doris
Currency
E

EFI (French International School of Phnom Penh) - Koh Pich Campus

Cambodia, Phnom Penh

Save school

· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees KHR 22,856,290 - 55,274,999
Ages 6 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2015
Bus Service Yes
Part of
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, French Curriculum
Taught languages French, English, Khmer, Mandarin, Spanish, Latin
Strengths Languages, Sport, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Academic and Intellectual
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

École Française Internationale de Phnom Penh (EFI) operates its primary, middle, and high school cycles on the Koh Pich campus. The school is distinct for its bilingual immersion program utilizing two native-speaking teachers simultaneously per classroom, delivering lessons in both French and English. Parents select between the International stream, which features a sixty-forty language ratio, or the French stream. The academic structure merges the French National Education framework alongside Cambridge Assessment International Education, preparing older students directly for the French National Diploma, Cambridge IGCSEs, and A-Levels. Located on a three-hectare site, this specific campus provides an amphitheater with six hundred seats, a twenty-five-meter swimming pool, two full sports halls, a fitness room, two school restaurants, and two libraries. Co-curricular options offer basketball, badminton, swimming, judo, philosophy, and drama club, ensuring structured opportunities for student exploration outside regular lessons. For students who achieve dual-language fluency, a third elective path in Khmer or Mandarin Chinese is officially provided.

This campus is part of French International School Phnom Penh

French International, EFI – École Française Internationale de, Elite Rd, Phnom Penh 12301, Cambodia

The Essentials

EFI (French International School of Phnom Penh) - Koh Pich Campus has instruction in French, English.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Country affiliation

EFI is affiliated with France through the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE).

Religious affiliation

EFI is a secular school; no religious instruction is part of the standard curriculum.

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.

Bus service

EFI offers a school bus service. Details and routes are arranged to accommodate families, with bus options noted in school communications and listings.
Diving Deeper

Food Options

Koh Pich campus has two school restaurants.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at EFI (French International School of Phnom Penh) - Koh Pich Campus ranges from KHR 22,856,290 to KHR 55,274,999 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

EFI (French International School of Phnom Penh) - Koh Pich Campus teaches Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, French Curriculum for students aged 6 to 18.

Curriculum

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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

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.

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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

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.

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.

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.
Parent Experience

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.

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.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

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).
Facilities

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.

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.

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.

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 Activities

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.

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.
Languages

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.

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.
Reputation

Awards

null

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.”,
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.

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.

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.
School Events
The school has not added events