Canadian American School vs Chinese International School Manila

	C Canadian American School Manila, Philippines	C Chinese International School Manila Manila, Philippines
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₱696,200 - 1,138,700	Fees / year ₱662,815 - 1,081,471
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 100	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 6	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2007
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location CAS is located in Makati City, Philippines, on the 2nd Floor of LPL Mansions, 122 Leviste Street, Salcedo Village. The campus sits in a central, mixed‑use district and is across from Makati Sports Club, which supports easy access for commuting families. The Makati site is the school's primary campus for Preschool through High School.	Location The Chinese International School Manila is located on Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, 1634 Taguig City, Metro Manila. It sits in the heart of Taguig's McKinley Hill area, a mixed‑use district with nearby residential and commercial developments. The campus is easily reachable from major roads in Bonifacio Global City and surrounding areas.
Stages	Stages Preschool (P1–P3, JK), Primary School (SK, G1–G8), and Secondary School (G9–G12) are all housed at a single Makati site. The school operates along an integrated K–12 structure with language immersion offerings starting in the Preschool years.	Stages The school is an all‑through K‑12 institution with Early Years (ages 3–5), Elementary (ages 6–10), Middle School (ages 11–13), and High School (ages 14–17). The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered for the senior years (ages 16–19).
School type	School type The Canadian American School is an independent, co‑educational school. It operates as a day school serving Preschool through Grade 12.	School type CISM is a private international day school offering education from preschool through high school. The campus serves a diverse student body drawn from many nationalities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support An Exceptional Education Program integrates Special Education modifications and therapies. ESL support is available through the ESL program and the Center for English Language Learning.	Additional learning support Learning support includes English as an Additional Language (EAL) and an Additional Learning Needs (ALN) program. Support is provided both within regular lessons and in specialist classes as needed, with individualized educational plans and a referral/assessment process involving parents.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school uses a North American curriculum and has affiliations with Canada and the United States; it is recognized by the US Embassy in Manila and the Office of Overseas Schools.	Country affiliation There is no country‑specific affiliation stated; the school is based in the Philippines and is affiliated with the Philippine DepEd and the IB through its accreditation and programmes.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no religious affiliation listed for the Canadian American School.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated; the school presents a secular, values‑based approach to education.
School day structure	School day structure School days run Monday–Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; weekends are closed.	School day structure Timings of the day are published for the 2026–2027 intake; for specific class schedules, contact the Admissions Office. The school operates a schedule that accommodates its diverse programmes and events.
Bus service details	Bus service details A school bus service is not published on the school's official materials.	Bus service details The school offers a School Bus service with XID Transport as the provider. Service covers routes within BGC and Makati; an information packet is available on request and the provider can be reached at 0919‑094‑4672.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Assessment Fees - Skills / placement assessments and entrance tests: English Proficiency Test USD 500. - One-time Registration / Reservation fee (new students): PHP 8,800. Annual tuition fees (by school level) — amounts shown in USD are the published annual tuition; per-term figures shown below are approximate and calculated by dividing the published annual tuition into three trimesters to match the school's 3-trimester payment schedule. - Preschool (P1–P3 / Junior Kinder): Annual tuition USD 11,800. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 3,933. - Senior Kinderschool: Annual tuition USD 12,550. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 4,183. - Grades 1–2: Annual tuition USD 13,800. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 4,600. - Grades 3–5: Annual tuition USD 15,700. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 5,233. - Grades 6–8: Annual tuition USD 16,700. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 5,567. - Grades 9–10: Annual tuition USD 17,550. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 5,850. - Grades 11–12: Annual tuition USD 18,800. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 6,267. One-off and recurring additional fees (published) - Matriculation / Advancement fee (one-time, new students): PHP 13,900. - School uniform set: PHP 1,500. - House Cup set / related student activity set: PHP 500. (appears as a small one‑time item in the fee sheet). - English as a Second Language (ESL) program fees: English Proficiency Test USD 500; ESL Levels — Level 1 USD 2,000; Level 2 USD 3,000; Level 3 USD 4,000. Learning Support Program (LSP) services are listed as TBD. - Total initial school-fee package for new students (published totals): - Preschool — Total for new students: USD 11,800; PHP 24,200 (as published on the school fee sheet). - Senior Kinderschool — Total for new students: USD 13,050; PHP 64,200 (as published). - Grades 1–2 — Total for new students: USD 14,300; PHP 64,200 (as published). - Grades 3–5 — Total for new students: USD 16,200; PHP 64,200 (as published). - Grades 6–8 — Total for new students: USD 17,200; PHP 84,200 (as published). - Grades 9–10 — Total for new students: USD 18,050; PHP 84,200 (as published). - Grades 11–12 — Total for new students: