International schools in Manila [2024]

International schools are becoming more and more popular in Manila, with expats and native Filipinos choosing to send their children to these top education institutions.

International schools accept students from across the world, educating children in a variety of languages and offering a multicultural learning experience.

Read everything you need to know about international schools in Manila, including a guide to finding the right school for you and your family.

What are the best international schools in Manila?

There are lots of international schools in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It’s important to explore your options before choosing a school.

Let’s take a look at some of the top international schools in Manila.

Brent International School

Brent International School® teaches children from Nursery to Grade 12, with 30+ nationalities enrolled at the institution.

This school follows an American-based, WASC-accredited curriculum. This is important for expats living in the Philippines, as it means children can receive internationally recognized qualifications – and it makes the transition to a new school as smooth as possible.

With 120+ extra-curricular activities and 100% matriculation to universities, the school prides itself on fostering a successful learning environment for students across the world.¹

German European School

Manila’s German European School® is a multilingual day school that caters to Kindergarten to Grade 12 students.²

Officially recognized and subsidized by the German government, this school accepts students of any nationality, creating a multicultural and multilingual educational experience.³

The school also offers a range of co-curricular activities, including languages, chess, dancing, music, sports, and cooking.⁴

Nord Anglia International School

Nord Anglia International School® in Manila caters to students of all ages, from 2 to 18. It uses small class sizes and collaborations with top educational institutions to create a good environment for learning.⁵

The school follows the English National Curriculum⁵, with a range of facilities for students, including a dance studio, football pitch, and outdoor swimming pool.⁶

The Beacon School

The Beacon School® in Manila uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) education system, encouraging children to learn through inquiry-based activities.⁷

Founded in 2001, the school teaches Kindergarten to Grade 8 students – and it aims to create a multicultural setting for children living in the Philippines.

The school upgraded to a new campus in 2010⁸, with an average of 15 students per class.⁹

International School Manila

International School Manila® is a day school for students from Preschool to Grade 12. It prides itself on providing high-quality teaching and learning – and it celebrates international diversity.¹⁰

The school has a state-of-the-art campus, with 3 libraries, 8 tennis courts, 3 playing fields, and a film lab.¹¹

There are native English language-speaking teachers at International School Manila, but the institution also provides essential language support to students who don’t speak English as a first language.¹²

Factors to consider when choosing an international school

There are a few things to think about before choosing an international school in Manila. Let’s take a look at some key factors.

Campus and facilities

Many international schools offer a range of facilities for students.

This might include:
Gym equipment Extra-curricular activities Libraries Computer or science labs

Choose an international school that offers everything you need.

Most international schools also have an extensive campus to bring everything together, including outdoor and indoor spaces. Make sure to look into the school facilities and campus location before sending an application to your chosen school.

Global student community

International schools attract students from around the globe. As well as native Filipino families, international expats send their children to these schools.

Students can gain an internationally recognized curriculum while practicing their language skills and making friends with people across the world. This curriculum also ensures a smooth transition back to school in the US if your stay in the Philippines is temporary.

Students can get involved in a wide range of activities and understand the importance of cultural diversity.

Co-curricular activities and athletics

Many international schools pride themselves on their co-curricular activities. This may include creative pursuits, such as photography or performing arts, or activities that contribute to academic excellence, like debate, robotics, or science.

Students can get involved in athletics and sports while studying at a top-level international school. Nord Anglia International School in Manila provides dance, football, and swimming facilities, for example.

Admissions process and scholarships

It’s a good idea to look into the admissions process before applying to an international school in Manila.

Many international schools require a test or interview before admission. Slots can fill up quickly, so schools like Brent International recommend scheduling any pre-admission appointments as quickly as possible.¹³

It’s possible to access scholarships to help toward admission costs. For example, the National Honor Society (NHS), a program for high school students in the US, applies to some international schools, such as Brent.

Brent students in Grades 10 to 12 with a minimum GPA of 3.50 can apply – and it can result in scholarship payments.¹⁴

How much do international schools in Manila cost?

Depending on class sizes, grade levels, extra-curricular activities, and location, international schools can vary in cost – and global students may need to pay a higher fee.

At Brent International School in Manila, international tuition fees can range from 600,000 Philippine pesos (PHP) to 1,200,000 PHP per school year.¹⁵

International schools also charge additional fees, such as an application fee, matriculation fee, or costs for activities and school supplies.

You’ll need to consider the cost of your international school before applying. Many schools offer scholarships or financial support in specific circumstances, such as academic excellence.

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International schools are a popular choice in Manila. Students can receive high-quality teaching, all while investing in co-curricular activities and enjoying a multicultural, multilingual education.

These schools offer state-of-the-art facilities – but the costs can add up, especially for international students. It’s important to explore your options and choose the right school for you and your family.

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Sources:

1. Brent International School
2. German European School
3. German European School
4. International Schools Database
5. Nord Anglia International School
6. Nord Anglia International School
7. The Beacon School
8. The Beacon School
9. International Schools Database
10. International School Manila
11. International School Manila
12. International Schools Database
13. Brent International School
14. Brent International School
15. School Isle

Sources checked on 03.04.2024