CISM strengthens secondary education in Philippines through globally focused learning, leadership development, intercultural understanding, and rigorous preparation for future academic success.
The curriculum in Middle School develops our students’ communication skills, intercultural understanding, and global commitment. It embraces the vibrant potential in every one of our students. At CISM, we utilize an approach to teaching and learning which empowers students in the transition from childhood through adolescence, to develop the knowledge, concepts, skills, values, and attitudes needed to participate effectively and to be prepared for life as a responsible global citizen.
Chinese International School Manila’s (CISM) Middle School is composed of Grade 6 to 8 students, whose ages range between 11 to 14 years old. The curriculum from Grade 6 to 10 is incrementally rigorous to prepare students for the demands of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The curriculum lays the foundations for students to access the IBDP by following 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 teachers aim to foster confidence, respect, responsibility, and multicultural understanding that is essential for the students’ holistic education.
The Chinese language program at this stage strives to promote the linguistic, cognitive, social, and affective development in each child. Through real-life experiences, this course will develop communication skills in both spoken and written Chinese. Chinese heritage and culture are interspersed within the lessons.
The curriculum is enriched and enhanced through exposure to intercultural and interracial awareness, community and service, environmental and ecological consciousness, and to the values of respect, honesty, responsibility, and good citizenship. The school’s holistic approach helps develop minds not just academically, but also socially and emotionally, while also empowering learners through a meta-cognitive process.
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
The Early Years (EY), encompassing Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten, is a formative stage for children aged 3 to 5.
Our Elementary School program, spanning Grades 1 to 5 for students aged 6 to 10, builds strong academic foundations.
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.
Middle school curricula at international schools in Manila vary by institution. Common frameworks include the American Core Curriculum, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), Cambridge Lower Secondary, and the British Key Stage 3 curriculum. At Chinese International School Manila (CISM), middle school students in Grades 6 to 8 follow the Camrbridge curricula adapted and enriched to reflect CISM’s international and multicultural context. Core subjects include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, complemented by daily Mandarin Chinese, the Arts, and Physical Education. The curriculum is designed to challenge students academically while supporting their social and emotional development during the critical adolescent years.
Under the Philippines’ K-12 framework, students typically transition from primary to junior high school after completing Grade 6, at around age 12. At international schools in Manila, the transition point varies by curriculum: at CISM, students move from Elementary (Grades 1–5) into the Middle School programme (Grades 6–8), and subsequently into High School which includes IB Diploma Programme (Grades 9–12). This three-year middle school phase provides a broad, academically rigorous foundation before students choose their senior-level specialisation.
Leading international schools in Manila recognise that academic success is inseparable from student well-being. At CISM, pastoral care is a core pillar of middle school life. The school provides a structured well-being program, access to counselling support, house events that build community, and a student leadership framework that gives middle schoolers meaningful responsibility. Small class sizes allow teachers to know each student individually, and the school’s co-curricular programme — spanning sport, the arts, and service learning — ensures students develop resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging alongside their academic skills.
Several best schools in Manila offer specialised secondary programs recognised by universities worldwide. Chinese International School Manila in BGC is one of a small group of schools authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in the Philippines — a globally recognised qualification accepted by universities in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and across Asia. CISM’s secondary program (Grades 11–12) builds on a rigorous American Core Curriculum foundation (Grades 1–10), creating a coherent academic pathway from early years through to university entry. The school’s IB authorization was granted by the International Baccalaureate Organization in 2011.
The Philippine secondary education system is structured into Junior High School (Grades 6–10) and Senior High School (Grades 11–12) under the K-12 framework. Secondary grade allows students to choose a track — Academic, Technical-Vocational-Livelihood, Arts and Design, or Sports. International schools in Manila follow their own accredited secondary frameworks alongside or in place of this national structure. At CISM, the middle school phase (Grades 6–8) follows the American Core Curriculum, and Grades 11–12 offer the IB Diploma Programme — a qualification that provides a stronger university admissions pathway internationally than the standard K to 12 Senior High track.
Secondary education in the Philippines follows the Department of Education’s K-12 curriculum for most schools, covering Middle School (Grades 6–8) and Senior High (Grades 9–12). International schools accredited by bodies such as the Council of International Schools or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges typically follow internationally recognised frameworks. At CISM, secondary students follow the American Core Curriculum through Grades 6 to 10, before transitioning into the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11 and 12 — a route that has enabled CISM graduates to gain admission to universities including Johns Hopkins University, New York University, Vanderbilt University, and Imperial College London.
Choosing the best schools in Manila for high school education requires weighing several factors: the curriculum and its university recognition, the school’s accreditation, teaching quality and class sizes, well-being and pastoral support, co-curricular breadth, and the cultural fit for your child and family. For families prioritising a globally recognised qualification and a bilingual English-Mandarin environment, CISM in BGC offers the American Core Curriculum in the middle years and the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12 — a combination that has produced graduates admitted to top universities across the US, UK, and Asia. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and is an IB World School, providing parents with the assurance of independently benchmarked quality.
