International School, Manila

In Brief

ISM is Manila's default choice for corporate-package families, and for good reason - 98% IB pass rate, 91 nationalities, and a campus that actually feels like a school. The cost is real, so self-funding families should model the full PHP plus USD bill before applying.

ISM sits at the top of Manila's international school market by almost every measure: size (2,400+ students), track record (founded 1920), and exam results (98% IB pass rate in 2025, among the highest in Southeast Asia). The BGC campus on University Parkway is purpose-built and well resourced, with sports facilities, performing arts spaces, and the breadth you'd expect from a school of this scale. Families with children across multiple year groups often find it the most practical single-campus solution in the city.

Day-to-day, ISM runs a dual-curriculum model - IB alongside an American programme - so families can choose a pathway that fits their long-term plans. Class sizes average around 20, and the school's 100+ clubs and activities mean most children find their niche reasonably quickly. WASC accreditation is current. The 91-nationality mix means no single group dominates, which many families find one of its strongest points.

The billing structure is worth understanding before you apply: ISM charges in two separate currencies - USD tuition and a PHP component - paid at whatever exchange rate applies at the time. One-time fees at entry (matriculation plus facilities enhancement, roughly PHP 508K combined at current rates) add a significant upfront cost. If your package has a capped school fee allowance, check the fine print.