Quick Answer: Catholic school tuition in Metro Manila ranges from PHP 30,000-60,000 per year for parish and diocesan schools to PHP 120,000-250,000+ for elite institutions like La Salle Green Hills, Ateneo Grade School, and Assumption College. Most Catholic schools fall in the mid-range of PHP 50,000-100,000 annually, offering strong academics combined with values formation and religious education.
Introduction
Catholic schools have been at the heart of Philippine education for over 400 years. From the Spanish colonial era to the present, religious orders like the Jesuits, Lasallians, Assumptionists, Benedictines, and Augustinians have shaped how generations of Filipinos learn. Today, Catholic schools remain among the most sought-after private schools in Metro Manila --- and for good reason.
Beyond academics, Catholic schools offer something public and secular private schools typically do not: structured values formation, sacramental preparation, retreat programs, and a faith community that extends beyond the classroom. For many Filipino families, this holistic approach to education is worth the premium.
But magkano ba ang tuition sa Catholic school? The range is enormous. A parish school in Caloocan might charge PHP 30,000 per year, while La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong can exceed PHP 200,000. This guide breaks down what you will actually pay at Catholic schools across Metro Manila, organized by tier.
What Makes Catholic Schools Different?
Before diving into numbers, it is worth understanding what you are paying for beyond academics:
Values Formation
Catholic schools integrate character education into daily life. Students attend regular Masses, take Christian Living or Theology classes, and participate in outreach programs. Many schools have dedicated Campus Ministry teams that guide students through age-appropriate spiritual formation.
Retreat Programs
From recollections in elementary to full retreats in high school, these experiences are a hallmark of Catholic education. Schools like Ateneo and La Salle run multi-day retreats that students often cite as transformative.
Sacramental Preparation
Many Catholic schools prepare students for First Communion and Confirmation, integrating these milestones into the school calendar. This convenience is valuable for busy families.
Community and Alumni Networks
Catholic school alumni networks in the Philippines are among the strongest in the country. The Ateneo, La Salle, and San Beda communities extend well beyond graduation, creating professional and social connections that last a lifetime.
Discipline and Structure
Catholic schools typically maintain stricter behavioral standards --- dress codes, grooming policies, and conduct expectations --- which many parents value.
Budget Tier: PHP 30,000-60,000/year
These are typically parish schools, diocesan schools, or schools run by smaller religious congregations. They offer solid Catholic education at rates accessible to middle-income Filipino families.
Colegio de San Lorenzo (COSLO)
Colegio de San Lorenzo in Quezon City is run by the Augustinian Sisters and offers K-12 education.
- Annual Tuition (Grade School): PHP 30,000-42,000
- Annual Tuition (Junior High): PHP 35,000-48,000
- Annual Tuition (Senior High): PHP 38,000-52,000
- Miscellaneous Fees: PHP 5,000-8,000 per year
- Total Annual Cost: PHP 35,000-60,000
Lourdes School of Quezon City
Lourdes School of Quezon City is a well-known Catholic school in Quezon City offering preschool through senior high school.
- Annual Tuition (Grade School): PHP 35,000-45,000
- Annual Tuition (Junior High): PHP 40,000-52,000
- Annual Tuition (Senior High): PHP 42,000-55,000
- Miscellaneous Fees: PHP 5,000-10,000 per year
- Total Annual Cost: PHP 40,000-65,000
San Beda University (Basic Education)
San Beda University in Manila, run by the Benedictine monks, offers affordable basic education alongside its well-known college and law school programs.
- Annual Tuition (Grade School): PHP 35,000-48,000
- Annual Tuition (Junior High): PHP 42,000-55,000
- Annual Tuition (Senior High): PHP 45,000-58,000
- Miscellaneous Fees: PHP 8,000-12,000 per year
- Total Annual Cost: PHP 43,000-70,000
Colegio de San Juan de Letran
Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Intramuros, Manila is one of the oldest schools in the Philippines, run by the Dominican Fathers.
- Annual Tuition (Grade School): PHP 32,000-45,000
- Annual Tuition (Junior High): PHP 38,000-52,000
- Annual Tuition (Senior High): PHP 40,000-55,000
- Miscellaneous Fees: PHP 6,000-10,000 per year
- Total Annual Cost: PHP 38,000-65,000
Letran has a storied athletic rivalry with San Beda and a loyal alumni base. It offers good value for a school with deep historical roots.
