German European School Manila vs Southville International School and Colleges

	G German European School Manila Manila, Philippines	S Southville International School and Colleges Manila, Philippines
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₱415,533 - 1,138,283	Fees / year ₱143,000 - 764,472
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), German Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum Korean Curriculum, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 360	Pupils 1,800
Typical class size	Typical class size 13	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1980	Opened 1990
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location GESM is on the Eurocampus at 75 Swaziland Street, Better Living Subdivision, Parañaque City, 1711, Metro Manila, Philippines. The two-hectare campus is shared with the Lycée Français de Manille and is part of the European International School complex on Eurocampus. The location places the school in southern Metro Manila with campus facilities that serve both schools on the same site.	Location Southville International School and Colleges operates across BF Homes in Parañaque City and Las Piñas City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The STAR Campus is at 136 Elizalde St., BF Homes, Parañaque City. The Munich Campus is at Munich St. corner Tropical Avenue, BF Homes International, Las Piñas City. The Tropical Campus is at 1281 Tropical Ave. corner Luxembourg St., BF Homes International, Las Piñas City, and the Luxembourg Campus is at Luxembourg St. corner Tropical Ave., BF Homes International, Las Piñas City.
Stages	Stages GESM offers Kindergarten through Grade 12. From Kindergarten to Grade 10, students are enrolled in either the German Section or the English International Section; Grades 11–12 offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP), taught in English and German.	Stages Southville offers basic education from Preschool through Grade 12 and also provides college degree programs. The STAR Campus serves Early Childhood through Grade 3; the Munich Campus covers Early Childhood to Grade 5. The Tropical Campus houses IB and College programs for Grades 5–11 (HS I–IV), while the Luxembourg Campus hosts Grade School (Grades 5–6) and High School (Grades 7–12) and College.
School type	School type GESM is a co-educational, secular, non-profit international day school. It operates on a two-section model (German and International) and does not provide boarding facilities.	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school across multiple BF Homes campuses. TREX Residence provides dormitory facilities for SGEN students who live far away.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support GESM runs an Additional Needs Programme (ANP) to support students who require extra help beyond regular classroom instruction. Identification is through assessments, teacher observations, and family consultations. Support includes in-class or small-group/individual sessions and modified goals, with placement decided case-by-case; some support may incur additional fees.	Additional learning support English as a Second Language is offered under Special Programs. Public pages do not describe a dedicated SEN department or facilities. Other programs include Worthwhile Weekend and SMART Programs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation GESM is a German government-recognized school abroad and is part of the network of German Schools Abroad; it is also a UNESCO Associated School. This reflects its official German government oversight and international accreditation.	Country affiliation The school operates in the Philippines and is part of the Southville Global Education Network (SGEN).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation GESM operates as a secular institution with no religious denomination affiliation. Ethics is mandatory, and students or parents may opt for Religion as an alternative.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is listed on official materials.
School day structure	School day structure All classes start at 7:30am. Kindergarten through Primary finish at 2:00pm each day; Secondary typically finishes at 2:00pm on most days and 3:30pm on some days. Afternoon clubs run 2:00pm–3:30pm, and supervised after‑care is available for Primary students until 3:30pm; a school bus service is available.	School day structure Start and end times vary by campus and level. On-campus programs are organized across campuses (STAR, Munich, Tropical, and Luxembourg) with different level allocations, and Southville Flex provides online asynchronous options for K-12 and higher education.
