers an inquiry-based programme from nursery to Grade 12: the Early Childhood Programme uses the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), the school follows Cambridge Assessment (CAIE) frameworks through Primary and Secondary, and the school is accredited by WASC. Early Childhood (ages 1.5–5) combines play-based IEYC units with Cambridge outcomes in Kindergarten to prepare children for Stage 1 Cambridge learning. Primary (Grades 1–5) follows the Cambridge Primary framework with core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science, Global Perspectives, PSHE) plus specialist Art, Music and PE, and families can choose Dual (Cambridge+National), International (Cambridge only) or an International pathway with additional Khmer language and culture. Secondary offers core Lower Secondary subjects and an Upper Secondary curriculum where students select sciences or humanities; students sit IGCSE examinations in Grade 10 and may take AS/A Levels in Grades 11–12. In parallel, Footprints runs a Ministry of Education (MoEYS)-licensed Khmer (National) Programme across Primary and Secondary with national study hours and national exams (including Grade 6, Grade 9 and Grade 12) that lead to the national diploma.	Curriculum details Paragon ISC's Kindergarten (ages 3–6) follows the Cambridge Early Years framework, organised into six learning areas: Communication, Creative Expression, Mathematics, Personal, Social & Emotional Development, Physical Development and Understanding the World. Primary (Grades 1–6) integrates the Cambodian National Curriculum with the Cambridge Primary International Curriculum and teaches core programmes such as English, Chinese, Khmer, mathematics, science, ICT, global perspectives, art, music, PE and robotics. Secondary offers both a Bilingual pathway (national curriculum in Khmer with selected Cambridge subjects) and an International pathway based on Cambridge: Cambridge Lower Secondary (ages 11–14), a two‑year IGCSE in Grades 9–10, and Cambridge Advanced (AS/A Levels) for pre‑university study, with subjects organised into Languages, Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics and Creative/ICT/PE. Paragon states its International Programme high‑school diploma is submitted to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport for equivalency with the national Grade 12 diploma; International Programme students are exempt from the Grade 6/9/12 national exams, while local students in the International stream must complete Khmer language, history and culture requirements for equivalency. The school also provides Cambridge assessment services (including Young Learners of English), functions as an SAT test centre, and runs extensive co‑curricular clubs, college counselling and awards (e.g., Duke of Edinburgh) to support student development and university progression.
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 Footprints states it teaches social‑emotional skills through curriculum and whole‑school initiatives: the Primary programme includes PSHE using the Jigsaw framework and the Early Childhood programme uses IEYC activities such as drama and role play to develop emotional and social skills. The school's Centre for Wellbeing and Career Excellence (CWCE) explicitly lists social‑emotional learning as a core focus and coordinates schoolwide SEL work. Student voice is enabled through a Student Council (which includes wellbeing roles) and PSHE/IEYC lessons are referenced in the school curriculum documents. These provisions are described on the school website and in the Student & Parent Handbook.	Social & emotional learning Paragon describes structured programmes and school-wide activities that support students' social and emotional development, including a Character Education strand, the Paragon Student Council, house leadership opportunities, and a broad co‑curricular programme. The Learning Support team works with the Welfare and Counselling Department to provide emotional and social support and to help students develop independence and confidence. The school cites classroom differentiation, small‑group interventions and collaboration between teachers, Learning Support staff and welfare staff as part of this provision. Student leadership (house captains) and celebration events are highlighted as routes for leadership and social development.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Footprints publishes a named SEN provision called ‘FIS CARE' and states that it welcomes students with learning support needs. The school's Khmer site text and enrolment information explicitly refer to supporting learners diagnosed with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The Student & Parent Handbook includes an Inclusion entry and describes a tiered assessment/intervention process coordinated by the CWCE and the Head of the Centre for Wellbeing. The school does not describe itself as a specialist SEN institution; instead it presents FIS CARE as an in‑school inclusion/learning‑support programme.	Special educational needs (SEN) Paragon's Learning Support Services state they provide targeted help for students with mild learning difficulties (e.g., reading, writing, numeracy), processing challenges, attention and focus issues, and social–emotional development. Provision includes in‑class support, small‑group or one‑to‑one interventions, and Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) overseen by a Learning Support Coordinator. The school explicitly says it does not provide a complete/specialist SEN programme and that it refers families to external specialists when needs exceed the school's capacity. Support for English language acquisition is provided in coordination with ESL where required.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language Paragon lists English as a Second Language as a named programme in its Primary curriculum and runs Cambridge‑aligned ESL clubs (Starters, Movers, Flyers, A2 Key, Checkpoint ESL). The Learning Support page also notes formal ESL/ESL coordination between Learning Support and the school's ESL provision for students who need additional language support. The site therefore documents both an in‑curriculum ESL programme and targeted coordination for students requiring extra English support. The school does not publish individual staff names for the ESL team on the pages reviewed.