Schools in the Philippines – What Expats Need to Know About Public, Private and International Options
Schools in the Philippines can differ massively in quality, cost, admissions requirements and teaching style — especially when comparing public, private and international schools. For expat families, understanding how these systems work is essential.
Public schools offer accessibility but often face large class sizes and limited resources; private schools provide more structure and better facilities; while international schools follow global curricula such as IB, Cambridge or US standards. This guide explains the key differences, what each option offers, and how to choose the best fit for your child as a long-term expat in the Philippines.
Table of Contents
Click a topic below to jump directly to that section of the guide.
1. Philippine School System – Quick Overview
2. Public Schools – What to Expect
3. Private Schools – Costs & Academics
4. International Schools – IB, UK & US
5. Conclusion – Best Option for Your Child
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Philippine School System – Quick Overview
The K–12 Structure in the Philippines
The Philippine school system is built around the mandatory K–12 programme, introduced under the Enhanced Basic Education Act to align the country with global education standards. It includes one year of Kindergarten (age 5), six years of elementary school, four years of junior high school and two years of senior high school. All public and private schools follow this K–12 structure under the Department of Education (DepEd).
Private schools may add enriched subjects or use alternative teaching approaches, while international schools follow their own global curricula — such as IB, Cambridge or US-based programmes — as long as they meet the overall K–12 length of basic education and maintain their accreditation.
Eligibility for Foreign Students
The Philippines Department of Education (DepEd) states that basic education is available to “all persons,” not only Filipino citizens, with the only conditions being legal status in the country and available space within the school.
Foreign children can enrol in public and private schools. Requirements typically include a passport, valid visa, previous school records and proof of legal stay, with some public schools requesting additional Bureau of Immigration clearance. Admissions vary by school but generally follow similar core documentation.
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International schools offer an expat-friendly admissions pathway, accepting a broad range of legal stay documents and outlining clear requirements such as school records, identity documents and placement assessments. Their processes are designed to be easy for foreign families to navigate.
School Calendars and Term Dates
Most schools follow an August–June academic year, although some private and international schools operate on a September or August–May calendar aligned with US, IB or Cambridge systems. Understanding these differences helps expat families plan enrolment and admission timing effectively.
Public Schools – What to Expect
Public schools form the backbone of basic education in the Philippines and are present in almost every barangay. They play a central role in community life and serve the vast majority of Filipino children.
Class Sizes and Learning Environment
Public schools in the Philippines often have large class sizes, especially in urban areas. Classrooms commonly hold 35–50 students, which can affect individual attention and overall learning pace. Facilities vary widely, and resources may be limited compared to private and international schools.
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Curriculum and Teaching Standards
The national curriculum set by the Department of Education (DepEd) is used in all public schools, with the language of teaching changing by grade level. From Kindergarten to Grade 3 (ages 5–8), lessons are taught mainly in the local mother tongue under the MTB-MLE policy, though teachers often mix English and Filipino during activities. From Grade 4 onwards, most academic subjects shift to English, while Filipino is used for Filipino language and some social studies topics. In practice, many classrooms use a blend of English, Filipino and the local mother tongue, creating a gradual transition rather than an abrupt change.
Fees and Costs
Public education is free for both Filipino and foreign students, but families should expect some minor annual expenses for uniforms, school supplies and occasional school activities. These costs remain significantly lower than in private or international schools.
| Category | Typical Cost (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition Fees | ₱0 |
| Uniforms (per year) | ₱1,000–₱2,500 |
| School Supplies | ₱1,000–₱3,000 |
| Activity Contributions | ₱200–₱800 |
| Estimated Annual Total | ₱2,200–₱6,300 |
Estimates based on DepEd’s K–12 policy (RA 10533), which provides free tuition, plus typical uniform, supply and activity expenses reported by PTAs and parent surveys in major regions.
Sources: DepEd, PTA surveys
Suitability for Expat Families
Public schools can be difficult for foreign children who do not speak Filipino or the local mother tongue, especially in the early grades where most teaching is not in English. Limited resources, large class sizes and minimal support for non-Filipino speakers can make it challenging for foreign students to keep pace academically. For this reason, public schools are generally suitable only for long-term expat families whose children already speak the local language or are well integrated into the community.
Private Schools – What to Expect
Private schools form a major part of the Philippine education system and vary widely in their educational style, campus environment and overall approach. They are generally more structured and resource-rich than public schools and give families greater choice in the type of learning environment they want for their child.
Class Sizes and Learning Environment
Private schools generally offer smaller class sizes than public schools, often ranging from 20–35 students per class. Facilities, resources and classroom environments tend to be more structured, with better access to books, technology, extracurricular activities and dedicated subject teachers.
Curriculum and Teaching Standards
Private schools follow DepEd’s core requirements but have flexibility to add enriched subjects, advanced English instruction, STEM programmes, foreign languages or additional co-curricular activities. Teaching approaches vary between schools, allowing parents to choose a style that best fits their child’s needs.
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Fees and Costs
Private school tuition varies widely depending on the school’s size, reputation and facilities. Families should budget for annual tuition, books, uniforms and miscellaneous fees. Costs remain significantly lower than international schools but higher than public schools.
| Category | Typical Cost (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition Fees | ₱40,000–₱180,000 |
| Books & Learning Materials | ₱3,000–₱12,000 |
| Uniforms (per year) | ₱1,500–₱3,000 |
| Miscellaneous Fees | ₱5,000–₱15,000 |
| Estimated Annual Total | ₱50,000–₱210,000+ |
Cost ranges taken from accredited private schools in Metro Manila, Cebu, Iloilo and Bohol, supported by PEAC data and typical fee schedules from Kindergarten to Senior High School.
