The Philippines' capital Manila has a way of surprising people. The traffic is real, the humidity is relentless, and the first week can feel overwhelming — but the city also has a warmth, an energy, and a depth of international community that turns short-term assignments into long-term love affairs. A big part of what makes it work for expat families is the schools. With 40 international schools tracked on Scholae, offering 27 distinct curricula, Manila gives relocating parents genuine choice across every price point and educational philosophy.
The challenge, as always, is sorting through those options from abroad — often while juggling a relocation timeline, a housing search, and the quiet worry that you're about to uproot your child's entire world. This guide is designed to help. It draws on real school data, actual neighbourhood dynamics, and the kind of practical detail that matters when you're the one making the decision.
Explore all Manila international schools to search by curriculum, age group, or fee range.
The curriculum landscape: What's actually on offer
Manila's international school market is surprisingly diverse. The three dominant curriculum families — IB, British, and American — are well represented, but you'll also find French, German, Australian, Singaporean, Japanese, and Chinese programmes. Here's how the main options break down.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB is the single most common framework in Manila's international schools, and several institutions offer the full continuum from PYP through to the Diploma Programme. Keys School Manila delivers IB PYP and MYP for 400 students in Mandaluyong, with class sizes of around 25. The Beacon School in Makati offers IB PYP and MYP for ages 4 to 14, with a notably intimate feel — 345 students, 25 nationalities, and classes capped at 15. Its sister school, The Beacon Academy, picks up from Grade 7 through to the IB Diploma in Laguna, keeping that same small-school ethos with just 120 students.
Domuschola International School in Pasig runs IB PYP for primary and the IB Diploma for Grades 11-12, with IGCSE bridging the middle years. Xavier School, the Jesuit institution in Greenhills with over 4,000 students, is an authorised IB World School offering the Diploma Programme alongside its Catholic and Filipino curriculum — a distinctive combination for families who want academic rigour within a values-driven framework.
Other IB options include Southville International School and Colleges in Las Pinas (1,800 students, IB and American tracks), Chinese International School Manila in McKinley Hill (IB and American, strong Mandarin immersion), and Brent International School Manila, which blends IB with American and Christian curricula on a sprawling campus in Laguna.
The IB's emphasis on inquiry-based learning and international-mindedness makes it a natural fit for globally mobile families who may move again. If your child is likely to change countries every few years, the IB's worldwide consistency is genuinely valuable — they can pick up where they left off at the next school.
British curriculum
British-system schools follow the English National Curriculum through Key Stages, leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels. The appeal is structure and universal recognition: universities worldwide know exactly what these qualifications mean.
The British School Manila is the anchor of this category — founded in 1976, it's the oldest and only non-profit international school in Manila offering British education. Located in BGC's University Park, it has 966 students from 54 nationalities, with class sizes averaging 23. The school also offers the IB Diploma as an alternative to A-Levels, which gives students flexibility at the senior level. FOBISIA and EARCOS accredited.
Nord Anglia International School Manila, part of the global Nord Anglia Education network, runs a British curriculum with IGCSE and A-Levels from its Aseana Business Park campus in Paranaque. With 310 students and 32 nationalities, it's considerably smaller than the typical Nord Anglia school, which means a more personal community. The Nord Anglia connection brings collaborations with Juilliard and MIT into the programme.
Fountain International School in San Juan follows the Cambridge pathway from primary through A-Levels. CIE British School in Makati and Global Leaders International School round out the British options with IGCSE and A-Level tracks.
American curriculum
Several Manila schools follow an American model, which tends to offer broader subject coverage through high school and uses AP (Advanced Placement) or a general American diploma pathway.
MIT International School in Alabang runs an American curriculum with AP courses, serving 200 students in notably small classes of around 15. Everest Academy Manila in Taguig combines an American programme with Catholic education for 600 students, featuring gender-specific classes beginning in Grade 4 — an unusual model that some families appreciate and others want to know about upfront.
Faith Academy, set in a green campus in Cainta, has been serving the missionary and expat community since its founding, with American curriculum, 500 students, and a distinctly Christian ethos. Reedley International School in Pasig blends American, Filipino, and Singaporean approaches for 500-600 students with remarkably small classes averaging just 12 students — EARCOS accredited with 38 nationalities represented.
Other options worth knowing about
- French: Lycee Francais de Manille in Paranaque follows the French national curriculum and French Baccalaureate, with 315 students from 38 nationalities. Instruction is bilingual in French and English.
- German: German European School Manila in Paranaque offers both German and IB pathways, with 2,023 students and impressively small classes averaging 13. It's one of the largest international schools in the city by enrollment.
- Australian: Australian International School in Makati follows the Australian curriculum with very small classes — averaging just 5 students, which makes it one of the most intimate options available.
