CISM was founded in 2007 by Felicia Hung-Atienza and Maria Louisa Sian, whose vision to provide an outstanding education began with 20 students and 11 teachers offering the American Core Curriculum and a unique second language program, Mandarin across all grade levels. As the School expanded to become an all through 3-18 international school, it became a world International Baccalaureate school offering the Diploma Program to senior students, after accreditation by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) in 2011.
Situated within the McKinley district of Metro Manila, making it easily accessible for families, CISM provides education to children from over 24 different nationalities across the city of Manila. Whilst our core curriculum provision follows the American Core Curriculum, it is adapted and enriched to reflect our local and international context. CISM is also accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and is a member of the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS).
We promote holistic learning supported by a broad co-curricular program, which encompasses extra-curricular activities, house events, student leadership, service learning, field and residential trips. Our academic life is underpinned by strong pastoral care to protect and support the wellbeing of all our CISM students.
As a community, we work together with teachers, support staff, parents, and carers acting as role models, helping our students as we all commit to providing the best possible educational experience for all our children and young people.
In pursuit of academic excellence to nurture global citizens
Educate. Engage. Empower.
Charity. Integrity. Service. Modesty.
Our campus is home to approximately 300 students from ages 3 to 18. Our youngest students follow the American Early Years Foundation Stage program, and students in Grades 1 to 10 follow the American Core Curriculum, which is adapted and greatly enriched to reflect our local and International context. Students in Grades 11 and 12 complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP). Students achieve well above average examination outcomes and go on to Higher Education Studies at prestigious Universities and Colleges around the world.
Our campus is built on a 4299 sqm site with 7252 sqm of useable area with facilities for both our Elementary and Middle/High school sections. The building is four storey with an impressive roof top sports facility. Shared facilities include a school assembly hall, a large sports hall, a gymnasium, a music room and two well-stocked libraries. Elementary classrooms are in clusters and our Elementary students also enjoy a specialist art room and ICT lab.
The Middle/High School facilities include a design technology area for food, a visual arts room, a dance/drama studio, plus specialist science laboratories for Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, and an ICT lab.
The entire school is Wi-Fi enabled, able to support a range of learning modalities. The whole campus is attractively maintained, with a regular program of facilities improvement to support changing learning needs over time. We work hard to ensure that we create an atmosphere conducive to learning.
CISM is accredited by two organizations — the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Both organizations have a clear set of standards which we have to meet in order to be accredited.
The award of Full Accreditation Status provides us with the recognition and credibility which reassure parents and students of our school’s commitment to the best practices in education, both in the Philippines and internationally.
The Council of International Schools (CIS) is the premier worldwide accreditation organization for international schools. The Accreditation Service manages an Accreditation Program which encourages teaching and learning focused school improvement through a process of continuous Self-Study and Peer Visitor evaluation. Working in partnership with member schools, this service sets the standards for international education. CISM was first accredited as a CIS school in 2014 and we are currently going through a self-review and re-accreditation process.
The Department of Education (DepEd) formulates, implements, and coordinates policies, plans, programs and projects in the areas of formal and non-formal basic education in the Philippines. It supervises all elementary and secondary education institutions, including alternative learning systems, both public and private; and provides for the establishment and maintenance of a complete, adequate, and integrated system of basic education relevant to the goals of national development.
Becoming an IB World School means joining over 5,000 schools worldwide in delivering IB programs, and becoming part of a community of educators that is growing and developing constantly. The IB’s unique implementation is strengthened through their relationships with schools, governments and international organizations globally. The IB is proud of its commitment to provide challenging and unique programs of education to schools around the world. The authorization process backs up this commitment. As a result of the process, parents and students can be confident that each IB World School, no matter where it is located, is held to the same high standard.
The East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) is an organization of 200 member schools in East Asia, whose mission is to inspire adult and student learning through its leadership and service, and foster intercultural understanding, global citizenship, and exceptional educational practices within its learning community. Membership in EARCOS enables CISM to tap into this diverse and global community to help strengthen teaching and learning by providing professional development and learning opportunities in collaboration with other member schools.
