International School Manila

Families comparing international schools in Manila almost always put International School Manila at the top of the shortlist, since it is the city's oldest and best known international school. This profile sets out what GlobalSchoolGuide Editorial has verified about ISM: its curriculum and exam pathways, where it sits on fees, its admissions rhythm and the community around it. We are independent and no school pays to be listed, so this is a reference for relocating parents rather than a prospectus.

International School Manila was founded in 1920 by American and British parents as the American School and took its present name in 1970. In 2002 it moved to a purpose built seven hectare campus in Bonifacio Global City, where it now teaches from preschool through to Grade 12 as a single non profit, non sectarian school drawing pupils from more than 90 nationalities. ISM holds a particular place in the region's history as the first school in Asia to offer the IB Diploma Programme, which it introduced in 1976. For wider context on what comparable schools charge, see our guide to international school fees in Manila.

Curriculum and academics

International School Manila teaches an inquiry based programme in the elementary school, then moves to subject based teaching through middle and high school that culminates in the IB Diploma Programme. Advanced Placement courses are also available to able pupils, so the high school offers two recognised college preparatory routes alongside its own diploma. Diploma pupils study six subjects across higher and standard level with the IB core of Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service, while AP candidates sit individual college level examinations. Accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and authorisation as an IB World School underpin the school's quality assurance, and graduates progress to universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Asia and beyond. The depth of the dual IB and Advanced Placement offer, on a large purpose built campus, is the school's main point of difference for families weighing ISM against the city's other internationals.

International School Manila fees

Source: International School Manila (ismanila.org). ISM bills a dual fee: the USD portion is shown here, plus a PHP portion of roughly PHP 306,400 to 623,800 by stage. Excludes one-time matriculation and facilities fees. Fees are the most recent published figures and exclude one-off costs such as registration, deposits and capital levies. Always confirm current fees directly with the school.

International School Manila sits in the premium band for Manila and is consistently among the most expensive schools in the city, with tuition rising through each grade to the high school years. The school publishes a current fee schedule by grade. New families should budget well beyond tuition, since ISM charges a one off non refundable enrolment or development contribution on first entry, common among the city's tier one schools, alongside other recurring charges. To judge where ISM sits against other options, read our overview of international school fees in Manila or model a budget with our school fee calculator.

• Registration: one off application and registration fee, normally not refundable
• Development or capital contribution: a one off charge on first enrolment
• Deposit: a refundable security deposit held against the place where charged
• Extras: transport, meals, uniform, trips and IB or AP examination entry billed in addition

Admissions

International School Manila admits for the academic year that opens in August and processes applications on a rolling basis subject to places, with entry points across the grades. The most competitive intakes are typically the early years and entry into the high school. Assessment considers prior school records, an age appropriate readiness or English check for pupils joining mid system, and, for older entrants, the fit between the applicant and the demands of the chosen Diploma or Advanced Placement courses. Because ISM is the city's most sought after international school, popular grades fill early, so families relocating to Bonifacio Global City should contact the admissions office well ahead of the move to confirm availability and the documents required.

Location and who goes there

International School Manila is on University Parkway in Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, the planned central business district that has become the default base for internationally mobile families in Metro Manila. The location suits households living in BGC itself and the neighbouring districts of Makati and Taguig, who can reach the campus without the long cross city commute that a more distant school would demand. The seven hectare purpose built site, with extensive sporting, performing arts and laboratory facilities, is a large part of the school's appeal.

The community is broadly international and mixes expatriate families posted to Manila from across Asia, Europe and North America with internationally minded Filipino families. With more than 90 nationalities on roll, the parent body is genuinely mixed rather than dominated by any single group, and the diplomatic and senior corporate presence in BGC is reflected in the school. For families who expect to move again, the IB Diploma, Advanced Placement results and high school diploma all transfer cleanly into schools abroad. Those weighing alternatives often compare ISM with the wider list of international schools in Manila in our directory before booking visits.

Reviews

No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide collects first hand parent reviews so relocating families can judge schools on evidence rather than marketing. If your family has attended International School Manila, you can add your experience through our school reviews page. We publish reviews unedited except for moderation.

Frequently asked questions

If ISM is on your list, it helps to see it next to the other names families shortlist in the city. Our overview of international school fees in Manila and the full directory of international schools in Manila are good next steps before you book visits.