Parent's Review of International School Manila in Manila, Philippines

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

International School Manila

In what town or city is this school located?

Manila

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

International

What grade levels are represented at this school?

Pre-K-12

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

buses and drivers

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

The facilities at ISM are lovely, and there is a wide-range of after school activities from which to choose. Most of the activities have no fee associated with them, unless it's a costume or small supply fee.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

This school in no way prepares children to return to the United States. Speaking as a former teacher, the curriculum is not challenging. Teachers accept and praise the students for shoddy work. There is no homework in the elementary school, so kids have a difficult transition to middle school. There is a significant bullying problem throughout the entire school, and the administration is in complete denial regarding it.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

There is a PTA and parent coffees. Parents are welcome; however, in the 3 years we were there, I never saw actual change from any suggestions offered from the parents to the administration.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

I would not recommend the school. The other option in Manila is the Brent International School, but it is very far away from any of the diplomatic areas. The kids spend an hour each way on the bus - and that is on the best days. One day in February 2008, it took the Brent kids 4 hours to get home. Brent is also overwhelmed with special needs students. If you want a challenging school, don't come to the Philippines.

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Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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