Bus service details	Bus service details GESM outsources accredited bus providers for door‑to‑door transport with a bus attendant on each vehicle. Billing is arranged directly between families and the bus companies. Routes cover numerous areas around Makati, Parañaque, Alabang, and beyond, with published quarterly rates by area; current rates can be confirmed by the school. The transportation page lists area coverage and corresponding providers.	Bus service details A dedicated school bus service is not publicly listed. TREX Residence offers on-site dormitory housing for students who live far from the campuses, and TREX is located within walking distance of SGEN schools.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Membership and one‑time charges - Membership fee (German School Association Manila): €150, charged annually only for families who elect membership. - Entrance fee (new enrollee, all grade levels): PHP 130,000, one‑time and non‑refundable. - Refundable deposit (new enrollee, all grade levels): PHP 130,000; no interest is paid on the deposit. The deposit is refunded in full upon withdrawal provided there are no outstanding dues and the school clearance process is completed. Tuition fees (annual and per‑term / quarterly): - Kindergarten 1 (age 3): Annual Php 415,533. Quarterly (annual ÷ 4): Php 103,883.25. - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): Annual Php 415,533. Quarterly: Php 103,883.25. - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): Annual Php 583,573. Quarterly: Php 145,893.25. - Grade 1: Annual Php 807,512. Quarterly: Php 201,878.00. - Grade 2: Annual Php 807,512. Quarterly: Php 201,878.00. - Grade 3: Annual Php 807,512. Quarterly: Php 201,878.00. - Grade 4: Annual Php 807,512. Quarterly: Php 201,878.00. - Grade 5: Annual Php 898,447. Quarterly: Php 224,611.75. - Grade 6: Annual Php 898,447. Quarterly: Php 224,611.75. - Grade 7: Annual Php 898,447. Quarterly: Php 224,611.75. - Grade 8: Annual Php 898,447. Quarterly: Php 224,611.75. - Grade 9: Annual Php 945,138. Quarterly: Php 236,284.50. - Grade 10: Annual Php 945,138. Quarterly: Php 236,284.50. - Grade 11: Annual Php 1,138,283. Quarterly: Php 284,570.75. - Grade 12: Annual Php 1,138,283. Quarterly: Php 284,570.75. First‑year total (example for new enrolment) - For every new enrollee the one‑time entrance fee (PHP 130,000) and the refundable deposit (PHP 130,000) apply in the first year in addition to the annual tuition and any association/membership contributions. For example, the published first‑year total for Kindergarten 1 (including the one‑time entrance and deposit and the published euro/ peso components) is Php 675,533. This example and the tuition components are taken from the school's published 2025–2026 fee schedule. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school offers a quarterly payment option. Typical due dates for quarterly payments are: August 1, November 1, February 1, and May 1. Non‑payment resulting in outstanding tuition arrears at the end of the school year prevents a student from qualifying for enrollment in the following school year until outstanding obligations are settled. - The accounting office issues an invoice upon confirmation of admission that indicates amounts due and payment deadlines. Payment currencies and payment methods - Tuition and contributions are published in Euro and Philippine Peso; invoicing requires payment in both currencies (Euro and Peso). Families without access to Euro may pay the Euro portion in Peso using the school's set exchange rate shown on the billing. - Accepted methods for settling invoices (as stated for admissions invoices) are cash, cheque, or bank transfer; the invoice contains the payment details. Credit‑card payment is not listed in the admissions payment information. Boarding / overnight accommodation - German European School Manila is a non‑profit day school; there are no boarding fees because boarding is not provided. Other costs and additional fees - The Peso tuition component includes a class fund contribution of PHP 1,000 per student. Additional costs not covered in the published tuition commonly include transportation, canteen service, school clothing/uniforms, most field trips, and certain extracurricular activities. Additional examination fees may apply: IGCSE examination fees for English‑section students and IB examination/registration fees depending on courses taken. Refunds and forfeiture - The entrance fee (PHP 130,000) is explicitly non‑refundable. The refundable deposit (PHP 130,000) is refunded in full upon permanent withdrawal provided all dues have been paid, borrowed school property has been returned undamaged, and the student clearance process is completed. Outstanding tuition or other unpaid fees will prevent refund until accounts are fully settled.	Fee details Application / Admission fees - K–12 / IB admission processing fee for applicants: USD 50. - College application / admission fee: PHP 1,000. - Southville Monarchs International School (SMIS) reservation / admission fee: PHP 750 (non‑refundable). Tuition fees by school year (summary and availability) - The school issues tuition, miscellaneous and direct‑cost amounts by program/level and by billing plan; specific published figures vary by year, program (Preschool, Grade School, Junior High, Senior High, IB, College, online/FLEX) and payment plan. Official per‑level billing statements are provided to applicants/students during registration. - Representative figures from publicly available materials and historical schedules (for context only): college tuition per semester has been stated in school materials and FAQs in the range of PHP 55,000–PHP 65,000 per semester; some earlier preschool annual totals published in past fee schedules were approximately PHP 100,000 per year (these are program‑specific examples from earlier schedules). These representative numbers are provided only to indicate typical magnitudes; final per‑student amounts and the official term/year breakdown are supplied in each student's billing statement. