Chinese International School Manila vs The Beacon School

	C Chinese International School Manila Manila, Philippines	T The Beacon School Manila, Philippines
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₱662,815 - 1,081,471	Fees / year ₱392,177 - 919,181
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 14 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Pupils	Pupils 300	Pupils 360
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2007	Opened 2001
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location The Beacon School is located in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The campus address is 2266 Central Square, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City 1231. It sits in central Makati with access to major roads and public transport options. Beacon announced a move to a new Makati campus along Pasong Tamo Extension in February 2023, with Phase I opening for Pre-K to Grade 8 in August 2023.
Stages	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).	Stages Beacon School offers education from Pre-K through Grade 8. It is an IB World School authorized to deliver the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP).
School type	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.	School type Beacon School is an independent, non-profit, secular and co-educational IB World School. It is an IB World School offering the PYP and MYP; it operates as an independent, non-profit institution.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support A publicly listed SEN program is not described on public pages. The school publishes a Child Safeguarding policy and has a Student Services section that includes onboarding, a community portal, after-school activities, and school conferences, indicating available student support structures.
Country affiliation	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.	Country affiliation There is no country affiliation listed; The Beacon School operates as an independent IB World School.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated; the school presents a secular, values‑based approach to education.	Religious affiliation The Beacon School is secular and has no religious affiliation.
School day structure	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.	School day structure Public pages do not publish start and end times for the school day; the exact timings are provided by the admissions team upon inquiry. The school calendar lists dates and events but not daily hours.
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details Public pages do not list a school bus service for The Beacon School. Families may arrange private transport or other arrangements as needed.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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).	Fee details Application fee - An application fee of PHP 2,500 is payable at the time the completed application documents are submitted. Tuition fees (by year group) Note: The school's published annual tuition structure is shown as a two-part amount (a USD component plus a PHP component). The published annual totals and a per-term estimate (see Billing schedule and note on calculation below) are given here. - Pre-Kinder - Annual: USD 850 plus PHP 344,500. - Estimated per term (annual divided by three terms): USD 283.33 plus PHP 114,833.33. (Per-term figure shown as an arithmetic division of the annual amount; see note below.) - Kinder to Grade 5 - Annual: USD 1,800 plus PHP 760,000. - Estimated per term: USD 600.00 plus PHP 253,333.33. (Calculated by dividing the annual amount by three terms.) - Grades 6 to 8 - Annual: USD 2,000 plus PHP 807,000. - Estimated per term: USD 666.67 plus PHP 269,000.00. (Calculated by dividing the annual amount by three terms.) Billing schedule and payment terms - The school year is organised in school terms (the calendar references Term 1, Term 3, etc.), and admissions and re-enrolment references use a three-term structure. The per-term amounts above are derived by dividing the published annual tuition by three, consistent with the school's three-term academic references. - Once a place is offered, a reservation fee is required by the date shown in the letter of offer to secure a place; the school's admissions information also states that returning-student re-enrolment requires payment of a Returning Students Fee by the date advised by the Board of Trustees. (Specific reservation/returning fee amounts are not published in the accessible admissions text.) Boarding fees - The Beacon School operates as a day school for students from Pre-K to Grade 8; no boarding programme or boarding fees are listed for the Makati campus. Other costs and typical additional fees - School-branded clothing and merchandise (examples and prices): - One Beacon Shirt — Adult PHP 800; Child PHP 650. - Barracudas Shirt — PHP 600. - Ball cap — PHP 500. - Barracudas water tumbler — PHP 900. - (These are sample shop items and prices available from the school shop.) - Co‑curricular activities, field trips and program-specific costs are included in descriptions of the school's programmes; such activities and any related fees (for example, curriculum trips or optional activities) are additional to tuition and merchandise costs. Refund information - The school's public admissions pages specify the application fee, reservation/returning-student payments and that reservation payment secures a place, but no publicly available page or downloadable policy on fee refunds (for application, reservation, tuition or other deposits) was located in the published admissions or policies material accessible on the school pages. The availability and terms for refunds (if any) are therefore not explicitly published in the materials examined. Fee payment options - Bank transfer via Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is provided as an online payment method with both PESO and DOLLAR account numbers listed for the Beacon International School Foundation. The Enrol/Finance contact information and the BPI account details are published as a school payment method. - The Enrol