Brent International School Manila vs Chinese International School Manila
Brent International School Manila and Chinese International School Manila are both in Manila, about 26 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Chinese International School Manila also offers American. Published annual fees are ₱442,877 - 1,046,920 at Brent International School Manila and ₱662,815 - 1,081,471 at Chinese International School Manila, which puts Chinese International School Manila roughly 17% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. Brent International School Manila is the larger school, with around 435 pupils to Chinese International School Manila's 300. Typical class sizes are 18 at Brent International School Manila and 20 at Chinese International School Manila.
The Brent International School Manila Main Campus is located in Brentville Subdivision, Barangay Mamplasan, Biñan, Laguna 4024, Philippines. The campus sits about 20 kilometers south of Metro Manila and is accessible via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) with the Mamplasan exit. The Brent network also includes an IRRI-associated campus in Los Baños that serves younger students (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 4), located on the IRRI compound south of the main campus. The primary Brent Manila site is the main location for the Early Learning Center through Upper School.
Location
The Chinese International School Manila is located on Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, 1634 Taguig City, Metro Manila. It sits in the heart of Taguig's McKinley Hill area, a mixed‑use district with nearby residential and commercial developments. The campus is easily reachable from major roads in Bonifacio Global City and surrounding areas.
Stages
Stages
Brent Manila is structured into four divisions: the Early Learning Center (Nursery–Grade 2), the Lower School (Grades 3–5), the Middle School (Grades 6–8), and the Upper School (Grades 9–12). The Upper School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for the final two years.
Stages
The school is an all‑through K‑12 institution with Early Years (ages 3–5), Elementary (ages 6–10), Middle School (ages 11–13), and High School (ages 14–17). The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered for the senior years (ages 16–19).
School type
School type
Brent International School Manila is a co-educational, day school. It operates two campuses in the Brent network, with no boarding facilities for the Manila campus; the IBO listing specifies the boarding option as DAY.
School type
CISM is a private international day school offering education from preschool through high school. The campus serves a diverse student body drawn from many nationalities.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Brent provides Student Services including learning support and counseling. English language support (ELL/ESL) is offered for non-native English speakers, with inclusion-based approaches to integrate students into the regular curriculum.
Additional learning support
Learning support includes English as an Additional Language (EAL) and an Additional Learning Needs (ALN) program. Support is provided both within regular lessons and in specialist classes as needed, with individualized educational plans and a referral/assessment process involving parents.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Brent Manila is part of a Philippine school system historically associated with the Episcopal Church in the Philippines.
Country affiliation
There is no country‑specific affiliation stated; the school is based in the Philippines and is affiliated with the Philippine DepEd and the IB through its accreditation and programmes.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The Brent schools operate within a Christian ecumenical environment and have an Episcopal church affiliation in the Philippines.
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated; the school presents a secular, values‑based approach to education.
School day structure
School day structure
Typical school days begin around 8:00 a.m. and finish in the mid-afternoon (approximately 2:35 p.m. for Grades 1–12). Nursey/Pre-Kindergarten and early years have shorter or different end times, with after-school clubs and activities available.
School day structure
Timings of the day are published for the 2026–2027 intake; for specific class schedules, contact the Admissions Office. The school operates a schedule that accommodates its diverse programmes and events.
Bus service details
Bus service details
A Brent bus service is provided for enrolled students, with routes and schedules arranged through the admissions process. Details on routes, pickup times, and fees are provided during enrollment.
Bus service details
The school offers a School Bus service with XID Transport as the provider. Service covers routes within BGC and Makati; an information packet is available on request and the provider can be reached at 0919‑094‑4672.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Brent International School Manila — Detailed school fees overview
Application and enrolment fees - Application fee: reported as a non-refundable USD 200 per applicant. - One-time matriculation / acceptance/reservation fee: reported historically as a one-time matriculation/admission charge (example: US$1,500 in earlier published Brent fee documents). This fee is charged when an offered place is accepted and is not refundable in most cases.
