Iskwelahang Pilipino (IP) was established in 1976 by a group of parents and educators to create an environment where their children would have an opportunity to learn about their Filipino heritage. The school started at Eliot Church in Newton, Massachusetts with 55 students and stayed there for 19 years. IP was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1981. In 1995 IP moved to 12 Mudge Way, Bedford, Massachusetts where it currently resides.

Over the years, IP has grown from its signature biweekly language and culture program for school-age children to include a number of family activities, a rondalla music program, the acclaimed IP Rondalla Ensemble, and a vibrant community of Filipino American families.

The oldest Filipino cultural school in continuous operation in the United States, IP has been recognized by both the Philippines and the Filipino American Community. In September 2005, IP received the Leadership Award from the New England Chapter of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) “in recognition of it outstanding achievements and leadership in Filipino Arts and Culture Development and Promotion.” In December 2006, IP was honored at Malacañang Palace with a Presidential Award, the prestigious Banaag Award “given to those whose contributions have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.”

Run on a strictly volunteer basis, the majority of the faculty and staff are parents who have the skills, interest, and commitment to support and advocate the school mission. Our parents and students come from diverse economic and professional backgrounds from the Greater Boston area and nearby New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut.