AsiaLIFE

With the pool of options expanding, expats face a tough choice deciding on where to educate their offspring. Craig Gerard gives a breakdown of some of Phnom Penh’s international schools. Photo by Conor Wall.

For those with children, a dilemma arises: Where should I send my kids to school? As you navigate the complex web of international schools—examining education systems, curricula, student/teacher ratios, and where graduates attend university—it becomes very clear that you are making a life-altering choice for your child. When making this decision, it is best to weigh all options. Look at school websites, speak with the administrators, talk with parents from the school and, most of all, listen to your children. Since we all want our kids to succeed, this decision can and should be a difficult one. The answer is different for every family.

iCAN British International School
iCAN is a “small and innovative school with a family feel,” according to Principal Lori Hastings. All class teachers are fully qualified and experienced in delivering the British curriculum to maximum class sizes of 20 learners. “We want iCAN children to develop the skills, knowledge, understanding and values that will enable them to be the kind of people who will make a difference in Cambodia and globally,” says Hastings. Founded in 2003, the school moved to its current purpose-built location in 2006. The school has extensive facilities with specialist spaces that include a library, a garden that the children helped to design, a multi-purpose hall, a computer technology suite, a horizon swimming pool, a recording studio and two art rooms. Every classroom has interactive whiteboards that are creatively used by teachers and students to ensure that lessons sparkle. Prices range from US$3,700 for Nursery to US$8,500 for Year 9. iCAN currently finishes at Year 8, with plans to extend to Year 9 in 2012. 85 Sothearos Blvd, Tel: 023 222 416, www.ican.edu.kh.

International School of Phnom Penh
Founded in 1989, ISPP is a non-profit school that uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Graduates from ISPP often attend universities such as Georgetown, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Newcastle and New South Wales. The student/teacher ratio is about 9:1. The location can be both the best and worst asset. While the separate primary and secondary campuses are conveniently located in the heart of BKK1, ISPP seems to have outgrown the building space. The secondary school campus has a basketball court and some other open outdoor space for physical education, but students have to be transported to a separate playing field for some of their physical education classes. Luckily, it’s a tight-knit community. The secondary campus offers students a library, a computer lab with internet access, an art room, science labs and an auditorium/band room. Annual costs at ISPP are between US$12,220 for younger grades and up to US$15,980 for the older students. 146 Norodom Boulevard, Tel: 023 213 103, www.ispp.edu.kh.

Lycée Français Rene Descartes
The French language Lycée Français Rene Descartes (LFRD) opened in 1992 and is located near Wat Phnom. Operated by the French Ministry of Education, the school strives to provide students with an education identical to that of a public school in France. The campus offers a small on-site athletic field and basketball court. The student/teacher ratio at LFRD is about 14:1. The last three years of high school are preparation for sitting for the baccalauréat. The three main streams of French secondary education are offered: S (série scientifique), ES (série économique et sociale) and L (série littéraire). LFRD offers after-school activities and has competitive soccer and rugby teams. Annual tuition at LFRD runs from about US$3,200 for younger students to US$6,500 for older students. 1132 Street 96, Tel: 023 722 044, www. descartes-cambodge.com.

Northbridge International School of Cambodia
The sprawling 17-acre NISC campus is located within the Northbridge Community on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Founded in 1997, NISC is a for-profit school that offers a range of academic options for its students. The student/teacher ratio is about 8:1. NISC recently switched from AP to IB, moving away from an American curriculum to an international one. School Head Roy Crawford believes an IB programme will make NISC more competitive in attracting students who are coming from other international schools. The NISC campus includes a library, three computer labs, two science labs, two music rooms, a cafeteria/multipurpose room, a covered gymnasium, a 25-meter swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields and a softball field. According to Crawford, this space gives a “warm and caring environment in an ideal setting.” Fees at NISC run from US$9,180 for younger students to US$13,400 for the upper grades. International School Road (Sorla 2004), Tel: 023 886 000, www.NISCambodia.com.

Zaman International School of Cambodia
Zaman International School was established in 1997, and has multiple campuses throughout the capital. The school is certified by the Cambodian Ministry of Education and it is a member of the Council of International Schools. Being certified locally has its advantages. Osman Karaca, school principal, says that Zaman graduates earn two diplomas. “One is the national diploma, the other is international. Zaman International School accommodates two curricula at the same time,” he explains. Students at Zaman are truly exposed to international influences—located in Cambodia, the school has roots to Turkey, but is also a Cambridge International Centre. Annual cost for Zaman ranges from US$2,875 for primary up to US$4,500 for secondary. 2843 Street 3, Tel: 023 214 040, www. zamanisc.com.