Key Facts about ISM
- ISM is a non-profit day school offering Preschool through Grade 12, located in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila.
- Curriculum: ISM follows inquiry-based learning in the early years, moves into subject-based programmes, culminating in the IB Diploma at Grades 11-12. There is also an EAL (English as an Additional Language)program and supports for students who need learning assistance.
- Fees (Academic Year 2025-2026): • Preschool 3-4: ~ USD 9,420 + PHP 297,400 annually. • Elementary (K-Grade 4): USD 14,700 + PHP 465,600 annually. • Middle School (Grades 5-8): USD 16,020 + PHP 509,300. • High School (Grades 9-10): USD 17,100 + PHP 542,100. Grades 11-12: USD 19,080 + PHP 605,600.
- Additional fees: matriculation fee, facilities enhancement fee, application fee. Also optional/additional services like EAL, learning support services (LSS), speech-language programs.
How Dogpay Can Help with ISM and Similar International School Payments
Parents, especially expats or those who deal with foreign currency income or cross-border funds, often face friction with school fee payments. Here’s how Dogpay can add value:
- Multi-Currency Payments & Transparent Conversion ISM has fees in USD + PHP; if you are paying from abroad (e.g. USD account or another currency), Dogpay allows you to see exchange rates and fees ahead of time, ensuring that the total cost is predictable and there are no surprises from conversion losses.
- Handling Large Upfront or Lump Sum Fees Matriculation, facilities enhancement, application fees are due up front. These are sizable amounts, and paying them from overseas or via international bank transfers can incur high fees / delays. Dogpay helps streamline these transfers, reducing hidden fees and ensuring timely payment.
- Supporting Additional / Optional Program Fees Services like EAL, Learning Support, Speech-Language, etc., which are “if applicable” add extra cost. Dogpay helps in making those payments cleanly when needed—especially helpful if these vendors or programs include foreign-services or cross-currency billing.
- Payment Scheduling & Proof Records Because tuition is often divided into semesters or installments, parents benefit from knowing due dates and being able to set up payments (or reminders) early. Dogpay provides clear transaction loops and receipts, which is useful not just for budgeting, but also in cases where proofs are needed (e.g. for visa, for employer reimbursements).
- Minimizing Bank / Intermediary Fees when Paying from Abroad Using local banks or foreign bank transfers might include intermediary charges, currency spread, and sometimes delay. Dogpay helps avoid or reduce these, improving speed, reliability, and reducing cost.
Tips & Takeaways for Parents Considering ISM
- Calculate total cost = tuition + mandatory fees + optional programs + currency conversion + possible bank fees.
- If you can, prefer paying installments or in local currency when beneficial; sometimes split USD+PHP payments create double conversion (home currency → USD → PHP) if not careful.
- Maintain all payment receipts and documents—application, matriculation, facility enhancement, program enrollment—for official/per visa/tax reasons.
- Plan ahead: when children move up from Grade 10 → IB Diploma years, or need extra support, those optional fees and programs can significantly raise cost.
- Use a payment tool (like Dogpay) early to avoid last-minute rushes, which often lead to higher fees or delays.