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Footprints has a formal Centre for Wellbeing and Career Excellence (CWCE) that adopts a whole‑school approach to mental health, describes a three‑tier assessment/intervention model, and offers support groups and individual counselling coordinated by the Head of the Centre. The Student & Parent Handbook lists specific activities such as wellbeing weeks, parent workshops, signposting to external services, and referrals to specialist services when needed. The school also reports using the Komodo wellbeing platform to gather wellbeing data and support interventions. These mental‑wellbeing functions are described in the handbook and in school news.	Mental wellbeing The school's Safeguarding and Student Welfare material describes a Student Welfare (Welfare and Counselling) function that provides developmental, preventative and remedial services aimed at students' social and personal needs. Learning Support explicitly records that it collaborates with the Welfare and Counselling Department to provide emotional support addressing confidence, peer relationships, anxiety and adjustment. Paragon frames wellbeing as part of its wider pastoral and academic provision and says staff and parents share responsibility for student wellbeing. The website does not list named counsellors on the pages reviewed.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Footprints publicly states a focus on child protection within the CWCE and its whole‑school policies, and the Student & Parent Handbook describes referral routes, consent procedures and tiered support linked to safeguarding processes. The school has published news of a formal partnership and recognition with the ChildSafe Movement (ChildSafe Star Partner) to strengthen its child‑protection work. WASC accreditation documents referenced on the site also note the presence of a child‑protection policy aligned with international expectations. These items are published on the school website and in their handbook.	Safeguarding Paragon publishes a Safeguarding and Child Protection page stating the school has a Safeguarding Policy and is committed to preventing and responding to child abuse; the page gives a designated reporting contact ([email protected]) for concerns. The site explains the Safeguarding Policy establishes internal measures, makes safeguarding an organisational priority, and positions the Student Welfare department as a key part of wellbeing and child protection. The school's recruitment information also says staff must supply criminal background checks and relevant disclosures as part of hiring, which the site presents as part of its safeguarding arrangements. Together these pages describe policy, reporting routes and personnel‑check processes rather than detailed operational procedures on the public site.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Footprints International School operates two campuses in Phnom Penh: Toul Kork and Toul Tom Poung. The TK campus serves Nursery to Grade 12, as does the Toul Tom Poung campus. The school provides a Health Centre for student health services. The campuses are part of the school's learning community and offer on-site facilities to support academics and activities.	Facilities overview The campus consolidates Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary on a single, purpose-built, secure site. It includes science laboratories, ICT and robotics suites, studios, and a broad set of sports facilities. It features two libraries and collaborative learning spaces to support independent and group work. The campus includes a main entrance, a playground or sports field, a sports field or court, a library and labs, and green spaces.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Paragon ISC's campus includes on-site spaces for physical education and team sports. There is a playground or sports field and a sports field or courts on the campus. These facilities are integrated within the main campus that serves Kindergarten through Secondary. The facilities support school-wide athletic activities and physical education programmes.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Footprints teaches the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) and the Cambridge Curriculum (CAIE) with exams, and offers a National Programme licensed by the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS). An International Programme with Khmer Language & Culture is available for Grades 1–5. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science and Global Perspectives, with Art, Music, ICT, Physical Education and Mandarin Chinese as specialist subjects.	Academic facilities The campus provides science laboratories for experiments and practical work. ICT and robotics suites support digital learning and engineering activities. Studios support media, arts, and collaborative projects. There are two libraries to support research and study, along with collaborative learning spaces.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers extracurricular activities including football, Chinese classes, arts & crafts, taekwondo and gymnastics.	Extra curricular facilities Paragon ISC offers co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, including clubs and competitions and a Paragon Student Union. A Parents Club (PTA) supports school life. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered at Paragon ISC.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Footprints International School was established in 2007 and has since grown to serve more than 1,000 students. It operates two main campuses (Toul Tom Poung and Toul Kork) and provides programmes from early childhood through Grade 12. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and offers internationally recognised curricula alongside a Ministry‑approved national pathway. Administrative and enrolment payments on the site are processed in the name EDUINVEST INTERNATIONAL CO LTD, which is listed as the beneficiary for bank transfers.	History Paragon International School Cambodia was founded in 1997 and was formerly known as Zaman International School. The school is governed by a School Board and has developed in stages, adding a secondary campus in 2005, a purpose-built primary campus in 2010, and a dedicated kindergarten campus in 2012. The institution rebranded to Paragon ISC in 2018 as it aligned more deliberately with international accreditation and university pathways. In 2025 the school opened a purpose-built main campus at Land № 402, Plov Lom (Svay Pak), consolidating kindergarten, primary and secondary facilities and expanding its laboratories, libraries and sports spaces.
