Canadian American School vs Chinese International School Manila

	C Canadian American School Manila, Philippines	C Chinese International School Manila Manila, Philippines
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₱696,200 - 1,138,700	Fees / year ₱662,815 - 1,081,471
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 100	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 6	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2007
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location CAS is located in Makati City, Philippines, on the 2nd Floor of LPL Mansions, 122 Leviste Street, Salcedo Village. The campus sits in a central, mixed‑use district and is across from Makati Sports Club, which supports easy access for commuting families. The Makati site is the school's primary campus for Preschool through High 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 Preschool (P1–P3, JK), Primary School (SK, G1–G8), and Secondary School (G9–G12) are all housed at a single Makati site. The school operates along an integrated K–12 structure with language immersion offerings starting in the Preschool 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 The Canadian American School is an independent, co‑educational school. It operates as a day school serving Preschool through Grade 12.	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 —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support An Exceptional Education Program integrates Special Education modifications and therapies. ESL support is available through the ESL program and the Center for English Language Learning.	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 The school uses a North American curriculum and has affiliations with Canada and the United States; it is recognized by the US Embassy in Manila and the Office of Overseas Schools.	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 There is no religious affiliation listed for the Canadian American School.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated; the school presents a secular, values‑based approach to education.
School day structure	School day structure School days run Monday–Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; weekends are closed.	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 school bus service is not published on the school's official materials.	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 Application / Assessment Fees - Skills / placement assessments and entrance tests: English Proficiency Test USD 500. - One-time Registration / Reservation fee (new students): PHP 8,800. Annual tuition fees (by school level) — amounts shown in USD are the published annual tuition; per-term figures shown below are approximate and calculated by dividing the published annual tuition into three trimesters to match the school's 3-trimester payment schedule. - Preschool (P1–P3 / Junior Kinder): Annual tuition USD 11,800. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 3,933. - Senior Kinderschool: Annual tuition USD 12,550. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 4,183. - Grades 1–2: Annual tuition USD 13,800. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 4,600. - Grades 3–5: Annual tuition USD 15,700. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 5,233. - Grades 6–8: Annual tuition USD 16,700. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 5,567. - Grades 9–10: Annual tuition USD 17,550. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 5,850. - Grades 11–12: Annual tuition USD 18,800. Per-trimester (approx.) USD 6,267. One-off and recurring additional fees (published) - Matriculation / Advancement fee (one-time, new students): PHP 13,900. - School uniform set: PHP 1,500. - House Cup set / related student activity set: PHP 500. (appears as a small one‑time item in the fee sheet). - English as a Second Language (ESL) program fees: English Proficiency Test USD 500; ESL Levels — Level 1 USD 2,000; Level 2 USD 3,000; Level 3 USD 4,000. Learning Support Program (LSP) services are listed as TBD. - Total initial school-fee package for new students (published totals): - Preschool — Total for new students: USD 11,800; PHP 24,200 (as published on the school fee sheet). - Senior Kinderschool — Total for new students: USD 13,050; PHP 64,200 (as published). - Grades 1–2 — Total for new students: USD 14,300; PHP 64,200 (as published). - Grades 3–5 — Total for new students: USD 16,200; PHP 64,200 (as published). - Grades 6–8 — Total for new students: USD 17,200; PHP 84,200 (as published). - Grades 9–10 — Total for new students: USD 18,050; PHP 84,200 (as published). - Grades 11–12 — Total for new students: USD 19,300; PHP 84,200 (as published). Capital Development Fee / other settlement charges* - A one-time, non-refundable Capital Development Fee USD 2,500 is assessed per student and is due when fixed school fees are settled. This fee applies to all students, regardless of whether they attend the full school year or part of the year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Full payment of all school fees (including the Capital Development Fee) is required upon student acceptance and settlement prior to the school year start (September 1). - The school accepts an installment arrangement tied to the school's trimester schedule: families paying by installment must submit a current-dated check plus two post-dated checks dated for December 1 (second trimester) and March 1 (third trimester). The installment plan therefore follows a three-trimester schedule. The per‑trimester figures above are approximate equal divisions of the published annual tuition to match that