Looking For Private Special Education Schools In Manila? Check This List!

Disclaimer: Not all schools or centers on this list are solely for special needs learners, but they accommodate children with special needs in the light of inclusive education. At the same time, some simply offer intervention programs and conductive education. Other information not included and disclosed can be double-checked with the schools or centers. 

Special education (SPED) is part of the inclusive education program of the Department of Education which “aims to promote the right of every Filipino to quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete basic education.” 

In special education, we have mainstream and inclusive education. UNESCO defines mainstream education as "the inclusion ‘of learners with special needs into general educational settings or regular schools." On the other hand, inclusive education means "that each individual’s needs are taken into account and that all learners participate and achieve together. It acknowledges that all children can learn and that every child has unique characteristics, interests, abilities and learning needs. Special focus is placed on learners who may be at risk of marginalization, exclusion or underachievement. For example, where a child has a disability he or she would not be separated from other learners in school and learning assessments and progress would take the disability into account." 

UNICEF advocates for inclusive education. It states that “Inclusive education is the most effective way to give all children a fair chance to go to school, learn and develop the skills they need to thrive. Inclusive education means all children in the same classrooms, in the same schools. It means real learning opportunities for groups who have traditionally been excluded – not only children with disabilities.”

Related: Ultimate Guide: The What’s And Why’s Of SPED In Education

But finding a school that offers special education classes and early intervention programs is not a walk in the park–even on a level where the government tries to provide access to inclusivity for our special needs learners: we have limited SPED centers and special education teachers with a student-teacher ratio of 31:1, according to a 2023 article on Special Education budget.

If public special education schools are limited, what are the odds for private institutions and centers?

How do you look for special education schools or intervention centers in the Metro? Smart Parenting rounded up a list based on the National Council on Disability Affairs website.

Manila special education private schools and centers

Sergia G. Esguerra Memorial Foundation, Inc. (Philippine Institute for the Deaf)

Address: Nagtahan Bridge, Pandacan, Manila
Contact No.: (632) 564-0156
Programs: Academic programs, Speech-Language Therapy, Family Counseling and Guidance, Audiological Services, Hearing Screenings and Mainstream Consultation services. They have pre-school, gradeschool and highschool programs. The ISP Day School Program, or the inclusion school which sits regular “hearing” high school students with the orally trained deaf students, offers classes for children aged 12-30 years.
Annual Tuition Fee: ranges between P80,000 to P100,000 depending on the needs and assessment, but they also offer half and full scholarships for qualified families

Cerecare Philippines, Inc.

Address: 3894 J & T Tower Ramon Magsaysay Blvd. Sta. Mesa, Manila
Contact No.: (02) 8716 7688
Programs: SPED, Physical/Occupational Therapy, Psychological Assessment, Speech Correction, Individual and Family Counseling and Conductive Education with Acupressure. Their center is the first in the Philippines to be accredited by both Department of Education and Department of Health, leading the incorporation of Conductive Education to traditional rehabilitation interventions. It leans on training special needs students to become self-sustaining and effective contributors to nation-building.
Applicable Fees: Depends on child assessment and evaluation, for example: initial evaluation fee of P2500 and P1000/session for Occupational Therapy

St. Dymphna Consultancy and SPED Intervention Center

Address: Block 1 Unit 17 Manila Jade Garden, Honorio Lopez Blvd., Tondo, Manila
Contact No/s.: (632) 354-4689; 0915-854 7078
Programs: consultancy, training, SPED and developmental intervention programs for those with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cognitive Impairment, ADHD, learning disability and other related learning and behavioral problems.
Applicable Fees: contact the center directly for quotes

Related: 10 Homework Strategies For Your Grade-Schooler With ADHD

St. John of God PolyClinic Special School

Address: 1126 R. Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, Manila
Contact No.: 0915 591 8167
Programs: SPED programs for children with hearing impairment, Autism, ADHD, speech delay. They have special education programs for grades 1-3 and special education pre-vocational classes, too. 
Annual Tuition Fee: special education program starts at P44,000 (doctor’s diagnosis and recommendation is required)

Brother of Charity Ortho-Pedagogical Institute

Address: 2002 Jesus Street, Pandacan, Manila
Contact No.: (02) 8 564-0197
Programs: special education for special needs children and young adults, particularly with intellectual disabilities for Pandacan branch, based on their age ranging from ages 5-30. 
Tuition Fee: Their special education program starts at P3,000 monthly, with additional P8,150 for miscellaneous fees

The Lights of Patriarchs Special Education Center

Address: 2/F Miracle Bldg., 873 Jhocson Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Contact No.:(02) 8255-2295, 09284345090
Programs: Early Intervention, Early (Kinder 1 and 2) and Elementary Education (Grades 1-6), ABA, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Tutorial for regular and special education students
Annual Tuition Fee: SPED Program starts at P73,500; For therapy: initial evaluation fee of P1,000 and 850/hour of therapy

Read Also: Mga Dapat Mong Malaman Sa Special Education Curriculum sa Pilipinas

What should I consider in choosing a school or intervention center for my special needs child?

Here are 5 things that you may want to consider in choosing a special education facility:

1. Proximity, Facility, Suitability

Is it near my house? Is it near my place of work? If not, what is my plan for pick-up and drop-off? Are the school facilities PWD-friendly? Do they offer food for those children with special dietary requirements or should we pack our own snacks and lunch? Do they offer interventions that are a good fit for my child?

It is best to visit the school and gather as much information before enrolling. Have a meaningful conversation with teachers and school personnel to determine what to expect if you enroll your child in their institution and what parameters are set to ensure your child’s growth in their care.

2. Academic Criteria

The school will assess your child which academic level they should be on. Your child's developmental pediatrician will diagnose if special education is needed for your child and he/she may recommend what kind of intervention or therapy is needed. 

3. Levels of Inclusion, Class Size

The school will determine upon assessment whether your child is fit for mainstream classes, inclusive education, one-on-one tutorials or individualized program, as well as group tutorials–depending on the severity of your child’s special needs (mild, moderate, severe). This is vital in monitoring your child’s progress and determining if, for example, they can now move to group sessions from individualized programs.

You can also inquire about the student-teacher ratio so you have an idea how much focus your child can get from these programs. 

Related: Quezon City Special Education Schools: Tuition Fee Guide and More

4. School Philosophy and Values

They say it takes a village to raise a child. You must share the same philosophies and values of the community you want to raise your child with. If the school values do not align with yours, it would be a difficult path for you and your child.

5. Budget

Therapy sessions can be very costly depending on the frequency and number of interventions needed by your child. It is important to know the applicable fees you need to be prepared for and that can be answered by the school upon meeting your child and assessing what interventions are needed to come into play.