Community	Community The school community includes over 1,000 students and a largely Cambodian family body—approximately 95% Khmer with a small mix of other nationalities. Footprints publishes News and Events pages and runs a range of extracurricular options such as football, Chinese classes, arts & crafts, taekwondo and gymnastics that are open to students. Parent–school communication and family activities are coordinated through a Family Engagement Office and a Parent Liaison Officer, who manage enrolment meetings, communications and activity sign‑ups.	Community Paragon ISC's community combines students, families and staff through a programme of clubs, competitions and whole-school events that aim to involve learners beyond the classroom. Regular activities include after-school clubs (STEM, robotics, arts and sports), participation in national and international competitions, and whole‑school cultural celebrations such as International Holidays, charity week and seasonal events like Halloween. The school also promotes parent–school connections through the Paragon Student Union and the Parents Club, which help coordinate social and community activities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school website does not show a dedicated Parent Teacher Association (PTA) page or a published PTA committee structure. Parent engagement on the site is organised through the Family Engagement Office and a Parent Liaison Officer; the site describes family meetings, screening interviews, and use of school email for parent–teacher communication. The Parent Handbook, School Calendar and Events/News pages are the primary published channels for parent information, and parents are instructed to contact the Family Engagement Office to sign children up for school lunches and extracurricular activities. If you need formal PTA documents, meeting schedules, or volunteer group details, the website suggests contacting the Family Engagement Office or using the listed enquiry phone/email to request the most current information.	Parent teacher association The Paragon Parents Club (PTA) is an active part of school life, bringing together parents, teachers and school leaders to support student wellbeing and learning. The PTA's stated purposes include strengthening home–school partnerships, creating opportunities for parent participation, and organising events that bring families together. Typical PTA activities listed on the school site include family days, cultural celebrations, parenting workshops, school fairs and fundraising drives. Parent involvement is organised through grade-level parent representatives who meet regularly with teachers, coordinators and the leadership team to share feedback and plan initiatives. The PTA also supports clubs and school projects through volunteering and small-scale contributions, and membership or representative roles are appointed or elected at the start of each academic year.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Footprints International School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). It is authorised to offer the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) and the Cambridge Curriculum (CAIE) with exams. A Khmer language course is offered for Cambodian students to earn a national diploma from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS).	Academic & intellectual Paragon International School provides three educational pathways: Kindergarten (ages 2-5), Primary (ages 6-11), and Secondary (ages 12-17). The curriculum includes Cambridge International Examinations and Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing, plus the Young Learners English program and a Cambridge-based assessment framework. The school is a SAT Test Centre and follows the DHQL & Teaching and Learning Framework. Learning Support Services and Career & College Counselling are available to students.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art and Music are specialist subjects in the Primary Programme. The Secondary Programme includes Art, Music, ICT and Physical Education. Extracurricular activities include sports such as football, Chinese classes, arts & crafts, taekwondo and gymnastics.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Khmer Language & Culture is offered as part of a pathway, with Grades 1–5 on the International Programme with Khmer Language & Culture studying 1.5 hours daily before transitioning to Secondary. A Khmer language course enables Cambodian students to earn a MoEYS diploma. Mandarin Chinese is taught in the Secondary Programme. Footprints is based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.	Cultural & language The school offers language programmes including Chinese Language Programme, French Language Programme, and Khmer Language Programme for International Students.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Extracurricular activities include sports, Chinese classes, arts & crafts, taekwondo and gymnastics.	Social & hobbies Clubs and competitions are part of school life, including the Paragon Student Union. The Parents Club (PTA) participates in school activities. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered at Paragon ISC.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Student leadership development is supported through the Paragon Student Union and house leadership structures. The school provides Career & College Counselling to help students prepare for higher education and professional pathways.