Korean International School Philippines

Families comparing international schools in Manila from the Korean community, or those who want a Korean and English bilingual education, usually shortlist Korean International School Philippines. This profile sets out what GlobalSchoolGuide Editorial has verified about KISP: its curriculum and accreditation, 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.

Korean International School Philippines was established in 2009 with an initial investment backed by the Korean Ministry of Education and the Korean Association in the Philippines, founded specifically to educate the children of Korean expatriates and international students in Metro Manila. It teaches from kindergarten to Grade 12 on a campus in McKinley Hill, and operates as an overseas Korean school, meaning its programme is aligned to the Korean national system so that pupils can move between KISP and schools in Korea without disruption. For wider context on what comparable schools charge, see our guide to international school fees in Manila.

Curriculum and academics

KISP delivers a bilingual programme that integrates the Korean national curriculum with English language instruction, so pupils maintain their Korean education while strengthening their English. The structure follows the Korean grade system from kindergarten through to Grade 12, and recognition by the Korean Ministry of Education as an overseas Korean school means the qualifications are valid for progression within the Korean system. English is woven through the timetable to prepare pupils for international or English medium pathways alongside the Korean route. The combination of a faithful Korean national curriculum with substantial English instruction is the school's main point of difference for families weighing KISP against the city's American and British internationals, and it suits Korean households on time limited postings who need their children to slot back into schools in Korea.

Korean International School Philippines fees

Korean International School Philippines sits in the lower to mid band for Manila, more affordable than the city's tier one internationals, in part because it is supported by the Korean government and community. The school publishes a current fee schedule by grade. New families should still budget beyond tuition for the registration and recurring charges that apply on enrolment. To judge where KISP 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
• Facilities or activity fees: annual charges billed alongside tuition
• Materials: books and learning resources aligned to the Korean curriculum
• Extras: transport, meals, uniform and trips billed in addition

Admissions

Korean International School Philippines admits chiefly the children of Korean expatriate families, which shapes its admissions process around the needs of that community. Applications are considered subject to places, and the school asks for prior school records and the documents an overseas Korean school requires to confirm a pupil's standing in the Korean system. Because the school is geared to Korean speaking families, households from other backgrounds should contact the admissions office early to confirm whether and how they can apply, along with availability in the relevant grade and the documents required.

Location and who goes there

Korean International School Philippines is in McKinley Hill, a township within Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, close to Bonifacio Global City. The district has a substantial Korean community and Korean businesses, which makes it a natural base for the families the school serves, and the campus is within easy reach of households living in McKinley Hill, BGC and the surrounding Taguig neighbourhoods. The concentration of Korean amenities nearby is a large part of the school's appeal for relocating Korean parents.

The community is predominantly Korean, drawn from the large Korean expatriate population in Metro Manila, with the school acting as a hub for families who want their children educated in the Korean system while living abroad. Because the programme is aligned to the Korean national curriculum, pupils returning to Korea can move back into the domestic system, while the English instruction keeps international pathways open. Those weighing alternatives often compare KISP 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 Korean International School Philippines, you can add your experience through our school reviews page. We publish reviews unedited except for moderation.

Frequently asked questions

If KISP 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.