COVID-19 FAQ

Whether or not we return to in-person instruction is still dependent on future government regulations. All instruction is currently online and will continue as long as needed. We are, however, prepared to transition to in-person instruction quickly should circumstances significantly improve.

Brent will continue to provide quality learning opportunities for those students who are unable to return to the Philippines. We are also considering several hybrid options should that be necessary.

Yes. The Reservation and Re-Enrollment Form is posted here. Payment Options are found here.
Even if abroad, please meet the April 12, 2021 deadline to either reserve a seat if returning or withdraw if not returning to Brent. Instructions for both are on the Reservation and Re-Enrollment Form.

Yes. This has always been possible. Brent has an office dedicated to helping families with visa issues. Families with accepted students will be directed to the Visa and Expat Services office by Admissions, when needed. Information needed by applicants can be found on our website here.

Please watch the video or view the slides highlighting our preparations.

As the COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving, the specific safety measures implemented will depend on the situation when we return to in-person classes. Brent Schools will continue to abide by recommendations of the Department of Health, the Department of Labor, the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and our local Binan City Health office.

Brent has always had a fully staffed and well-equipped clinic as well as two ambulances at the ready for daily school safety. The following safety precautions have been added in light of the pandemic and will be adjusted as needed:

• 98% of all Brent International School Manila employees are fully vaccinated.
• Merv-13 filters capable of removing viruses from the circulating air have been installed.
• Fan Cool Units have been adjusted for additional air circulation.
• Humidity controls have been adjusted.
• Screens have been added to windows for even more air circulation.
• Isolation rooms have been built.
• A testing center has been established for testing employees when needed.
• Acrylic barriers have been erected in offices with high traffic.
• Portable sinks for hand-washing are in place.
• Daily Health Assessment forms are required to be filled out by employees.
• Face masks and face shields are required for entry.
• Temperature checks are required on entry: Those with temperatures = / > 37.5 will be isolated and rechecked after 5 minutes. Individuals with a high temperature will not be permitted on campus.
• Social distancing guide markings for lines and seating, as well as directional and advisory signs, are located in frequently used areas.
• Disinfectant doormats are at various entry points.
• Frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and handrails are disinfected twice a day.
• Sanitation stations are maintained throughout campus.
• Observing proper respiratory etiquette is encouraged:
  • Coughing and sneezing into a tissue or into a shirt sleeve if a tissue is not available
  • Disposing of used tissues properly
  • Disinfecting hands immediately by properly washing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer immediately after a cough or sneeze
• Self quarantine: Families and students traveling into the country, or otherwise potentially exposed to COVID-19, are requested to self-quarantine for 14 days prior to coming to school.

The handling of some issues such as classroom density, food services, locker rooms and busing will depend on specific guidelines once the government allows in person classes to resume. There are a variety of solutions to these issues, and Brent will adapt as needed.

The development of the whole child (academic, social, emotional, spiritual, and physical) continues to be a key feature of the Brent education. The continuance of clubs and sports will, however, likely be limited and dependent on the evolving situation going forward. Government mandates, as well as the stance of our various leagues, will affect our decisions. We are in direct contact with the Department of Education and will continue to monitor guidelines and all options.

Our classes, both core and elective, as well as the chaplaincy and counseling program, will look for ways to supplement the non-academic side of our educational program. Ultimately, we hope these challenges will develop the same resiliency and cooperative skills we work to foster in our clubs and sporting activities.

Busing may prove to be one of our more challenging areas. If we are required to operate at 50% capacity as a social distancing requirement, we may have to limit our bus routes. Closer routes may need to be eliminated. This is, however, dependent on government regulations, actual enrollment, bus sign-ups, and whether we are running full in-person classes or operating a hybrid model.

We have been testing out a variety of food service methods with our staff who continue working on campus. In addition to masks and frequent disinfecting, there are a variety of options to enhance social distancing such as having students eat in classrooms, encouraging packed lunches, and providing preset meals for pick up.

Fortunately, the Early Learning Center (ELC) is self-contained with its own drop-off area, cafeteria, playground, gym, and library. Additionally, schedules may be adjusted to keep students primarily in contact with their homeroom class during play time.

We are acutely aware of the many personal and financial difficulties our families are facing during these unprecedented times. As an institution, we are making every effort to adapt and maintain the ability to provide a safe, quality education for our students. There will be no tuition increase for the 2021-2022 school year and no increase in busing rates. This will be our fourth year without a tuition increase. The last increase was 2% in 2017-2018. Our ability to go a third year without an increase highlights the wise long-term financial planning of Brent’s Board. By deferring some expenses, we will be able to weather this storm. We recognize many businesses and individuals are experiencing financial distress, and we hope deferring any rate increases will help our families manage these difficult days. Going forward we will continue to look for ways to support our families where we can.