High School
CIA FIRST’s High School program prepares students for global success through a rigorous curriculum integrating STEAM and Humanities with real-world applications. With a strong emphasis on the Advanced Placement (AP) program, CIA FIRST offers over 20 AP subjects and was the first in Cambodia to introduce the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma program. Students gain the essential skills needed to excel in higher education and beyond through challenging coursework that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
High School Grade 9 to Grade 12
Humanities
Our Middle and High School English Language Arts, Social Studies, World Languages is designed to provide a dynamic and comprehensive humanities program for all CIA FIRST students. Our curriculum is uniquely designed in-house with a student-centered philosophy that encourages active discussion and debate, enabling students to engage deeply with the big ideas and real-world events shaping our world today.
The Social Studies curriculum follows the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards, providing students with a range of pertinent topics to explore. This broad spectrum of subjects offered is carefully chosen to foster a global perspective and a deep understanding of contemporary societal challenges. By examining the complexities of globalization and urban planning challenges in Phnom Penh, students will come to realize that history is an ongoing process that they are a part of.
The English Language Arts curriculum follows the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and is designed to enhance students' reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through the lens of modern-day issues. We delve into themes like Mental Health, Justice, Immigration, and media bias, providing diverse avenues for students to add their own voices to these pressing matters while also equipping them with the skills needed to express themselves effectively in different modes of communication.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics
(STEAM)
Our Middle and High School Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education based on student-centered, inquiry-based learning. Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science Principles form the core subjects, while Robotics, Visual and Performing Arts and Music are offered as elective subjects, allowing students to explore their interests and develop diverse skills.
The Science curriculum follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and incorporates life science, earth and space science, physical science, engineering, technology, and applications of science. Connections are made relevant to students’ lives in Cambodia through localized topics such as the declining bee populations in Siem Reap and various conservation and sustainability projects in Cambodia.
The Mathematics curriculum follows the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and covers a wide range of topics, including algebra, geometry, statistics, and trigonometry. Students will engage in rigorous and challenging instruction, with a focus on developing problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning. By exploring building sights and parks around Phnom Penh, students will engage with real-world examples of the linear equations and functions used to design real-world spaces.
The Computer Science Principles curriculum follows the Computer Science Standards (CSS) and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards, providing students with the essential skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Through hands-on learning, the development of computational thinking, problem-solving, and the use of creativity and collaboration, CIA FIRST aims to inspire students to pursue further studies and careers in this exciting and ever-expanding field.
High School Curriculum Breakdown
Life Science
Physical Science
Earth and Space Science
Social Studies
English Language Arts
Music
Mathematics
Health and Physical Education
Computer Science Principles
High School Core Subjects
Visual and Performing Arts Electives
World Language and Culture Electives
Advanced Placement (AP)
What is Advanced Placement?
Advanced Placement courses are created by the College Board, in the United States of America (USA) and offer students the opportunity to explore college-level curricula during high school. They are highly regarded in many universities across the world. Students applying to competitive universities should consider AP a necessary component in preparing for admissions. AP demonstrates to universities that students are prepared for the challenges in an undergraduate environment and students who achieve a satisfactory score at the external AP examinations can earn university credits to advance and avoid required introductory courses.
What are the benefits of taking AP courses?
Globally recognized in more than 4,000 colleges and universities in 65 countries.
Stand out in university admissions because having an “AP” on your transcript demonstrates to admission officers that you are experienced in particular fields of study and prepared for the challenges ahead.
Better prepared for rigorous university studies because AP courses teach skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management. (A recent American study found that students who did not do well in AP exams still do better in university than their classmates who did not take AP.)
A possibility of saving money if you do not need to take certain introductory modules.
Explore your interests and discover your passion, which could be your university major or career.
What is essential to know about AP courses?
There are currently 38 courses available and CIA FIRST International School offers 22 courses as follows:
AP® 2D Arts and Design
AP® 3D Arts and Design
AP® Biology
AP® Calculus AB
AP® Chemistry
AP® Chinese Language and Culture
AP® Comparative Government and Politics
AP® Computer Science
AP® Computer Science Principles
AP® English Language and Composition
AP® English Literature and Composition
AP® Environmental Science
AP® Human Geography
AP® Macroeconomics
AP® Microeconomics
AP®︎ Music Theory
AP® Physics 1
AP® Psychology
AP® Research
AP® Seminar
AP® Statistics
AP® World History: Modern
AP Courses Offered
The number of study hours: Approximately 4.5 hours of face-to-face instruction per week plus additional study time. AP courses are considered intensive and demanding.
Number of AP courses you can take: Up to 4 courses starting from Grade 10, each course fee costs $75
Examinations: You may choose whether or not to take an external exam. If you do not wish to do so, AP courses will be reflected on your transcripts with a maximum GPA score of 5.0 (as opposed to 4.0 for regular courses) and 1.5 high school credits (as opposed to 1.0 for regular courses).
External examinations take place annually in May, and your scores will be sent directly to the universities of your choice to assist with the application process. The costs of these external examinations are subject to change.