Lycée Français René Descartes

The school is guided by the values of excellence, openness, cohesion, humanism, and the promotion of French language and culture. It aims to foster a multicultural environment characterized by respect, kindness, and fraternity, while preparing students to become global citizens capable of adapting to a rapidly changing world.

The school follows the official French national curriculum, providing instruction from preschool (maternelle) to the final year of secondary school (Terminale). Linguistic pathways include daily Khmer instruction alongside English, Spanish, and Chinese, with an American International Section (SIA) available for students seeking to strengthen their English skills. Secondary students prepare for the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) and the International French Baccalaureate (BFI), with high school curricula offering specialized subjects such as Economic and Social Sciences (SES) and Digital and Technological Sciences (SNT).

The school reports a 100% success rate for both the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) and the Baccalauréat. These qualifications are recognized internationally and provide students with access to higher education in France and at universities worldwide.

The school employs specialized teachers and support staff, including a psychologist, nurses, and a speech therapist, to assist students. Dedicated student support services are available for both primary and secondary levels to ensure the well-being and academic success of all students.

The school follows a structured pre-registration process via the EDUKA platform, with priority given to French citizens, children of school staff, and children of French government personnel. Admission criteria also consider previous enrollment in AEFE-accredited schools, siblings, and enrollment in other French-speaking institutions. Applicants from non-accredited schools may be required to complete language and academic testing to ensure they meet the necessary proficiency levels.

The school operates on a standard academic year, with the 2025–2026 calendar available for download on the school website. The academic year is divided into three semesters: the first from September to December, the second from January to March, and the third from April to June.

The campus, located in the Wat Phnom area of Phnom Penh, has undergone recent renovations to improve facilities for preschool and elementary students. The school grounds include classrooms, recreational areas, libraries, and a swimming pool. Administrative and support services, including health and maintenance teams, are housed on-site to support the daily operations of the school.

The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports associations, homework support, and daycare services. Artistic and cultural education is integrated into the school experience, with students participating in projects and activities that explore heritage and the arts. Fees for these activities vary based on the number of sessions per semester.