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Philippines, Manila
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International School Manila (ISM) was established in 1920 as the American School by American and British expatriates. It moved through several Manila locations before relocating to a purpose-built 7-hectare campus in Bonifacio Global City in 2002. In 1970, the American School was renamed International School Manila at the recommendation of the US Embassy, reflecting a growing and diverse student body and becoming the first international school in the region to receive accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). ISM joined the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools (IASAS) in 1982. In 2020, ISM celebrated 100 years of service, underscoring its status as Manila's oldest international school with an international community representing over 100 countries.
ISM's international community includes students and staff from more than 100 countries, with a student body of over 2,200. The school is supported by the Parent Community Association (PCA), which organizes events that foster community and cultural exchange, such as Bearcat Welcome, the PCA Cooking Series, the Charity Holiday Bazaar, the PCA International Food Festival, the Used Book Fair, and the PCA Gala Dinner. These events bring together families across ISM's diverse community and support service and livelihood partnerships through fundraising and cultural celebration.
The Parent Community Association (PCA) functions as ISM's parent-teacher association, coordinating volunteer involvement and family engagement. The PCA runs a calendar of events that supports fundraising and campus life. Key events include Bearcat Welcome (new-family orientation) and the PCA Cooking Series. The Charity Holiday Bazaar highlights products from ISM's Service and Livelihood Partners, and the PCA International Food Festival showcases global cuisines. The Used Book Fair is a major fundraising sale and the PCA Gala Dinner is the largest annual fundraising event. Funds raised support school programs and community projects.
International School Manila (ISM) opened in 1920 as the American School and is the oldest international school in Manila. In 2002, ISM moved to a seven‑hectare campus in Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, a purpose‑built, state‑of‑the‑art facility. ISM provides a PK‑12 program rooted in an American‑based structure and is an IB World School, with the IB Diploma Programme offered in the upper grades and accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The school emphasizes an inquiry‑based, internationally minded curriculum and supports multiple languages through an English‑language program (EAL) and a Modern Language offering. ISM's facilities include a 400‑meter all‑weather track, three playing fields, eight tennis courts, a 920‑seat Fine & Performing Arts Theater, libraries, a Design Technology and Robotics space, and dedicated spaces for science, music, and media. Located in Bonifacio Global City, the campus benefits from proximity to major business and residential districts and contemporary urban amenities. ISM serves students from Preschool through Grade 12, drawing students from more than 90 countries.
