Bayon School Unveils Two New Montessori Classes to Revolutionize Early Childhood Education in Siem Reap

In Siem Reap, the Bayon School opens two new bilingual Khmer/English Montessori preschool classes, now welcoming 60 children aged 3 to 6. This launch marks a significant step in the school's development and reinforces its commitment to high-quality early childhood education.​

From the very first day, the school prioritized strong family involvement, viewing parents as essential partners in each child's educational success. An information session brought families together for team presentations, project overviews, and tours of the new classrooms

A Back-to-School Day Focused on Parent Dialogue

The opening morning began with a family welcome and introduction to the Bayon School team, including leadership, Montessori teachers, and Cambodian educators. This moment fostered initial trust between parents and staff in a spirit of transparency and collaboration.​

Guillaume Jumel, Executive Director, delivered a speech thanking donors and partners who made the project possible, while outlining the goals for these new preschool classes. Families then explored the Montessori program, its methods, school organization, and rules, followed by visits to the fully renovated classrooms.​

Renovated Montessori Classrooms and a Nurturing Environment

The two new classrooms have been completely redesigned to meet the highest Montessori material standards, creating a structured, stimulating, and age-appropriate learning space. Furniture, teaching aids, and layouts encourage autonomy, hands-on exploration, and active discovery.​

Beyond pedagogy, the Bayon School ensures overall well-being: every child receives breakfast and lunch, vital for health, focus, and academic success. Students also have access to an infirmary, providing basic health monitoring and a secure environment for the youngest.​

A Montessori Environment to Foster Autonomy

Learning spaces adhere to Montessori principles: carefully selected materials, activity zones, and respect for each child's individual pace. This approach emphasizes autonomy, concentration, self-discipline, and self-confidence—key skills for future schooling.​

By progressing at their own rhythm and choosing activities within a structured framework, children learn initiative and intrinsic motivation for learning. Adults act as guides who observe, support, and adapt the environment rather than direct knowledge transmission.​

Education Rooted in Khmer Culture, Open to the World

The Bayon School program blends the best of Khmer education with Montessori methods, delivering a unique and balanced learning experience. This hybrid approach honors local cultural anchors while introducing child-centered innovative practices.​

The initiative incorporates activities celebrating Khmer culture, crafts, and traditions, helping children connect with their heritage. Meanwhile, bilingual Khmer/English instruction equips them with a strong advantage for the future in an increasingly globalized world.​

Ambitious Goals for the Future

Through this project, the Bayon School aims to lay solid foundations for successful schooling and harmonious child development. It seeks to spark creativity, curiosity, and self-confidence, turning school into a place of awakening, exploration, and joyful learning.​

Bilingual Khmer/English teaching prepares children for future challenges while developing a high-quality replicable model for other Cambodian schools. The school also builds a strong, engaged parent community committed alongside the team to each child's educational success.​

This school year embodies the Bayon School's dedication to inclusive, innovative education focused on children's holistic growth in a safe, caring, and enriching environment. A support campaign is underway via HelloAsso to sustain and expand these efforts for Siem Reap's children.​