CIA First International School (CIA)

Located in Chbar Ampov, CIA FIRST International School is home to more than 5,500 students representing 20+ nationalities and 12 native languages. With a strong Cambodian heart and a global outlook, the school offers three distinct programmes that blend international and local curricula: Full-Time International (FTI), Full-Time Khmer (FTK), and Khmer Language and Culture (FTC).

Accredited by both WASC and Cambodia’s Ministry of Education (MoEYS), CIA FIRST’s approach is rooted in constructivist pedagogy and guided by frameworks like Habits of Mind and Understanding by Design (UbD). The curriculum draws on Common Core, AERO, and NGSS standards, and high school students can take AP courses or pursue the AP Capstone Diploma.

Expect to see a vibrant, multicultural environment where collaboration thrives, a place where both local and international educators inspire inquiry, curiosity, and creativity every day!

At CIA FIRST, diversity shines both inside and outside the classroom. While the majority of students are Cambodian nationals, the school community also welcomes a growing mix of international learners from countries such as Korea, China, Japan, the Philippines, the United States, France, and beyond.

Students range from 2 to 18 years old, moving through the Early Learning Center, Primary, Middle, and High School programs. Most speak Khmer as their first language, with English serving as the main language of instruction. A strong English Language Learner (ELL) program ensures every student receives the support they need to thrive in a bilingual environment.

Families at CIA FIRST come primarily from middle to upper-middle-class backgrounds, united by a shared belief in global education and lifelong learning. The result is a warm, respectful, and inclusive community, one that celebrates cultural richness while nurturing confidence, curiosity, and compassion in every learner.

The Libraries at CIA FIRST International School are vibrant learning hubs designed to nurture curiosity, literacy, and lifelong learning across all grade levels.

• Staffing & Services
  CIA FIRST’s Library team brings together a passionate group of educators who make reading and research come alive for students. The Middle and High School Library is managed by one professional Librarian supported by one Library assistant, while the Elementary Library is run by one Librarian, one assistant, and one Khmer Librarian, ensuring students receive support in both English and Khmer.

Each library offers age-appropriate programs that promote reading culture, research skills, and digital literacy. Signature initiatives include reading challenges, author spotlights, and collaborative projects with classroom teachers to foster inquiry-based learning.

• Collections
  The Middle and High School Library houses over 3,000 titles in print format, offering a rich selection of fiction and non-fiction books across subjects and genres. While the collection currently focuses on print materials, plans for future digital expansion are in place to complement student research and access needs.

Both Libraries proudly offer materials in English and Khmer, reflecting the school’s bilingual and bicultural environment.

The CIA FIRST Middle and High School Library continues to grow as a dynamic, student-centered learning space that celebrates reading, inquiry, and collaboration.

• Enhanced Reading Culture
  To keep the joy of reading alive, the Library hosts National Book Week twice a year, November and April, featuring fun and engaging activities like Kahoot-based reading quizzes that spark friendly competition and curiosity. Every school year begins with a Library Orientation to familiarize students with resources and expectations. Weekly Sustained Reading sessions, on Fridays for Middle School and Wednesdays for High School, help students develop consistent reading habits.

• Integration of Educational Technology
  The Library embraces digital tools such as Follett Destiny for cataloging and JSTOR for academic research, supporting both literacy and information fluency across the curriculum.

• Student-Centered Activities
  Beyond books, the Library welcomes students to enjoy board games and collaborative activities, creating a lively environment that blends learning with play, creativity, and teamwork.

• Resource Development & Organization
  Ongoing improvements to the collection ensure that Library materials remain current, relevant, and curriculum-aligned, supporting both English and Khmer literacy.

• Support for Research & Accreditation
  As part of CIA FIRST’s WASC accreditation efforts, the Library plays a key role in strengthening research literacy, guiding students in locating credible sources, citing references, and integrating research into their learning.

• Inclusive & Welcoming Space
  Clear and consistent Library guidelines help maintain a balanced atmosphere. It is a space where every learner feels inspired to read, explore, and collaborate.

The CIA FIRST Middle and High School Library continues to evolve, learning and growing from each experience to better serve its students and teachers.

• Balancing Space & Student Management
  With so many eager readers, managing space, especially during breaks and lunch hours, can be tricky. Maintaining a calm, academic atmosphere while accommodating everyone remains a challenge.
  Lesson Learned: Setting a maximum of 60 students during lunch breaks helps maintain order and focus.
  Goal: Continue refining schedules and usage guidelines to balance study, reading, and recreational time.

• Collection Development & Resource Updates
  Keeping the collection fresh, relevant, and engaging requires ongoing effort and collaboration.
  Lesson Learned: Working closely with teachers ensures new titles align with curriculum needs and student interests.
  Goal: Expand the collection each year with diverse, high-interest books, sourced through partners like Kinokuniya Bookstore to reflect both academic and personal reading needs.

• Sustaining Reading Engagement
  In today’s digital world, motivating students to read consistently is an ongoing journey.
  Lesson Learned: Activities such as Kahoot quizzes, book challenges, and Board Game Literacy Days make reading fun and social.
  Goal: Keep the momentum going through weekly Sustained Reading sessions, such as Fridays for Middle School and Wednesdays for High School, and by encouraging student-led book recommendations.

• Strengthening Collaboration with Faculty
  Building stronger ties with teachers helps the Library become a true learning partner.
  Lesson Learned: Regular communication and co-planning lead to more meaningful Library-based lessons.
  Goal: Deepen partnerships across departments to integrate information literacy and research skills into every subject.

At CIA FIRST, Library budgeting reflects the school’s strong commitment to cultivating a vibrant reading culture and supporting inquiry-based learning across all grade levels.

• Elementary Library
  The Elementary Library’s budget is designed to sustain a rich, engaging environment for its 600 students. Each year, funding allows for the purchase of approximately three new books per student, ensuring the collection remains fresh, diverse, and developmentally appropriate. In addition to books, the budget supports board games, Library materials, furniture, and creative learning tools that make the Library a welcoming and inspiring space for exploration and collaboration.

• Middle & High School Library
  For the Middle and High School Library, the budget provides for roughly four new books per student (serving 600–650 students). Allocated annually as part of the school’s overall academic resources fund, the goal is to maintain a well-equipped, up-to-date learning hub that meets the evolving needs of students and teachers alike.

• Annual Allocation (General Overview)

• Books and Resources: 50%

• Library Supplies and Materials: 20%

• Technology and Equipment: 15%

• Programs and Activities (Book Week, Reading Challenges, etc.): 10%

• Professional Development & Miscellaneous: 5%

The CIA FIRST Libraries are designed as welcoming, inspiring spaces where curiosity thrives and stories come to life. Each Library blends comfort and functionality, from cozy reading corners to flexible seating areas that adapt to group discussions or quiet study time.

Eye-catching book displays spotlight new arrivals and popular reads, sparking conversations and curiosity. Regular book talks and reading challenges nurture a strong reading culture, while the addition of board games and interactive learning materials brings a playful, social dimension to the space.

More than just a place for books, the library has become a vibrant community hub, where students read, think, collaborate, and grow together!

Images: CIA First Library