Tuition fees by year group (annual figures and per-term estimates) - Brent uses a dual-currency structure in published summaries (a USD component plus a PHP component). The following are the commonly reported ranges for total tuition per academic year by school division; per-term figures below are calculated estimates assuming a three-term billing structure and are shown as per-term (estimated). - Lower School / Primary (typical reported annual total range): USD component approximately $8,204–$8,784 plus a PHP component in the range reported around PHP 376,812–PHP 403,512, giving an estimated total annual tuition in the range of about PHP 845,000–PHP 906,000. Per-term (estimated): one-third of the annual total. - Middle School / Junior levels (reported totals vary by grade; expect totals similar to or slightly higher than Lower School ranges depending on grade and program choice). Per-term (estimated): one-third of the annual total. - Upper School / Senior (IB / Grades 9–12): reported annual totals fall in a similar overall band (examples of published summaries place upper-school annual totals within the same general range cited above, with variations by grade and programme). Per-term (estimated): one-third of the annual total. - Note on per-term presentation above: the per-term numbers shown are derived by dividing the published annual totals by three to give an estimated termly amount (that division is an inference for presenting per-term values; it reflects a common three-term billing approach used by many international schools but may not exactly match Brent's invoicing periods).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Parents are typically invoiced at acceptance and before the student starts; an initial deposit/reservation (matriculation/acceptance fee) is required to secure the place. Reported practice includes a requirement that certain fees (such as the initial deposit and/or first term's tuition) be paid before the student's first day. - Installment options: public summaries indicate Brent has historically allowed installment or staged payment options (examples in older published fee documents show semester/term instalment options). When instalment plans are selected, service charges or policies governing instalment schedules may apply. The school also applies standard policies for overdue accounts and may withhold services or attendance privileges if fees are not paid by stated due dates.
Boarding fees (where applicable) - Brent has published boarding fees in earlier fee materials (example historical figure: boarding fees reported in older schedules around US$11,584 for a full-year boarding charge). Specific boarding options and boarding fee amounts (weekly vs full‑board, inclusions such as weekend activities, medical contingency account requirements, etc.) have been shown in past fee documents; the exact current boarding tariff and what it covers should be treated as a separate billed item.
Other costs and mandatory fees - Capital Development / Facilities (annual) fee: reported historically as a separate recurring capital development or facilities fee charged to all students (example amounts and currency components have appeared in Brent materials). - English as a Second Language (ESL) / Learning Support fees: reported as additional, non-refundable fees where applicable; older fee schedules list ESL fees by level (example: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced levels with distinct semester charges). - IB examination fees and external examination costs: charged separately to Upper School students who sit for external IB / international exams; these are billed as incurred. - Textbooks, uniforms, school supplies and field trips: reported as separate charges or one-off purchases. Uniform purchase is typically mandatory and is an additional cost. Extra-curricular activities, music tuition, special subject fees and optional trips are billed separately when applicable. - Security deposit / refundable deposit: historical fee schedules included a refundable security deposit requirement, refunded on completion of the enrolment contract subject to school conditions (return of books/equipment, no outstanding charges).
Refund information - Application fee and matriculation/registration fees are generally non-refundable once paid. - Tuition refund rules in earlier published materials: partial refunds for withdrawal within an early period and no refund after certain dates have been used historically (for example, policies in older fee documents specify reduced refunds for withdrawal after term start or specific percentages depending on timing). Tuition and boarding refunds have historically required written one‑term advance notice for full refund eligibility of certain deposits; shorter notice or withdrawal after specified cutoffs reduced or eliminated refunds. These examples reflect earlier published refund scheduling and illustrate the type of policy applied.
Payment methods and fee payment options - Reported accepted payment methods in referenced fee summaries include bank transfer / wire, bank deposit, cashier's cheque or bank draft, and credit card in some contexts. Invoice instructions and the school's designated bank account details are used for wire transfers; international USD wire transfers are commonly accepted for the USD component of fees. Payment in local currency for the PHP component has also been described in public summaries and earlier fee documents. Expect a requirement to include reference details (student name / family code) on bank transfers.
If you require the school's official, fully itemised and current term-by-term numbers exactly as invoiced for the current academic year, the school's Admissions / Finance office can provide the official fee schedule and final invoice wording for the year and grade in question (the contact address reported for admissions is admissions@brent.edu.ph).
Fee details
Application fee - An application and assessment fee is charged as part of the admissions process; the published guidance indicates an Application and Assessment Fee of Php 2,500.
