International Schools in Siem Reap — 6 Schools, Fees from $2,000/Year (2026)

Siem Reap offers several quality international schools for expat children. This guide covers curricula, fees, admission processes, and tips for choosing the right school for your family.

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for expat families. Siem Reap has options ranging from preschool to high school with various international curricula.

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Education Overview

Siem Reap has a growing international school scene with options for different curricula, budgets, and educational philosophies.

Education levels available:

• Preschool (ages 2-5)
• Primary School (ages 5-11)
• Secondary School (ages 11-16)
• High School (ages 16-18)

Languages of Instruction

Most international schools teach primarily in English, with options for French, Khmer, and other languages.

International Schools

Here are the main international schools in Siem Reap:

International School of Siem Reap

English National Curriculum

Established international school offering British curriculum from early years to secondary. Strong academic reputation with modern facilities.

East-West International School

International Baccalaureate (IB)

American-accredited school with diverse student body. Offers AP courses and college preparation programs.

École Française de Siem Reap

French National Curriculum

French curriculum school certified by AEFE. Ideal for French-speaking families or those seeking French education.

Montessori School of Siem Reap

Montessori Method

Montessori-method school focusing on child-centered learning. Small class sizes and individualized attention.

Available Curricula

International schools in Siem Reap offer various curricula:

International Baccalaureate

IB Diploma Programme for university preparation

Cambridge Program

Cambridge Assessment International Education curriculum

American Program

US-accredited curriculum with AP options

French Program

French National Education certified program

Tuition Fees

International school fees in Siem Reap vary widely:

Level	Annual Fees	Registration Fee
Preschool (ages 2-5)	$3,000-6,000	$200-500
Primary School (ages 5-11)	$5,000-12,000	$300-800
Secondary School (ages 11-16)	$8,000-15,000	$500-1,000
High School (ages 16-18)	$10,000-18,000	$500-1,200

Enrollment Process

Steps to enroll your child:

Official birth certificate with apostille or certified translation into English or French.
Previous school transcripts and report cards (last 2 years), translated if not in English.
Valid passport copies for the child and both parents or legal guardians.
Proof of vaccinations (immunisation record) — especially MMR, DPT, Polio, Hepatitis A & B.
Proof of current address in Siem Reap (rental contract or utility bill with your name).
Completed school application form and application fee payment receipt.

School Comparison

Key factors to consider when comparing schools:

Student-Teacher Ratio

1:10-15

Class Size

Students

15-25

School Year

School Calendar

August to June

Extracurricular Activities

Most schools offer various activities:

Football (soccer) leagues and training programmes for all ages — several international schools field competitive teams.

Swimming lessons and competitive swimming at school pools or the YMCA facility in Siem Reap.

Traditional Cambodian arts — Apsara dance, Khmer martial arts (Bokator), and classical music classes available through cultural centres.

Robotics and coding clubs — increasingly popular at international schools, preparing students for STEM competitions.

Art and drama programmes with performances open to parents — several schools stage annual shows drawing the whole expat community.

Community service projects — many international schools run regular volunteering trips to rural Cambodian villages, teaching children social responsibility.

Tips for Choosing a School

Visit at least 3 schools before deciding. Each school has a different culture and teaching style — a campus tour tells you far more than a website.

Ask about teacher turnover rates. High turnover disrupts children's education and can be a sign of management problems.

Check whether the school's diploma is internationally recognised. IB (International Baccalaureate) and Cambridge IGCSE credentials are accepted by universities worldwide.

Start the enrollment process 6 months in advance. Popular international schools have waiting lists and limited places per year group.

Budget for extras beyond tuition — uniforms, school trips, extracurriculars, technology fees, and the annual school fundraiser all add up.

Connect with other expat parents before choosing — Facebook groups like "Siem Reap Expats" have candid discussions about school quality and recent changes.

Ask each school about their EAL (English as an Additional Language) support programme if your child does not speak English yet.

Review the school's emergency and evacuation procedures — ask how they handle medical incidents and who to contact outside school hours.

Conclusion

Siem Reap offers quality international education options for expat families. Take time to visit schools and find the best fit for your children.

Consider your child's needs, your budget, and the curriculum that best supports their future educational goals.

Contact schools early as spaces can be limited, especially for popular year groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best international school in Siem Reap?

There is no single "best" school - it depends on your child's needs, preferred curriculum, budget, and educational goals. Visit schools to find the right fit.

How much does international school cost in Siem Reap?

Tuition ranges from $3,000-6,000/year at local international schools to $10,000-18,000/year at full international programmes. Add 20-30% for registration, uniforms, activities, and annual fund contributions.

Are there good schools teaching in French in Siem Reap?

The Lycée Français René Descartes (based in Phnom Penh) is the main French-language option, with some outreach to Siem Reap. Several international schools offer French as a subject. For full French immersion, Phnom Penh has better options.

Can my child enroll mid-year?

Most international schools in Siem Reap accept mid-year enrollments if space is available. Contact admissions directly. Some schools may require an assessment for placement in the right year group.

How do I know if a school's qualifications are genuinely internationally recognised?

Verify directly on the IBO website (ibo.org) for IB schools, or Cambridge International's school locator for IGCSE. Be cautious of schools claiming "international" status without affiliation to a recognised examining body.

Is there a local Cambodian curriculum school option for expat children?

Yes. Some expat families choose local Cambodian private schools, which cost $50-300/month and provide full Khmer immersion. This works best for children under 8 and those planning to stay long-term. Older children often struggle without prior Khmer language skills.

What curriculum do most international schools in Siem Reap follow?

The majority follow the British National Curriculum leading to Cambridge IGCSE, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. A few schools offer the American curriculum. Most instruction is in English.

Do international schools in Siem Reap provide school buses?

Several schools offer school bus services covering main expat residential areas. Costs range from $50-150/month. Some families use a dedicated tuk-tuk driver instead, which can be cheaper and more flexible.

What extracurricular activities are available for children in Siem Reap outside of school?

Siem Reap has swimming clubs, football leagues, martial arts schools, Apsara dance classes, art studios, and music lessons. The expat community organises regular group activities and sports days through Facebook groups and community centres.

How do children adapt socially when moving to Siem Reap?

Children generally adapt quickly, especially under age 10. The international school community is welcoming and many children have also recently arrived. Enrolling children before you move gives them an immediate social group from day one.

Is homeschooling legal and feasible in Cambodia?

There is no specific Cambodian law prohibiting homeschooling for foreign nationals. Some expat families do homeschool successfully, often following an accredited online curriculum. Connecting with other homeschooling families via expat groups helps maintain a social life for children.

How safe is the school commute in Siem Reap?

Traffic is the main concern. Use a school bus or a trusted tuk-tuk driver rather than independent transport for younger children. Avoid motorbike transport for young children — the risk of accidents is too high. Teach road safety rules early to older children.

Ready to enroll?

Contact schools directly for enrollment information and campus visits

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