Top Elementary Schools in Manila & Tuition Fees (Public and Private)

If you’re like me, then you’ve probably spent a lot of sleepless nights wondering: “Where should I send my kid to school?” With so many options in Manila — public and private, big and small, traditional and progressive — it can feel totally overwhelming.

So I did a little homework and put together a list of the top elementary schools in Manila (not Metro Manila, just Manila City itself). I separated them into public and private schools, and I included things I know that matter to us parents like tuition fees, location, what makes each school special, and links to learn more.

Public Elementary Schools in Manila & Tuition Fees
Private Elementary Schools in Manila & Tuition Fees
My personal tips when choosing a school for my child

Disclaimer: Tuition fees listed in this article are based on publicly available information and estimates. They may change without prior notice, so it’s best to contact the schools directly for the most updated rates.

Public Elementary Schools in Manila (a.k.a. budget-friendly and DepEd-approved!)

These schools are tuition-free, run by the government, and follow the national K–12 curriculum. Great for families who want to quality education without the high price tag.

1. Dr. Alejandro Albert Elementary School

Location: 2110 Dapitan Street, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines

Tuition: As a public school, education here is free.

Why love it: In April 2024, this school reopened its doors after a massive transformation led by former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. His vision? To provide top-tier educational facilities to every child, regardless of their background. He believed that if we’re going to invest in our children’s future, we should do it right.

The result is a 10-story building that’s nothing short of impressive. The school also has a well-stocked library and a spacious canteen, 234 fully air-conditioned classrooms and a 334-seat gymnasium for sports and events.

2. Legarda Elementary School

Location: J. Fajardo Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tuition: Free
Why love it: Legarda Elementary School is one of the city’s oldest public schools, known for its rich history, beautiful colonial architecture, and legacy of producing notable alumni like Supreme Court Justice Isagani Cruz and artist Pacita Abad. Built in 1922 on land donated by the Legarda family, it offers free quality education in a heritage-rich environment that continues to inspire generations.

3. Andres Bonifacio Elementary School

Location: Ipil-Tayuman Sts., Sta. Cruz, Manila, Philippines
Tuition: Free
Why love it: Established in 1945, it has a rich history of resilience, having resumed classes shortly after World War II with nearly 2,000 students. Named after the Filipino revolutionary hero, the school continues to provide free quality education, fostering a strong sense of community and dedication to student development.

4. Sta. Ana Elementary School

Location: P. Rosales Street, Pateros, Metro Manila, Philippines 1621 Pateros, Philippines
Tuition: Free
Why love it: It’s got a super active PTA and lots of school programs that encourage parent involvement. It has been a cornerstone of the community since its establishment in 1929, providing free quality education to generations of students. The school is renowned for its dedicated faculty and active parent-teacher association, fostering a nurturing environment that emphasizes both academic excellence and community involvement.

5. Padre Burgos Elementary School Manila

Location: 498 Altura Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tuition: Free
Why love it: I’ve personally heard a lot of good reviews from this school. Established in 1923, it is known for its commitment to providing free quality education and competitive students. Over the years, it has maintained a strong reputation for academic excellence and community involvement, making it a trusted choice for families in the area.

Private Elementary Schools in Manila & Tuition Fees

Yes, they cost more but many parents like me can attest that they’re worth it! Private schools often offer smaller class sizes, specialized programs, and extra focus on values or international standards. If you’re willing to invest a bit more, these are schools worth checking out:

1. Christian Academy of Manila (CAM)

Location: 3041 Nagtahan St., Sta. Mesa, Manila
Tuition: approximately P44,000 and above depending on the grade level
Website: christianacademymanila.org

Why Love It: Christian Academy of Manila offers a well-rounded education that’s rooted in Biblical values. Their small class sizes allow teachers to give your child personalized attention, which many parents appreciate. Plus, they follow a U.S.-based curriculum, which is a great option if you’re looking for international standards with strong faith integration.

2. Arellano University – Elementary Department (Manila Campus)

Location: Legarda St., Sampaloc, Manila
Tuition: approximately P21,000 and above depending on the grade level
Website: arellano.edu.ph

Why Love It: Arellano’s elementary program is housed in a university campus, giving kids access to larger facilities and educational resources you won’t find in smaller schools. You’ll love the stability and tradition that comes with being part of a well-known institution. It’s a great stepping stone for children who may want to continue at Arellano through high school and beyond.