page provides step-by-step instructions for adding the school as a biller in BPI Online (Manage Recipients → Add recipient → select Biller → BEACON INT'L SCHOOL FOUNDATION; confirm details and submit). The Finance Office contact details are published for payment queries. Summary of evidence and limits of the available public information - Application fee and the requirement for a reservation fee (amount given in the offer letter) are published in the school's admissions information. - Annual tuition amounts by broad year-groups (USD + PHP components) are published in a recent independent parent- guide article that lists the school's published tuition ranges and figures. The per-term numbers above are arithmetic divisions of those annual totals by three because the school's published calendar and admissions pages reference a three-term year; the per-term figures are therefore inferred from the published annual totals and the school's term structure. - The school's Enrol/Finance information explicitly lists BPI bank account numbers and instructions for online payment, and the school shop lists sample prices for branded shirts and items. - What was not publicly available in the pages examined: a detailed official tuition and fees schedule in a single downloadable fee schedule that lists every fee line (for example: explicit reservation fee amount, Returning Students Fee amount, term-by-term billing schedule text, formal refund rules) was not located in the accessible admissions and policy pages. For those specific line items and formal refund terms, the Finance Office contact is provided for direct confirmation.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform information is available through the Admissions Office. The school maintains a uniform policy.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school maintains a cafeteria. The canteen concessionaire is The Institute of Culinary Management, Inc. (ICMI); meals can be ordered via the mealmanage.com portal.	Food options —
House system	House system House events are part of the co-curricular program and student leadership activities.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is a non-profit, non-stock organization administered by a Board of Trustees. The Head of School is Angelica Fernandez De Castro, and the Board Chair is Martin Lorenzo. The Board is responsible for finance, staffing, premises, enrollment, safeguarding, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details The Beacon School Philippines offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Pre-K to Grade 5 and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grade 6–8, with high school years planned for the future. It is accredited by the Philippine Department of Education and IB-authorized to deliver PYP and MYP. The PYP uses transdisciplinary units built around six themes (Who We Are; How We Express Ourselves; How the World Works; Where We Are in Place and Time; How We Organize Ourselves; Sharing the Planet), integrating core disciplines and stand-alone subjects such as Visual Arts, Filipino, Music, Physical Education, and Religious or World Religion. The MYP organizes learning around eight subject areas—Language A (English), Language B (Filipino and another language), Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, Design, The Arts, and Physical Education—guided by global contexts and culminating in a Grade 8 Community Project; Grade 6–7 also includes Religious and Moral Education. Service as Action is embedded across the MYP, with school partnerships for service learning, and the campus is located in Makati with IB School Code 002224.
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 The Chinese International School Manila offers a Nursery–Grade 12 Guidance Programme delivered by two school counsellors. It supports students' personal, social, and academic development and covers topics such as self-awareness, goal setting, managing emotions, conflict resolution, and positive social skills. Counselling is provided on a short‑term, professional, and confidential basis for students and the wider school community. The Counselling Team collaborates with the Senior Leadership Team and the Safeguarding Team to address safeguarding matters, and students or staff can self‑refer or be referred for counselling. The team also shares wellbeing and mental health updates with parents through Parent Forums, pastoral meetings, and the weekly newsletter.	Social & emotional learning The Beacon School PH supports social and emotional learning through the House System, which fosters a close-knit community and cross-grade collaboration, with house-based service projects and school-wide activities.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school maintains an ALN (Additional Learning Needs) department and an EAL (English as an Additional Language) department to support learners. ALN is described as catering to students who have a specific learning disability or difficulty, or who require specialist assistance, within a mainstream setting. Support is provided within the classroom and in separate specialist classes as needed, with specialist teachers delivering individualized programmes through a multi‑sensory, cumulative approach. When literacy or numeracy needs are identified, the ALN or EAL Coordinator conducts a full assessment and parents are consulted, with a referral process used to monitor concerns and, if necessary, involve external bodies. The public materials do not describe the school as a dedicated SEN specialist institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school uses an inclusion approach with reading and learning support specialists and provides additional services for students whose needs can be met; admissions assess whether Beacon has the resources to support a student with special needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided by a dedicated EAL department. The school notes that the curriculum is taught in English and that staff are experienced in supporting students who speak two or more languages. Students receive support both within the classroom and in separate specialist classes as needed. Specialist teachers develop individualized educational programmes through a multi‑sensory, cumulative approach. A literacy/numeracy needs assessment is conducted by the EAL Coordinator with parent consultation, and external referrals may be made if required.	