Canada-based Learning Jungle School, an early learning and child care provider, will enter the expanding Cambodian pre-school market, planning to start operations in January 2014.

Ly Virak, Learning Jungle School franchisee for Cambodia, said there is an increasing number of young Cambodian parents who understand the importance of having their child attend a top-notch pre-school, and are willing to pay for it.

“Learning Jungle School’s presence in Cambodia will be a game changer,” Virak said. “Cambodians can now truly enjoy international quality of pre-school education, all while staying in Cambodia.”

Located in the Tuol Kork district of Phnom Penh, the two-storey building is under construction and nearly finished. The school fee is not confirmed, but Virak said the company will target wealthy Cambodians and foreigners with kids. Registration is in November.

Besides six locations in Canada, Learning Jungle School has also been operating in the Philippines since 2006.

With international companies springing up in Phnom Penh and a growing awareness for the importance of high-quality education among Cambodians, bringing international pre-schools to the city has potential, said Pech Polene, chairman and CEO of Phnom Penh private school Westline Education Group.

“Supply is still small now but the number of families who can afford standardised quality of education is on the rise,” Polene said. “The industry is currently seeing healthy growth and healthy competition.”