Other Budget-Tier Catholic Schools
- Siena College (Quezon City) --- PHP 30,000-50,000/year
- San Sebastian College - Recoletos (Manila) --- PHP 32,000-48,000/year
- Holy Spirit Academy (various locations) --- PHP 28,000-42,000/year
- Parish-run schools --- PHP 20,000-35,000/year
Mid-Range Tier: PHP 60,000-120,000/year
Mid-range Catholic schools offer a step up in facilities, class sizes, and academic programs while remaining within reach for upper-middle-income families.
Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA)
Immaculate Conception Academy in Greenhills, San Juan is an exclusive Catholic school for girls run by the Religious of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (ICM).
- Annual Tuition (Grade School): PHP 70,000-90,000
- Annual Tuition (Junior High): PHP 80,000-105,000
- Annual Tuition (Senior High): PHP 85,000-115,000
- Miscellaneous Fees: PHP 10,000-15,000 per year
- Total Annual Cost: PHP 80,000-130,000
ICA is known for producing confident, articulate young women. Its alumnae include business leaders, politicians, and professionals across various fields.
Miriam College (Basic Education)
Miriam College in Quezon City, formerly Maryknoll College, is a Catholic school for girls that emphasizes environmental stewardship and women's empowerment alongside academics.
- Annual Tuition (Grade School): PHP 65,000-85,000
- Annual Tuition (Junior High): PHP 75,000-100,000
- Annual Tuition (Senior High): PHP 80,000-110,000
- Miscellaneous Fees: PHP 10,000-15,000 per year
- Total Annual Cost: PHP 75,000-125,000
Miriam College has a beautiful, tree-lined campus along Katipunan Avenue and is known for its strong arts, environment, and social justice programs.
St. Scholastica's College (Basic Education)
St. Scholastica's College in Manila, run by the Missionary Benedictine Sisters, is one of the most respected all-girls schools in the country.
- Annual Tuition (Grade School): PHP 60,000-80,000
- Annual Tuition (Junior High): PHP 68,000-92,000
- Annual Tuition (Senior High): PHP 72,000-98,000
- Miscellaneous Fees: PHP 10,000-15,000 per year
- Total Annual Cost: PHP 70,000-113,000
St. Scholastica's is renowned for its music program and its commitment to social justice. The school's Singkaban Festival and liturgical celebrations are among the most beautiful in Manila's Catholic school community.
O.B. Montessori Center
O.B. Montessori Center operates several campuses across Metro Manila. While not strictly a Catholic school, it was founded on Catholic values and integrates Christian formation into its Montessori approach.
- Annual Tuition (Preschool): PHP 80,000-120,000
- Annual Tuition (Grade School): PHP 90,000-130,000
- Annual Tuition (Junior High): PHP 95,000-140,000
- Miscellaneous Fees: PHP 10,000-18,000 per year
- Total Annual Cost: PHP 90,000-158,000
Poveda Learning Centre
Poveda Learning Centre in Quezon City is run by the Teresian Association and offers a unique approach combining academic rigor with Teresian spirituality.
- Annual Tuition (Grade School): PHP 65,000-88,000
- Annual Tuition (Junior High): PHP 75,000-100,000
- Annual Tuition (Senior High): PHP 80,000-108,000
- Miscellaneous Fees: PHP 10,000-15,000 per year
- Total Annual Cost: PHP 75,000-123,000
Poveda is known for its strong academic reputation and its emphasis on developing independent, critical thinkers within a faith-based framework.
Premium Tier: PHP 120,000-250,000+/year
These are the elite Catholic schools in Metro Manila. They offer top-tier facilities, small class sizes, extensive extracurricular programs, and the strongest alumni networks.
La Salle Green Hills (LSGH)
La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong is one of the most prestigious all-boys schools in the Philippines, run by the De La Salle Brothers.
- Annual Tuition (Grade School): PHP 130,000-170,000
- Annual Tuition (Junior High): PHP 150,000-200,000
- Annual Tuition (Senior High): PHP 160,000-220,000
- Miscellaneous Fees: PHP 15,000-25,000 per year
- Total Annual Cost: PHP 145,000-245,000
LSGH is synonymous with excellence in Catholic education for boys. Its campus includes world-class sports facilities, a performing arts center, and technology-equipped classrooms. The Lasallian alumni network is one of the most powerful in the Philippine business community.
Ateneo de Manila Grade School / Junior & Senior High School
Ateneo de Manila in Quezon City, run by the Jesuits, offers arguably the most prestigious Catholic education in the Philippines.
