How many IB schools in Manila
Metro Manila has nine authorised IB World Schools as of early 2026 IBO records. That count covers the full IB continuum, with five schools offering the Primary Years Programme, six the Middle Years Programme and seven the IB Diploma Programme. The cluster is concentrated in Taguig, Makati and Quezon City, with a single Diploma school in Alabang serving the southern suburbs.
The flagship is the International School Manila in Bonifacio Global City, which runs the full PYP, MYP and Diploma continuum and is the largest school in the country by international cohort. Brent International School Manila, on a Mamplasan campus south of the city, is the other long established IB provider with a continuous PYP to Diploma pathway, plus its sister campuses in Subic Bay and Baguio.
Filipino families who choose IB tend to be either dual-citizen returnees from North America, second-generation expatriate professionals, or Filipino corporate executives planning university overseas. Expatriate enrolment in Manila IB schools sits at around 55 percent, with Korean, Japanese, American and Indian families forming the largest non-Filipino cohorts.
Fees and the Manila IB tiers
Manila IB tuition falls into three broad bands. The value tier, USD 8,000 to 12,000 per year, captures the smaller bilingual and faith-based IB providers including the Beacon Academy in Alabang for its primary stage. The mid tier, USD 12,000 to 18,000, contains schools such as Reedley International, Singapore School Manila and Cebu International School's Manila campus. The premium tier, USD 18,000 to 28,000, is International School Manila, Brent International School Manila and the British School Manila for its IB Diploma stream.
Tuition is only part of the cost. Manila schools typically charge a one-off capital fee on admission of USD 5,000 to 25,000, refundable after a minimum tenure, which catches many short-assignment families by surprise. Our Manila international school fees guide walks through the capital, retention and tenure rules in detail.
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Illustrative example schools
The three schools below are illustrative, not a ranking. Each has a long IB record, settled leadership and a clear identity in the Manila market.
International School Manila (ISM) in Bonifacio Global City is the largest international school in the Philippines and the flagship IB provider. It runs the full PYP, MYP and Diploma continuum, with average Diploma scores consistently above 35 points and a clear pathway into US and UK universities.
Brent International School Manila on the Mamplasan campus south of the metropolitan area is the other long established IB continuum provider. It is an Episcopal foundation, runs strong arts and music programmes, and operates sister campuses in Subic Bay and Baguio that share the same diploma framework.
The Beacon Academy in Alabang is a smaller IB World School operating the MYP and Diploma. It is single-stream until Year 11, with the smaller cohorts giving it a higher staff to student ratio than the larger ISM and Brent campuses.
Where IB families live
IB families in Manila cluster in three broad zones. Bonifacio Global City and Taguig for International School Manila, the British School Manila and the densest cluster of expatriate professional families. Alabang and the southern suburbs for Brent International, the Beacon Academy and quieter family housing. Makati for the slightly older expatriate cohort and the school bus routes serving ISM and the Beacon.
Manila traffic is the dominant practical factor in IB school selection. A 14 kilometre commute can easily take 90 minutes in peak time, and most schools run extensive private bus networks rather than expect families to drive in. The Skyway elevated highway has improved north-south access since 2021, which has opened up Alabang as a realistic catchment for families working in Makati and Bonifacio.
Admissions calendar
Manila international schools run on a US-aligned calendar, with the academic year beginning in mid-August and ending in early June. Applications for the August 2026 academic year opened in most Manila IB schools in October 2025. Tier 1 schools, ISM and Brent in particular, close their priority intake by mid-January 2026, with regular admissions running through to March and waiting list movement continuing into June.
Mid-year transfers into Manila IB schools are accepted when places exist, with the heaviest movement between the December break and the start of the spring term. Diploma transfers after the start of Year 12 are rarely accepted because the subject choices and internal assessments are already underway. For a broader read on the curriculum trade-offs, the IB curriculum primer sits alongside this hub.
Frequently asked questions
How many IB schools are there in Manila?
Metro Manila has nine authorised IB World Schools as of early 2026 IBO records. Five offer the Primary Years Programme, six the Middle Years Programme, and seven the IB Diploma Programme. Most of them are clustered in Taguig, Makati and Alabang.
What is the average IB Diploma score in Manila?
Manila reporting schools averaged 35.2 points in the May 2025 IB examination session, comfortably ahead of the global IB average of 30.3. The strongest school, International School Manila, has averaged above 36 points for the past five sessions.
How much do IB schools in Manila cost?
IB tuition in Manila ranges from about USD 8,000 at smaller providers to USD 28,000 at the flagship schools. The median secondary fee sits near USD 18,000. Capital and refundable membership fees on admission typically add USD 5,000 to 25,000 on top.
Are IB diplomas from Manila recognised in the Philippines?
Yes. The Commission on Higher Education recognises the IB Diploma for admission to Filipino universities. The leading Filipino universities, the Ateneo de Manila and the University of the Philippines Diliman, accept IB scores in lieu of the standard entrance exam for international applicants.
Can you transfer between Manila IB schools mid-year?
Yes for the lower years. Transfers between Manila IB schools are accepted in PYP and MYP year groups when places exist, particularly over the December and Easter breaks. Diploma transfers after the start of Year 12 are difficult because the two-year course is already under way.
