East-West International SchoolVerified

In Brief

East-West is the most affordable route to Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels in central Phnom Penh. WASC-accredited, genuinely bilingual in English and Khmer, and well placed in BKK3 - it's worth a serious look if you want recognised Cambridge qualifications at fees below ISPP and NISC.

East-West sits in a distinct position on the Phnom Penh school circuit: WASC-accredited, Cambridge-qualified at secondary, and bilingual from day one. The BKK3 campus on Street 143 is walkable from most international family housing clusters in Chamkarmon, and easy by tuk-tuk from Daun Penh and riverside areas. Annual fees run from US$4,920 (all-in at nursery) to US$7,740 (all-in at Grades 9-12) - substantially lower than comparable Cambridge schools.

The bilingual model is real, not cosmetic: Early Years is taught in English, but from Kindergarten, students work in both English and Khmer, and secondary students can add the Khmer national curriculum as an elective. Around 95% of graduates proceed to higher education, and the school has university partnerships across 11+ institutions globally. With 25+ nationalities among students and staff, it's genuinely international by Phnom Penh standards for this price point. Compulsory subjects include swimming, which is unusual and practical for younger years.

Reviews are mixed - families who value the community feel and bilingual emphasis rate it highly, while some parents have noted that academic depth varies by subject, particularly at middle school level. The school has been operating since 2006 with stable WASC accreditation, which is a reasonable track record. Ask about class sizes and ask to speak to current secondary parents, as the Cambridge programme quality at IGCSE is the main thing to probe at secondary school visits.