- Annual Tuition (Grade School): PHP 120,000-160,000
- Annual Tuition (Junior High): PHP 140,000-190,000
- Annual Tuition (Senior High): PHP 150,000-210,000
- Miscellaneous Fees: PHP 15,000-25,000 per year
- Total Annual Cost: PHP 135,000-235,000
The Ateneo's Ignatian pedagogy --- emphasizing competence, conscience, and compassion --- produces graduates who consistently rank among the top performers in college admissions exams. The school's Xavier School (grade school) and high school departments are separate but connected campuses along Katipunan Avenue.
Assumption College San Lorenzo (ACSL)
Assumption College San Lorenzo in Makati is an elite all-girls school run by the Religious of the Assumption.
- Annual Tuition (Grade School): PHP 120,000-155,000
- Annual Tuition (Junior High): PHP 135,000-180,000
- Annual Tuition (Senior High): PHP 145,000-195,000
- Miscellaneous Fees: PHP 15,000-22,000 per year
- Total Annual Cost: PHP 135,000-217,000
Assumption Makati is known for producing polished, well-rounded young women. Its alumnae include prominent figures in business, media, and public service. The school's campus in the heart of Makati is modern and secure.
De La Salle Santiago Zobel School
DLSSZ in Muntinlupa offers Lasallian education in the southern Metro Manila area.
- Annual Tuition (Grade School): PHP 110,000-145,000
- Annual Tuition (Junior High): PHP 125,000-170,000
- Annual Tuition (Senior High): PHP 135,000-185,000
- Miscellaneous Fees: PHP 12,000-20,000 per year
- Total Annual Cost: PHP 122,000-205,000
Tuition Comparison Table
| School | Tier | Grade School (PHP/yr) | Junior High (PHP/yr) | Senior High (PHP/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parish schools | Budget | 20,000-35,000 | 25,000-40,000 | 28,000-42,000 |
| Letran | Budget | 32,000-45,000 | 38,000-52,000 | 40,000-55,000 |
| San Beda | Budget | 35,000-48,000 | 42,000-55,000 | 45,000-58,000 |
| St. Scholastica's | Mid | 60,000-80,000 | 68,000-92,000 | 72,000-98,000 |
| Miriam College | Mid | 65,000-85,000 | 75,000-100,000 | 80,000-110,000 |
| ICA | Mid | 70,000-90,000 | 80,000-105,000 | 85,000-115,000 |
| Poveda | Mid | 65,000-88,000 | 75,000-100,000 | 80,000-108,000 |
| DLSSZ | Premium | 110,000-145,000 | 125,000-170,000 | 135,000-185,000 |
| Ateneo | Premium | 120,000-160,000 | 140,000-190,000 | 150,000-210,000 |
| Assumption Makati | Premium | 120,000-155,000 | 135,000-180,000 | 145,000-195,000 |
| LSGH | Premium | 130,000-170,000 | 150,000-200,000 | 160,000-220,000 |
Hidden Costs at Catholic Schools
Catholic schools in Metro Manila come with several costs beyond tuition that you should budget for:
Standard Hidden Costs
- Registration/Enrollment Fee: PHP 3,000-12,000 per year
- Books and learning materials: PHP 5,000-15,000 per year (premium schools may require specific publishers or digital platforms)
- Uniforms (daily, PE, scout): PHP 3,000-10,000 per year
- School van/carpool: PHP 2,500-5,500 per month (PHP 25,000-55,000 per year)
- Baon (daily allowance): PHP 80-150 per day (PHP 16,000-30,000 per year)
Catholic School-Specific Costs
- Retreat/Recollection fees: PHP 800-3,500 per event (1-3 per year)
- Sacramental preparation (First Communion, Confirmation): PHP 500-2,000 (one-time)
- Mission/outreach contributions: PHP 200-1,000 per activity
- Flores de Mayo, Simbang Gabi, and other Catholic events: PHP 200-500 per event
Premium School-Specific Costs
- School development fund/capital assessment: PHP 5,000-20,000 per year
- PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) dues: PHP 1,000-5,000 per year
- Technology fee or device requirement: PHP 3,000-8,000 per year
- Extracurricular activity fees (sports, arts, clubs): PHP 2,000-10,000 per year
- Graduation and moving-up ceremonies: PHP 2,000-8,000
All-Boys vs. All-Girls vs. Co-Ed Catholic Schools
Metro Manila Catholic schools come in all three configurations:
| Type | Examples | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| All-Boys | LSGH, Ateneo, San Beda, Letran | Strong sports culture, brotherhood bonds, competitive academics |
| All-Girls | Assumption, ICA, Miriam, St. Scholastica's, Poveda | Leadership development, sisterhood, strong arts programs |
| Co-Ed | O.B. Montessori, parish schools, some Lasallian schools | Mixed social environment, broader perspective |
Research shows no definitive academic advantage for single-sex vs. co-ed schooling. The best choice depends on your child's personality and your family's preference.
