CISM’s preschool in Manila nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence through play-based learning, global perspectives, and child-centered education.
The Early Years (EY) consists of Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten. This special time in a child’s education, between the ages of 3 and 5 years old, literally lays the ‘foundations’ for lifelong learners. The Early Years program acknowledges that learning needs to be relevant, purposeful, and fun, as we include elements of play-based provision with our children, understanding its central role in pastoral wellbeing and academic learning, making CISM the best preschool in Manila
We believe that engagement is the most natural kind of learning. While following a standards-based curriculum , skills are built in developmentally appropriate ways through hands-on activities that take place in a warm and nurturing environment. Our program is committed to keeping alive the students’ curiosity to explore and discover, while building a secure foundation for their growth. The ability to creatively form ideas, evaluate information critically, and think independently is as important as the ability to absorb facts and information. This child-centered approach has made CISM a trusted preschool in Manila for families seeking holistic development.
The Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten curriculum is guided by the California Preschool Learning Foundations, which is aligned with the Common Core State Standards. In addition, all children follow our Mandarin Language program. The children have a balance of working independently and collaboratively with their peers and adults. In the formative years of the Early Years, children have rich and meaningful experiences which help to develop the characteristics of effective learners, by playing and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically. Opportunities are taken to develop our youngest children’s intercultural understanding across the curriculum, strengthening our reputation as the best preschool in the Philippines, a leading preschool in Metro Manila, and a preferred choice for families looking for quality kindergarten Manila programs. Many parents also recognise CISM as the best preschool in the Philippines for its globally focused early years education.
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, strengthening CISM’s reputation among leading schools in the Philippines. 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
Enseñar español en CISM es increíblemente gratificante porque se anima a los estudiantes a comunicarse con confianza, curiosidad y conciencia global. Me encanta ayudar a los estudiantes a descubrir la belleza del idioma español a través de conversaciones significativas, conexiones culturales y comunicación de la vida real. ... Lo que hace único el aprendizaje de idiomas en CISM es su comunidad internacional solidaria, donde los estudiantes se inspiran a tomar riesgos, colaborar y apreciar diversas perspectivas. “Teaching Spanish at CISM is incredibly rewarding because students are encouraged to communicate with confidence, curiosity, and global awareness. I love helping students discover the beauty of the Spanish language through meaningful conversations, cultural connections, and real-life communication. What makes language learning at CISM unique is its supportive international community, where students are inspired to take risks, collaborate, and appreciate diverse perspectives.” Read More
Faculty - Languages Department
My favorite experience this year at CISM was joining the World Mathematics Team Championship (WMTC) in Thailand last December. I enjoyed not just the competition but also going to see different places. I particularly liked the Dinner Cruise with the other delegates and CISM Mathletes. ... CISM’s Math Honors program allowed me to be exposed to different math problems. This trained me to become more accurate in problem solving by using different strategies. Read More
CISM Elementary Student & Mathlete
Many of our students begin with very basic English skills, but with tailored support, carefully scaffolded lessons, and engaging, collaborative activities, they make remarkable progress. Our EAL classes provide a safe, ... inclusive space where every voice matters, encouraging students to take risks, speak up, and grow. As their language develops, so does their confidence, both inside the classroom and in the school community. Read More
EAL Coordinator
(English as an Additional Language)
Our Elementary School program, spanning Grades 1 to 5 for students aged 6 to 10, builds strong academic foundations.
The Middle School program builds upon the key learning aspects of the Elementary School program.
Our High School program, serving students aged 14 to 17, is designed to prepare learners with confidence.
Our International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP), designed for students aged 16 to 17.
From the sports field to the science lab, explore how our students are shaping their futures and building lifelong memories within the CISM community.
For early childhood education in Manila, the most effective curricula combine a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy with child-led inquiry, play-based learning, and social-emotional development. For an international preschool in BCG, Taguig like Chinese International School Manila (CISM), the Elementary School follows the American Core Curriculum from Grades 1 to 5, enriched with inquiry-based learning, Mandarin Chinese instruction, and a broad co-curricular program. CISM is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), providing parents with an internationally benchmarked standard of early education in Metro Manila.