USD 19,300; PHP 84,200 (as published). Capital Development Fee / other settlement charges* - A one-time, non-refundable Capital Development Fee USD 2,500 is assessed per student and is due when fixed school fees are settled. This fee applies to all students, regardless of whether they attend the full school year or part of the year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Full payment of all school fees (including the Capital Development Fee) is required upon student acceptance and settlement prior to the school year start (September 1). - The school accepts an installment arrangement tied to the school's trimester schedule: families paying by installment must submit a current-dated check plus two post-dated checks dated for December 1 (second trimester) and March 1 (third trimester). The installment plan therefore follows a three-trimester schedule. The per‑trimester figures above are approximate equal divisions of the published annual tuition to match that schedule. - Issuing bouncing checks is grounds for removal from the school's official enrollment roster. Refunds and cancellation - The Capital Development Fee (USD 2,500) is non-refundable. - For families on an installment plan, no refunds are given for reduced attendance during a current trimester. Boarding / accommodation - The school operates from a single school site in Makati City and does not operate a boarding program; fees for boarding are not applicable. Other incidental or optional costs - School trips, extracurricular activities, certain course-specific materials, and any additional optional programs (for example additional ESL lessons beyond standard program levels or individualized learning support where charged) may incur separate fees; the Learning Support Program (LSP) is shown as TBD on the published fee sheet. Accepted payment instruments (as specified by the school) - For the installment structure the school requires a current-dated check plus two post-dated checks for the scheduled trimesters. Full settlement is required upon acceptance if not using the installment plan. No alternative methods (credit-card, bank‑transfer, online payment processors) are specified on the school's payment terms page. Notes on figures and calculations - Annual tuition figures above are the published USD amounts for each level and are taken from the school's 2025–2026 fee sheet. Per‑term numbers are approximate and were calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by three to align with the school's trimester payment schedule; they are presented to show the expected amount due per trimester under the school's installment arrangement.	Fee details Application fee - An application and assessment fee is charged as part of the admissions process; the published guidance indicates an Application and Assessment Fee of Php 2,500. Tuition fees (by year group) — annual, semestral and quarterly options - Nursery - Annual: Php 662,815. - Semestral: Php 491,540 and Php 181,352. - Quarterly: Php 401,729 and Php 91,541/quarter. - Pre‑K / Kindergarten - Annual: Php 707,832. - Semestral: Php 514,691 and Php 204,503. - Quarterly: Php 413,415 and Php 103,227/quarter. - Grades 1–5 - Annual: Php 843,674. - Semestral: Php 595,262 and Php 263,024. - Quarterly: Php 465,004 and Php 132,766/quarter. - Grades 6–8 - Annual: Php 891,984. - Semestral: Php 630,817 and Php 276,529. - Quarterly: Php 493,871 and Php 139,583/quarter. - Grades 9–10 - Annual: Php 1,013,611. - Semestral: Php 714,789 and Php 316,401. - Quarterly: Php 588,097 and Php 159,709/quarter. - Grades 11–12 - Annual: Php 1,081,471. - Semestral: Php 771,108 and Php 328,620. - Quarterly: Php 608,365 and Php 165,877/quarter. (Amounts shown as published under the school's fee structure: Annual, Semestral and Quarterly columns are presented as listed above.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices are issued by email before the end of the current academic semester or immediately following acceptance of a place for a new enrollee. - Tuition is payable in advance either for the whole year or per semester. Tuition is due one month prior to the first day of school or upon enrolment. - For semestral payments, the payment is due one month prior to the first day of each term. - If fees remain unpaid two weeks after the due date, the student may be suspended; continued non‑payment after suspension may result in forfeiture of the place. Fees are not refunded when a child is withdrawn from the school. Boarding fees - Not applicable. Chinese International School Manila is operated as a day school and does not publish boarding or residential fees. Other costs and fees - English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) support is offered where required and carries a corresponding fee. - Additional school fees (for example, assessment fees, materials, learning‑support charges, transportation, cafeteria meal plans, extracurricular trips or program fees) are handled through the admissions/fee process and may be charged in addition to tuition; these supplemental fees are discussed during admissions. The school's admissions materials note that other school fees will be discussed during the admissions process. - Uniforms: a Uniform Guide is provided and uniform items are a separate cost; specific uniform prices are not listed in the published fee summary and are supplied through the school's uniform guidance. Refunds and forfeiture - Fees will not be refunded if a child is withdrawn from the school. Failure to pay by the stated deadlines can lead to suspension and, if unresolved, forfeiture of the child's place. Fee payment options - Accepted methods for tuition payments include wire transfer, direct deposit to the school's bank accounts, and cheque. Cash payments are discouraged. - The school issues invoices that state the due dates and payment instructions; the school's fee guidance emphasizes advance payment timing (one month prior to the start of school/term).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniform information is available through the Admissions Office. The school maintains a uniform policy.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school maintains a cafeteria. The canteen concessionaire is The Institute of Culinary Management, Inc. (ICMI); meals can be ordered via the mealmanage.com portal.
