Top 5 International High Schools in Baguio

2025年7月23日 Local High Schools & Universities

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Top 5 International High Schools in Baguio – 2025 Guide

Top 5 International High Schools in Baguio – 2025 Guide

Baguio City, located in the mountainous Cordillera Region of Northern Luzon, has long been celebrated as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.” Beyond its cool climate, scenic pine trees, and cultural diversity, Baguio has evolved into one of the most educationally focused cities in the country. With numerous universities, private academies, and international schools, it offers an ideal environment for learning.

This guide explores five standout high schools that provide international education or internationally aligned instruction in Baguio. Whether you’re a local family with global aspirations or an expatriate searching for quality secondary education, these schools deserve your attention in 2025.

1. Brent International School Baguio

Location: Pacdal Road, Baguio City
Curriculum: American-based with IB Diploma Programme
Grade Levels: Pre-K to Grade 12
Accreditation: WASC, IB
Boarding: Yes
Tuition: USD 8,000–14,000 per year

Founded in 1909, Brent International School Baguio is one of the oldest and most prestigious private schools in the country. It is part of the Brent Schools system, which also operates campuses in Manila and Subic. Brent Baguio is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Grades 11 and 12.

Brent’s leafy campus, tucked away in Pacdal near the city’s central hub, provides a safe and serene learning environment. The school emphasizes academic rigor, Christian values, internationalism, and leadership. With its small class sizes, foreign-trained faculty, and high university placement rate, Brent is often the first choice for both expatriate and elite Filipino families.

Key Features:

Boarding dormitories available for Grades 6–12
Over 20 co-curricular clubs and athletic programs
Advanced college counseling with Ivy League admissions track
Chapel services and community outreach programs

Brent graduates have gone on to attend top universities in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, including Stanford, Columbia, and the University of Melbourne.

2. Baguio Pines International Academy (BPIA)

Location: Marcos Highway, Baguio City
Curriculum: American-style + English Language Support
Grade Levels: Kindergarten to Grade 12
Accreditation: DepEd recognized, with international elements
Boarding: No
Tuition: USD 3,500–6,000 per year

Baguio Pines International Academy was established in response to the growing population of Korean and Chinese families in the region. It offers a U.S.-style academic curriculum, with subjects such as Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts taught in English. The school caters to both local and foreign students, with strong English as a Second Language (ESL) support systems in place.

The BPIA student body is notably diverse, with a mix of Korean, Filipino, Chinese, and other Asian nationalities. Teachers are mostly Filipino but trained in international instruction methodologies. The school’s modest campus is located near Marcos Highway, making it accessible to families living in or outside the city center.

What Sets It Apart:

Tailored ESL programs for non-native English speakers
Religious education and character-building activities
Affordable alternative to large international schools
Warm, family-oriented school culture

BPIA also partners with universities in Korea and the Philippines, making it a good stepping stone for students considering both international and local tertiary education.

3. Berkeley School Baguio

Location: Military Cut-off Road, Baguio City
Curriculum: Progressive, English-Medium, International Orientation
Grade Levels: Nursery to Grade 12
Accreditation: DepEd
Boarding: No
Tuition: USD 2,500–5,000 per year

Berkeley School, while not an international school by strict accreditation, offers a forward-looking curriculum delivered in English with international perspectives. Known for its academic excellence, Berkeley integrates project-based learning, STEM focus, and leadership development across all levels. It competes in national science fairs, journalism contests, and mathematics olympiads.

The school has modern facilities, including a robotics lab, music rooms, and a multimedia library. Students are encouraged to join exchange programs, participate in international Model UN conferences, and apply to overseas universities.

Why Choose Berkeley:

Dynamic, student-centered pedagogy
Competitive but nurturing environment
Emphasis on academic performance and global readiness
Active alumni network and university prep

Parents seeking a balance between affordability and academic competitiveness often find Berkeley an ideal choice.

4. Saint Louis University Laboratory High School (SLU-LHS)

Location: Navy Base Road, Baguio City
Curriculum: Philippine K–12 + International STEM Focus
Grade Levels: Grade 7 to 12
Accreditation: DepEd, part of SLU university system
Boarding: No
Tuition: USD 1,000–2,000 per year

SLU-LHS is a top-performing laboratory school under Saint Louis University. Although it operates under the DepEd K–12 curriculum, it incorporates international benchmarking, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. The school is known for its rigorous entrance exam and competitive atmosphere.

Classes are taught in English, and the school maintains an active research and publication program. Students regularly qualify for national and international academic competitions. SLU-LHS is a popular choice for Filipino students aiming to pursue engineering, medicine, or science degrees in top Philippine or foreign universities.

Highlights:

High performance in national achievement tests
Research-based science curriculum
Integrated junior-senior high school tracks (STEM, HUMSS, ABM)
Access to university-level facilities through SLU

This school is best suited for academically driven students looking for a strong academic reputation at a very accessible cost.

5. BIBAK Academy

Location: Bokawkan Road, Baguio City
Curriculum: Internationally Inspired, Indigenous-Centered
Grade Levels: Kindergarten to Grade 12
Accreditation: DepEd
Boarding: Yes (limited)
Tuition: USD 800–1,500 per year

BIBAK Academy (named after the Indigenous groups of the Cordilleras: Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc, Apayao, and Kalinga) takes a unique approach to education by combining indigenous knowledge with global perspectives. The school aims to empower youth—especially those from rural or underrepresented communities—by delivering culturally relevant education in an internationalized format.

