We are delighted that you are considering Chinese International School Manila (CISM) for your son or daughter, and hope that you have enjoyed visiting our website to get a sense of what we do and achieve each day. CISM has been guiding pupils to become confident, mature, and well-educated young people for the last 15 years, and we would be excited to share our next chapter with your family as part of our community.
As an international school serving the needs of a mobile community, we welcome applications and arrivals at all points during the school year. Our admissions team hopes to make the process of applying for a place as straightforward as possible.
We are happy to help with all enquiries, so please do not hesitate to contact us whether you think you may be relocating to Manila or live here already.
We would love to show you around the school in person. Please get in touch so we can arrange a time to visit.
Get in touch with our Admissions Team to learn more about our admissions process.
As an inclusive school, we welcome applications from students and families who are seeking an international and challenging education that aims to develop proactive, responsible, principled, open-minded, balanced, compassionate, and engaged global citizens.
So, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected]
The admissions journey begins with the completion of an enquiry form. Parents and guardians are encouraged to provide their contact details, preferred grade level, and relevant information about their child's educational background.
Once the enquiry has been submitted, a member of the Admissions Team will reach out to discuss the family's needs, answer initial questions, and provide guidance on the next steps in the admissions process.
Following the initial enquiry, families are invited to schedule either a campus tour or a virtual counselling session. This provides an opportunity to learn more about the school's academic programs, learning environment, facilities, and student support services.
During the session, the Admissions Team will also discuss the child's educational goals and answer any questions parents may have about school life, curriculum, and admissions requirements.
Families who wish to proceed with enrolment will be asked to complete the official application form and submit the required supporting documents. These may include academic records, identification documents, medical information, recommendation forms, and any additional documentation requested by the school.
The Admissions Team will review all submitted materials to ensure the application is complete before moving forward in the admissions process.
Applicants may be invited to participate in an age-appropriate assessment or interaction session. This step allows the school to gain a better understanding of the student's academic readiness, language proficiency, learning needs, and overall suitability for the program.
Depending on the applicant's age and grade level, the process may include observations, informal interactions, interviews, or academic assessments conducted by members of the school's academic team.
Once the application and assessment process have been completed, the Admissions Committee reviews the student's profile and determines the admission outcome. Successful applicants will receive an offer letter outlining the enrolment requirements and applicable fees.
To secure a place, families are required to complete the admission confirmation process and submit the necessary enrolment payments within the specified timeframe.
Before the student officially begins classes, families participate in an orientation and school readiness program designed to support a smooth transition into the school community.
Parents receive important information regarding academic expectations, school procedures, uniforms, transportation, and student support services. Students are introduced to their new learning environment, helping them feel confident, prepared, and excited for their first day at school.
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
Click here to know more about our admissions process.
Fees are required to be paid in full prior to the admission date offered to your child.
The documents required for admission may vary depending on the student’s grade level and previous educational background. Generally, parents should prepare the student’s birth certificate or passport, recent academic records or report cards, recommendation forms (if applicable), medical records, passport-sized photographs, and any relevant immigration or visa documents for international applicants. The Admissions Team will provide a complete checklist during the application process.
Preschool admission age requirements vary by school and programme. At CISM, preschool programmes are designed to support children during their early developmental years through age-appropriate learning experiences. Parents are encouraged to contact the Admissions Team to determine the appropriate entry level based on their child’s age and developmental readiness.
When choosing a Grade 1 school in Manila, parents should consider factors such as curriculum, academic standards, student support, facilities, and opportunities for holistic development. Chinese International School Manila offers a strong international education programme that combines globally recognized standards, Mandarin language learning, and a nurturing environment that helps students build a solid foundation for future academic success.
As part of the admissions process, applicants may participate in an age-appropriate assessment or interaction. These evaluations help the school understand each student’s academic readiness, English language proficiency, learning needs, and overall suitability for the programme. Depending on the student’s age and grade level, the process may include observations, interviews, classroom interactions, or academic assessments conducted by members of the academic team.
Yes. CISM welcomes both local and international students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds. As an international school community, CISM is committed to fostering a multicultural learning environment where students from different nationalities can thrive academically, socially, and personally. International applicants may be required to submit additional documentation based on their residency or visa status.
Many families choose international schools because they offer globally recognized curricula, strong academic standards, multicultural learning environments, and pathways to leading universities around the world. At CISM, students benefit from a rigorous academic programme, small class sizes, dedicated teachers, Mandarin language instruction, and opportunities that help develop critical thinking, creativity, communication skills, and global citizenship.
Parents are encouraged to begin the admissions process as early as possible, especially if they are applying for highly sought-after grade levels. Early application allows families sufficient time to complete assessments, submit required documents, and secure a place before the academic year begins. Since CISM accepts applications throughout the year, families relocating to Manila may also enquire about mid-year admissions opportunities, subject to seat availability.
CISM offers an international curriculum that incorporates internationally recognized educational standards, including the American Common Core Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and a strong Mandarin language programme. For students in Grades 11 and 12, CISM offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), a globally respected pre-university qualification that prepares students for admission to leading universities worldwide.
