We are a private, non-profit, non-stock international school in the Phillippines providing outstanding education to students from Preschool to Grade 12, making us one of the leading schools in the Philippines
CISM offers an excellent academic education coupled with a safe, happy and nurturing environment, conveniently located within Manila. We offer students every opportunity to excel, both inside and outside the classroom but most of all we offer them the chance to be themselves and develop at their own pace, making CISM one of the best schools in Metro Manila
Enroll With Us
Our 2026-27 intake is ongoing
Visit our campus today or Book a Time with us!
Visit our campus today or
Book a Time with us!
At CISM, we put our students at the heart of everything we do. We provide a safe and conducive learning environment. We celebrate diversity and foster creativity. We give them the respect they deserve and the support they need to be successful in and outside the school, helping us stand among the most trusted schools in Metro Manila.
Our curriculum embraces best international education practices and comprises programs like American Common Core, New Generation Science Standards and International Baccalaureate.
Students enrol in Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten between ages 3 and 5 years to get strong foundations for becoming lifelong learners. The program acknowledges that learning needs to be relevant, purposeful, and fun, with a provision of a play-based environment. Pastoral well-being plays a central role as academic learning.
Students follow the Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and Project American Education Reaches Out. Our learning objectives follow local and intercultural context, to provide our students with a broad, rich, creative, and rigorous curriculum that maximizes the linkage and learning across subject areas.
The curriculum lays foundations for students to prepare for the rigors of International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) by following the standards of the United States Common Core Curriculum, American Council of Teaching Foreign Languages, Next Generation Science Standards, and the International Society for Technology in Education.
This program is aimed to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. Students get exposure to a rigorous program at Grade 9 and 10, which prepares them for IB programs of Grades 11 and 12. Distinct emphasis is placed on developing analytical, open-minded, reflective, compassionate, creative, principled, global, and confident thinkers and doers.
We strive to ensure that every student is outfitted to be the best they can be. With smaller classes, specialist teachers, a wide range of curricular, and extra-curricular activities, we ensure that learning is dynamic, individualized and child-centric. We want students to be confident, kind, resilient and curious learners who know how to learn and love learning new things every day.
The results achieved by our students are reflective of the commitment and hard work they have put into their achievements. Through the dedicated pastoral care and guidance of our teachers, we have delivered academic excellence to the batch of graduates past, present and future.
As future leaders, we want our students to learn to be effective global citizens who understand and appreciate their own cultures whilst being open to the values and traditions of others. We hope to cultivate empathetic, compassionate and respectful leaders who are mindful towards the needs and feelings of others. They will also be capable of being thoughtful and considerate while showing positive appreciation for people who share both differing or similar perspectives.
We strive to ensure that every student is outfitted to be the best they can be. With smaller classes, specialist teachers, a wide range of curricular, and extra-curricular activities, we ensure that learning is dynamic, individualised and child-centric. We want students to be confident, kind, resilient and curious learners who know how to learn and love learning new things every day.
The results achieved by our students are reflective of the commitment and hard work they have put into their achievements. Through the dedicated pastoral care and guidance of our teachers, we have delivered academic excellence to the batch of graduates past, present and future.
As future leaders, we want our students to learn to be effective global citizens who understand and appreciate their own cultures whilst being open to the values and traditions of others. We hope to cultivate empathetic, compassionate and respectful leaders who are mindful towards the needs and feelings of others. They will also be capable of being thoughtful and considerate while showing positive appreciation for people who share both differing or similar perspectives.
We provide merit and means scholarships to make education more accessible for students to pursue their academic goals and more.
Global Schools Group is a widespread network of leading international schools that fosters an interconnected global community through its diversity and expertize.
Campuses
Countries
Nationalities
Students
Faculty
Abstract Artist
Mother of 2 CISM students and 1 CISM Alumnus
The Mathematics Department at CISM thrives on a strong culture of collaboration and shared purpose. As a team, we engage in meaningful weekly meetings and uphold rigorous standards through careful review and refinement of instructional materials. This collective approach ensures both consistency and excellence in the quality of our work. ... We also place great importance on continuous improvement, regularly evaluating our curriculum and lesson progression, with a comprehensive review conducted at the end of each academic year to ensure alignment with best practices and learning outcomes. Equally important is the value we place on the insights of our parents and students. Their feedback plays a vital role in shaping our approach, as we remain committed to delivering an international-standard Mathematics education. Guided by dedication and a genuine passion for teaching, we strive to give our very best to our students—the CISM Dragons. Read More
Academic Coordinator - Mathematics
Guidance Counselor
CISM Middle and High School
CISM is a truly unique international school in Manila. While our name reflects strong connections with the Asian community, our campus is home to a diverse mix of students and families from around the world. Many Western families are drawn to CISM for its strong academic foundation, including the U.S. Common Core Standards and the IB Diploma Program. In this ... multicultural environment, our students grow into confident global citizens who are academically prepared, culturally aware, and ready to make a positive impact in an interconnected world. Read More
Head of School
CISM emphasizes a nurturing environment with small class sizes and specialist teachers, helping students become confident, kind, resilient and curious learners. And the curriculum is very intensive which prepares my kids for their future endeavors, strengthening CISM’s reputation among leading schools in the Philippines. In addition, the school is truly international with several students from ... various countries. They promote global citizenship, empathy, respect and cross-cultural understanding which may benefit the kids with how they interact with other people. I highly recommend CISM for parents out there who want a holistic learning approach! Read More
Marketing Head
Mother of 2 CISM students
Businesswoman
Mother of 1 CISM student and 1 CISM Alumnus
"My wife and I initially chose CISM for our children on reputation alone. It is consistently named as one of the top schools in Manila. After three years at the school, we can say that its reputation is well earned. At CISM, the academics are top notch. Our children’s math skills far exceed students at other schools and learning Mandarin is invaluable in this modern world. Combine that ... with great extracurricular activities and lifelong friendships and we couldn’t be happier with our choice of CISM". Read More
Executive Chef and Restaurateur
Father to 2 Elementary CISM students.
The emphasis on developing the qualities of a global citizen, alongside CISM’s core values, plays a vital role in shaping students like me into the leaders of tomorrow. CISM consistently encourages us to engage in experiences beyond the prescribed curriculum—opportunities that deepen our understanding of both local and global issues, and challenge us to think about how we can respond meaningfully. ... Through this support, students are given countless opportunities to strengthen essential skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and reflection—skills that will serve us well as we transition into the professional world. More importantly, this environment of empowerment has allowed me to recognize my strengths and build the confidence to create positive social change within my community and beyond. Read More
CISM Student
& Student Council President
At CISM, I have discovered that leadership isn’t simply taught - it is ignited. From day one, CISM's culture of embracing bold challenges paired with their unwavering support has encouraged me to go outside of my comfort zone,empowering me to turn ideas into meaningful action and to also take charge of it. ... Throughout this journey, CISM has equipped me with the tools to navigate through tough decisions, collaborate effectively, and build confidence that drives a real impact in my community and beyond. Read More
CISM Student and
Student Council Vice-President
The CISM community has empowered me by opening meaningful avenues to build friendships and intellectual connections. It has nurtured in me, a strong sense of belonging,even within diverse environments and communities. This inclusive atmosphere has encouraged me to confidently share my ideas, experiences, ... and perspectives, while also learning from others. Each interaction becomes a genuine exchange of worldviews—one that reflects the essence of global citizenship and fosters a deeper sense of connection to a broader international community. Read More
CISM Student and
Student Council Secretary
Upon graduating from the IB program, our graduates have found success beyond our campus in college and universities all around the world including:
The best international school in Manila depends on your family’s priorities — curriculum, language provision, location, school size, and cultural fit all matter. Chinese International School Manila (CISM) in BGC is consistently regarded as one of Manila’s leading international schools in BGC, offering the American Core Curriculum from Preschool to Grade 10 and the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11 and 12. CISM is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), and its graduates have been accepted into universities including Johns Hopkins University, New York University, Vanderbilt University, and Imperial College London. With approximately 300 students from over 30 nationalities, CISM offers a genuinely international community in a safe, nurturing, small-school environment within Bonifacio Global City.