House system	House system —	House system House events are part of the co-curricular program and student leadership activities.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is accredited by the Philippines Department of Education. Its education partner, Edgenuity (Imagine Learning), is accredited by Cognia Global Commission, and graduating seniors receive both a locally accredited CAS diploma and a US-based CGC diploma. The school is recognized as a World Consular School by the US Embassy in Manila, acknowledged by the Office of Overseas Schools, and serves as a Corporate Trustee of CANCHAM (Philippine Canadian Chamber of Commerce).	Governance and ownership The school is a non-profit, non-stock organization administered by a Board of Trustees. The Head of School is Angelica Fernandez De Castro, and the Board Chair is Martin Lorenzo. The Board is responsible for finance, staffing, premises, enrollment, safeguarding, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The Canadian American School offers a progressive, inclusive curriculum aligned with US Common Core standards for English Language Arts and Social Studies, and with the US Next Generation Science Standards for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, while Canadian standards guide Performing and Fine Arts, Music, and World Languages. The school awards a dual diploma—one Philippine diploma issued by the Department of Education and a US diploma provided through its Cognia-accredited Edgenuity Virtual Academy partnership. Preschool offers age-appropriate classes (Preschool 1 to Junior Kindergarten) with early immersion language exposure in English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish. Lower School (Senior Kindergarten to Grade 5) uses US Common Core for ELA and Mathematics and NGSS-based Science/Technology, with Social Studies aligned to US NCSS standards and World Languages including French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Hebrew, plus an Inclusive Education Program. Middle School & High School (Grades 9–12) follow a college-preparatory model with AP options and a 23-credit graduation requirement across English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine & Performing Arts, Physical/Health Education, Technology/Wellness, World Language, and Electives.	Curriculum details Chinese International School Manila offers a K–12 curriculum taught in English, with Mandarin as a key language strand. The program structure starts with Early Years (play-based and inquiry-led), moves to Elementary School (ages 6–10) following common core and next-generation standards alongside foreign language study, then Middle School (ages 11–13) focusing on communication, cultural understanding and a global perspective, and High School (grades 11–12) aligned to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school is an IB World School authorized to offer the full Diploma Programme since 2011, requiring six subjects (three Higher Level and three Standard Level) plus the DP Core: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service; students may also undertake individual DP courses for certificates. Mandarin is available as a Group 2 language option within the DP, and English is the language of instruction. Learning Support is provided for students who require English language or other academic assistance.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The Canadian American School uses evidence-based practices to promote social and emotional learning for infants, toddlers, and early learners. Teachers are trained in using the Pyramid Model for Supporting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children, developed by the Center for Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning, and follow its guiding principles. The guiding principles include supporting development, individualizing interventions, and applying strategies within natural routines, with attention to cultural and linguistic diversity. The Wellness Program focuses on raising students' self-awareness of abilities, strengths, talents and potentials; teaching strategies to manage one's body, behavior, emotions and relationships; and instilling respect, responsibility, and kindness through age-appropriate lessons and activities. It also offers individualized services for students facing challenges such as academic difficulties, anxiety, behavioral concerns, and students who might engage in self-harm, and connects with institutions that can provide further counseling and psychological assistance, while engaging teachers and staff in trainings to maintain their own well-being. The school also features a House System and After School Clubs as part of Student Life to support peer interaction and social development.	Social & emotional learning The Chinese International School Manila offers a Nursery–Grade 12 Guidance Programme delivered by two school counsellors. It supports students' personal, social, and academic development and covers topics such as self-awareness, goal setting, managing emotions, conflict resolution, and positive social skills. Counselling is provided on a short‑term, professional, and confidential basis for students and the wider school community. The Counselling Team collaborates with the Senior Leadership Team and the Safeguarding Team to address safeguarding matters, and students or staff can self‑refer or be referred for counselling. The team also shares wellbeing and mental health updates with parents through Parent Forums, pastoral meetings, and the weekly newsletter.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The Canadian American School operates an Exceptional Education Program that integrates Special Education modifications and therapies within the general curriculum and uses an inclusive education model. It collaborates with education professionals and other service providers (developmental pediatricians, school psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, physical therapists, etc.) to complete educational assessments and monitor program plans. A Student Intervention Team reviews records to determine what assessments are needed, followed by a Comprehensive Evaluation by a multidisciplinary team to identify strengths and needs and determine eligibility for services. An Individualized Education Plan is created, detailing present levels of academic performance, goals, accommodations, supplementary aids and services, and placement, with progress monitored through annual reviews or reevaluation. The Continuum of Services comprises Level 1 Full Inclusion, Level 2 Full Inclusion with Special Educator Support, Level 3 Partial Inclusion/Program Modification, and Level 4 Individualized Education Program; fees are determined case-by-case and may include supplementary supports such as Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Family Counseling, and other interventions.