- Singaporean: Singapore School Manila in Paranaque blends British, IB, and Singaporean curricula for 700 students.
- Canadian: Canadian American School in Salcedo Village, Makati, serves 100 students with an average class size of 6 and specialises in inclusive education with support for neurodivergent learners.
- Chinese bilingual: Chiang Kai Shek College combines IB, Montessori, Chinese, and Filipino curricula, while Chinese International School Manila offers Mandarin-English immersion within an IB and American framework.
- Japanese: Manila Japanese School serves the Japanese expat community with instruction in Japanese for ages 6-15.
What you'll actually pay: Fee ranges in Manila
Manila's international school fees span a wide range, generally falling well below what you'd pay in Singapore or Hong Kong but above most Southeast Asian cities outside of Bangkok's premium tier. Here's the landscape, based on typical annual tuition across the schools tracked on Scholae.
Budget tier: PHP 200,000-450,000/year (USD 3,500-8,000)
Smaller, newer, or faith-based schools tend to sit in this range. Schools like Faith Academy, Starland International School, and several of the Christian-affiliated institutions offer solid education at accessible price points. Class sizes are often smaller than premium schools, and the community feel can be a genuine advantage. You may find fewer specialist facilities — don't expect three swimming pools — but teaching quality can be very good.
Mid-range: PHP 450,000-900,000/year (USD 8,000-16,000)
This is the sweet spot for many expat families. Schools like Reedley International School (class size of 12, 38 nationalities), Keys School Manila (full IB), Domuschola International School (IB with IGCSE), and Southville International School fall in this bracket. You'll get proper accreditations, a genuine international student mix, experienced teachers, and solid facilities. Many families find that this tier delivers 90% of what the premium schools offer at 60% of the cost.
Premium: PHP 900,000-1,500,000/year (USD 16,000-27,000)
This is where the established, heritage institutions sit. The British School Manila (966 students, 54 nationalities, BGC campus), Brent International School Manila (850 students, 40+ nationalities, IB and American), and Nord Anglia International School Manila command premium fees that reflect their accreditations, facilities, and the breadth of their programmes. German European School Manila, with its dual German-IB track and extensive campus, also sits in this range.
At this level, expect purpose-built campuses, deep extracurricular offerings, extensive learning support, and a student body that is majority international. These schools also tend to have the strongest university placement track records and the most established alumni networks.
A note on additional costs
Tuition is not the whole picture. Budget for registration fees (typically PHP 15,000-50,000 as a one-time cost), school bus service (PHP 40,000-100,000/year depending on distance), uniforms (PHP 10,000-25,000 for a full set), and lunch programmes. Some schools bundle these; others charge each separately. Ask specifically during your admissions visit — the total cost of attendance can be 15-25% above the headline tuition figure.
Schools to put on your shortlist
Here are ten schools that represent the breadth of what Manila offers. This isn't a ranking — it's a starting point for families with different priorities and budgets.
The British School Manila
British + IB | Ages 3-18 | 966 students | 54 nationalities The institutional anchor of Manila's international school scene. Founded in 1976, BSM is non-profit and sits in the heart of BGC's University Park — walkable to the restaurants, shops, and parks that make BGC the most liveable district in Metro Manila. The school runs the British curriculum through IGCSE, then offers both A-Levels and the IB Diploma for senior students. Facilities include a swimming pool, multiple sports fields, auditorium, and well-equipped science labs. FOBISIA and EARCOS accredited. The 54-nationality mix means your child will genuinely learn alongside kids from around the world.
Brent International School Manila
IB + American + Christian | Ages 3-18 | 850 students | 40+ nationalities Set on a large, green campus in Binan, Laguna — south of Metro Manila proper — Brent offers space that city-centre schools simply can't match. The campus has gymnasiums, a track, a swimming pool, baseball fields, and tennis courts. Class sizes are capped at 15-20, with a maximum of 25. With 62% international students and 120+ after-school activities, it feels like a small American prep school transplanted to the tropics. The location means a longer commute from BGC or Makati, but many Brent families live in the southern suburbs specifically for the school.
German European School Manila
German + IB + British + IGCSE | Ages 3-18 | 2,023 students | 45 nationalities One of Manila's largest international schools by enrollment, GESM offers a distinctive dual-track model: students can follow the German Abitur pathway or the IB/British route. Average class sizes of just 13 are remarkably small for a school this size. Located in Paranaque's Better Living Subdivision, the campus has indoor gyms, pools, and athletic tracks. The bilingual German-English instruction is valuable for German-speaking families, but the IB track attracts a broad international mix as well.
