Schools in Sihanoukville — options for expat families
Schools in Sihanoukville for expat families — very limited offering, no AEFE establishment, CNED options and recommendations for families with children.
- Cost
- 400 USD – 8 000 USD CNED 400–900 EUR/year; local bilingual schools 1,000–4,000 USD/year
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Reading
- 4 min
In 3 bullets
- No AEFE-accredited establishment in Sihanoukville in 2026 — French-speaking families with school-age children generally settle in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
- CNED (French distance learning): the main option for families remaining in Sihanoukville.
- Phnom Penh (4–5h by road) remains the only option for an accredited French lycée (Lycée René-Descartes).
Situation in 2026
International schooling provision in Sihanoukville is very limited. The city is generally not recommended for families with school-age children who want a quality French or international curriculum.
Available options
CNED — French distance learning
The main solution for French-speaking families remaining in Sihanoukville. Correspondence courses and digital platforms, followed at home.
- Fees: approximately 400–900 EUR/year depending on level (public rate for French nationals abroad).
- Baccalaureate: exam taken at an official centre — in Phnom Penh via the Lycée René-Descartes.
- Enrolment: at cned.fr, before 15 June for the September intake.
Local bilingual schools
A few English-Khmer bilingual schools exist in Sihanoukville for nursery and primary. Quality and accreditations vary — check with the local expat community before enrolling.
- Fees: 1,000–4,000 USD/year depending on the school.
- Not accredited by the French national education system.
Alternatives to Sihanoukville
For a quality school curriculum, families turn to:
| Option | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Lycée René-Descartes (AEFE) | Phnom Penh | 4–5h bus from Sihanoukville |
| EFI / Acacia (French) | Phnom Penh | 4–5h |
| LFI Norodom Monineath (AEFE) | Siem Reap | ~6–7h (via Phnom Penh) |
| NISC (Cambridge) | Siem Reap | ~6–7h |
| ISPP (IB) | Phnom Penh | 4–5h |
Expat families in Sihanoukville: children schooled in Phnom Penh need accommodation during the week or a relocation.
Schools in Phnom Penh
Lycée René-Descartes (AEFE), EFI, ISPP, Northbridge — all schools for expat families.
FAQ
Can I school my child in Sihanoukville while maintaining a serious academic level?
Possible via CNED with serious parental supervision, up to lower secondary. For upper secondary and exam preparation, moving to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap is strongly recommended.
Do AEFE scholarships apply to CNED?
No — AEFE scholarships fund tuition only at AEFE network schools. CNED is funded separately. Check with the French embassy for any supplementary assistance.
Are there French classes for children in Sihanoukville?
The offering is very limited. Contact the French embassy in Cambodia for up-to-date recommendations.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.