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Footprints provides a Health Centre on campus. Footprints offers a healthy lunch menu, and students may bring their own lunches. Outside food deliveries are not allowed, and nutritious snacks are encouraged.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school provides a safe and supportive environment for students. It aims to balance academic achievement with character, resilience and leadership, fostering holistic development.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is a core language within the Cambridge-based Secondary Curriculum. Khmer Language and Culture is taught in Grades 1–5 as part of the International Programme with Khmer Language & Culture (1.5 hours daily). Mandarin Chinese is offered as a Secondary subject. A Khmer-language programme enables Cambodian students to earn a MoEYS national diploma.	Language provision The school offers three language programmes: Chinese Language Programme, French Language Programme, and Khmer Language Programme for International Students.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Footprints offers three curriculum pathways: Dual Programme (Cambridge + National curriculum); International Programme (Cambridge curriculum only, MoEYS recognised); and International Programme with Khmer Language & Culture (bilingual development and cultural identity). In Grades 1–5, students in the Khmer Language & Culture pathway study Khmer Language and Culture for 1.5 hours daily before continuing with either the Dual or International Programme in Secondary. Mandarin Chinese is taught as a subject in Secondary.	Bilingual teaching The school offers two curricular pathways: an International programme and a Bilingual programme. The International programme follows the Cambridge International Curriculum; all courses are taught in English and students may study a foreign language as well. For diploma equivalency, local students complete Khmer Language and Khmer History. The International programme leads through Cambridge Early Years and Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary (IGCSE), and Cambridge Advanced Levels (AS/A Levels). The Bilingual programme follows the Khmer National Curriculum with Cambridge subjects taught in English; to earn a National Diploma, students must pass the Grade 6, Grade 9, and Grade 12 examinations. Students may switch from the bilingual to the international programme at the end of the academic year, but not the reverse.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards 1) ChildSafe Movement — ChildSafe Star Partner (2 stars earned in 2024) — Footprints reports it has been recognised as a ChildSafe Movement Star Partner and that in 2024 the school earned two stars for its child-protection work; this is a formal recognition from the ChildSafe Movement (Friends-International) for steps taken toward strengthening child protection systems. (News post dated February 25, 2025). 2) Selected for the ASEAN–Australia BRIDGE Program (2025–2026) — Footprints reports it was selected to participate in the ASEAN–Australia BRIDGE Program, an initiative that connects schools across ASEAN and Australia; selection is a competitive recognition that affords professional learning and international collaboration opportunities. (News post dated February 24, 2025). Note: I searched the school website for other school-level awards or formal recognitions in the past five years (2021–2025) and did not find additional awards listed on the site beyond the items above and the school's WASC reaccreditation (which is listed under accreditations). All items above are taken from the school's publicly available news and programme pages.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations 1) Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) — The school states it is accredited by WASC; accreditation indicates the school has undergone an external, peer-review process focused on school improvement and student learning (Footprints notes reaccreditation in May 2023, valid through June 30, 2029). 2) Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) — Footprints is authorised to offer the Cambridge (CAIE) curriculum and Cambridge exams; this authorisation means the school can register learners for Cambridge qualifications that are internationally recognised. 3) International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) — The school states it is authorised to deliver the IEYC in its Early Childhood Programme; IEYC authorisation indicates the school follows an externally developed early-years curriculum framework for play-based, developmentally appropriate learning. 4) Licensed by the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) — Footprints states it is licensed by MoEYS to offer the national programme and that Khmer-language study leads to the Cambodian national diploma; this licence indicates the school meets Cambodian regulatory requirements for delivering the national curriculum.	