Iskwelahang Pilipino’s history begins with a group of parents and educators. They established Iskwelahang Pilipino (IP) in 1976 to create an environment where their children would gain opportunities to learn about their Filipino heritage. The school first started at Eliot Church in Newton, Massachusetts with 55 students in its first year. IP was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1981. Then, in 1995, IP moved to 12 Mudge Way, Bedford, Massachusetts. While we are still headquartered in Bedford, we have outgrown our classroom space there. Consequently, we began holding lessons at the Fiske Elementary School in Lexington, Massachusetts in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Over the history of Iskwelahang Pilipino, the school grew from its signature biweekly language and culture program for school-age children. IP now includes: age-appropriate lessons, a diverse offering of study subjects, a Rondalla Program, Christmas Carolers, a Dance Team, and more! We are a proud, vibrant community comprised of immigrant families, second and third generation Filipino-American families, adoptive, and multiracial families.
We run on a strictly volunteer basis, with most of our faculty and staff being parents and alumni. Our volunteers have the skills, interest, and commitment to support our school’s mission. Our community members come from diverse economic and professional backgrounds throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
We are excited to continue writing the rich history of Iskwelahang Pilipino and hope you can join us!
Accolades
Iskwelahang Pillpino is one of the oldest Filipino cultural schools in continuous operation in the United States!
Both the Philippines and Filipino American community have recognized IP for its work. 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 its 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 Banakat Award, “given to those whose contributions have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.”