3. University of the East (UE) – Basic Education Department

Location: C.M. Recto Avenue, Sampaloc, Manila
Tuition: approximately P50,000 and above depending on the grade level
Website: ue.edu.ph

Why Love It: UE offers a well-rounded academic program with strong extracurriculars and values education. Parents appreciate that their kids can start from elementary and stay all the way through to college, all in the same institution. It’s a convenient, stable, and academically strong option for growing children.

4. La Consolacion College Manila

Location: 8 Mendiola St., Manila
Tuition: approximately P50,000 and above depending on the grade level
Website: lccm.edu.ph

Why Love It: With over a century of history, La Consolacion is one of the most trusted Catholic schools in the area. Once you enter the gates, you’ll love its peaceful, faith-filled atmosphere and strong moral foundation. Its nurturing environment makes it ideal for kids who thrive in structured yet loving settings.

5. San Sebastian College – Recoletos (Grade School)

Location: Manila
Tuition: More or less P64,000 per year depending on the grade level
Website: sscrmnl.edu.ph

Why Love It: Known for its strong Catholic formation and PAASCU accreditation, San Sebastian provides a reliable, values-oriented education. You’ll appreciate the balance between academic rigor and religious grounding. It’s especially ideal for families looking to raise children with integrity and faith.

6. St. Jude Catholic School

Location: 327 Ycaza St., Mendiola, San Miguel, Manila
Tuition: Estimated ₱70,000–₱100,000 per year (varies by grade level)
Website: sjcs.edu.ph

Why Love It: St. Jude is one of the most respected Catholic-Chinese schools in the country, known for its trilingual program in English, Filipino, and Mandarin. You’ll love the balance between academic discipline, cultural heritage, and spiritual development. With its reputation for excellence and a strong alumni network, it’s a top choice for families who want their children to be well-rounded and globally competitive.

7. Sta. Catalina College – Manila

Location: 2660 Legarda St., Sampaloc, Manila
Tuition: Approximately ₱2,975 per month for Grades 1–6
Website: sccmanila.edu.ph

Why Love It: Sta. Catalina College has been nurturing young minds since 1706, making it one of the oldest Catholic schools in the country. You’ll appreciate its commitment to holistic education, focusing on academic excellence, moral values, and spiritual growth. With affordable tuition and a supportive community, it’s a trusted choice for families seeking quality education grounded in faith.

8. The National Teachers College – Basic Education Department

Location: 629 Nepomuceno St., Quiapo, Manila
Tuition: Estimated ₱27,000–₱30,000 per year (varies by grade level; flexible payment terms available)
Website: ntc.edu.ph

Why Love It: NTC is known for its strong foundation in education—after all, it’s been training future teachers since 1928! You’ll appreciate the affordable tuition without sacrificing quality and many love the school’s nurturing environment where teachers truly go the extra mile. With a focus on holistic development and a long-standing reputation in basic education, it’s a reliable and budget-friendly choice for families who want academic excellence in the heart of Manila.

9. Don Bosco School – Manila

Location: 3500 V. Mapa Extension, Sta. Mesa, Manila
Tuition: Estimated ₱30,000–₱90,000 per year (varies by grade level)
Website: dbsmanila.online

Why Love It: Don Bosco School – Manila, operated by the Salesian Sisters, offers a co-educational environment that emphasizes holistic development. You’ll appreciate the school’s commitment to nurturing not just academic excellence but also spiritual growth and moral values. With programs that integrate technology and character formation, it’s a place where children can grow into well-rounded individuals.

Tips When Choosing a School

Some of my tips: It’s not just about academics or how fancy the facilities are—it’s also about finding a place where your child will belong and thrive. One thing I always recommend is checking the retention rate of the school. Do students stay year after year? If most families stick around until high school, that’s usually a great sign that they’re happy with the experience.

Also—and this might sound a little sneaky—do a bit of social media digging. Visit the school’s Facebook page, check if they have an active parent community, and browse photos of school events. You’ll get a feel for the kind of environment your child might grow up in. What are the students like? How involved are the families? Sometimes, those little behind-the-scenes glimpses say more than any school brochure ever could.

Top Elementary Schools in Manila (Public and Private)