Accreditations • Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), Cambodia — The school is authorised and officially registered by Cambodia's national education authority; this means Paragon ISC is recognised to operate as an educational institution in Cambodia and its international‑programme diploma is recognised for national diploma equivalency. • Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation — CIS is an international school‑accreditation body that evaluates whole‑school quality (teaching and learning, governance, student welfare, facilities and continuous improvement); Paragon ISC states it is CIS‑accredited, which indicates the school has completed CIS's external quality‑assurance process. • Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) authorisation / Cambridge qualifications — Paragon ISC is authorised to deliver Cambridge programmes and is a registered Cambridge examination centre (the site lists Cambridge programmes and its test‑centre status). This means the school offers Cambridge curricula (IGCSE, AS/A Levels, checkpoints) and runs official Cambridge exam sessions on site. Other formal recognitions published on the school website: • SAT test centre designation (Centre no. 65394) — the school is listed as an SAT test centre, which is an official designation to host College Board SAT sittings.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Make an enquiry: Contact the Family Engagement / admissions team to start the process and to arrange a campus visit or initial conversation. The website lists a central enquiry phone number (017 222 084) and an online enquiry form; parents should be ready to state the child's name, proposed start date, grade and preferred campus (Toul Kork or Toul Tom Poung) when they call. Families who want a specific start date or a place in a popular year level should enquire early because places are limited per grade. 2. Family meeting and assessment: For Nursery–PreK2 the school arranges a family screening interview (Parent Liaison Officer) to review the child's social and academic development and discuss family expectations. For Kindergarten through Grade 12 the school requires age-appropriate Mathematics and Literacy placement tests; these tests must be scheduled in advance through the office. Expect the school to use the interview and/or test results to advise an appropriate placement and to identify any support needs. 3. Submit required documentation: The school requires specific documents at application stage: birth certificate or passport, previous school reports/transcripts, vaccination record, an official transfer document for the Khmer (national) curriculum for transfers in Grade 2 and above, and two 4 x 6 cm coloured photographs. Parents should prepare original documents and clear scanned copies; some items (for example transfer paperwork for MoEYS national programme students) can take time to obtain so factor that into your timeline. Check in advance whether documents must be certified or translated for your child's application. 4. School accounts and communication set-up: After paperwork is accepted the school provides Footprints email addresses for parents and students and uses that email for regular communication and Google Classroom access. Parents are asked to confirm they can access the school email (an IT representative will assist on site) because teachers and administrative notices will be sent there. If you prefer another primary contact method (phone/WhatsApp), confirm with admissions how that will be used alongside the official school email. 5. Bring-your-own-device and IT safety: Footprints requires students to bring devices for Google Classroom; the Enrollment Process specifies this policy applies to Grade 6–12 (parents are asked to bring a device to register during enrolment). The school's IT team installs a firewall and blocks social media, adult and non-educational sites on student devices — parents should be prepared to discuss acceptable-device types (laptop, Chromebook, tablet) and any device security questions at registration. If your child will join a lower grade, check with admissions whether different device expectations apply for that year. 6. Acceptance, payment and place confirmation: Once the school accepts a student, payment of the enrolment fee, capital and administration fees is required before attendance can start. The website notes the enrolment fee holds a child's place for only five working days (parents must complete requested forms and payments in that period) and that payment of the capital & administration fee will guarantee a place; the site also gives bank transfer details (ABA, beneficiary EDUINVEST INTERNATIONAL CO LTD, Account No. 000145244. and contact emails for confirming transfers. Parents should confirm the total first-year cost (tuition, capital/admin, books, placement-test fee and any applicable exam fees such as IGCSE/A‑Level), and ask for an itemised invoice before transferring funds.	Admissions 1. Start an application (online form). Begin by completing the school's online application form; the form saves progress so you can return to it if you need more documents. The admissions page is the official first step and the Admissions Team will confirm receipt and outline next steps. 2. Pay the application fee when you submit. Paragon's published policy requires an application fee that differs by age group (e.g., Toddler–Pre-K and KG–Grade 12 are quoted separately on the school fees page); this fee is payable once at submission and is non‑refundable. Parents should have a USD payment method ready and note the exact amount for the child's level before submission. 3. Admission assessment (test/observation) and parent/student interview. After the application is reviewed, the school schedules the relevant entrance assessment — for younger children this may be an observation, for older children a placement/entrance test — and usually an interview that includes parents and the student. Bring recent school reports (if available), identification and any information about learning support needs; the school uses these to place students at the appropriate level. 