Yes. Chinese International School Manila (CISM) is an authorised IB World School, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for students in Grades 11 and 12. CISM received IBO authorisation in 2011 and has delivered the IB Diploma Programme continuously since then. Students at CISM may pursue either the Full IB Diploma or individual Diploma Programme Courses. The IBDP at CISM builds on a rigorous American Core Curriculum delivered across Grades 1 to 10, ensuring students are well-prepared for the academic demands of the IB senior years.
Scholarships may be renewed annually, subject to performance and ongoing eligibility.
Admission requirements for international schools in BGC, Taguig, vary by institution but typically include: (1) completed application form, (2) academic transcripts and school reports for the past two to three years, (3) copy of the student’s birth certificate and passport, (4) valid Philippine visa for non-Filipino nationals (tourist visas are not accepted for ongoing study), and (5) an entrance assessment and family interview. At CISM, the admissions process is designed to be welcoming and personalised. Families are encouraged to enquire directly through cismanila.org to receive current admission requirements specific to the grade level they are applying for.
Manila’s leading schools for quality education span local private institutions and internationally accredited private schools metro Manila that families trust. Among international schools, Chinese International School Manila (CISM) in BGC is consistently cited for its bilingual American-IB curriculum, CIS and IBO accreditation, and strong university outcomes. Other well-regarded international schools in Metro Manila include International School Manila (ISM), British School Manila, and Reedley International School. For locally accredited schools, Ateneo de Manila, De La Salle, and Miriam College are among the most respected institutions. The ‘best’ school depends on your child’s needs — families are advised to visit campuses, speak with current parents, and assess cultural fit alongside academic credentials.
Admission requirements for international schools in BGC, Taguig, vary by institution but typically include: (1) completed application form, (2) academic transcripts and school reports for the past two to three years, (3) copy of the student’s birth certificate and passport, (4) valid Philippine visa for non-Filipino nationals (tourist visas are not accepted for ongoing study), and (5) an entrance assessment and family interview. At CISM, the admissions process is designed to be welcoming and personalised. Families are encouraged to enquire directly through cismanila.org to receive current admission requirements specific to the grade level they are applying for.
Expat families relocating to Manila have several options for strong and the best international school in Manila, particularly in and around BGC and Makati. Chinese International School Manila (CISM) in BGC is a popular choice for expat families — especially those from Chinese-speaking communities, multinational corporations, and families seeking a bilingual English-Mandarin education. The school’s community of students from over 30 nationalities, combined with its American Core Curriculum and IB Diploma pathway, makes it a natural fit for internationally mobile families. CISM is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), which many employers and relocation companies recognise as a mark of quality when supporting families on international assignment.
Safe, accessible private schools in Metro Manila are concentrated in several key districts: Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and McKinley Hill in Taguig, Makati’s CBD and Legaspi Village, Ortigas in Pasig, and Quezon City. Chinese International School Manila (CISM) is located on Upper McKinley Road in McKinley Hill, BGC — one of Metro Manila’s safest, most planned urban districts, with 24-hour security, well-lit roads, and easy access from major residential areas across the city. The school’s campus includes secure access infrastructure, and many CISM families live within the BGC and Taguig area, with others commuting from Makati, Mandaluyong, and Pasig.
Admission requirements for international schools in BGC, Taguig, vary by institution but typically include: (1) completed application form, (2) academic transcripts and school reports for the past two to three years, (3) copy of the student’s birth certificate and passport, (4) valid Philippine visa for non-Filipino nationals (tourist visas are not accepted for ongoing study), and (5) an entrance assessment and family interview. At CISM, the admissions process is designed to be welcoming and personalised. Families are encouraged to enquire directly through cismanila.org to receive current admission requirements specific to the grade level they are applying for.