Sources: PEAC, private school fee guides
Suitability for Expat Families
Private schools are a strong option for many expat families, offering better facilities, smaller class sizes and a more flexible approach to teaching than public schools. They provide a more structured learning environment with stronger English instruction, making them well suited to foreign children who may be adjusting to life in the Philippines.
International Schools – IB, UK & US
International schools in the Philippines cater to globally mobile families and offer education built around international standards such as the IB, Cambridge or US curriculum. These schools provide a familiar academic environment for foreign students, with English as the main language of instruction and school programmes designed to align with overseas education pathways.
Class Sizes and Learning Environment
International schools typically offer smaller class sizes, often between 15–25 students, creating a highly supported learning environment. Facilities are modern and well-resourced, with science labs, libraries, sports complexes and specialised classrooms that match international standards.
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Curriculum and Teaching Standards
International schools follow globally recognised curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge international programmes or US-based systems. Teaching is delivered in English, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, global competency and project-based learning. These schools operate independently of DepEd’s curriculum but comply with national accreditation and the required K–12 length of basic education.
Fees and Costs
International schools are the most expensive option in the Philippines due to their global curricula, foreign-trained teachers and extensive facilities. Families should budget for annual tuition, books, technology fees, uniforms and various school activities.
| Category | Typical Cost (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition Fees | ₱350,000–₱1,500,000+ |
| Books & Learning Materials | ₱10,000–₱40,000 |
| Uniforms (per year) | ₱2,000–₱6,000 |
| Miscellaneous Fees | ₱10,000–₱30,000+ |
| Estimated Annual Total | ₱380,000–₱1,600,000+ |
Figures reflect published fees from major international schools in Manila, Cebu and Clark, covering British, American, IB and Singaporean curricula. Costs vary by grade, facilities and one-off charges.
Sources: ISM, Brent, IB school fee disclosures
Suitability for Expat Families
International schools are a strong fit for expat families who need a globally recognised curriculum, full English-medium instruction and a learning environment aligned with international standards. They work well for children who may relocate again, transition to universities abroad or who would find it difficult to adjust to the language environment in public or some private schools. Fees are higher due to staffing, accreditation and facilities, so families should ensure the cost fits their long-term plans.
Conclusion – Best Option for Your Child
For expat families, choosing a school in the Philippines starts with understanding the wider education landscape. Public schools operate under a stretched national budget, and international assessments place the country near the lower end of global rankings in reading, maths and science. Many schools work hard to deliver quality education, but the system faces challenges from large class sizes, limited resources and uneven standards between regions.
Private schools have long been a central part of Philippine education and are more common here than in many Western countries. Their prominence reflects both the pressures on the public system and rising household incomes, alongside a strong cultural belief that education opens the door to better opportunities. As more families become financially secure, many turn to private schools for their smaller classes, stronger English instruction and more consistent academic standards. At the top end, international schools provide globally recognised curricula and clearer pathways to universities overseas.
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The right choice for expat families also depends on when and how a child enters the system. Children born and raised in the Philippines often adapt well to local environments, making public schools a possible starting point in the early years before moving to a private school as their academic needs grow. For children arriving from overseas, private or international schools are usually the most suitable options. The private sector offers one of the widest ranges of schooling choices in Asia — from affordable community schools to well-resourced institutions — giving families far more flexibility in cost, curriculum and learning environment than the public system can provide.
Whatever path you choose, the aim is to match schooling with your child’s development, language confidence and long-term plans. Visit schools, ask about support for non-Filipino learners and look closely at daily routines, class sizes and overall expectations. With the right fit, your child can settle quickly, progress academically and enjoy a stable, supportive education throughout your time in the Philippines.
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Frequently Asked Questions – Schools in the Philippines
Can foreign children enrol in public schools in the Philippines?
Yes. DepEd allows foreign students to enrol in public schools as long as they have legal status in the Philippines and the school has available space. Some public schools may request additional documents such as Bureau of Immigration clearance.
What is the biggest challenge for expat children in public schools?
Language is the main hurdle. Early grades use the local mother tongue under the MTB-MLE policy, which can make lessons difficult for foreign children who do not speak Filipino or the regional language.
How much do private schools typically cost?
Private school tuition varies widely but most families can expect ₱40,000–₱180,000 per year, plus additional costs for books, uniforms and miscellaneous fees. Fees differ based on facilities, curriculum and school reputation.
Are international schools worth the higher cost?
International schools are often the best fit for expat children needing full English-medium teaching and global curricula such as IB, Cambridge or US programmes. They offer strong pathways to universities abroad, although fees are significantly higher.
Can a child move between public, private and international schools?
Yes, transitions are possible, but curriculum and language differences matter. Children from public schools may need English support when moving to private or international schools. Students arriving from overseas often adapt more easily when starting directly in private or international schools.
When should expat families begin the admissions process?
Most schools follow an August–June calendar, while some private and international schools use a US or IB-aligned schedule. Starting applications 3–6 months before the academic year begins gives time for document checks and placement assessments.
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