Tuition fees (by year group) — annual, semestral and quarterly options - Nursery - Annual: Php 662,815. - Semestral: Php 491,540 and Php 181,352. - Quarterly: Php 401,729 and Php 91,541/quarter. - Pre‑K / Kindergarten - Annual: Php 707,832. - Semestral: Php 514,691 and Php 204,503. - Quarterly: Php 413,415 and Php 103,227/quarter. - Grades 1–5 - Annual: Php 843,674. - Semestral: Php 595,262 and Php 263,024. - Quarterly: Php 465,004 and Php 132,766/quarter. - Grades 6–8 - Annual: Php 891,984. - Semestral: Php 630,817 and Php 276,529. - Quarterly: Php 493,871 and Php 139,583/quarter. - Grades 9–10 - Annual: Php 1,013,611. - Semestral: Php 714,789 and Php 316,401. - Quarterly: Php 588,097 and Php 159,709/quarter. - Grades 11–12 - Annual: Php 1,081,471. - Semestral: Php 771,108 and Php 328,620. - Quarterly: Php 608,365 and Php 165,877/quarter. (Amounts shown as published under the school's fee structure: Annual, Semestral and Quarterly columns are presented as listed above.)
Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices are issued by email before the end of the current academic semester or immediately following acceptance of a place for a new enrollee. - Tuition is payable in advance either for the whole year or per semester. Tuition is due one month prior to the first day of school or upon enrolment. - For semestral payments, the payment is due one month prior to the first day of each term. - If fees remain unpaid two weeks after the due date, the student may be suspended; continued non‑payment after suspension may result in forfeiture of the place. Fees are not refunded when a child is withdrawn from the school.
Boarding fees - Not applicable. Chinese International School Manila is operated as a day school and does not publish boarding or residential fees.
Other costs and fees - English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) support is offered where required and carries a corresponding fee. - Additional school fees (for example, assessment fees, materials, learning‑support charges, transportation, cafeteria meal plans, extracurricular trips or program fees) are handled through the admissions/fee process and may be charged in addition to tuition; these supplemental fees are discussed during admissions. The school's admissions materials note that other school fees will be discussed during the admissions process. - Uniforms: a Uniform Guide is provided and uniform items are a separate cost; specific uniform prices are not listed in the published fee summary and are supplied through the school's uniform guidance.
Refunds and forfeiture - Fees will not be refunded if a child is withdrawn from the school. Failure to pay by the stated deadlines can lead to suspension and, if unresolved, forfeiture of the child's place.
Fee payment options - Accepted methods for tuition payments include wire transfer, direct deposit to the school's bank accounts, and cheque. Cash payments are discouraged. - The school issues invoices that state the due dates and payment instructions; the school's fee guidance emphasizes advance payment timing (one month prior to the start of school/term).
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Brent International School Manila provides an English‑language, Western‑based curriculum for students from early years through Grade 12, with the Biñan campus serving ages 3–18. The school is an IB World School since 1986 and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12, alongside the Brent Diploma pathway. Lower School (roughly Pre‑K to Grade 5) follows a North American developmental, inquiry‑based approach with integrated subjects and ESL support delivered through Homeroom and specialist teaching. Middle School (Grades 6–8) provides eight subjects per semester and builds IB readiness with a curriculum including English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, PE, Religious Studies, ICT, Art, and Music. Upper School (Grades 9–12) offers IB Diploma courses at HL/SL and the Brent Diploma, with core IB requirements Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity and Service, and Extended Essay.
Curriculum details
Chinese International School Manila offers a K–12 curriculum taught in English, with Mandarin as a key language strand. The program structure starts with Early Years (play-based and inquiry-led), moves to Elementary School (ages 6–10) following common core and next-generation standards alongside foreign language study, then Middle School (ages 11–13) focusing on communication, cultural understanding and a global perspective, and High School (grades 11–12) aligned to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school is an IB World School authorized to offer the full Diploma Programme since 2011, requiring six subjects (three Higher Level and three Standard Level) plus the DP Core: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service; students may also undertake individual DP courses for certificates. Mandarin is available as a Group 2 language option within the DP, and English is the language of instruction. Learning Support is provided for students who require English language or other academic assistance.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Class sizes are designed to be small, with typical ranges reported across Brent campuses as roughly 16–24 students per class depending on level, and ESL support is available as needed.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Brent graduates have gained admission to top universities worldwide, including Yale, UCLA, Cambridge, Oxford, Princeton, and Harvard, as well as Philippine universities such as UP Diliman, De La Salle, and Ateneo. The IB/Brent pathways are designed to prepare students for university selection across global destinations.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
