Beyond the excitement of new adventures and immersing in a different culture, families relocating to another country face an important decision: where to send the children to school. While academic excellence remains a top priority, many parents put equal importance on strong student support and an inclusive community.
Manila is a vibrant metropolis with an extensive list of globally-accredited, reputable, and established schools boasting internationally recognized curricula, distinguished faculty, and diverse communities that help make learning enjoyable for students.
While the word “best” is subjective and the needs of students vary, this guide is designed to simplify the selection process by highlighting exceptional international schools in Manila. The Philippines. By providing practical information and key insights, parents can make an informed and confident decision.
One of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in Asia, International School Manila was the first to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program in the region. ISM is known for preparing students for global universities with its robust global curriculum and extensive programs in athletics and performing arts.
Recognized for its world-class, state-of-the-art campus in Fort Bonifacio, ISM has a diverse international student body from 90 countries, and top-tier facilities, including:
The school’s Learning Support Program levels coordinate programs and services for students with learning needs. It is rooted in the philosophy that students have varying levels of ability, achievement, motivation, and interest, and that they achieve the best outcomes when challenges are appropriate to their needs.
Age: 2 – 18 Years
Curriculum: IB with American-style education
Location: Taguig, Philippines
International School Manila: University Parkway, Taguig, 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines, +63 2 8840 8400, www.ismanila.org/admissions/admissions-process, www.ismanila.org
Established in 1976, The British School Manila offers a holistic British education from the early years until Year 13, providing continuity with education systems from the UK and other Commonwealth countries through its adapted English National Curriculum.
Blending academics with skills essential for success in university and beyond, BSM has over 180+ scheduled activities across 5 activity strands, including Service & Sustainability, Creative Arts, Academic, Physically Active, and SIDE (Science, Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship).
Students are encouraged to learn self-regulation and develop independence and resilience through a personalized learning model that offers individual academic support and student well-being.
BSM has consistently maintained exceptional IB Diploma results over the years. The Class of 2025 achieved an IB Diploma Program average of 37 points, significantly higher than the world average of 31 points, and a 98% pass rate. Many of the school’s graduates have pursued further studies in top-ranked universities across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, and beyond.
Age: 3 – 18 Years
Curriculum: English National Curriculum (ENC)
The British School Manila: University Park, 36th St, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila, Philippines, +63 2 8860 4800, www.britishschoolmanila.org
Brent International School Manila is renowned for its long history and established reputation. Founded in 1909 by Bishop Charles Henry Brent, BISM offers the IB Diploma Program with strong American elements.
Across its campuses, Brent serves students from many countries, creating a truly diverse cultural environment. While graduates excel and typically perform above the global average on the IB Diploma Program with admission offers from Ivy League schools, BSIM also places great importance on character building, leadership, service learning, arts, and aesthetics.
Aside from its Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation, BISM also participates in APAC events, a prestigious international school league in Asia that promotes athletics and fosters leadership, resilience, teamwork, and camaraderie among students from various cultures.
Age: 3 – 18 Years
Curriculum: IB with American Elements
Location: Manila, Baguio, Subic
British International School Manila: Brentville Subdivision, Barangay Mamplasan, Biñan, Laguna, 4024, Philippines, +63 2 8779 5140 to 45, admissions@brent.edu.ph, www.brent.edu.ph
Operating for over two decades in Pasig City, Reedley International School, Inc. is known for its holistic philosophy with a culture that puts priority on behavior, respect, and community. RIS combines the best approaches from the Singapore, US, and Filipino curricula.
The school’s Mathematics and Science Programs follow Singapore standards, and the Language, Arts, and Social Studies Programs follow American standards while fulfilling local DepEd academic regulations.
RIS offers high-school students greater flexibility and the potential to earn college credits through its Advanced Placement (AP) Program.
Compared with larger international schools, Reedley has smaller class sizes. This system allows teachers to learn and adapt to their students’ learning styles, strengths, and needs, and adjust lessons accordingly.
Age: 3 – 18 Years
Curriculum: Singaporean, American, and Filipino
Location: Pasig City, Philippines
Reedley International School: J. Cruz St., Barangay Ugong, Pasig City, Metro Manila, 1604, Philippines, + 63 917 507 9306, ris@reedleyschool.com, www.reedleyschool.edu.ph
Since its establishment in 2012, Nord Anglia International School Manila has been providing a caring community where students can grow emotionally, socially, creatively, and intellectually, becoming confident global citizens.
A member of the Nord Anglia Education family of premium international schools, NAIS makes transition easy for many mobile expat families with a well-defined progression.
At NAIS, students are encouraged to showcase their talents and pursue new passions. Enrichment activities are compulsory, and it’s a requirement to choose two clubs per term, providing a balance between intellectual and active pursuits. In line with this, there are also collaborations with world-leading institutions and organizations such as MIT, Juilliard, and UNICEF, to help students develop beyond academics.
Aside from a wide range of extra-curricular activities, NAIS offers tailored programs for students with special education needs (Learning Support Department) and students who need help with their English language skills (English as an Additional Language).
