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First International Cambodian-American School (FICAS)

Cambodia, Phnom Penh

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Khmer
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 12 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1994
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary)
Taught languages English, Khmer
Strengths Sport, Academic Enrichment, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

First International Cambodian-American School (FICAS) in Phnom Penh provides an American-standard education with parallel Cambodian and international curricula. The school offers Cambodian Curriculum (FCC) and International Academic Curriculum (IAC) options, plus a General English Program (GEP); English instruction is central, and Khmer is taught through the Cambodian program. Students can begin in English from age 3 and in Khmer from age 6. The campus operates at Street 371 in Mean Chey with a second campus on Sola Street; the institution's history dates to 1994 and carries MOEYS licensing along with royal and U.S. recognition. Facilities include computers, musical instruments (piano and guitar), and sports equipment (basketball, tennis, taekwondo); extra‑curricular activities include CMA Mental Arithmetic, field trips, and community engagement. The school aims to prepare students for higher education locally and abroad.

88, St. Solar, Street 371, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The Essentials

First International Cambodian-American School (FICAS) has instruction in English, Khmer.

Location
Main Campus: Building No.07BE0/lots No.1186, St. 371, Sangkat Stung Mean Chey, Khan Mean Chey, Phnom Penh City. A second campus is located on Sorla Street, Building 07BEo, Sangkat Steung Meanchey, Khan Meanchey, Phnom Penh City. The two campuses place FICAS in the Mean Chey and Steung Meanchey areas of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Stages
FICAS offers programs for early years, kindergarten and primary levels across its two campuses. The site lists FCC Kindergarten (Full Day and Half Day) and FCC Primary (Full Day and Half Day), as well as IAC Early Childhood and IAC Kindergarten options, plus a General English Program (GEP). This indicates a continuum from early childhood through primary education.

Type
FICAS operates as an international school offering English-language instruction with Khmer language integration, across two campuses (Main Campus and 2nd Campus). The Main Campus houses key programs and the 2nd Campus serves additional age groups.

Additional learning support
Student Counseling is listed as a service for students. Public information on a dedicated SEN program is not provided; additional learning support appears through counseling rather than a defined SEN framework.

Country affiliation
The school identifies as Cambodian-American and offers an American-standard education; it has recognition from the United States Embassy and a Cambodian MOEYS license.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is listed in public materials.

School day structure
Public pages show Full Day options for Kindergarten (FCC Kindergarten Full Day) and Primary (FCC Primary Full Day) with published study-hour totals (Kindergarten: 1,748 hours/year; Primary: 1,656 hours/year). Start and end times are not published; the hours indicate a full-day schedule.

Bus service
Bus service details are not published on public pages; contact options are provided (two main phone numbers).
Academics

First International Cambodian-American School (FICAS) teaches Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) for students aged 3 to 12.

Curriculum
FICAS delivers a Cambodian Curriculum (FCC) that blends the Cambodian national framework with an International Academic Curriculum, available in Kindergarten and Primary programs. FCC Kindergarten (Full Day) includes Cambodian subjects (Pre-Math, Khmer Language, Science, Social Studies, Psychomotricity) and an English strand (English, Listening and Speaking, Reading and Writing), with additional Music and Arts, totaling 1,748 hours per academic year. FCC Primary (Full Day) covers Cambodian subjects (Mathematics, Khmer Language, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health Education, Art, Local Life Skills, Computer) and an English program (English Grammar, Listening and Speaking, Reading and Writing, Music and Arts, Project Work) totaling 1,656 hours per year. IAC Early Childhood Full Day blends English from Nursery 1–2 with Cambodian Kindergarten content, totaling 1,840 hours per year. The General English Program (GEP) provides targeted English instruction at 65 hours per level, with ongoing formative assessments and Semester examinations to monitor progress. FICAS holds Royal recognition, US Embassy recognition, and a MOEYS license, reflecting official accreditation and regulatory compliance.

Exam Results
Examinations include ongoing formative assessments (quizzes, homework, assignments, monthly and trimester) and summative Semester examinations.

Higher Education Progression
FICAS graduates are prepared to pursue higher education in Cambodia and overseas, with many continuing studies in the United States and other countries.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
FICAS provides Student Counseling as part of its Student Services to support students' wellbeing and social-emotional development. The school reinforces SEL through extra-curricular life-skills subjects, projects, field trips, and community engagement. It emphasizes a healthy campus environment with attention to health, hygiene and the environment.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. There is no explicit SEN staff or program described in the publicly available materials.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
FICAS offers a General English Program (GEP) with 65 hours per term to develop English proficiency. The site does not describe a separate EAL program or dedicated EAL staff; English-language support appears to be delivered through the GEP.

Mental Wellbeing
FICAS pays great attention to student well-being, health and the campus environment. Student Counseling is listed among the services available to students to support mental health and personal development.

Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose safeguarding or child-protection policies.
Parent Experience

History
First International Cambodian-American School (FICAS) was founded in Phnom Penh in 1994 with strong support from HM King Norodom Sihanouk and the late U.S. Ambassador Charles H. Twining. The school received royal and diplomatic recognition in May 1994, including a ceremony in which the American Flag was presented by the U.S. Ambassador. FICAS offers English and Khmer programs, with English starting from age 3 and Khmer from age 6. It has held a Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport license since December 9, 2006. A second campus, the Sorla Branch, was inaugurated on February 28, 2018, expanding facilities and capacity.