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school issues an official billing statement to the student/parent after registration or subject selection; available payment schemes (annual, semester, monthly/payment plans) are presented with the billing statement and must be chosen at that time. Payments are acknowledged by the Accounting Office and an official receipt is issued. - Accepted onsite payment methods include cash, check, and debit/credit card (AMEX, Visa, MasterCard and other local networks). Office cashier hours are published for payments made directly at campus. - Bank deposit and wire transfer options (local and from abroad) are provided. BPI and Metrobank accounts are used for peso and dollar payments; SWIFT details are published for international transfers. Parents are asked to email proof of payment to the Accounting Office for acknowledgment. - Digital wallet and online options accepted include GCASH, MAYA, PayMongo (online card and wallet payments), and an online credit‑card payment link (PayMongo) for peso transactions. Payment confirmation instructions and required proof submission details are provided with billing. - For college and graduate students, billing and payment steps (download subjects, wait for billing, pay via bank or online methods, send proof to accounting) are specified in the enrollment instructions. Boarding / residence fees (if applicable) - A student residence (TREX Residences) is operated for students who require dormitory accommodation; rooms are described as furnished and air‑conditioned, within walking distance of the campus. The school/residence web pages describe the residence and services but do not publish a public, itemized boarding fee schedule on the materials reviewed. Parents/students are directed to the residence contact channels for room rates and booking terms. Other costs and typical additional fees - Miscellaneous fees, direct costs and other program‑specific charges (for materials, labs, assessments, examinations, uniforms, field trips and other direct costs) form separate line items on the official billing statement. Example line items in prior published schedules include: Tuition Fee, Miscellaneous Fees, Direct Costs, and Other Fees—each shown separately on program billing examples. Exact amounts and which items apply depend on the program and student's year/subjects. - Uniforms, school supplies, examinations (IB exam fees where applicable), special program fees and optional activity costs are charged as specified on the billing statement or program notices; the SMIS page explicitly designates the reservation/admission fee as deductible from tuition but non‑refundable. Refund information - The SMIS reservation/admission fee is published as non‑refundable and non‑transferable. No publicly posted, itemized general refund policy for tuition or other fees was found in the materials reviewed; refund terms for specific charges and withdrawal cases are handled according to the school's accounting/registration policies as stated in official enrollment/billing communications. Fee payment options (summary of available channels) - Onsite: cash, check (payable to Southville International School and Colleges Inc.), debit/credit card (AMEX, VISA, MasterCard; local networks accepted). - Bank deposit / wire transfer: BPI (peso and dollar accounts listed) and Metrobank accounts (dollar FCDU designated for international payments); SWIFT codes published for international transfers. Parents are instructed to email deposit slips/transaction receipts to accounting. - Digital wallets and online: GCASH, MAYA, PayMongo (payment links for cards and wallets), and an online credit‑card form/payment link for peso transactions. Notes on availability of precise, per‑level numbers for AY 2025–2026 - The school publishes admissions, payment methods, and program billing procedures and provides billing statements to each student. The documents and bulletins reviewed for the 2025–2026 academic year do not contain a single, publicly accessible, fully itemized per‑grade/per‑term fee table for all programs in the exact breakdown requested. Representative historical and program‑specific examples and FAQs indicate typical magnitudes for certain programs (e.g., college per‑semester ranges; earlier preschool annual totals), but the school issues the definitive per‑student amounts through official billing at registration. If you need the precise per‑grade, per‑term figures for a specific program (Preschool, Grade level, IB, College, FLEX/online, or TREX residence room rates), the school's accounting/registrar issues the official billing statement for the incoming student and will list the full itemization, payment plan options, and any applicable discounts or scholarship awards.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements GESM is a day school with no boarding facilities. A school bus service is available on request, capable of picking up and dropping off at the doorstep to suit family needs. Families should confirm routes and availability with Admissions.	Boarding arrangements TREX Global Residences is an SISC dormitory located near the campus, about a five-minute walk from the school. It provides on-site housing for students with amenities including a swimming pool, cable television, DSL internet, and security features.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement There is no formal uniform requirement. Students may wear regular everyday clothing, with GESM sweaters and shirts available for purchase and to be worn on field trips or as directed by staff.	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform for K-12 students.
Food options	Food options The canteen is operated by Kitchen City and offers a varied menu that includes proteins, salads, snacks and vegetarian meals. Parents can pre‑order meals via the Kitchen City app, and students pay on site with a Meal Card that can be reloaded by parents online.	Food options There is a cafeteria on campus. Meals are available there.
