Best International Schools in Phnom Penh for Expat Families
Updated August 2026
If you are searching for the best school in Phnom Penh, the real answer depends on your child's curriculum needs, commute tolerance, and the neighbourhood where your family will feel settled. For expat families considering a move to Cambodia — whether for investment, career, or lifestyle reasons — school choice is often the first serious decision.
Phnom Penh now has a strong international school ecosystem, offering IB, Canadian, and globally recognised programmes on modern campuses at costs generally below Singapore, Tokyo, or Hong Kong. Below are three schools that consistently draw strong praise from expatriate families, followed by the residential areas that tend to work best for each school commute.
Quick Comparison for Expat Families
| School | Curriculum | Best For | Residential Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISPP | Full IB | Diplomatic and long-term expat families | BKK1, Tonle Bassac, Koh Pich |
| NISC | IB / Nord Anglia | Families seeking a large campus and enrichment programmes | Western Phnom Penh, BKK1 with school bus |
| CIS | Alberta / IB Diploma | Canadian pathway and Koh Pich lifestyle | Koh Pich, Tonle Bassac, BKK1 |
1. International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP)
IB World School · WASC & CIS Accredited
ISPP is the oldest and most prestigious international school in Phnom Penh, and the first choice for diplomatic families and senior executives of multinational corporations. As a fully authorised IB World School — accredited by both WASC and CIS — it offers the complete International Baccalaureate continuum from Early Years through the IB Diploma Programme.
The campus is expansive and exceptionally well-equipped: an Olympic-size swimming pool, a professional theatre, design labs, and extensive sports facilities set ISPP apart from virtually any comparable school in Southeast Asia at a similar price point. The student body is genuinely international, with children from over 50 nationalities.
Best neighbourhoods for ISPP families: BKK1 and southern Tonle Bassac are the natural choices — both within the school bus routes and close to the premium apartment stock that families typically seek. Our team at Anna Advisors can identify specific buildings and units that combine school proximity with high-quality living standards.
2. Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC)
Nord Anglia Education · IB Curriculum · MIT & Juilliard Partnerships
Part of the Nord Anglia Education group — which operates over 80 premium schools globally — NISC brings a distinctive edge that separates it from other IB schools: formal academic partnerships with MIT for STEM enrichment and the Juilliard School for performing arts. These are not marketing arrangements; they deliver structured curricula that influence how science, technology, and creative subjects are taught.
The campus sits on a large, green site on the western side of Phnom Penh — resort-like in its quiet and security. Families drawn to NISC tend to prioritise a calmer, more suburban environment, and the surrounding area offers a good selection of secure villa compounds and serviced residences.
3. Canadian International School of Phnom Penh (CIS)
Alberta Curriculum · IB Diploma · Diamond Island Campus
CIS has emerged as the school of choice for families who want to live in one of Phnom Penh's most polished environments. The main campus is located on Diamond Island (Koh Pich) — a masterplanned development with French-influenced landscaping, riverside promenades, and some of the city's newest and best-designed residential towers.
The school follows the Alberta (Canadian) curriculum and offers the IB Diploma in senior years, giving students a dual qualification pathway. Its modern, clean campus and strong community atmosphere have attracted a fast-growing cohort of expat families — particularly those relocating from Japan and Korea.
Best neighbourhoods for CIS families: Diamond Island itself is the obvious first choice, with several premium condominium towers literally minutes from the school gate. The Tonle Bassac riverside — home to AEON Mall and a cluster of Japanese restaurants and cafés — is a five-minute drive, offering a lifestyle that feels remarkably convenient for families from Japan. BKK1 is also accessible.
Finding the Right Home Near the Right School
Choosing a school and choosing where to live are decisions that belong together. At Anna Advisors, we work with families to understand their school preference first, then identify residential options — from serviced apartments to larger family condominiums — that fit both the commute and the budget. You can also compare current rental options on our Phnom Penh property search page.
For families moving from Japan, the combination of international education, spacious modern accommodation, and a cost of living significantly lower than Tokyo makes Phnom Penh a genuinely compelling choice. If you are still comparing districts, our best neighborhoods in Phnom Penh guide is a practical place to start.