Nord Anglia International School Manila
British + IGCSE + A-Levels | Ages 2-18 | 310 students | 32 nationalities The Nord Anglia brand brings global collaborations (Juilliard for performing arts, MIT for STEAM) to a school that's small enough for every teacher to know every student. With 310 students and a 70% international mix, it has a community atmosphere that larger schools struggle to replicate. The Aseana Business Park campus in Paranaque includes a swimming pool, turf football field, theatre, and dance studio. Class sizes average 22, capped at 26.
Xavier School
IB + Catholic + Filipino | Ages 3-18 | 4,000+ students The Jesuit powerhouse of Manila education. Xavier is an authorised IB World School that also maintains deep roots in Catholic and Filipino traditions. With over 4,000 students, it's by far the largest school on this list, and that scale brings resources: an Olympic-grade swimming facility, two football fields, an oval track, and a gymnasium. Located in Greenhills, San Juan. Admissions are described as "very competitive," and scholarships and financial aid are available — unusual in the international school world.
Chinese International School Manila
IB + American | Ages 3-18 | 282 students | EARCOS member CISM sits on Upper McKinley Road in McKinley Hill — the quieter, more residential neighbour of BGC. The school's dual emphasis on Western and Chinese cultures, delivered through Mandarin-English immersion, fills a clear niche for families who want their children to develop genuine Mandarin proficiency alongside an IB/American academic track. With 282 students and average classes of 20, it's intimate without being tiny.
Reedley International School
American + Filipino + Singaporean | Ages 4-18 | 500-600 students | 38 nationalities Reedley's average class size of 12 is the standout number here — it's the smallest among mid-sized Manila internationals, and translates to genuine individual attention. EARCOS accredited, with native English-speaking teachers and a blended curriculum that draws on American, Filipino, and Singaporean approaches. Located in Pasig, with a waiting list that speaks to its popularity. The school also has an education psychologist and a dedicated learning needs programme (CIAP).
The Beacon School
IB PYP + IB MYP | Ages 4-14 | 345 students | 25+ nationalities A specialist primary and middle school in Makati that delivers the IB framework to younger students. Class sizes of 15, a 68/32 local-to-international ratio, and a genuine commitment to inquiry-based learning make this a strong option for families with younger children. The Makati location is convenient for families living in the central business districts. For continuity, The Beacon Academy in Laguna picks up from Grade 7 through the IB Diploma.
Southville International School and Colleges
IB + American | Ages 3-18 | 1,800 students One of Manila's larger international schools, Southville offers the IB framework alongside an American curriculum track, plus a pathway through to college-level education — unusual among international schools. Located in BF Homes, Las Pinas, with three indoor gymnasiums, a football field, and a dance studio. ESL support is available, and the school offers Chinese, French, Spanish, and Filipino as additional languages. A solid mid-range option with the scale to support deep extracurricular and athletic programmes.
Canadian American School
American + Canadian | Ages 3-18 | 100 students | 17 nationalities The smallest school on this list, and deliberately so. With 100 students and an average class size of just 6, CAS in Salcedo Village, Makati, offers something genuinely different: an education built around individual attention. The school specialises in inclusive education, with dedicated inclusion support specialists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists on staff. For families with children who have learning differences or who simply thrive in very small settings, CAS fills a gap that larger schools cannot.
Neighbourhoods: Where to live for the school run
Metro Manila's traffic is legendary, and not in the fun way. Your housing decision is fundamentally a school commute decision — a 10-kilometre distance can mean 90 minutes in a jeepney-clogged artery at rush hour. Here's how the main expat neighbourhoods map to school access.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
BGC is the default choice for newly arriving expat families, and for good reason. It's clean, walkable, modern, and feels like a different city from the rest of Manila. The British School Manila is right here in University Park. Chinese International School Manila is just next door in McKinley Hill. Everest Academy Manila is also in Taguig.
The trade-off is cost — BGC has the highest rents in Manila, with a two-bedroom condo typically running PHP 60,000-120,000/month (USD 1,100-2,100). But if your school is in BGC, you may not need a car for the school run, which is worth more than you think.
Makati
The original central business district and still home to a large expat community. The Beacon School is on Chino Roces Avenue, Australian International School is nearby, CIE British School is in Dolmar Gold Tower, and Canadian American School sits in Salcedo Village. Makati has excellent restaurants, established expat infrastructure, and slightly lower rents than BGC. The Ayala Triangle area is particularly popular with families.
Alabang and Muntinlupa
The southern suburbs offer a more spacious, suburban lifestyle with lower costs. MIT International School is on Alabang-Zapote Road. The Alabang area also provides relatively easy access to Brent International School in Laguna and The Beacon Academy. Filinvest City and Alabang Hills have gated communities popular with expat families who want houses rather than condos. The commute to BGC or Makati is 45-75 minutes depending on traffic.