How to Choose the Right Catholic School
- Consider which religious order resonates with your family. Jesuits (Ateneo) emphasize intellectual rigor and service. Lasallians (La Salle) focus on faith, service, and community. Assumptionists prioritize the formation of women with a global perspective. Benedictines (San Beda, St. Scholastica's) stress discipline and contemplation. Each order brings a distinctive flavor to education.
- Visit during a regular school day. Open houses and school fairs show you the polished version. Visiting during normal hours reveals the real classroom atmosphere, teacher-student interactions, and daily rhythms.
- Ask about the school's approach to religious diversity. Some Catholic schools welcome non-Catholic students but require participation in religious activities. Others are more flexible. Clarify expectations during the admissions process.
- Evaluate the school's support systems. Guidance counselors, learning support, and anti-bullying programs matter. Premium schools tend to have dedicated teams for these; smaller schools may rely on homeroom advisors.
- Look at alumni outcomes. Where do graduates go to college? What do they do after graduation? A school's alumni track record is a strong indicator of education quality. Ask the admissions office for data on college placements.
- Factor in the total 13-year cost. If you plan to keep your child from Kindergarten through Grade 12, estimate the total investment including annual tuition increases of 5-8%. A school charging PHP 120,000 in Kindergarten could charge PHP 210,000+ by Grade 12.
Scholarships and Financial Aid at Catholic Schools
Many Catholic schools in Metro Manila offer financial assistance:
- Academic scholarships: Typically 25-100% tuition discount for students with outstanding grades or entrance exam scores
- Sibling discounts: 5-15% discount for families with multiple children enrolled
- Financial aid programs: Most premium schools have dedicated financial aid offices that assess family income and provide need-based support
- Parish recommendations: Some Catholic schools offer reduced rates for active parish members referred by their parish priest
- Early enrollment discounts: 3-5% off for families who pay in full during the early enrollment period
Frequently Asked Questions
Do my children have to be Catholic to attend a Catholic school?
Most Catholic schools in Metro Manila accept non-Catholic students. However, students are typically required to attend religion classes and participate in school liturgies and retreats. Some schools are more flexible than others --- ask during admissions.
How do Catholic school tuition fees compare to non-sectarian private schools?
Catholic schools in the mid-range tier (PHP 60,000-120,000) are generally comparable to or slightly higher than non-sectarian private schools of similar quality. The premium you pay covers the values formation component, campus ministry programs, and typically better-maintained facilities.
Are Catholic school fees increasing faster than inflation?
Yes. Most Catholic schools in Metro Manila increase tuition by 5-8% annually, which outpaces the typical Philippine inflation rate of 3-5%. This is driven by rising teacher salaries, facility maintenance, and the cost of educational technology.
What is the difference between parish schools and religious order schools?
Parish schools are run by the local parish and diocese --- they tend to be more affordable but have fewer resources. Religious order schools (Jesuit, Lasallian, Benedictine, etc.) are run by specific religious congregations with established educational traditions, more robust programs, and higher tuition.
Do Catholic schools perform better academically than public schools?
On average, yes. Catholic schools in Metro Manila consistently outperform public schools on standardized tests, college entrance exam results, and college admission rates. However, some top public science high schools (like Philippine Science High School) outperform even elite Catholic schools.
Can I get a refund if my child withdraws?
Refund policies vary by school. Most follow DepEd guidelines: full refund if withdrawal is before classes start, prorated refund within the first month, and no refund after a certain date. Always check the school's specific policy.
What extracurricular activities do Catholic schools typically offer?
Most Catholic schools offer sports (basketball, volleyball, swimming, track), performing arts (choir, theater, dance), academic clubs (debate, math, science), campus ministry activities (outreach, liturgical ministry), and student government. Premium schools add robotics, foreign language programs, and competitive sports academies.
How early should I apply to premium Catholic schools?
For schools like Ateneo, La Salle Green Hills, and Assumption, apply 12-18 months before the desired entry year. Some schools begin the admissions process in September or October for the following August enrollment. Waitlists are common at the most sought-after schools.
Ready to find the right school? Browse Catholic schools in Metro Manila or use our search tool to compare tuition fees, religious affiliations, and programs across all Catholic schools in the Philippines.