English as an additional language Limits are placed on the number of English Language Learners within any one section.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Counselling Team consists of two counsellors who support the Nursery–Grade 12 Guidance Programme, addressing personal, social, and academic needs. The programme may include topics such as self‑awareness, goal setting, managing emotions, and social skills, and is responsive to current student needs. Counselling is short‑term, confidential, and available to students and the wider school community to promote well‑being. The team provides wellbeing and mental health updates to staff and families through parent forums, pastoral meetings, and the weekly newsletter. The Counselling Team works with the Senior Leadership Team and the Safeguarding Team to provide guidance on safeguarding matters, with self‑referrals or staff referrals possible.	Mental wellbeing Art Therapy is offered as part of After School Activities (3-5) to support students' emotional well-being.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students, with clear procedures in place to support children, families, and staff. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is the Head of School, Angelica Fernandez de Castro, and there are designated safeguarding deputies, including the Director of Elementary School (Mylene Pastor) and the Director of High School (Martin Frias). All staff receive safeguarding training on an annual basis, and a member of the Board of Governors serves as a safeguarding liaison. For serious concerns, safeguarding contacts are available through designated school emails.	Safeguarding The Beacon School PH has a Child Safeguarding policy as part of its School Policies.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Chinese International School Manila's Taguig campus provides a comprehensive set of facilities to support learning and well being. The academic facilities include a modern library/media center, dedicated laboratories for sciences, design technology, product design, and visual arts, and an ICT lab. Creative spaces include a theatre/dance studio and music facilities that support performance arts. The campus houses a large indoor sports hall and multiple gymnasia, outdoor fields, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and badminton. The school operates an on site cafeteria with a catering partner and online meal management, and offers a broad enrichment program with after school activities and trips.	Facilities overview Beacon School's Makati campus serves students from Pre-K to Grade 8 as part of its IB program. A 2023 announcement described relocation to a 12,500-square-meter Makati campus along Pasong Tamo Extension, with a main building renovated to house Pre-K to Grade 8. The campus includes a playground, a soccer field, a gymnasium, and an urban garden. Visual arts is integrated into the curriculum and there is a gallery showcasing student work, with drama and music also offered as part of the arts program.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus includes a large indoor sports hall and multiple gymnasia, with courts for basketball, volleyball and badminton.	Sports facilities The site includes a gymnasium for indoor activities and a soccer field for outdoor play and games. Outdoor spaces also include a playground and an urban garden that can be used for physical education and movement activities. These facilities support a range of PE and team sport activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities A media center (library) is available, along with specialist laboratories for Biology, Physics, Chemistry, a design technology area, a visual arts room, and an ICT lab.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The enrichment program offers a broad range of after school activities across sports, arts, ICT and academics, including Basketball, Chess Club, Futsal, Dragon Art Club, Dragon Repertory, Intl Creative Dance Club, Ukulele Club, Robotics and Coding clubs, Cooking Club, and language clubs. After School Activities are refreshed each semester with online registration twice a year.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Chinese International School Manila was founded in 2007 by Felicia Hung-Atienza and Maria Louisa Sian to provide an international education that combines the American Core Curriculum with a Mandarin language program across all grade levels. It began with about 20 students and 11 teachers. It expanded into a full 3–18 international school and received authorization to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in 2011. In 2022, CISM and Domuschola International School joined Global Schools Foundation, linking the Manila campus to a regional network and giving access to shared resources and best practices. The school is located on Upper McKinley Road in Taguig City's McKinley Hill area.	History The Beacon School was founded in 2001 by educators and professionals who sought a rigorous, progressive K–8 program within a close-knit learning community. It is governed by The Beacon International School Foundation, an independent, non-profit, secular organization that currently serves Pre-K to Grade 8 and envisions adding a high school in the future. In 2023, Beacon moved to a new Makati campus as part of the One Beacon Project, which consolidates The Beacon School with Beacon Academy under a single organizational umbrella. The One Beacon Project intends to extend Beacon's inquiry-based IB education by adding a high school at the Makati campus and by offering Pre-K to Grade 8 at Beacon Academy's Laguna campus, which currently serves up to Grade 12. Beacon was among the first Philippine IB World Schools authorized to deliver both the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme.
