How Northbridge International School Cambodia became the perfect fit for one family’s educational journey

When Derek and Eve McCliggott moved to Phnom Penh in March 2024, they were looking for more than just a school for their young son; they sought a community that would support his social development, character growth, and academic journey. Their search led them to Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC), where they found everything they were hoping for and more.

“We visited a lot of schools in Phnom Penh,” Derek explains. “But Northbridge stood out among them all for the professionalism of the staff, the incredible facilities, and the family atmosphere. We didn’t necessarily feel like we were joining a school, but a community.”

This sense of community was critical for the McCliggott family, especially since their son, a COVID baby, had been socially distanced from others during his early years. “A major thing we were looking for was a supportive community environment where our son could get socially engaged with other children,” Eve shares. “And we found that at Northbridge—teachers, staff, and fellow students all encouraged our son to develop socially.”

What particularly drew the McCliggots to Northbridge was its focus on character development alongside academic achievement. “Character development is a big thing for us, even above academics,” Eve says. “We want to see our son develop good character, and we found that at Northbridge.”

From their very first interactions, the McCliggots were impressed by the school's thorough and professional admissions process. “The admissions team did an outstanding job,” Eve recalls. “They made us feel confident that Northbridge was the right school for our son. They even introduced us to the opportunity to attend a summer school before the official start of the year, which helped facilitate our decision.”

Once their son enrolled, the partnership between the teachers and the McCliggots became a key part of his success. “It was really neat, the way the teachers worked together with us,” says Derek. “They took the time to understand our goals, hopes, and dreams for our son and worked in partnership to achieve the best results.”

As a result, the McCliggots have witnessed remarkable growth in their son over just one year. “We’ve seen him grow so much in just one year, and we have the Northbridge team to thank for that,” Eve says.

At NISC, the combination of a supportive community, a strong focus on character development, and the school’s dedication to meeting the unique needs of each student has created an ideal environment for the McCliggott family. Through Northbridge’s exceptional care and commitment, their son is thriving socially and emotionally, setting a strong foundation for future academic success.

Northbridge continues to stand out as a school that not only nurtures academic growth but also creates a thriving community where students and families feel valued and supported in every step of their educational journey.