Community
The school maintains an active community with regular events and student activities, including field trips such as the Field Trip to Kirirom and various class activities and celebrations. Annual events, like Halloween celebrations in 2018, are part of the school's community calendar. Each year, a promotion ceremony is held where students receive certificates of achievement, with MOEYS recognition of the certificates. The campus operates across two locations, the Main Campus and the Sorla Branch, which broadens access to families and to the community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
FICAS has a formal leadership structure for guardian engagement, led by a President (Suvidyany Paksamay) and an Executive President (Khorn Sok), who oversee school governance and family involvement. The school conducts regular parent interactions, including Parent-Guardian consultations such as a dedicated 2020 Parent Consultation Semester (February 22, 2020). Activities that involve families include field trips (e.g., Field Trip to Kirirom) and community events like Halloween celebrations. The school's communications and guardians' access to information are supported by a digital portal described on the site, with provisions for guardians to review transcripts and schedules.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
FICAS operates from a Main Campus and a Sorla Street second campus in Phnom Penh. The Sorla Branch includes a library and 13 classrooms, with space for learning and play activities. Across campuses, learning materials include computers, musical instruments (piano and guitar), and physical education equipment such as a table tennis setup and basketballs, plus taekwondo equipment. Science education uses microscopes and laboratory apparatus and relies on up-to-date course books from Long Learning. The school emphasizes extra-curricular activities, including field trips and community engagement, and offers CMA Mental Arithmetic alongside a partnership with Delta College to support higher education paths.

Sports Facilities
Physical education resources include table tennis equipment and basketballs. Taekwondo equipment is available for martial arts activities. Additional sports facilities such as a gymnasium, fields, or swimming facilities are not explicitly listed in the available materials.

Academic Facilities
A library is available at the Sorla Branch. The school provides computers and science equipment including microscopes and laboratory apparatus, supported by up-to-date course books from Long Learning. Lab activities are part of the curriculum at the Main Campus. Learning materials and resources are integrated across subjects to support teaching and learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extra Curricula include life skills subjects, project work, field trips, and community engagement. CMA Mental Arithmetic is offered in partnership with CMA. Delta College has a cooperation partner relationship with FICAS to support opportunities for higher education. Field trips such as to Kirirom are part of activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
FICAS provides enrichment activities beyond regular classes. The program includes local life skill subjects, project work, field trips, and opportunities for community engagement outside the academic year. CMA Mental Arithmetic is offered in partnership with CMA to develop mathematical thinking, quick calculation, and critical thinking. These components support practical, hands-on learning beyond core academics.

Arts & Creative
FICAS provides access to musical instruments, including piano and guitar, to support music education. Class activities include DIY creation in class, illustrating hands-on, creative work within the curriculum. Other listed activities include Khmer language study and lab activities, demonstrating a mix of creative and practical learning.

Cultural & Language
Khmer language studies are included as part of the curriculum. The General English Program (GEP) provides English language development alongside Khmer instruction. The GEP and Khmer studies reflect a structured language development approach within the curriculum. The school maintains an international partnership with Delta College, which supports cross-cultural and educational exposure.

Social & Hobbies
Sports and physical activities are supported with equipment for physical education, including basketballs and a table tennis setup, and taekwondo gear. Field trips and organized activities, such as joining a karate competition, provide opportunities for teamwork and social engagement. Class activities, including Khmer language study and hands-on lab work, contribute to collaborative learning and practical skill development.

Community & Service
Local life skill subjects, project work, field trips, and community engagement are offered beyond the academic year as part of extra curricula. Field trips, such as Field Trip To Kirirom, are used as experiential learning experiences. These components emphasize applying classroom learning to real-world contexts and community awareness.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
FICAS emphasizes student well-being with attention to health, hygiene, and a green environment. Facilities support physical activity with equipment for physical education, such as basketballs, a table tennis table, and taekwondo gear. Environmental studies and healthy school-life practices are embedded within the curriculum to support overall well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught at FICAS include English and Khmer. Khmer Language appears as a subject within the Cambodian Curriculum track, and the General English Program (GEP) provides additional English-language learning. The English program is offered from age 3 and up; the Khmer program from age 6 and up. The site does not specify language levels (beginner to advanced) or dedicated language support for non-native speakers.

Bilingual Teaching
FICAS offers two programs: the English program and the Khmer program. The English program serves students from age 3 and up; the Khmer program serves students from age 6 and up. The school emphasizes teaching proficient English language across various academic subjects. Khmer language is taught within the Cambodian curriculum as part of the Khmer program.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Online admissions forms and sections: The admissions process is initiated by completing an online admissions form which is divided into three parts: (a) the Student Background section, (b) the Guardian Information section, and (c) the Admission Form section. The Student Background section requires details such as the student's name, date of birth, nationality, address, and health information. The Guardian Information section requests the guardian's name, occupation, nationality, and contact numbers. The Admission Form section asks you to select the Academic Program (International Academic Curriculum, Cambodian Curriculum, or General English Program), the Level, and the Study Time (Morning, Afternoon, or Full Day), plus the Academic Year and a Payment Option.

2. Program selection and logistics within the form: In the Admission Form, you specify the Academic Year you are applying for, the preferred Payment Option (3 months, 6 months, or 1 year), and whether you want transportation as part of the Student Transportation Service. The form also lists the available study arrangements and programs so you can tailor the application to your child's needs.

3. Submission and contact for next steps: After you submit the form, the school provides direct contact channels to proceed with the application. The Main Campus address is Building No.07BE0/Lots No.1186, St. 371, Phnom Penh, with a separate 2nd Campus option for directions.

4. Follow-up and campus visits: For questions or to arrange a campus visit, families can contact the admissions team using the provided phone numbers or email addresses, and directions to both campuses are available on the site. The English and Khmer programs are offered by the school, with age guidelines indicating that the English program accepts students from age 3 and up, and the Khmer program from age 6 and up.

Scholarships
No scholarships are published as part of the admissions materials for FICAS.

Waitlist
There is no published information about a waitlist or enrollment pool for FICAS in the admissions materials available online.
School Events
The school has not added events
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