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school maintains an ALN (Additional Learning Needs) department and an EAL (English as an Additional Language) department to support learners. ALN is described as catering to students who have a specific learning disability or difficulty, or who require specialist assistance, within a mainstream setting. Support is provided within the classroom and in separate specialist classes as needed, with specialist teachers delivering individualized programmes through a multi‑sensory, cumulative approach. When literacy or numeracy needs are identified, the ALN or EAL Coordinator conducts a full assessment and parents are consulted, with a referral process used to monitor concerns and, if necessary, involve external bodies. The public materials do not describe the school as a dedicated SEN specialist institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The Canadian American School offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) Program that provides support for students whose first language is not English. Sheltered Instruction (Content-based ESL) is used to accommodate English Language Learners, with an ELL teacher assigned to evaluate and monitor language proficiency and progress and to develop a service plan in collaboration with classroom teachers. Eligibility begins with enrollment and identification of a non-English first language; initial assessments may include an English Language Proficiency Test for some entrants. Service levels range from Level 1 to Level 3 (newcomer level), with the cost of supplemental services determined by level, and students are reassessed annually and typically participate for one to two years before testing out.	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided by a dedicated EAL department. The school notes that the curriculum is taught in English and that staff are experienced in supporting students who speak two or more languages. Students receive support both within the classroom and in separate specialist classes as needed. Specialist teachers develop individualized educational programmes through a multi‑sensory, cumulative approach. A literacy/numeracy needs assessment is conducted by the EAL Coordinator with parent consultation, and external referrals may be made if required.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Wellness Program supports students' mental and emotional well-being with a focus on developing academic, social and emotional well-being. It emphasizes raising students' self-awareness of abilities, strengths and potentials and teaching strategies to manage one's body, behavior, emotions and relationships. It also aims to instill positive behaviors such as respect, responsibility, and kindness through age-appropriate lessons and activities, and provides individualized services for students facing challenges such as academic difficulties, anxiety, behavioral concerns, or self-harm, with connections to external counseling and psychological assistance as needed. Staff and teachers participate in ongoing trainings to maintain their own well-being and effectiveness.	Mental wellbeing The Counselling Team consists of two counsellors who support the Nursery–Grade 12 Guidance Programme, addressing personal, social, and academic needs. The programme may include topics such as self‑awareness, goal setting, managing emotions, and social skills, and is responsive to current student needs. Counselling is short‑term, confidential, and available to students and the wider school community to promote well‑being. The team provides wellbeing and mental health updates to staff and families through parent forums, pastoral meetings, and the weekly newsletter. The Counselling Team works with the Senior Leadership Team and the Safeguarding Team to provide guidance on safeguarding matters, with self‑referrals or staff referrals possible.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding A dedicated Child Safeguarding section appears under Health & Safety within the Student Life area. Publicly available information notes the existence of the Child Safeguarding component, but detailed safeguarding policies are not published on the page.	Safeguarding The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students, with clear procedures in place to support children, families, and staff. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is the Head of School, Angelica Fernandez de Castro, and there are designated safeguarding deputies, including the Director of Elementary School (Mylene Pastor) and the Director of High School (Martin Frias). All staff receive safeguarding training on an annual basis, and a member of the Board of Governors serves as a safeguarding liaison. For serious concerns, safeguarding contacts are available through designated school emails.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview CAS is located on a single Makati campus, housed on the 2nd floor of LPL Mansions at 122 Leviste Street, Salcedo Village. The school serves Preschool through Grade 12 and follows a North American curriculum with Canadian standards for performing and fine arts, music, and world languages, with an emphasis on early bilingual and multilingual exposure. CAS is accredited by the Philippines Department of Education and partners with Edgenuity/Imagine Learning for a US diploma pathway, with graduates receiving both a local CAS diploma and a CGC diploma. The language program includes English plus world language options such as French, German, Hebrew, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish across grade levels. After-school clubs cover robotics, chess, taekwondo, visual arts, and language activities, and students participate in external learning experiences such as visits to Manila Ocean Park, Ark Avilon Zoo, and Mind Museum.	Facilities overview Chinese International School Manila's Taguig campus provides a comprehensive set of facilities to support learning and well being. The academic facilities include a modern library/media center, dedicated laboratories for sciences, design technology, product design, and visual arts, and an ICT lab. Creative spaces include a theatre/dance studio and music facilities that support performance arts. The campus houses a large indoor sports hall and multiple gymnasia, outdoor fields, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and badminton. The school operates an on site cafeteria with a catering partner and online meal management, and offers a broad enrichment program with after school activities and trips.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The campus includes a large indoor sports hall and multiple gymnasia, with courts for basketball, volleyball and badminton.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities A media center (library) is available, along with specialist laboratories for Biology, Physics, Chemistry, a design technology area, a visual arts room, and an ICT lab.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities CAS offers a broad range of after-school clubs and activities across arts, STEM, languages, and sports, including Robotics & Engineering, Animation, Coding, Visual Arts, Chess, Taekwondo, and language clubs (French, Spanish, Hebrew, Mandarin). Music programs cover instruments such as drums, violin, piano, guitar, and band activities. Additional offerings include dance and various after-school programs. The school also arranges field trips and exchanges to educational venues such as Manila Ocean Park, Ark Avilon Zoo, Avilon Zoo, and Mind Museum as part of experiential learning.	