Community	Community CISM serves a diverse student body drawn from more than 29 nationalities. Life at CISM includes a broad co-curricular program with house events, student leadership, service learning, field trips and residential trips. School-wide community events—such as Spirit Week, Mid-Autumn Festival, United Nations Day, and Chinese New Year—invite family participation. CISM is a member of Global Schools Foundation, which provides a framework for engagement across a network of international schools.	Community The Beacon School is an independent, non-profit, secular and co-educational IB school for students from Pre-K to Grade 8 in Metro Manila. It emphasizes inquiry-based learning and Filipino cultural values, building a global-minded community rooted in local culture. Beacon's community life includes sporting achievements, student performances, and family events that bring together students, parents, alumni and friends, such as the ISAA volleyball tournament results and events like the Moana 2 Block Screening. Families participate through the Beacon Community Portal and school programs that connect parents with staff and activities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Parent involvement at Chinese International School Manila is described through a Home-School Partnership and the Life At CISM pages, indicating formal collaboration between families and staff. There is no publicly visible standalone PTA board or page; parent engagement appears to be channeled through the Home-School Partnership rather than a traditional PTA structure. The Global Schools Foundation partnership provides a framework for cross-school collaboration and community engagement that can include families across member schools. Public event listings show family participation in annual events such as Spirit Week, Mid-Autumn Festival, United Nations Day, Chinese New Year, and Wellness Day. Enrichment and Life At programs describe parent involvement through programs, volunteering, and partnerships with staff in service-learning and field trips. Detailed PTA committees or fundraising programs are not publicly enumerated on the accessible pages.	Parent teacher association A formal Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is not publicly listed on The Beacon School's public pages; parent involvement is organized through The Beacon International School Foundation and broader community programs. The Beacon International School Foundation acts as the school's governing and fundraising body, reflecting its independent, non-profit status. Community events that involve families include the Par for a Purpose: 1st Beacon School Golf Cup and related fundraising tournaments. Other family activities include Moana 2 Block Screening, which invites parents, alumni and friends, and merchandise campaigns such as Beacon Barracudas merch. The school maintains a community portal for parent volunteers and communication, and offers after-school activities and conferences to engage families.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual CIS Manila offers an extensive After School Activities (ASA) program that includes academic enrichment, STEM, debate, and ICT-related activities. The ASA lineup changes each semester, and online registration occurs twice a year, allowing students to sample different areas of interest. Students are encouraged to participate in at least one activity to interact with peers across classes and develop new skills. Examples include Junior Math Society and Math Society, IB Biology Revision, Robotics Competition Club, Block Based Game Making, Dragon Debate Club, Dragon Chronicles, Dragon Archives, and Cubing and other academic clubs.	Academic & intellectual The Beacon School offers an after‑school activities program for students from K to 8 that extends learning beyond the academic day. STEM and related enrichment options include Robotics Class (3–8), Nutty Scientists, Coders' Playspace, and Bricks 4 Kidz. There are film‑ and media offerings such as Film‑making, Future Film Makers, and Cartoon Creations, alongside other academic and inquiry‑based activities like Tatak Filipino!, Sign Language for Kids, and Lego/Bricks‑related clubs. The program supports inquiry, collaboration, and creative problem‑solving beyond regular class time.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The ASA program includes arts and performance opportunities such as Dragon Art Club, Dragon Repertory, Intl Creative Dance Club, and Ukulele Club, in addition to music and drama offerings. Students can explore visual arts, performing arts, and creative expression through these clubs. The program acknowledges arts as a core component of holistic development by providing regular creative outlets alongside other disciplines.	Arts & creative The Music After School program offers group classes including Chorale, JAM, Guitar Ensemble, Stick & Stomp, Glee, Showstoppers, and String Ensemble, with individual lessons in violin, piano, guitar, drums, and voice available. Recitals are held, and students regularly perform at school assemblies and events. Additional arts offerings include Film‑making, Art Therapy, K‑2 Painting, K‑2 Photography, Origami, Storybook Artists, and Cartoon Creations, among other creative activities.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Language and culture are supported through Foreign Language Clubs (Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish Language Clubs) and the Korean Culture Club, among others. These clubs foster cultural awareness and language practice beyond the classroom. The offerings emphasize cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship as part of everyday school life.	Cultural & language The Beacon School emphasizes language learning through curriculum‑based language acquisition opportunities and a global perspective. The school marks Filipino Week, International and Book Week, and the Christmas celebration to celebrate culture. Sign Language for Kids (K‑2) and Tatak Filipino! (3–8) provide structured cultural and language experiences, complemented by cross‑grade and cultural activities organized through the school's community programs.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A broad range of recreational clubs supports social interests and hobbies, including Coding w/ Ipad, Cooking Club, Cubing Club, Storytelling Club, Toy Makers Club, and various book- and game-oriented groups. The program also includes chess, board games, and other leisure activities to complement academics and sports. This diversity provides students with informal peer networks and opportunities to develop teamwork and communication skills.	Social & hobbies A broad range of social and hobby activities runs after school, including film‑making, photography, crafts, and board games such as 3–8 Board Geeks. Students can explore creative and social pursuits through K‑2 Storybook Artists, K‑2 Painting, K‑2 Origami, K‑2 Cartoon Creations, and similar clubs. These offerings give students opportunities to build friendships and pursue personal interests beyond academics.