Paranaque and Aseana
An emerging expat area anchored by several international schools. Nord Anglia International School Manila is in Aseana Business Park, Singapore School Manila is in Aseana City, German European School Manila and Lycee Francais de Manille share the Better Living Subdivision area. This cluster of schools makes Paranaque a practical choice for families who want proximity to school without BGC pricing. The trade-off is that the neighbourhood itself has less of the polished expat infrastructure of BGC or Makati.
Pasig and Mandaluyong
The eastern districts offer mid-range housing with reasonable access to several schools. Keys School Manila is in Mandaluyong, while Domuschola International School and Reedley International School are both in Pasig. Ortigas Center, which straddles Pasig and Mandaluyong, has a growing number of family-friendly condominiums and is developing into a genuine alternative to the Makati-BGC axis.
San Juan and Greenhills
A quieter, more residential area north of Makati. Xavier School is on Xavier Street in Greenhills, and Fountain International School is in San Juan. The neighbourhood has a village feel — tree-lined streets, local markets, established Filipino-Chinese community. Housing costs are moderate, and the area works well for families who want a less corporate atmosphere than BGC.
Admissions: Timing, tips, and what to expect
When to apply
Most Manila international schools accept rolling admissions, which means you can apply year-round. But "rolling" doesn't mean "instant" — popular schools at popular year groups fill up, and the earlier you start, the better your options.
For the most sought-after schools — The British School Manila, Brent, Xavier — begin the process 6-12 months before your intended start date. Some schools maintain waiting lists for certain year groups, particularly in early years and the transition years (Grade 6/7 entry).
For mid-range schools, 2-4 months of lead time is typically sufficient, and many will accommodate mid-year transfers if seats are available.
Entrance assessments
Almost every international school in Manila requires some form of evaluation. The format varies by age:
- Early years (ages 2-5): Usually a play-based observation or school-readiness assessment. Some schools also assess basic English comprehension.
- Primary (ages 5-11): Expect literacy and mathematics assessments, classroom observation, and references from the previous school. Keys School Manila conducts literacy and maths evaluations for grade school applicants.
- Secondary (ages 11-18): Cognitive aptitude tests, English proficiency assessments, and sometimes subject-specific exams. Reedley International School requires both entrance tests and interviews. MIT International School tests English, mathematics, and non-verbal reasoning.
English language requirements
Manila's international schools teach primarily in English, and most expect incoming students to have functional English or the ability to develop it quickly. The good news is that nearly every school offers some form of ESL or EAL support. Nord Anglia has dedicated EAL provision, Reedley has an ESL enrichment programme, and Canadian American School specialises in inclusive education with dedicated language support staff.
If your child has limited English, ask during your visit: how many dedicated EAL teachers does the school have? Are students pulled out of classes or supported within them? What's the typical timeline for transitioning to mainstream instruction?
Documents to prepare
Have these ready before you start applications: recent school transcripts or report cards (translated into English if necessary), immunisation records, passport copies for student and parents, any psychological or educational assessments if applicable, and teacher recommendation letters. Some schools also require a personal statement or interview with parents.
Practical considerations
School buses: Available at most Manila international schools and strongly recommended. Manila traffic makes parent drop-off unpredictable, and school bus routes are designed to navigate the congestion. Budget for PHP 40,000-100,000/year depending on distance.
School lunches: Most schools provide lunch options, often with both Western and Filipino food. Some schools include lunch in tuition; others charge separately. Ask about dietary accommodations for allergies or religious requirements.
Uniforms: Required at virtually every international school. Budget PHP 10,000-25,000 for an initial set. Most schools have uniform shops on campus or partner suppliers.
Academic calendar: The majority of Manila's international schools follow a Northern Hemisphere calendar starting in August, with the school year ending in June. Some schools aligned with the Philippine system start in June or August with a different term structure. Confirm the calendar if you're arriving mid-year.
Safety: Manila rates 3/5 for safety on Scholae, which reflects the reality that some areas require more awareness than others. BGC, Makati, and the gated communities in Alabang are very safe. School campuses themselves are secure, with controlled access and security staff. Most expat families settle into Manila's rhythms quickly.
Finding the right fit
Forty schools is a manageable number — enough for real choice, not so many that the search becomes overwhelming. The key is to start with your non-negotiables (curriculum, location, budget) and narrow from there.
Head to the Manila city page on Scholae to filter schools by curriculum, age range, and other criteria. Once you've built a shortlist of four or five, use the compare tool to see them side by side — class sizes, student nationalities, accreditations, and facilities in a single view.
Then visit. Manila is a city where the feel of a campus matters — the energy in the hallways, the way teachers interact with students during a regular school day, the mix of languages you hear at pick-up time. No amount of data can capture that. But the data can get you to the right shortlist, and that's where good decisions start.