Extra curricular facilities The enrichment program offers a broad range of after school activities across sports, arts, ICT and academics, including Basketball, Chess Club, Futsal, Dragon Art Club, Dragon Repertory, Intl Creative Dance Club, Ukulele Club, Robotics and Coding clubs, Cooking Club, and language clubs. After School Activities are refreshed each semester with online registration twice a year.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The Canadian American School Manila is a micro international school offering a progressive, inclusive curriculum. The curriculum aligns with US Common Core standards for English Language Arts and Social Studies, and the US Next Generation Science Standards for STEM, while also following Canadian standards for Performing and Fine Arts, Music, and World Languages. It is recognized as a World Consular School by the US Embassy in Manila and acknowledged by the Office of Overseas Schools under the US State Department, and it is a Corporate Trustee of the Philippine Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM). The school is accredited by the Philippines Department of Education, and its education partner, Edgenuity (Imagine Learning), is accredited by Cognia Global Commission, with graduates receiving both a locally accredited CAS diploma and a US CGC diploma. The Canadian American School Manila marks its 10th year of operation, indicating a founding around 2016.	History Chinese International School Manila was founded in 2007 by Felicia Hung-Atienza and Maria Louisa Sian to provide an international education that combines the American Core Curriculum with a Mandarin language program across all grade levels. It began with about 20 students and 11 teachers. It expanded into a full 3–18 international school and received authorization to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in 2011. In 2022, CISM and Domuschola International School joined Global Schools Foundation, linking the Manila campus to a regional network and giving access to shared resources and best practices. The school is located on Upper McKinley Road in Taguig City's McKinley Hill area.
Community	Community The CAS Manila community is international, with students representing 28 nations and 17 diplomatic missions. The school offers an English Language Camp and a Summer Camp open to CAS students and non-CAS participants. A wide range of after‑school clubs support student interests and community engagement. Parent involvement is facilitated through the CAS Family Portal, which provides communications and access to school information for families.	Community CISM serves a diverse student body drawn from more than 29 nationalities. Life at CISM includes a broad co-curricular program with house events, student leadership, service learning, field trips and residential trips. School-wide community events—such as Spirit Week, Mid-Autumn Festival, United Nations Day, and Chinese New Year—invite family participation. CISM is a member of Global Schools Foundation, which provides a framework for engagement across a network of international schools.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association A formal Parent Teacher Association is not publicly described on the CAS site. Parent involvement is organized through the CAS Family Portal, which provides communications with the school and access to registrar services. The school runs extensive after‑school clubs that can involve parent volunteers and community support, and events and programs encourage family engagement. The school's community-building includes milestones such as its 10‑year anniversary and related organizational updates, which involve staff and families in school-wide initiatives. Public coverage of CAS events, such as talent shows, demonstrates active family participation in school life.	Parent teacher association Parent involvement at Chinese International School Manila is described through a Home-School Partnership and the Life At CISM pages, indicating formal collaboration between families and staff. There is no publicly visible standalone PTA board or page; parent engagement appears to be channeled through the Home-School Partnership rather than a traditional PTA structure. The Global Schools Foundation partnership provides a framework for cross-school collaboration and community engagement that can include families across member schools. Public event listings show family participation in annual events such as Spirit Week, Mid-Autumn Festival, United Nations Day, Chinese New Year, and Wellness Day. Enrichment and Life At programs describe parent involvement through programs, volunteering, and partnerships with staff in service-learning and field trips. Detailed PTA committees or fundraising programs are not publicly enumerated on the accessible pages.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual CAS offers after-school clubs that emphasize academic enrichment and STEM. Notable options include Robotics & Engineering, Coding, and Chess, with younger students engaging in Science Discovery as part of the preschool program. The program also includes activities such as Animation, Film Club, and Visual Arts that foster inquiry and critical thinking through hands-on projects. These clubs provide structured, extracurricular experiences that complement classroom learning.	Academic & intellectual CIS Manila offers an extensive After School Activities (ASA) program that includes academic enrichment, STEM, debate, and ICT-related activities. The ASA lineup changes each semester, and online registration occurs twice a year, allowing students to sample different areas of interest. Students are encouraged to participate in at least one activity to interact with peers across classes and develop new skills. Examples include Junior Math Society and Math Society, IB Biology Revision, Robotics Competition Club, Block Based Game Making, Dragon Debate Club, Dragon Chronicles, Dragon Archives, and Cubing and other academic clubs.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative CAS provides extensive arts and creative activities through the ASC program. Students can participate in Visual Arts, Dance (Dance Class and Ballet), and music-making through Drums, Violin, Piano, Guitar, Band, and Ukulele. Additional creative options include Film Club and Animation, as well as Arts & Crafts. These offerings complement the core curriculum by supporting creativity, collaboration, and performance skills.	Arts & creative The ASA program includes arts and performance opportunities such as Dragon Art Club, Dragon Repertory, Intl Creative Dance Club, and Ukulele Club, in addition to music and drama offerings. Students can explore visual arts, performing arts, and creative expression through these clubs. The program acknowledges arts as a core component of holistic development by providing regular creative outlets alongside other disciplines.