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Chinese International School Manila

Philippines, Manila

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₱662,815 - 1,081,471
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 300
Type Co-educational
Opened 2007
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), American Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, Filipino, Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths Languages, Academic Enrichment, Sport
Clubs Social and Hobbies, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Chinese International School Manila (CISM) is a K-12 international day school located on Upper McKinley Road in McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Metro Manila. It was founded in 2007 by Felicia Hung-Atienza and Maria Louisa Sian, starting with the American Core Curriculum and Mandarin across all grade levels. The school has grown into an IB World School authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for Grades 11–12, with IB authorization achieved in 2011. The campus educates students from around 24 nationalities, with English as the language of instruction and Mandarin offered as a language across the curriculum. The four-storey campus houses libraries, science laboratories and a rooftop sports facility, and is designed to support a broad co-curricular programme. The school emphasises field trips, service and leadership activities, and a wide After School Activities programme with sport, arts and language clubs. A bus service operates to support commuting families.

The Essentials

Chinese International School Manila has 300 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

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
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).

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.

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
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
No religious affiliation is stated; the school presents a secular, values‑based approach to education.

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
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.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform information is available through the Admissions Office. The school maintains a uniform policy.

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 events are part of the co-curricular program and student leadership activities.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at Chinese International School Manila ranges from PHP 662,815 to PHP 1,081,471 for 2026/27.

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).
Academics

Chinese International School Manila teaches IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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)
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 (EAL)
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
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
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.
Parent Experience

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
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 (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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
The campus includes a large indoor sports hall and multiple gymnasia, with courts for basketball, volleyball and badminton.

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
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.
Extra-Curricular Activities

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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Languages

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
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
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

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
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
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
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
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)
School Events
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