schedule. - Issuing bouncing checks is grounds for removal from the school's official enrollment roster. Refunds and cancellation - The Capital Development Fee (USD 2,500) is non-refundable. - For families on an installment plan, no refunds are given for reduced attendance during a current trimester. Boarding / accommodation - The school operates from a single school site in Makati City and does not operate a boarding program; fees for boarding are not applicable. Other incidental or optional costs - School trips, extracurricular activities, certain course-specific materials, and any additional optional programs (for example additional ESL lessons beyond standard program levels or individualized learning support where charged) may incur separate fees; the Learning Support Program (LSP) is shown as TBD on the published fee sheet. Accepted payment instruments (as specified by the school) - For the installment structure the school requires a current-dated check plus two post-dated checks for the scheduled trimesters. Full settlement is required upon acceptance if not using the installment plan. No alternative methods (credit-card, bank‑transfer, online payment processors) are specified on the school's payment terms page. Notes on figures and calculations - Annual tuition figures above are the published USD amounts for each level and are taken from the school's 2025–2026 fee sheet. Per‑term numbers are approximate and were calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by three to align with the school's trimester payment schedule; they are presented to show the expected amount due per trimester under the school's installment arrangement.	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 —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The Canadian American School offers a progressive, inclusive curriculum aligned with US Common Core standards for English Language Arts and Social Studies, and with the US Next Generation Science Standards for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, while Canadian standards guide Performing and Fine Arts, Music, and World Languages. The school awards a dual diploma—one Philippine diploma issued by the Department of Education and a US diploma provided through its Cognia-accredited Edgenuity Virtual Academy partnership. Preschool offers age-appropriate classes (Preschool 1 to Junior Kindergarten) with early immersion language exposure in English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish. Lower School (Senior Kindergarten to Grade 5) uses US Common Core for ELA and Mathematics and NGSS-based Science/Technology, with Social Studies aligned to US NCSS standards and World Languages including French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Hebrew, plus an Inclusive Education Program. Middle School & High School (Grades 9–12) follow a college-preparatory model with AP options and a 23-credit graduation requirement across English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine & Performing Arts, Physical/Health Education, Technology/Wellness, World Language, and Electives.	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 —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Attend a School Trial. School trials are typically scheduled for a class day, and during this time, prospective students sit in a full day to experience the learning environment. Families have the opportunity to ask questions about the school's programs and structure. The trial helps families assess fit before moving forward with the application process. 2. Submit an Application Form and settle the application fee. The complete Application Form is provided in the information packet or can be downloaded from the page. A nonrefundable Registration Fee and Testing Fees must be settled before the application is reviewed. The school publishes the 2025‑2026 Annual School Fees by program, showing new‑student totals from USD 11,800 (Preschool) to USD 19,300 (Grades 11‑12) with PHP equivalents; a Capital Development Fee of USD 2,500 is due upon settlement of fixed school fees. If paying on an installment plan, a current‑dated check plus two post‑dated checks for December 1 and March 1 are required; refunds are not provided for reduced attendance during a current trimester. 3. Skills Evaluation. Applicants from Senior Kindergarten (5‑year‑olds) and up participate in skills testing and/or English language proficiency tests. These tests are not Pass/Fail; their results guide instructional planning and identify any needs for additional support services. The school offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) program for students whose first language is not English, and students with identified needs may undergo a comprehensive evaluation that may involve related service providers. 4. Review and Acceptance. Applications are reviewed on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Only completed forms with Nonrefundable Registration Fees and Testing Fees settled will be reviewed. Acceptance decisions are usually issued electronically, with a formal letter and a School Fees Invoice attached.	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 No scholarships are advertised on the admissions or application materials.	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 CAS operates an open admission policy with year‑round applications. Applications are reviewed on a first‑come, first‑served basis, and acceptance decisions are issued electronically with a formal letter and School Fees Invoice.	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. (turn2view0)
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