Community & service	Community & service Service Learning at CIS Manila connects classroom learning with real-world impact through leadership roles, community service, internships, and field experiences. Examples include fundraising for local orphanages, assisting victims of natural disasters, environmental projects, and partnerships to support education in other regions. These activities are designed to develop civic responsibility and practical problem-solving skills.	Community & service The Beacon Experience includes a House System that runs service projects and community initiatives, with students contributing to house goals through participation, collaboration, and leadership activities. Grades 7–8 participate in a four‑day RAFI Center for Leadership program to develop self‑awareness, social consciousness, collaboration, and resilience. Off‑campus activities connect classroom learning to the wider community, and students practice responsible outdoor behavior through Leave No Trace principles.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Service Learning emphasizes leadership opportunities and work experiences or internships, helping students develop professional skills and personal interests. Students engage in leadership roles within service projects and interact with communities to apply knowledge in authentic contexts. The program aims to foster responsibility, ethical engagement, and career-awareness as part of the school's holistic development approach.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is embedded in Beacon's programs: the House System promotes collaboration and community leadership, with service projects and school‑wide initiatives. The RAFI CFL Center for Leadership program provides structured leadership training for older students. The Beacon Experience and school conferences also offer mentoring, planning, and opportunities for developing professional skills as part of the student leadership pathway.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Health & Wellbeing program focuses on mental, emotional, social, and physical health, aiming to create a caring, inclusive, and supportive school community. It encourages students to develop resilience, self-regulation, and informed decision-making about wellbeing. Extracurricular activities and pastoral support are aligned to promote safe, healthy lifestyles and positive mental health.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The athletics and wellbeing program includes Taekwondo, Gymnastics, T‑ball/Baseball, Futsal/Football, Archery, Volleyball, Badminton, and Chess. K‑2 Kid's Yoga is offered as a mindfulness‑ and movement‑based activity. The program emphasizes teamwork, discipline, safety, and enjoyment across sports, with ongoing opportunities to participate in group physical activities. Off‑campus experiences and outdoor activities further support students' physical health and overall wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction in CIS Manila's IB programme. Mandarin is taught through a Mandarin Language programme in the Early Years and as Mandarin AB in the IB Diploma Programme, with additional IB language options including Spanish AB and Chinese B. Other languages such as Korean A Lit are available within the IB framework. Non-native English speakers receive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, and some students may be exempt from a foreign language if appropriate.	Language provision The language of instruction is English for all core subjects in The Beacon School's IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. Filipino is taught as a second language, organized into six phases, and students may begin at any phase and progress through the continuum. English language arts is provided as Language and Literature, emphasizing reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Spanish and Mandarin are offered as language electives to develop additional language proficiency.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Mandarin language instruction is integrated into CIS Manila's program. In the Early Years (Nursery to Pre-Kindergarten), all children follow a Mandarin Language programme as part of the California-aligned curriculum. In the International Baccalaureate Programme, Mandarin is offered as a course (Mandarin AB), with English remaining the language of instruction for the majority of the curriculum. The school also provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students whose first language is not English.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs The site does not describe a separate language immersion program. Mandarin instruction is embedded from the Early Years as part of the standard program, and intercultural understanding is emphasized across the curriculum. Mandarin is also offered as an IB language course (Mandarin AB), indicating language exposure within both Mandarin and English contexts.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school publicly notes that it has earned 450+ Awards in Education Excellence (as part of its Global Schools Foundation affiliation). A year-by-year or award-by-award list is not published on the site. The Global Schools Group network itself is described as having over 500 prestigious awards across its member schools, providing network-wide context for accreditation and recognition.	Awards In 2024, The Beacon School's volleyball teams achieved a notable ISSA Inter-Scholastic Sports Association result: the Middle School Boys won the championship and the Middle School Girls finished in third place.
