FAQs

Is your diploma recognized in America?

Absolutely, as students received dual diplomas from our branch here in Clark as well as our main school in St. Paul, Minnesota. Our diploma and curriculum meet the requirements of leading universities in the United States and has already facilitated many recent graduates to be accepted and attend universities in the United States.


Are you an “international school”?

Our school is an “American” school, but international in nature due to the very diverse student body. The Saint Paul School Clark has American management, faculty, curriculum, textbooks and the same teaching procedures/rules as our school in the United States. In that context, Saint Paul is an American school and not an international school, which may mix curriculums and have teachers from many different countries.


Is your campus open? Can students freely leave the campus?

No, Saint Paul is a closed campus and secured with guards and CCTV. Movement in and out of the campus is regulated and monitored.


Where are your teachers from?

Except for language courses like Spanish and Mandarin, our teachers are from the United States and Philippines.


Is there an admissions test?

No, there is a “placement” test to test the skills of your child in order to properly place them in our academic schedule.


My child can’t speak much English. Can you accept him and how long will it take for him to learn English?

Young students become proficient in English within 18-24 months, and are able to begin basic usage within 6 months – of course depending on the student. After assessments, students will be assigned to the appropriate ESL (English as a Second Language) classes which are included in our fee/tuition schedule.


Have you had any graduates who have been accepted by American universities? Can my child apply to universities around the world?

Recent graduates have been accepted to many colleges and universities in the United States, as well as around the world and here in the Philippines. High school students receive college counseling and assistance from the school to choose and apply to their desired universities.


How can my child get to school?

We offer, as an option, door to door, chaperoned bus service.


How can I pay the fees/tuition?

Cash (dollars or Philippine pesos), Wire transfer, check, credit cards (MC/Visa).


Must my child wear a uniform?

The school, in order to foster consistency and discipline, as well as to curtail fashion controversies, does require students to wear the school uniform.


Does your school have at PTA (Parent Teacher Association)?

Yes, Saint Paul American School values the advice and counsel of our stakeholders, the parents, and we periodically have meetings between parents, teachers and school administration.


Can my student try your school first?

Yes, students are welcome to do a “sit-in” for one or two days with no obligation or fees.


What is your academic calendar?

September to June, with July and August having summer school (optional) if there is the required demand.


What curriculum do you use?

We are obligated, as a member of the SPASS System to use the American curriculum developed by SPASS, which adheres to the guidelines of the Academic standards promulgated by the Department of Education in Minnesota. The curriculum is widely accepted at public and private American universities.


Where are the students from?

So far we are privileged to welcome students from many nations including the USA, Canada, Australia, India, Korea, Philippines, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, Lebanon, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Norway, New Zealand, and Iraq.


Does each student have an academic advisor?

Saint Paul students meet each morning in their advisory class to discuss the school, events and receive guidance from their advisory teacher.


What are the visa requirements?

In the Philippines, K-12 students require a Special Study Permit, if they are not residents or citizens of the Philippines. Many students can derive status, and not need a Special Study Permit, through their parents if they have a working visa or investor’s visa.


What are you class sizes like and teacher student ratio?

Our student/teacher ratio is 9:1 and average class sizes are under 16 students. Saint Paul makes it a point to keep class sizes small as this is a distinct advantage in offering quality education.


What is the day schedule of students?

Students attend classes from 8am to 3pm and 3pm to 4pm are comprised of various activities. Pre-K and Kindergarten students attend school from 9am to 2pm.

Do you accept nursery students?

Students for Nursery must be at least three (3) years old by September 1.


Does the school have a cafeteria?

Yes, the school has its own cafeteria and kitchen, providing high quality, fresh, cooked daily- breakfasts, lunches and dinners- seven days a week to serve day and boarding students. The food, with large portions, is a mix of international dishes, fruits, and vegetables.


Do you have medical services?

Yes, the school has a nurse available at all hours.


What can I expect my dormitory living environment to be like?

Students are limited to only two to a room to provide space and comfort. Students learn independence as a key skill in preparing for college. The dormitory is on-campus, with 24 hour security and dorm staff, including a nurse, and laundry is done for students several times a week.