Cebu International School vs Singapore School Cebu
CIS (full IB Continuum) vs Singapore School Cebu (Singapore + IGCSE + IB DP)
The two flagship international schools in metro Cebu. Cebu International School (Talamban) runs a full IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). Singapore School Cebu (Mandaue, A.S. Fortuna) follows the Singapore primary curriculum with a Cambridge IGCSE + IB Diploma pathway for high school.
Side-by-side
| Factor | Cebu International School | Singapore School Cebu |
|---|---|---|
| City | Cebu City · Pit-os, Talamban | Mandaue City · A. S. Fortuna |
| Levels | preschool / elementary / JHS / SHS | preschool / elementary / JHS / SHS |
| Curriculum | ib | singapore, cambridge, ib |
| Religion | secular | secular |
| Tuition | ₱825,000–₱1,445,000 /yr | ₱350,000–₱750,000 /yr |
| SPED | Yes | No / limited |
| Scholarships | Yes | Yes |
Cebu International School notes
IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). WASC + CIS accredited.
Singapore School Cebu notes
Singapore curriculum + Cambridge IGCSE + IB DP pathway.
Frequently asked
Which curriculum is "harder" — IB Continuum or Singapore + IGCSE?
They are differently demanding. The IB PYP / MYP at CIS emphasizes inquiry-based learning, project work, and concept-based assessment from the early years. Singapore School Cebu uses the Singapore primary curriculum (drill-heavy in math + English) shifting to Cambridge IGCSE at upper secondary then IB DP. Singapore-curriculum students typically have stronger procedural math; IB Continuum students typically have stronger writing + research skills by Senior High.
How much do they cost?
CIS is roughly ₱825,000–₱1,445,000/year depending on grade level (full IB Continuum, WASC + CIS accredited). Singapore School Cebu runs ₱350,000–₱750,000/year. Both charge a one-time capital + development fee on top of tuition; CIS's ranges higher. Expect 5–10% annual increases on both.
Where do graduates go to university?
Both schools have strong placements at top universities in the Philippines (Ateneo, UP, La Salle), the US, UK, Australia, and Singapore. CIS's IB DP graduates have a documented track record at Ivy League + Russell Group universities. Singapore School Cebu placements lean Singapore + Hong Kong + UK. Either way, the bottleneck is family planning + the student's ECA portfolio, not the school.
Which has the easier commute?
CIS is in Talamban, far north Cebu City — best for families in Banilad / Talamban / Lahug, ~15–25 minutes off-peak. Singapore School Cebu is on A.S. Fortuna in Mandaue — better for Mandaue, A.S. Fortuna, and north-Cebu-City families. Cross-city peak-hour adds 30–45 minutes.
Are PEAC vouchers usable at either?
Neither participates in the PEAC E-SF / SHS Voucher programs. These are international curricula priced at the international-school tier; DepEd voucher coverage does not apply. Some families instead apply for need-based aid directly with the school — both have limited financial aid programs for qualified candidates.
What is the student body and language environment like?
CIS has a roughly 50/50 expat-and-balikbayan / Filipino mix, with English as the working language (additional French, Mandarin, Spanish electives at MYP / DP). Singapore School Cebu skews more local-Filipino + Korean / Japanese / Chinese expat families, with English as the medium of instruction and Mandarin from primary. Both run a multicultural environment with festival days for major cultures.
How are after-school programs and sports?
CIS has a structured CCA (Co-Curricular Activities) program: swimming, basketball, futsal, music ensemble, robotics, debate, MUN. Singapore School Cebu emphasizes a balanced ECA mix with strong Mandarin enrichment + sports clubs (basketball, badminton, swimming). Neither competes in PRISAA, so sports culture is more recreational + house-system than inter-school championship.
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