House system	House system GESM uses a House System. In English Primary there are four houses: Bremen, Berlin, Münster and Frankfurt. The Grundschule will have two houses. Secondary houses are named after Philippine islands and animals: Bohol Sharks, Boracay Scorpions, Cebu Cobras and Palawan Eagles. House activities include sports, quizzes and charity drives, with House Leaders organizing activities and a year-end House Cup.	House system The school uses a house system for student communities, as referenced in campus activity narratives where students are grouped into houses for events.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership GESM is a non‑profit organisation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by the German School Association Manila (GSA). The Board oversees strategic priorities, budget and major projects, while day‑to‑day management is led by the Head of School. GESM forms the European International School, Inc. (EIS) together with Lycée Français de Manille, with the GSA acting as liaison with authorities.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Trustees. It is part of the Southville Global Education Network (SGEN). The college division holds Autonomous status from CHED.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details From early years (Kindergarten and Vorschule) through Grade 10, German European School Manila runs two parallel sections defined largely by medium of instruction: German and English. The German section follows a German curriculum, while the English section uses English-language instruction with English Early Years and English Primary following the IB Primary Years Programme, and a Cambridge IGCSE pathway in secondary. In Grades 5–10, the German stream leads to Realschulabschluss or Hauptschulabschluss after Grade 9 or 10, while the English secondary stream concludes with IGCSE in Grade 10 and DSD I in Grade 9. In Grades 11–12, both streams converge on the International Baccalaureate Senior Years, offering the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP) with instruction in English and German. The IB Diploma Programme comprises six subjects (one from groups 1–5 and a sixth from group 6 or another from 1–5), with a mix of Higher Level and Standard Level courses and core requirements of Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Action, Service. GESM positions itself as multilingual and European/international in scope, part of the EuroCampus network, and aligned with IB and German-European standards.	Curriculum details Southville International School and Colleges offers a full K–12 program (Preschool through Senior High) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme as an IB World School since August 2005. Instruction is delivered in English across all levels, with foreign language offerings including Mandarin, French, Spanish, and Korean. The curriculum is built around the 5Cs framework (Character, Competence, Collaboration, Creativity, Commitment to Achieve) and Schoolwide Learner Outcomes, supported by a Gifted program (G.I.D.E.S.) and an emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. Preschool emphasizes early literacy through a Comprehensive Reading Program and a Reggio Emilia–inspired, project-based approach, with a technology-enhanced curriculum aligned to US/UK standards. Senior High offers tracks STEM, ABM, HUMSS, and GAS with P.A.S.S. Research, and the IB Diploma Programme is available as an alternative pathway for post‑secondary study.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning GESM supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through a dedicated guidance counsellor and a strong focus on students' social-emotional development across both German and English sections, including anti-bullying initiatives and empathy-focused programming.	Social & emotional learning Southville supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through campus wellness initiatives and mental health support systems, integrated with a values-based education that promotes resilience and self-care for students and staff. In the Virtual Online Learning and Teaching (VOLT) program, Basic Education classes have homeroom advisers who supervise students' well-being and learning. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provide emotional support, including sponsorship, mentorship, peer counseling, and one-on-one counseling for students. Wellness and mental health priorities are also reflected in Southville's broader programs, including wellness talks and initiatives led by school leadership and staff. These elements together form a structured approach to SEL within the school's holistic education model.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school runs an Additional Needs Programme (ANP) with a multidisciplinary Student Support Team and Learning Support Plans, and can accommodate mild to moderate intellectual or cognitive impairment, behavioural or emotional difficulties, Specific Learning Disability, Executive Functioning deficits, high-functioning ASD, and Social-Communication Disorder.	Special educational needs (SEN) Southville offers a Special Education pathway through the Bachelor of Elementary Education with a Special Education focus (BEED-SPED), preparing graduates for inclusive education and related fields. The BEED-SPED program covers development, psychology, and inclusive pedagogy, and the college emphasizes relevant methodologies such as differentiated instruction and outcomes-based education. In addition, MALACA (Mental Ability, Academic Achievement, Leadership, Athletics, Creativity, Arts) is a school-wide concept for gifted students, with enrichment groups (V.A.T. Circles) and activities that develop higher-order thinking and emotional intelligence. Southville is not a standalone specialist SEN institution; SPED is offered as a degree program within the College of Education, and gifted education is provided through MALACA enrichment structures. The school also notes ESL-related provisions as part of its Special Programs, indicating some cross-over with SEN-type support for diverse learners.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school states that mother tongue and foreign language programmes are available from pre-school, and the English Section Access and Inclusion Policy confirms inclusive support for learners, though a dedicated, stand-alone EAL program is not publicly disclosed.	