Abstract Artist
Mother of 2 CISM students and 1 CISM Alumnus
The Mathematics Department at CISM thrives on a strong culture of collaboration and shared purpose. As a team, we engage in meaningful weekly meetings and uphold rigorous standards through careful review and refinement of instructional materials. This collective approach ensures both consistency and excellence in the quality of our work. ... We also place great importance on continuous improvement, regularly evaluating our curriculum and lesson progression, with a comprehensive review conducted at the end of each academic year to ensure alignment with best practices and learning outcomes. Equally important is the value we place on the insights of our parents and students. Their feedback plays a vital role in shaping our approach, as we remain committed to delivering an international-standard Mathematics education. Guided by dedication and a genuine passion for teaching, we strive to give our very best to our students—the CISM Dragons. Read More
Academic Coordinator - Mathematics
Guidance Counselor
CISM Middle and High School
CISM is a truly unique international school in Manila. While our name reflects strong connections with the Asian community, our campus is home to a diverse mix of students and families from around the world. Many Western families are drawn to CISM for its strong academic foundation, including the U.S. Common Core Standards and the IB Diploma Program. In this ... multicultural environment, our students grow into confident global citizens who are academically prepared, culturally aware, and ready to make a positive impact in an interconnected world. Read More
Head of School
CISM emphasizes a nurturing environment with small class sizes and specialist teachers, helping students become confident, kind, resilient and curious learners. And the curriculum is very intensive which prepares my kids for their future endeavors. In addition, the school is truly international with several students from ... various countries. They promote global citizenship, empathy, respect and cross-cultural understanding which may benefit the kids with how they interact with other people. I highly recommend CISM for parents out there who want a holistic learning approach! Read More
Marketing Head
Mother of 2 CISM students
Businesswoman
Mother of 1 CISM student and 1 CISM Alumnus
"My wife and I initially chose CISM for our children on reputation alone. It is consistently named as one of the top schools in Manila. After three years at the school, we can say that its reputation is well earned. At CISM, the academics are top notch. Our children’s math skills far exceed students at other schools and learning Mandarin is invaluable in this modern world. Combine that ... with great extracurricular activities and lifelong friendships and we couldn’t be happier with our choice of CISM". Read More
Executive Chef and Restaurateur
Father to 2 Elementary CISM students.
The emphasis on developing the qualities of a global citizen, alongside CISM’s core values, plays a vital role in shaping students like me into the leaders of tomorrow. CISM consistently encourages us to engage in experiences beyond the prescribed curriculum—opportunities that deepen our understanding of both local and global issues, and challenge us to think about how we can respond meaningfully. ... Through this support, students are given countless opportunities to strengthen essential skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and reflection—skills that will serve us well as we transition into the professional world. More importantly, this environment of empowerment has allowed me to recognize my strengths and build the confidence to create positive social change within my community and beyond. Read More
CISM Student
& Student Council President
At CISM, I have discovered that leadership isn’t simply taught - it is ignited. From day one, CISM's culture of embracing bold challenges paired with their unwavering support has encouraged me to go outside of my comfort zone,empowering me to turn ideas into meaningful action and to also take charge of it. ... Throughout this journey, CISM has equipped me with the tools to navigate through tough decisions, collaborate effectively, and build confidence that drives a real impact in my community and beyond. Read More
CISM Student and
Student Council Vice-President
The CISM community has empowered me by opening meaningful avenues to build friendships and intellectual connections. It has nurtured in me, a strong sense of belonging,even within diverse environments and communities. This inclusive atmosphere has encouraged me to confidently share my ideas, experiences, ... and perspectives, while also learning from others. Each interaction becomes a genuine exchange of worldviews—one that reflects the essence of global citizenship and fosters a deeper sense of connection to a broader international community. Read More
CISM Student and
Student Council Secretary