Early childhood education (ECE) refers to formal and structured learning for children up to age 8, covering the years before primary schooling begins. Research consistently shows that high-quality ECE has lifelong benefits: it builds the cognitive, social, emotional, and language foundations children need to thrive in school and beyond. Well-designed early years programs develop children’s curiosity, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and capacity for cooperation — qualities that predict long-term academic and personal success far more reliably than early rote learning. At CISM in BGC, Taguig, the Early Years program follows the American Early Years Foundation Stage framework and incorporates elements aligned with the IB early years program, combining structured learning with purposeful play, and includes daily Mandarin Chinese instruction from the earliest years.
Most early years programs in Manila accept children from age 3, when children are developmentally ready to engage with structured group learning, language-rich environments, and guided play. Some schools, including CISM, accept children as young as 3 into their Preschool program, with the full early years pathway running through to Kindergarten before entry into Grade 1. Parents considering early enrollment are encouraged to visit the school’s campus in BGC, speak with the Early Years teaching team, and assess whether the environment feels right for their child’s temperament and readiness — age alone is not the only indicator of school readiness.
The cost of early schooling in the Philippines varies considerably by school type. International preschools in Metro Manila — particularly in BGC, Makati, and Ortigas — typically reflect their internationally accredited curricula, specialist teachers, and comprehensive facilities. For a detailed breakdown of CISM’s current Early Years fees, families are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office directly at cismanila.org, as fee structures are updated annually.
In early childhood education, assessment is primarily observational, ongoing, and formative — rather than test-based. Teachers observe children during play, structured activities, and group interactions to track progress against developmental milestones across physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language domains. At CISM, the Early Years team uses portfolio-based assessment and regular parent-teacher communication to give families a rounded picture of their child’s development. There are no formal examinations at this stage; the focus is on ensuring each child feels confident, curious, and ready to learn.
When choosing an early years school in Manila, parents should assess: (1) the curriculum framework and its developmental philosophy — whether it prioritises play-based learning, structured academics, or a balanced blend; (2) teacher qualifications and experience in early childhood education; (3) class size and the quality of adult-child interaction; (4) language provision, including whether the school offers bilingual or multilingual instruction; (5) the physical environment — safe, stimulating, well-resourced spaces matter greatly at this age; and (6) the school’s communication culture with parents, since partnership between home and school is central to early years success. CISM’s Early Years programme in BGC addresses all six dimensions, with specialist early years teachers, daily Mandarin instruction, small class sizes, and a strong parent partnership ethos, making it one of the best schools in Metro Manila for holistic early education.
Manila’s best preschools for early childhood education are those that combine a recognised developmental framework with strong teaching, a safe and stimulating environment, and a culture of partnership with parents. Among the best schools in Metro Manila, Chinese International School Manila in BGC stands out for its bilingual Early Years program — combining the American Early Years Foundation Stage framework with daily Mandarin Chinese instruction — within an internationally accredited school environment. Other well-regarded early years schools in Metro Manila include Reedley International School, Miriam College, and British School Manila. Families should visit several schools and trust both the evidence and their instinct about fit.
Choosing the right early school in the Philippines begins with clarifying your family’s priorities: Do you want a bilingual education? An internationally recognised curriculum? A particular cultural environment? Proximity to home or work? Once you have your non-negotiables, shortlist schools that meet them, request school visits, and observe how teachers interact with children. Look for schools accredited by internationally recognised bodies – such as the Council of International Schools (CIS) – as accreditation provides independent assurance of teaching and pastoral quality. CISM in BGC, Taguig, offers families an accredited, bilingual Early Years programme, inspired by globally recognised approaches including the IB early years programme, with a clear academic pathway from Preschool through to the IB Diploma – making it a strong long-term choice for families committed to international education.
