"Cebu International School (CIS) has established itself as one of the Philippines' most respected international learning institutions, offering families in Cebu City a rigorous, globally recognized education grounded in the values of inquiry, international-mindedness, and academic excellence."
The school operates as a co-educational day school and holds a non-profit, non-sectarian status, governed by a ten-member Board of Trustees — a structure that reflects its deep commitment to community accountability and educational integrity. The school's roots run remarkably deep. Originally founded as the Cebu American School in 1924, CIS carries nearly a century of educational heritage in the heart of the Visayas region. In 1973, the institution was renamed Cebu International School, signaling a broadening of its mission to serve the diverse international community that Cebu was increasingly attracting. Its legal standing was further formalized under Republic Act No. 9190 in 2003, cementing its place as a recognized and regulated institution within the Philippine educational landscape. Academically, CIS is a fully authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the complete continuum of IB programmes — the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for younger learners, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students in the intermediate grades, and the prestigious Diploma Programme (DP) for students in their final years of secondary school. This seamless progression through the IB framework means that families can enroll a young child and see them through to a globally recognized university-entrance qualification, all within a single, coherent educational philosophy. The IB's emphasis on critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and student-centered inquiry runs through every level of the school, creating a consistent and nurturing academic culture. All instruction at CIS is delivered in English, making it a natural fit for expatriate families, relocating professionals, and internationally mobile households who require a high-quality, English-medium education. The school welcomes students from a wide range of national backgrounds, and its diverse student body reflects the cosmopolitan character of Cebu City itself — a dynamic regional hub that has grown into a major center for business, commerce, and tourism in Southeast Asia. Cebu City provides an energizing backdrop for student life. Situated on an island renowned for its rich history, stunning natural environment, and vibrant urban culture, the city offers students a uniquely engaging setting in which to explore both local Filipino heritage and broader global perspectives — values that align naturally with the IB's international outlook. What ultimately distinguishes Cebu International School is the combination of its extraordinary longevity, its unwavering commitment to the IB philosophy across all age groups, and its close-knit, mission-driven community. For families seeking a school that balances academic rigor with genuine warmth, one that has served international and local communities alike for generations, CIS represents a compelling and well-established choice in the heart of the Philippines.