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Language and culture clubs are offered through After School Clubs, including French Language & Culture, Hebrew Language & Culture, and Spanish Language & Culture. Additional language options include Mandarin and Italian, reflecting CAS's emphasis on multilingual learning. These clubs provide exposure to language and cultural awareness beyond regular classes, and align with the school's world-language program.	Cultural & language Language and culture are supported through Foreign Language Clubs (Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish Language Clubs) and the Korean Culture Club, among others. These clubs foster cultural awareness and language practice beyond the classroom. The offerings emphasize cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship as part of everyday school life.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies CAS offers numerous recreational and hobby-oriented clubs through ASC. Students can join sports and fitness activities such as Taekwondo, Badminton, Tennis, Soccer (team members), Basketball, and Table Tennis. Non-sport options include Chess, Yoga, Bowling, Archery, and Dance-related activities such as Hip Hop and Ballet. These clubs promote physical health, teamwork, and social engagement among students.	Social & hobbies A broad range of recreational clubs supports social interests and hobbies, including Coding w/ Ipad, Cooking Club, Cubing Club, Storytelling Club, Toy Makers Club, and various book- and game-oriented groups. The program also includes chess, board games, and other leisure activities to complement academics and sports. This diversity provides students with informal peer networks and opportunities to develop teamwork and communication skills.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Service Learning at CIS Manila connects classroom learning with real-world impact through leadership roles, community service, internships, and field experiences. Examples include fundraising for local orphanages, assisting victims of natural disasters, environmental projects, and partnerships to support education in other regions. These activities are designed to develop civic responsibility and practical problem-solving skills.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Service Learning emphasizes leadership opportunities and work experiences or internships, helping students develop professional skills and personal interests. Students engage in leadership roles within service projects and interact with communities to apply knowledge in authentic contexts. The program aims to foster responsibility, ethical engagement, and career-awareness as part of the school's holistic development approach.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school emphasizes student wellbeing through a wellness program and social-emotional learning. The program focuses on self-awareness, strategies for managing behavior, emotions, and relationships, and promoting respectful and responsible conduct. The wellbeing framework includes access to counseling and psychological support, with ongoing staff training to sustain well-being. Athletics and the house system support physical health, teamwork, and community belonging.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Health & Wellbeing program focuses on mental, emotional, social, and physical health, aiming to create a caring, inclusive, and supportive school community. It encourages students to develop resilience, self-regulation, and informed decision-making about wellbeing. Extracurricular activities and pastoral support are aligned to promote safe, healthy lifestyles and positive mental health.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the primary instruction language, and students are exposed to foreign languages including French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Hebrew in the World Language program; Preschool also exposes students to German and Japanese. World Languages are elective in Lower School and Middle/High School, while ESL is available for non-native English speakers. ESL has Levels 1–3 (newcomer level); students typically participate for one to two years and are reassessed annually. Sheltered Instruction and dedicated ELL teachers monitor progress and support language development.	Language provision English is the language of instruction in CIS Manila's IB programme. Mandarin is taught through a Mandarin Language programme in the Early Years and as Mandarin AB in the IB Diploma Programme, with additional IB language options including Spanish AB and Chinese B. Other languages such as Korean A Lit are available within the IB framework. Non-native English speakers receive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, and some students may be exempt from a foreign language if appropriate.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The Canadian American School identifies bilingual education as the cornerstone of its program. Language learning starts early, with exposure and immersion in multiple languages beginning in Preschool. Foreign language teachers are native-tongue speakers, and the program aims for fluency by around Grade 1 (age 6). English plus foreign language exposure is provided from Preschool onward, with World Language learning continuing through Grade 12.	Bilingual teaching Mandarin language instruction is integrated into CIS Manila's program. In the Early Years (Nursery to Pre-Kindergarten), all children follow a Mandarin Language programme as part of the California-aligned curriculum. In the International Baccalaureate Programme, Mandarin is offered as a course (Mandarin AB), with English remaining the language of instruction for the majority of the curriculum. The school also provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students whose first language is not English.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Language immersion experiences begin in Preschool. Preschool immersion covers English and multiple foreign languages such as French, German, Hebrew, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish. World Language learning continues in Grades K-12, providing ongoing language exposure and practice. The program emphasizes early multilingualism and diverse language outcomes as part of its curriculum.	Immersion programs The site does not describe a separate language immersion program. Mandarin instruction is embedded from the Early Years as part of the standard program, and intercultural understanding is emphasized across the curriculum. Mandarin is also offered as an IB language course (Mandarin AB), indicating language exposure within both Mandarin and English contexts.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards The school publicly notes that it has earned 450+ Awards in Education Excellence (as part of its Global Schools Foundation affiliation). A year-by-year or award-by-award list is not published on the site. The Global Schools Group network itself is described as having over 500 prestigious awards across its member schools, providing network-wide context for accreditation and recognition.
