There is no uniform, and class sizes are small, and in 2019-20 will range from 3 to 10 years old. We are out and about much more than other learning environments in Cambodia. We have lots of excursions and activities. We are quite a musical environment – everyone has music sessions every week. There are also two sessions each week where everyone enjoys yoga and meditation. There is plenty of free time to explore outdoor learning in our natural environment. Our Bambujaya meals include a wonderful range of healthy choices, but as well, learners can raid the cafeteria for a piece of fruit as they go past to their next class. At the end of each day the learners and Bambujaya team clean the whole school, as we believe that people should be responsible for cleaning up after themselves in life, in both a literal and an abstract sense.

Our learning facilitators are quite extraordinary, chosen for their unusual skills and interesting backgrounds. We always endeavor to choose kindness. We all have a vested interest in making this a positive and successful community.

Our English program is built around the four literacy skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. In keeping with child development and the natural way we learn a language, speaking and listening is the first focus, while in the later years reading and writing become the focus. All four literacy skills are introduced throughout the early grades, as the children practice through many different and numerous activities.

English through the arts inspires self-confidence, fosters creativity, models and encourages cooperation while providing opportunities to practice the four literacy skills. Further, it provides an international view through the introduction of different cultures and customs.

Our English program is based on the Steiner/Waldorf method of teaching, proven for 100 years across the globe. All English classes are taught, or overseen by a certified Waldorf teacher with 20 years in education and experience in teaching all subjects in grades 1-8.

Our Khmer curriculum is based on child development, inspired by a 100 year old educational philosophy, preparing our learners at every grade level. We foster pride in their own language and the rich, traditional Khmer culture. At Bambujaya, our learners are also exposed to an international viewpoint to prepare them for a future full of opportunities. Core subjects taught are Khmer, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science.

By educating the hands, heart and head, we encourage compassion, appreciation, and creativity. Our vibrant learning environment nurtures each child, so they blossom and develop the courage to believe in their unique qualities and inner talent. They embrace challenges with passion and perseverance, respectfully supporting each other with understanding.

Our exciting hands-on approach leads to curiosity and better retention of the material. Bambujaya graduates will be a new generation of leaders, who love their country and are also ready to meet the challenges of our changing world.

All this learning takes place in our wholesome environment, surrounding our learners with nature, beauty and time to enjoy the outdoors. Together we learn, grow, explore and lay the foundation for the future of Cambodia!

We started with K2 and Grades 1-3 in November 2018, extending to both Pre-K/K1 and Grade 4 from mid-August 2019. Over the coming years we will expand our current Bambujaya site to Grade 6, with a plan to develop Grades 7-12 at a nearby location over the following years. Our Kindergarten and Primary sites (next to each other) will eventually accommodate Pre-K to Grade 6 (3-12 year olds), with between 15-24 learners per cohort.

Bambujaya Bilingual School is located in the centre of Phnom Penh, Cambodia close to Independence Monument.