Advanced course options exist within the IB/Brent pathways, with guidance on pursuing Higher Level (HL) courses and multiple diploma options; admissions materials indicate support for students taking heavier course loads (e.g., multiple HLs) for those aiming at prolonged academic challenge.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Admissions Process: 1. Submit a complete application with all required documents. These include a completed application form and health form, certified copies of academic records from the last two years, two confidential evaluation forms from a former teacher and a principal or guidance counselor, three passport-sized photos, a birth certificate or Family Registry, a copy of the applicant's passport, and immunization records. If an employer will pay the school fees, include a letter on the employer's letterhead. For foreign applicants, also provide the visa page and a copy of the Alien/Immigrant Certificate of Residence (ACR/ICR). Filipino applicants are welcome, but the Board of Directors limits Filipino enrollment to no more than one-third of the student body. 2. The Admissions Office schedules the testing and interviews once the complete packet is received; testing is standard across candidates and may include language-skills assessments for non-native English speakers. Arrive on time for the testing session, and be prepared for a follow-up interview with the applicant and at least one parent or guardian. 3. After testing, the Admissions Committee reviews results and conducts the interview, with final admission decisions communicated to families. If accepted, families proceed to the next step to secure a space. 4. Upon notification of acceptance, submit the Slot Reservation Deposit (US$500) and sign the Admissions and Enrollment Agreements within the allotted five working days to secure a place in the class. The Admissions Office will provide the enrollment documents and answer any questions about next steps. 5. If a space is not immediately available, the family may be placed in a wait pool. A wait pool deposit (US$600) may be paid to be placed in the pool, but Brent does not guarantee a space will open. The applicant remains in the wait pool for the current academic year unless the family withdraws. 6. If admitted, complete the enrollment process; for those reapplying after a prior application, a mandatory six-month waiting period applies before a new application can be submitted. In all cases, foreign applicants should arrange the required visa-related documents and maintain compliance with Philippine immigration rules. Sources outlining these steps include the documented admissions sequence and the visa/foreign-applicant notes used across Brent campuses.
Admissions
1. Admissions Process 1. Initiate inquiry and arrange a visit. The school welcomes applications at all points during the year and the admissions team aims to make the process straightforward for relocating families or those already in Manila. If you would like to learn more or see the campus, contact the admissions team to set up a visit and discuss your child's fit with CIS Manila's international-baccalaureate pathway. This initial step emphasizes a personal overview and a chance to ask questions about programs, scheduling, and transition plans.
2. Prepare and submit the initial application package. Applications are submitted with a completed Application Form and a set of supporting documents. You can email scanned copies (signed and with school seals where required) to the admissions inbox to start the file. The required documents include: a completed Medical Form, Tuberculosis Screening and Physical Examination Form, Recommendation Form, birth certificate, passport pages, visa/ACR/ICR as relevant, both parents' documents, last two years of school reports, Transcript of Records, Certificate of School Attendance, three 2" x 2" photos, any special needs report, Parent Media Consent Form, and Home Language Form.
3. Admissions review, assessment, and language support options. All applicants are considered under CIS Manila's admissions guidelines. If English proficiency is not at grade level, an English-as an Additional Language (EAL) program is available with a corresponding fee. The school may also request an external educational assessment to determine additional needs. These steps help ensure appropriate class placement and support where needed.
4. Class capacity, waitlists, and placement decisions. Class sizes are fixed per grade to support learning, and when a section is full a waiting list is started. A new section may be opened by the Head of Schools after consultation with the Board of Trustees, with a maximum of two Elementary School sections per grade. The school operates on a rolling admissions basis, accepting students up until the beginning of the fourth quarter for the current year.
5. Admission decision, offer, and enrollment steps. Decisions are made by the Admissions Committee, composed of an Admissions Officer, Guidance Counselor, Director, IBDP Coordinator (when applicable), and Head of Schools. Once offered a place, families proceed to enrollment, which includes confirming attendance and beginning the payment process. The school provides an information packet with next steps for enrollment.
6. Enrollment completion and initial documentation. Upon acceptance, families complete the enrollment forms and finalize all required documents. Invoices are issued by email and fees are due prior to the admission date. Tuition can be paid annually or per semester, with other school fees discussed during the admissions process. Final enrollment requires submission of all remaining forms (including the Home Language Form) and payment of applicable fees.
References: CIS Manila admissions overview and policy, including rolling admissions, waitlists, EAL program, and required documents; fee structure guidance and enrollment timelines. (turn1view0; turn2view0; turn3view0)
Scholarships
Scholarships
3) Scholarships: Brent does not publish a formal scholarship program on its official materials. There is, however, a note in external sources that limited financial aid or discounts may be available to families with proven financial need, awarded at the Headmaster's discretion. Prospective families should inquire directly with admissions about any available financial aid or discount options and the application process for financial assistance.
