Everest Academy, Manila

In Brief

Small Catholic K-12 in BGC, Taguig. Opened 2007. Around 500 students total, max 25 per class. The first Regnum Christi (Legion of Christ) school in Asia.

The vibe is family-style and faith-first. Parents who like it really like it - they talk about kids becoming "more polite and respectful" and the admin knowing every child by name. According to one parent, the school focuses on "personalized, well-rounded formation for the students academically, socially, in human virtues, and sportsmanship." That's the core sell: character formation alongside academics, with parents pulled in as active partners (think retreats, committees, parent formation evenings - it's a real commitment, not a token PTA).

Two things your friend should know going in.

First, it's properly Catholic. Integral Formation, Mass, Regnum Christi spirituality woven through the day. Not nominally Catholic like some local schools - this is the real thing. If they're Catholic and want that, perfect fit. If they're not, it'll feel like a lot.

Second, classes split by gender from Grade 4 onwards. Co-ed for the little ones and at recess, single-sex for core lessons in the middle years. Some families love this, others don't.

On academics: IB Diploma in the senior years, US-style curriculum below that. Small year groups mean a smaller graduating cohort and a thinner subject menu than ISM or BSM - worth checking the IB options match the kid's interests.

Fees run roughly PHP 474k-741k a year depending on grade. Cheaper than the big international schools, but still serious money for a school this size, and one parent online said the quiet bit out loud - "why does a Catholic school cost this much."

Staff side is mixed. Colleagues described as warm and familial; one teacher said the leadership was "toxic and incompetent." Small sample, take with salt, but worth noting if your friend bumps into teacher turnover at the open day.

Wider context worth flagging gently: the Legion of Christ globally has a difficult history (founder abuse scandal, ongoing reform). The Manila school is well-regarded by its families and there's nothing specific against it - but if your friend is sensitive to the affiliation, they should ask about it directly on the tour.

Bottom line: a genuine option for Catholic families wanting small, intentional, character-led schooling in BGC. Probably not the right fit for a secular family or anyone wanting big-school facilities and breadth.