Age: 2 to 18 (Preschool to Sixth form)
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, International Primary Curriculum (IPC), IGCSE Programs + IB Diploma Program
Location: Parañaque City, Philippines
Nord Anglia International School Manila: Bradco Avenue, Aseana Business Park, Parañaque City, Metro Manila, 1700, Philippines, +63 2 7987 7878, admissions@naismanila.edu.ph, www.nordangliaeducation.com/nais-manila
Lycée Français de Manille (LFM), also known as French International School Manila, offers French education for students of all nationalities from preschool through high school. As part of the AEFE global network, students can easily transition when they transfer to any of the hundreds of French global schools.
The school’s French International Baccalaureate Program (BFI) and European section are widely recognized and accepted across France, Europe, and other global destinations. Specialized support is available for non-French speakers through French as a Foreign Language (FLE) and English immersion through the American International Section.
Aside from academics, global awareness, and multilingualism, LFM encourages the use of sports as a tool for success and personal growth. The school is certified as an EFE3D Level 2 institution and is committed to raising awareness of ecological challenges and encouraging students to become responsible global citizens.
Age: 3 – 18 Years
Curriculum: French Curriculum with American International Section
Location: Parañaque City, Philippines
French International School Manila: 75 Swaziland Street, Better Living Subdivision, Parañaque City, 1171, Philippines, +63 2 8776 1000, contact@lfmanille.ph, en.lfmanille.ph
Established in 1980, the German European School Manila (GESM) is a nonprofit and purpose-built international school overseen by German educational authorities. It follows the German education system with pathways to German and EU universities.
With integrity, compassion, responsibility, respect, and independence as its core values, GESM puts a premium on academics and offers strong programs in music and arts, sports and physical education, and cultural and community activities in the spirit of European education traditions.
As a truly inclusive educational institution, GESM offers assistance to students who need support beyond classroom instruction, including those with learning challenges and distinct educational needs through its Additional Needs Program (ANP).
As the core part of the curriculum, immersion in the German language starts early, while English is taught at a high level.
Age: 3 – 18 Years Kindergarten to Grade 12 (3 to 18 years olds)
Curriculum: German with international pathways
Location: Parañaque City, Philippines
German European School Manila: Eurocampus, 75 Swaziland Street, Better Living Subdivision, Parañaque City, 1711, Philippines, + 63 2 8776 1000, secretariat@gesm.org, www.gesm.org
For more than two decades, The Beacon School in Makati has been using its inquiry-based learning approach to mold lifelong learners. Currently serving Pre-K to Grade 8 students, Beacon delivers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in smaller class sizes for better teacher-student bonds.
Learning is not restricted to classroom walls, and students are motivated to explore outdoors to gain firsthand experience and a better appreciation of the natural world. They are also taught to respect, appreciate, and celebrate perspectives and viewpoints that differ from their own through various learning opportunities.
What makes Beacon truly unique is that is interweaves the Filipino cultural context into social-emotional growth and international academic rigors, augmenting the students’ global awareness with a strong local identity.
Age: 3 – 14 Years
Curriculum: IB Primary Years Program (PYP) and IB Middle Years Program (MYP)
Location: Makati City, Philippines
The Beacon School: 2266 Central Square, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City, 1231, Philippines, +63 2 8840 5040, admissions@beaconschool.ph, www.beaconschool.ph
Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and provides students with flexibility and global education pathways through its Common Core, British curriculum elements, and IB Diploma Program.
Its mission is to develop lifelong learners equipped with competence, character, commitment to achieve, collaboration, and creativity. To broaden their global perspective, students regularly participate in Model United Nations and international competitions and programs for immersion and exchange opportunities.
A proud IB World School for two decades, SISC’s IB Diploma graduates consistently perform above the global IB average. In the May 2025 session, two graduates achieved exceptional scores of 43 out of 45 and 44 out of 45.
Beyond academics, the school offers courses on achievement drive, emotional quotient, ethics, and leadership development for a multi-faceted education. Students also participate in a variety of programs that promote sustainability, benefit local communities, and foster professional development.
Age: 3 – 18 Years
Curriculum: British Curriculum and Common Core with IB Diploma Program
Location: Las Piñas City, Philippines
Southville International Schools and Colleges: 1281 Tropical Avenue cor Luxembourg Street, BF Homes International, Las Piñas City, Philippines, +63 2 8825 6374, pr@southville.edu.ph, www.southville.edu.ph
Staying true to its vision of being an inclusive environment where students can learn without limits, Reach International School offers individualized academic programs and caters to a diverse group of students, including neurodivergent learners.
RIS is popular for using the personalized collaborative learning system model, allowing students to learn and progress at their own pace. Advancement is based on mastery instead of grade and age alone, enabling the teaching faculty to adjust instructions to the students’ performance level.
The school’s curriculum enables blended and flexible learning, allowing students to easily transition when they move to other countries. Math, Science, and English adhere to Singapore standards, while Social Studies and History adhere to Common Core standards.
Apart from academics, students have ample opportunities to develop their communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and social skills through various activities, including music, arts and crafts, sports, and field trips.
Age: 3 – 18 Years
Curriculum: Mastery-Based Learning System with ACE School of Tomorrow elements
Location: Makati City, Philippines
Reach International School: Sacred Heart Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City, 1225, Philippines, + 63 2 8851 2407, admissions.reachint06@gmail.com, www.reachinternationalschool.edu.ph
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