CIA First International School
International School in Phnom Penh
Quick answer
CIA First International School provides an American curriculum with AP course options, as a large campus with 5,500 students. Well-suited to budget-conscious families. At $3,274–$7,389/year, it sits below the Phnom Penh average — offering strong value. The student body draws from 27 nationalities.
Key facts
- Curriculum: American taught at CIA First International School.
- Tuition: $3,274–$7,389/yr published annual range.
- Avg class size: 24 (max 24) Phnom Penh international school · 5,500 students total.
- 27 nationalities top: Cambodian.
- Ages: Ages 2 to 18 school day starts at Generally from 730am.
- Accreditations: WASC verified.
5,500
27 (Cambodian)
24 avg / 24 max
Rolling
WASC
About CIA First International School
CIA FIRST International School is a private, non-sectarian international school. The school opened its doors in 2004 with 16 students and has since become home to over 2,000 children from more than 20 countries. To this day, the school remains true to its initial vision of providing excellent value, high quality, international standard education for working families, and thus prides itself on effecting positive social change in the region.
Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)
This school states meaningful learning-support provision — still confirm it fits your child's specific need.
Why this matters
Special-needs provision at international schools varies widely and is rarely guaranteed by the school itself — and local legal duties differ by country. Confirm what this school provides, in writing, before you commit.
- Learning support: moderate
- In-house specialist staff listed
- Educational psychologist available
- EAL/ESL support listed
Questions to ask the school
- Can you support a child with my child's specific need (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism), and have you done so this year? Ask for concrete examples.
- Is there an additional fee for learning support or EAL — and how much per year?
- Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition (USD) | $3,274 – $7,389 |
| Annual tuition (local) | 13423976 Riels-30294108 Riels |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate | $6,832(+28%) |
| Est. first-year total (modeled) | $8,332 |
| Cost position in Phnom Penh | 50th percentile(mid-range) |
American
WASC Accredited High School Diploma, Local Khmer National Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP)
75% students : 3+ score
Khmer, Chinese
Based on a case-by-case basis. We are NOT a fully inclusive school.
Yes
EAL, ELL
Generally from 730am – Generally ends 3pm, followed by ECA (extra-curricular activities)
Yes
Upon request.
Imported from a directory listing and not independently verified — confirm fees and details with the school.
Is CIA First International School right for your family?
A School Fit Brief scores this school against your children's ages, learning needs, and budget — with hidden fee analysis, admissions timing, and a ranked shortlist of alternatives in Phnom Penh.
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At a Glance
Fee Position in Phnom Penh
Budget-friendlySchool Profile
Class Size
Student Diversity
Moderately diverse
Common: Cambodian
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
Decide on this school — and four others
The $49 School Fit Brief covers CIA First International School and 4 other top schools in Phnom Penh — tuition + true cost, curriculum fit, admission timeline, and red flags. Builds your shortlist in 8 minutes vs the $1,500–3,500 (and 2–4 weeks) an education consultant charges for the same answer.
Nearby Schools (within 5km)
Disclaimer: School profiles are source-backed decision aids, not endorsements or official rankings. Tuition figures are approximate and may not include registration fees, uniforms, transport, or exam costs. Always verify directly with the school before applying. WhereNext is not affiliated with any school listed. This is not admissions consulting, legal advice, or official school placement guidance.