Scholarships
3. Scholarships CISM offers a range of scholarships administered under the Global Schools Foundation. These scholarships cover a variety of talents and financial situations, and they operate on merit and, in many cases, family-income considerations. The scholarship programs include the Universal Values Merit Cum Means Scholarship, Global Future-Ready Merit Scholarship, 9GEMS Holistic Development Scholarship, Global Skills Scholarship, CISMP Global Sports Scholarship, and CISMP Global Citizen Scholarship. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, value, applicable grades, and application process.
- Universal Values Merit Cum Means Scholarship (Grades 1–12): Provides financial assistance based on family income and academic performance (minimum 85% in past two years). Benefits range by category, with up to 80% tuition coverage for the top category. Applicants must reside in the Philippines and supply income verification and other supporting documents; the process includes a scholarship assessment and an interview if applicable, with notifications typically within four weeks after cycle closing. Terms include that recipients may not apply for other CIS scholarships and must sign a scholarship deed. (turn6view0)
- Global Future-Ready Merit Scholarship (Grades 6–8 for initial eligibility; later grades 9–12): Aims to prepare students for university admission at top global universities, with a limited number of awards and tiered eligibility based on grades. Benefits include up to 15% tuition coverage in some categories, with detailed minimum grade thresholds and examination components. The scholarship process comprises online application, documentation upload, online scholarship assessment, interviews, and final notification. (turn8view0)
- 9GEMS Holistic Development Scholarship (Grades 6–12): Aligns with CIS Manila's 9GEMS framework across academics, sports, leadership, arts, and universal values. Benefits vary by category, up to 60% of tuition for Category A (based on international-level achievements) and down to 7% for Category D, with eligibility requiring at least 85% average and a documented record of achievement. The process includes application, documentation uploads, potential interview, and final approval with a four-week notification window. (turn9view0)
- Global Skills Scholarship (Grades 6–12): Recognizes talent in science, digital technology, and related fields. Scholarships provide 6–20% tuition coverage depending on category and achievement level (e.g., international, national, regional, interschool). Eligibility requires 85% average and relevant achievements; the process includes application, documentation upload, an interview if applicable, and notification within about four weeks. (turn12view0)
- CISMP Global Sports Scholarship (Grades 7–12): Targets athletic achievement across a wide range of sports with up to 100% tuition coverage in Category A and down to 20% in Category F, based on criteria tied to national/international representation and results. Applicants provide supporting documents and undergo a scholarship assessment and interview, with final notification about four weeks after cycle close. (turn11view0)
- CISMP Global Citizen Scholarship (International students): A regional scholarship offering substantial funding for up to two years of Grade 11–12, with eligibility based on prior exam results (e.g., high marks), online scholarship assessments, and multiple interview rounds. The award is capped and requires documentation and a scholarship deed; notification is provided to successful applicants. (turn10view0)
Notes: Each scholarship has its own specific eligibility criteria, cycles, and terms. Documentation requirements typically include recent academic records, income verification if relevant, and evidence of achievements. The Global Schools Foundation serves as the umbrella through which these scholarships are offered at CIS Manila. (turn5view0; turn6view0; turn8view0; turn9view0; turn12view0; turn11view0; turn10view0)
Waitlist
Waitlist
2) Waitlist/Pool: Brent uses a wait pool when a seat in the requested grade level is not immediately available. Families may choose to pay a refundable wait-pool deposit to be placed in the pool; there is no guarantee that a space will open. The name of the applicant may remain in the wait pool for the current academic year. If a space becomes available, the school will notify the family, after which the standard acceptance and enrollment steps apply. If a space does not become available, the family may reapply in a future year, subject to Brent's admissions policies. This wait-pool mechanism and its terms are described in Brent's admissions resources.
Waitlist
2. Waitlist/Pool - The school uses a rolling admissions process, and when a class or section reaches capacity a waiting list is started. This helps CIS Manila manage intake while maintaining class sizes and program quality. - If demand remains high, the Head of Schools may approve opening an additional section after consulting with the Board of Trustees. For Elementary grades, a maximum of two sections per grade is allocated. - These waitlist and capacity controls are designed to preserve the school's intended student-to-teacher ratios and learning environment while allowing continued access for relocating families.