CISM nurtures lifelong learners through the California Preschool curriculum, American Common Core Curriculum, and IB curriculum Philippines pathway.
At CISM, our aim is to create life-long learners that find joy in learning through our personalized curriculum.
The Early Years (EY), encompassing Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten, is a formative stage for children aged 3 to 5, where the foundations for lifelong learning are intentionally and thoughtfully built. At this crucial age, we recognize that learning must be meaningful, engaging, and joyful. Our program blends purposeful, play-based experiences with structured learning opportunities, honoring the vital role of play in supporting both pastoral wellbeing and academic growth. Through a nurturing and stimulating environment, we cultivate curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning that sets the stage for future success.
Our Elementary School program, spanning Grades 1 to 5 for students aged 6 to 10, builds strong academic foundations while nurturing curiosity, creativity, and character. Guided by the Common Core State Standards, we thoughtfully adapt learning objectives to our local and intercultural context, ensuring lessons are meaningful and globally relevant. Through a broad, rich, and rigorous curriculum, we integrate standards into a dynamic delivery model that strengthens connections across subject areas, maximizing understanding and deepening learning. In these formative years, students grow not only in knowledge and skills, but also in confidence, independence, and a sense of responsibility as engaged members of a global community.
The Middle School program builds upon the key learning aspects of the Elementary School program while focusing on enriching communication skills and intercultural understanding through linguistic development and its real-life application.
The curriculum designed for learners ages 11 to 14 prepares them for the challenges of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) which follows the standards of the United States Common Core Curriculum, American Council of Teaching Foreign Languages, Next Generation Science Standards, and the International Society for Technology in Education. Our approach in the program helps develop minds beyond just academics but also socially and emotionally.
Our High School program, serving students aged 14 to 17, is designed to prepare learners with confidence and competence for tertiary education and beyond. Through a rigorous, standards-based curriculum enriched by local and global perspectives, students engage in critical thinking, research, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving across disciplines. Academic depth is balanced with opportunities for leadership, service, and personal growth, ensuring that learners develop independence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. By the time they graduate, our students are not only academically prepared for university life, but also equipped with the skills, character, and global mindset needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Our International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP), designed for students aged 16 to 17, offers a challenging and internationally recognized pre-university course of study that prepares learners for success in higher education and beyond. Through a balanced selection of subjects across disciplines, students develop depth of knowledge alongside critical thinking, research, and communication skills. Core components—including Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service—encourage intellectual curiosity, independent inquiry, and meaningful engagement with the world. Grounded in global-mindedness and academic rigor, the IBDP empowers students to become reflective, principled, and compassionate leaders ready to thrive in top universities worldwide.
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
