CIA FIRST International School

The school is rooted in Constructivist pedagogy and utilizes the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework and the 16 Habits of Mind to foster critical thinking, persistence, and adaptability. It integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and emphasizes inquiry-based, student-centered learning to prepare students for global and local tertiary education.

The school offers three main study programs: the Full Time International (FTI) program, which follows standards such as Common Core, AERO, and NGSS with Advanced Placement (AP) courses; the Full Time Khmer (FTK) program; and the Full Time Khmer Language and Culture (FTC) program. It is the first school in Cambodia to offer the AP Capstone Diploma and maintains a partnership with Trinity College, University of Melbourne, to provide students with overseas learning pathways.

Graduates have been accepted to universities in over 10 countries, including the USA, Australia, Canada, and the UK. The school's international high school diploma is accredited by WASC as equivalent to an American high school diploma and is officially recognized by the Cambodian Ministry of Education as equivalent to the National Grade 12 Khmer curriculum diploma.

The school maintains a dedicated Student Support Services team that receives ongoing training in child safety and protection. The school is a member of the Phnom Penh International Schools Safeguarding Association and collaborates with organizations like Child Safe and the Child Protection Unit to ensure a secure environment.

CIA FIRST welcomes applications from students aged 2 to 18, embracing diversity in all forms. The admissions office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and families are encouraged to schedule an appointment for a campus tour. The process includes an entrance test for new students from K3 to Grade 12 and a one-time registration fee.

The school operates on an academic year calendar that includes public holidays, school events, and scheduled closures. Families can access the full academic year calendar, including specific dates for graduation and recognition ceremonies, through the school's website.

CIA FIRST operates four purpose-built campuses across Phnom Penh: Sen Sok (St. 2004), Sen Sok High School, Chbar Ampov, and Russey Keo. These campuses provide modern learning environments, including classrooms, event halls, and sports facilities such as covered football pitches and volleyball courts.

The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams such as volleyball, which has achieved championship success in the ISSAPP league. Students also participate in student leadership through the Student Council and Student Learners' Voice, as well as events like the Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMUN) conference.