4. Offer of place and confirmation steps. Successful applicants receive an Acceptance Letter; to finalise enrolment parents must sign the agreement form and pay the one‑time enrolment fee indicated in the school's fee policy. Be aware the enrolment fee is described as non‑refundable and non‑transferable in the school's published fee rules. 5. Registration and capital fees to secure the school year. In addition to the enrolment fee, Paragon publishes an annual registration fee and a capital fee (amounts vary by programme and age); the registration fee secures the child's place for the coming academic year and is also non‑refundable. Confirm which fees apply to your child's campus/programme (Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary and Bilingual vs International programmes can differ). 6. Payment methods, instalments and deadlines. All fees are stated in USD and the school lists bank transfer details and on‑campus payment options; Paragon allows full payment or instalment plans, and publishes discounts for full payment and sibling/alumnus/referral discounts. Ask the Finance Office for the current instalment schedule and any early‑payment discount deadlines before you accept an offer. 7. Final steps before term starts. After fees are paid parents will be advised about uniform and textbook provisioning (the school states one set of uniforms and main subject textbooks are provided on registration), transport, lunch options and optional charges (clubs, trips, external exam fees). The Admissions Team will tell you which original documents they need to see in person and will confirm the student's start date once the registration is complete.
Scholarships	Scholarships The Footprints website and the official AY 2025–2026 fees document do not advertise a scholarship programme for fee remission or needs‑based awards. The published fee schedule does, however, list several fee concessions and commercial discounts that parents should be aware of: a 10% discount is noted for certain full‑year payments, sibling discounts (generally 15% for the second child and 20% for the third child) are explicitly listed, and there is a specified 15% promotional discount for certain early years (Nursery and Pre‑K1) for the 2025–2026 year. In addition, the school lists standard additional charges parents must budget for (placement‑test fee, book fees, Cambridge exam fees for IGCSE/AS/A levels, replacement document fees, etc.). If you need financial support or a specific scholarship, contact the Family Engagement / admissions team directly to ask whether any fee‑assistance, local bursaries or case‑by‑case arrangements are available — these are not described in the public documents.	Scholarships Paragon publishes several scholarship routes and criteria on its campus pages. A common pathway is a scholarship examination or top public exam performance for students progressing into Secondary: examples on the school site include Grade 6 scholarship arrangements (scholarship examination and/or top Primary Checkpoint results) with awards that may be cash‑value grants or tuition coverage; the school page notes the top three Grade 6 candidates may receive awards (examples include a listed US$2,000 award in one notice and, in other notices, 100%/75%/50% tuition scholarships for the top three scorers) and states that registration and enrolment fees are waived for those winners. Other published scholarship criteria include high achievers at Grade 8, Grade 10 (IGCSE) and Grade 11–12 (AS/A level) with differing award levels, and some schemes are explicitly for Cambodian citizens. Scholarship places are limited and the school runs a specific scholarship examination or selection process — dates, qualifying rules and how many awards are available are set each year, so parents must contact Admissions for the current schedule and application requirements.
Waitlist	Waitlist Footprints does not publish a formal, public waitlist policy on its website, but the admissions pages make clear there are limited places per grade and that an enrolment fee only holds a place for five working days. Because places are limited the school commonly manages capacity at grade level; third‑party school listings note that a waiting list is used for grades that are full. Practically, parents should assume a place is not secured until the required payments are completed (capital/administration fee in particular) and should ask admissions whether a waitlist exists for their child's target grade and how the school prioritises entries. For these points see the school's Enrollment/Fees pages and the published fees document.	Waitlist Paragon's public admissions pages do not publish a formal waiting‑list policy. Instead, their published process instructs families to secure a place by completing the application and paying the registration/enrolment fees once an offer is made; that implies places are confirmed on payment rather than via a publicly described waiting‑list mechanism. If you are concerned about capacity for a particular grade or intake, contact the Admissions Office directly — the school's site lists dedicated admissions contacts for Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary.
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