Accreditations	Accreditations The Canadian American School is accredited by the Philippines Department of Education. This shows CAS meets national standards and is authorized to operate as a recognized school in the Philippines.	Accreditations The Chinese International School Manila (CISM) holds several accreditation and affiliation statuses that reflect its international standards and local recognition. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and is an IB World School, aligning its curriculum with IB standards for students aged 16–19. It is affiliated with the Council of International Schools (COIS) and with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The school is also affiliated with the Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines. In addition, CISM is a member of Global Schools Group, an initiative of Global Schools Foundation. These affiliations indicate engagement with international quality-assurance bodies and a global network of international schools.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Attend a School Trial. School trials are typically scheduled for a class day, and during this time, prospective students sit in a full day to experience the learning environment. Families have the opportunity to ask questions about the school's programs and structure. The trial helps families assess fit before moving forward with the application process. 2. Submit an Application Form and settle the application fee. The complete Application Form is provided in the information packet or can be downloaded from the page. A nonrefundable Registration Fee and Testing Fees must be settled before the application is reviewed. The school publishes the 2025‑2026 Annual School Fees by program, showing new‑student totals from USD 11,800 (Preschool) to USD 19,300 (Grades 11‑12) with PHP equivalents; a Capital Development Fee of USD 2,500 is due upon settlement of fixed school fees. If paying on an installment plan, a current‑dated check plus two post‑dated checks for December 1 and March 1 are required; refunds are not provided for reduced attendance during a current trimester. 3. Skills Evaluation. Applicants from Senior Kindergarten (5‑year‑olds) and up participate in skills testing and/or English language proficiency tests. These tests are not Pass/Fail; their results guide instructional planning and identify any needs for additional support services. The school offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) program for students whose first language is not English, and students with identified needs may undergo a comprehensive evaluation that may involve related service providers. 4. Review and Acceptance. Applications are reviewed on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Only completed forms with Nonrefundable Registration Fees and Testing Fees settled will be reviewed. Acceptance decisions are usually issued electronically, with a formal letter and a School Fees Invoice attached.	Admissions 1. Admissions Process 1. Initiate inquiry and arrange a visit. The school welcomes applications at all points during the year and the admissions team aims to make the process straightforward for relocating families or those already in Manila. If you would like to learn more or see the campus, contact the admissions team to set up a visit and discuss your child's fit with CIS Manila's international-baccalaureate pathway. This initial step emphasizes a personal overview and a chance to ask questions about programs, scheduling, and transition plans. 2. Prepare and submit the initial application package. Applications are submitted with a completed Application Form and a set of supporting documents. You can email scanned copies (signed and with school seals where required) to the admissions inbox to start the file. The required documents include: a completed Medical Form, Tuberculosis Screening and Physical Examination Form, Recommendation Form, birth certificate, passport pages, visa/ACR/ICR as relevant, both parents' documents, last two years of school reports, Transcript of Records, Certificate of School Attendance, three 2" x 2" photos, any special needs report, Parent Media Consent Form, and Home Language Form. 3. Admissions review, assessment, and language support options. All applicants are considered under CIS Manila's admissions guidelines. If English proficiency is not at grade level, an English-as an Additional Language (EAL) program is available with a corresponding fee. The school may also request an external educational assessment to determine additional needs. These steps help ensure appropriate class placement and support where needed. 4. Class capacity, waitlists, and placement decisions. Class sizes are fixed per grade to support learning, and when a section is full a waiting list is started. A new section may be opened by the Head of Schools after consultation with the Board of Trustees, with a maximum of two Elementary School sections per grade. The school operates on a rolling admissions basis, accepting students up until the beginning of the fourth quarter for the current year. 5. Admission decision, offer, and enrollment steps. Decisions are made by the Admissions Committee, composed of an Admissions Officer, Guidance Counselor, Director, IBDP Coordinator (when applicable), and Head of Schools. Once offered a place, families proceed to enrollment, which includes confirming attendance and beginning the payment process. The school provides an information packet with next steps for enrollment. 6. Enrollment completion and initial documentation. Upon acceptance, families complete the enrollment forms and finalize all required documents. Invoices are issued by email and fees are due prior to the admission date. Tuition can be paid annually or per semester, with other school fees discussed during the admissions process. Final enrollment requires submission of all remaining forms (including the Home Language Form) and payment of applicable fees. References: CIS Manila admissions overview and policy, including rolling admissions, waitlists, EAL program, and required documents; fee structure guidance and enrollment timelines. (turn1view0; turn2view0; turn3view0)