Accreditations	Accreditations The Chinese International School Manila (CISM) holds several accreditation and affiliation statuses that reflect its international standards and local recognition. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and is an IB World School, aligning its curriculum with IB standards for students aged 16–19. It is affiliated with the Council of International Schools (COIS) and with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The school is also affiliated with the Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines. In addition, CISM is a member of Global Schools Group, an initiative of Global Schools Foundation. These affiliations indicate engagement with international quality-assurance bodies and a global network of international schools.	Accreditations The Beacon School is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Kindergarten to Grade 5 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–8 at its Makati campus. This marks the school as an IB World School with internationally recognized curricula in its current facility.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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)	Admissions 0. Age-Grade Level Placement Information: The Beacon School places new students according to age by the end of August for the academic year, with a clear mapping to grade levels and local/national equivalents. The table shows how ages align to Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 1 through Grade 8, and beyond (for the IB structure). Class size limits are 16 students for Pre-K to Grade 3, 17 for Grades 4–5, and 20 for Grades 6–8. This framework guides initial placement decisions and ensures alignment with the school's program. 1. Introductory Tour: Prospective families are welcome to visit The Beacon School for an introductory tour. It is advised to contact the Admissions Office in advance to arrange a visit so you can receive a structured briefing. During the tour, you will get an overview of the admissions process and information about the school; a packet of application forms is provided to take away and study. This visit helps families assess fit before submitting formal materials. 2. Submission of Application Documents and Application Fee: To formalize an application, complete and submit the forms and required documents from the admissions packet to the Admissions Office. If any documents are in a language other than English, provide certified translations in English. You can download the required documents from the admissions packet, and an Application Fee of PHP 2,500 is payable with the submission of all completed documents. 3. Sit-in Visit: After review of the application materials and if there is an available slot in the requested grade level, the prospective student is invited to attend a “sit-in” pre-entry visit at the level applied for (or another level as determined by the Admissions Committee). The sit-in duration equals the length of the school day at that level. The sit-in is a required step and helps assess fit and, where applicable, whether the school has the resources to support a student with particular needs. 4. Academic Testing and Interview: All applicants will have an interview with the Guidance Counselor. Students applying for Grades 4–8 will be tested in Math and English and will write an essay to establish academic readiness. These assessments are conducted on paper during the sit-in visit. 5. Interview with Parent(s): In some cases, after the sit-in, an interview is arranged with the prospective student's parent(s) together with the grade level coordinator and the Head of School to discuss fit, expectations, and any additional considerations. This step ensures parents and the school share alignment on the student's needs and the school's offerings. 6. Offers of Placement and Acceptance: Once the sit-in, testing (if applicable), and committee review are complete, space may be offered. Offers for the following school year are generally issued by early March, with the possibility of earlier offers if space permits. Acceptance decisions are final once communicated. 7. Reservation and Enrollment: After a place is offered, a reservation fee is due by the date indicated in the offer letter to secure the slot. The enrollment process proceeds with the completion of necessary forms and the submission of any outstanding documents. This step formalizes enrollment and moves the family toward the start of the term. 8. Re-enrolment of Returning Students: The school supports returning students who remain in good standing (academic proficiency and behavior per the Code of Conduct). Returning Students Fee must be paid by the date advised by the Board of Trustees, and the reservation fee guarantees space for the following academic year.
Scholarships	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)	Scholarships The Beacon School offers The Beacon School Scholarship Programme, which can provide tuition coverage for Grades 6, 7, and 8. Scholarships are awarded based on three pillars: 1) Academic Merit (evidence of strong academic ability, critical and creative thinking, and strong communication; options include above-average ACER (OPI) scores, CAT4 results, stellar school records, an essay, and a teacher recommendation), 2) Financial Need (families must demonstrate need and provide documents such as the current Income Tax Return and a completed Beacon Scholarship Application Form), and 3) Potential Contribution to The Beacon School Community (leadership and evidence of responsible citizenship). Applications and decisions are managed by the Admissions team, and the school can provide more information via email.
Waitlist	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)	Waitlist Yes. When a grade-level section is full, prospective students who meet Beacon's admissions requirements are placed on a waitlist. They may be invited to sit in when an opening arises, subject to Admissions Guidelines. This waitlist mechanism allows families to remain in consideration while the school manages space and resources.
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