Instruction is primarily in English, and the school integrates sustainability, arts, and intercultural understanding into the curriculum. BIBAK accepts both indigenous and non-indigenous students and offers scholarships to deserving youth from the region.

Strengths:

Unique cultural and global blend in curriculum
Values-based, socially inclusive education
Holistic programs: agriculture, environmental science, arts
Community service and leadership camps

While still growing in terms of facilities, BIBAK offers an inspiring model for ethical, localized, and globally aware education.

Side-by-Side Comparison

School Name	Curriculum	Accreditation	Boarding	Tuition (USD)	International Focus
Brent International Baguio	US + IB	IB, WASC	Yes	8,000–14,000	Strong
Baguio Pines International	US-style + ESL	DepEd	No	3,500–6,000	Moderate
Berkeley School Baguio	Progressive + Global	DepEd	No	2,500–5,000	Moderate
SLU-Laboratory High School	K–12 + STEM	DepEd	No	1,000–2,000	Academic-Global
BIBAK Academy	Indigenous + Global	DepEd	Yes	800–1,500	Cultural + Global

Conclusion

As the demand for international education in the Philippines continues to rise, cities like Baguio are proving to be excellent alternatives to Metro Manila or Cebu. With cool weather, strong educational institutions, and a supportive community, Baguio offers a unique mix of academic tradition, innovation, and global orientation.

From elite institutions like Brent to progressive models like BIBAK, the city’s high schools cater to a wide range of learners and family needs. Whether you seek academic excellence, cultural inclusivity, boarding options, or affordability—Baguio has a school that fits the bill.

Education is changing. And in Baguio, it’s changing for the better.

Frequently Asked Questions – International High Schools in Baguio

1. Why choose Baguio for international high school education?

Baguio offers a unique combination of cool climate, clean air, and a peaceful learning environment. It’s a university town with a strong educational culture. Many international schools and globally-oriented private schools have developed here, catering to both local and expatriate families who prefer smaller, safer cities over Metro Manila.

2. Are there fully accredited international schools in Baguio?

Yes. Brent International School Baguio is fully accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Other schools like Berkeley and Baguio Pines integrate international teaching methods, though they may not hold formal international certifications.

3. What are the main curricula offered in Baguio’s international high schools?

The main international-style curricula include:

IB (International Baccalaureate): offered at Brent Baguio
American-style Curriculum: followed by Baguio Pines and partly at Brent
Progressive/English-Medium: used at Berkeley School Baguio
K-12 STEM Integrated: offered at SLU-Laboratory High School
Localized International Curriculum: practiced by BIBAK Academy with indigenous integration

4. Do any of these schools offer boarding facilities?

Yes. Brent International School Baguio has long-standing dormitory options for students from outside Baguio or from overseas. BIBAK Academy also offers limited boarding for indigenous and provincial students.

5. How much does it cost to study at an international high school in Baguio?

Tuition fees vary significantly:

Brent Baguio: USD 8,000–14,000/year
Baguio Pines: USD 3,500–6,000/year
Berkeley: USD 2,500–5,000/year
SLU-LHS: USD 1,000–2,000/year
BIBAK: USD 800–1,500/year

Additional costs may include books, uniforms, meals, and extracurricular fees.

6. What language is used for instruction in these schools?

All five schools use English as the primary medium of instruction, in line with international education standards. Filipino may be taught as a subject, and some schools include indigenous or second-language learning (e.g., Korean support at Baguio Pines).

7. Can foreign students enroll in these schools?

Yes. All the schools listed accept foreign students. Schools like Brent and Baguio Pines have experience with Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Western enrollees. Proper visa documentation and, in some cases, English proficiency evaluation may be required.

8. How do these schools support students planning to study abroad?

Schools such as Brent Baguio offer full college counseling services and standardized test preparation (SAT, IELTS, etc.). Others, like Berkeley and SLU-LHS, integrate global exposure through competitions, academic exchange programs, and international university application assistance.

9. What extracurricular activities are available?

These schools offer a broad range of clubs and activities including:

Sports (basketball, soccer, swimming)
Performing arts (music, theater, choir)
Academic clubs (math, science, debate, Model UN)
Community outreach and cultural festivals
Entrepreneurship, robotics, coding, and environmental clubs

10. How early should I apply for admission?

Applications are typically accepted from January to May, depending on the school. Brent, Berkeley, and Baguio Pines may require placement tests and interviews. Early application is advised, especially for boarding slots or scholarship opportunities.

11. Are scholarships available?

Yes. Brent offers limited academic and need-based scholarships. BIBAK provides scholarships for indigenous and marginalized youth. Berkeley and SLU-LHS occasionally offer discounts for high-performing students.

12. Are these schools recognized by the Philippine Department of Education?

Yes, all five schools are DepEd-accredited and meet the national education standards of the Philippines. Brent additionally meets global accreditation standards (IB and WASC).

13. Which school is best for STEM-focused education?

SLU-LHS is the strongest in STEM, offering research-based instruction and access to university-level science labs. Brent and Berkeley also have solid STEM tracks, with robotics and AP Math/Science offerings. Baguio Pines integrates STEM with ESL support.

14. Can I schedule a campus tour?

Yes. Most schools offer scheduled campus tours and orientation programs for prospective families. It’s best to call or email the school’s admissions office directly to book your visit. Some schools also offer virtual tours or webinars.

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