Scholarships	Scholarships No scholarships are advertised on the admissions or application materials.	Scholarships 3. Scholarships CISM offers a range of scholarships administered under the Global Schools Foundation. These scholarships cover a variety of talents and financial situations, and they operate on merit and, in many cases, family-income considerations. The scholarship programs include the Universal Values Merit Cum Means Scholarship, Global Future-Ready Merit Scholarship, 9GEMS Holistic Development Scholarship, Global Skills Scholarship, CISMP Global Sports Scholarship, and CISMP Global Citizen Scholarship. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, value, applicable grades, and application process. - Universal Values Merit Cum Means Scholarship (Grades 1–12): Provides financial assistance based on family income and academic performance (minimum 85% in past two years). Benefits range by category, with up to 80% tuition coverage for the top category. Applicants must reside in the Philippines and supply income verification and other supporting documents; the process includes a scholarship assessment and an interview if applicable, with notifications typically within four weeks after cycle closing. Terms include that recipients may not apply for other CIS scholarships and must sign a scholarship deed. (turn6view0) - Global Future-Ready Merit Scholarship (Grades 6–8 for initial eligibility; later grades 9–12): Aims to prepare students for university admission at top global universities, with a limited number of awards and tiered eligibility based on grades. Benefits include up to 15% tuition coverage in some categories, with detailed minimum grade thresholds and examination components. The scholarship process comprises online application, documentation upload, online scholarship assessment, interviews, and final notification. (turn8view0) - 9GEMS Holistic Development Scholarship (Grades 6–12): Aligns with CIS Manila's 9GEMS framework across academics, sports, leadership, arts, and universal values. Benefits vary by category, up to 60% of tuition for Category A (based on international-level achievements) and down to 7% for Category D, with eligibility requiring at least 85% average and a documented record of achievement. The process includes application, documentation uploads, potential interview, and final approval with a four-week notification window. (turn9view0) - Global Skills Scholarship (Grades 6–12): Recognizes talent in science, digital technology, and related fields. Scholarships provide 6–20% tuition coverage depending on category and achievement level (e.g., international, national, regional, interschool). Eligibility requires 85% average and relevant achievements; the process includes application, documentation upload, an interview if applicable, and notification within about four weeks. (turn12view0) - CISMP Global Sports Scholarship (Grades 7–12): Targets athletic achievement across a wide range of sports with up to 100% tuition coverage in Category A and down to 20% in Category F, based on criteria tied to national/international representation and results. Applicants provide supporting documents and undergo a scholarship assessment and interview, with final notification about four weeks after cycle close. (turn11view0) - CISMP Global Citizen Scholarship (International students): A regional scholarship offering substantial funding for up to two years of Grade 11–12, with eligibility based on prior exam results (e.g., high marks), online scholarship assessments, and multiple interview rounds. The award is capped and requires documentation and a scholarship deed; notification is provided to successful applicants. (turn10view0) Notes: Each scholarship has its own specific eligibility criteria, cycles, and terms. Documentation requirements typically include recent academic records, income verification if relevant, and evidence of achievements. The Global Schools Foundation serves as the umbrella through which these scholarships are offered at CIS Manila. (turn5view0; turn6view0; turn8view0; turn9view0; turn12view0; turn11view0; turn10view0)
Waitlist	Waitlist CAS operates an open admission policy with year‑round applications. Applications are reviewed on a first‑come, first‑served basis, and acceptance decisions are issued electronically with a formal letter and School Fees Invoice.	Waitlist 2. Waitlist/Pool - The school uses a rolling admissions process, and when a class or section reaches capacity a waiting list is started. This helps CIS Manila manage intake while maintaining class sizes and program quality. - If demand remains high, the Head of Schools may approve opening an additional section after consulting with the Board of Trustees. For Elementary grades, a maximum of two sections per grade is allocated. - These waitlist and capacity controls are designed to preserve the school's intended student-to-teacher ratios and learning environment while allowing continued access for relocating families. (turn2view0)
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