English as an additional language Southville provides English language support through the Southville International English Learning Center (SIELC), which offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English for Specific Purposes (ESP), English as a Second Language (ESL), and English as a Foreign Language (EFL), plus IELTS and TOEFL preparation. ESL is listed as a Special Program under the school's offerings, and SIELC represents the hub for language instruction across academic and international contexts. The center's programs are designed to support learners who require targeted English language development for study and cross-cultural communication. English-language provision is integrated with the school's international character and external partnerships to support language competence for non-native speakers.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported by the on-site School Clinic, which has two full-time nurses and offers health counseling and wellbeing-focused services, and guidance-led SEL activities such as anti-bullying and empathy programs.	Mental wellbeing Southville emphasizes holistic health as a foundation for learning and leadership, with campus wellness initiatives and mental health support systems in place. The Premier College of Psychology frames wellness as central to student development, highlighting programs and activities that promote mental, physical, and emotional well-being. An Outdoor Educational Program and wellness-focused events include talks and activities that address emotional clarity and resilience, illustrating a commitment to students' mental wellbeing. CAPS and other counseling provisions provide ongoing emotional support, including counseling and mentorship, as part of daily student life. Overall, mental wellbeing is integrated into both curricular and co-curricular experiences to support well-rounded growth.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection are addressed with a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, plus 24/7 campus security monitoring and a school clinic, with clear procedures in place for safeguarding concerns.	Safeguarding Southville publishes a Personal Data Protection Notice outlining how it collects, uses, and protects student information, with explicit commitments to data security and access controls. The school has a history of safeguarding-related activities, including substance abuse prevention seminars aligned with legal requirements, and ongoing discipline and welfare programs. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) include para-counseling sponsorships to support students' safety and well-being, with designated staff coordinating these services. safeguarding-related practices are complemented by staff roles in guidance and counseling, and formal orientations for new students and parents historically documented by the school. Collectively, these provisions reflect Southville's approach to keeping students safe and supported within an international learning environment.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview GESM shares the Eurocampus with the Lycée Français de Manille on a two-hectare campus in Parañaque. The GESM library is part of the Eurocampus Library Manila, offering over 30,000 items and an eight-computer Library Extension with an interactive screen. The science program is supported by two modern laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics, installed with German equipment two years ago and expanded as needed. The campus includes a garden with hydroponics and aquaponics and a grass-turfed play area added in 2024, plus an on-site auditorium used for exhibitions and performances. The canteen is operated by Kitchen City, the clinic has two full-time nurses with Lifeline support, and a swimming pool on the Eurocampus is used for school activities and events.	Facilities overview Southville International School and Colleges operates across four purpose-built campuses in Las Piñas and Parañaque: STAR Campus (Elizalde), Munich Campus, Tropical Campus, and Luxembourg Campus. The campuses serve different program levels, from early childhood through high school and college, with STAR offering Preschool through Grade 3, Munich serving Nursery to Grade 4, Tropical offering IB and college programs, and Luxembourg hosting upper grades and college. The network includes on-site libraries at multiple campuses and a dedicated Basic Ed Library program. The school features centers such as the Capital Market and Entrepreneurship Center for real-time stock trading and finance learning, along with a film and multimedia arts studio and hospitality training spaces. Academic spaces include science laboratories, a multimedia center, and technology-enabled classrooms across campuses; blended and online learning is supported via Moodle and college LMS.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities On the Eurocampus, shared sports facilities include two swimming pools, a football field, a gymnasium, a running track, and additional outdoor play spaces, all part of the European International School campus. These facilities are available for GESM and LFM activities and events.	Sports facilities Luxembourg Campus includes a gymnasium for indoor sports.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The GESM Library is part of the Eurocampus Library Manila, with over 30,000 articles and a Library Extension featuring eight computers and an interactive screen; the library is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The science program is supported by two modern laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics, installed with German equipment two years ago and expanded annually. An auditorium on the Eurocampus serves as a venue for exhibitions and performances, and the on-site canteen is operated by Kitchen City with pre-order and meal-card options. The clinic provides two full-time nurses and Lifeline support for emergencies.	Academic facilities Luxembourg Campus houses science laboratories, a Main Library, audiovisual rooms, and a multimedia center. The Tropical Campus includes the Scholastic Reading Center, the Capital Market and Entrepreneurship Center, a Film and Multimedia Arts Studio, and the Taylor Training Center. Munich Campus provides digital classrooms and a learning resource center with a children's library. STAR Campus serves early childhood and lower primary with age-appropriate learning spaces. Online learning resources include Moodle-based Basic Ed and College LMS, with online grades accessible through the My Student Portal.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The campus supports a range of extracurricular activities, including cross-grade science events such as the Eurocampus Science Fair hosted by GESM Grade 11. Visual arts exhibitions are held in the Eurocampus Auditorium, such as the Meraki exhibition. The school garden supports science and sustainability projects, including hydroponics and aquaponics, and there are parent engagement events around the garden. The Eurocampus pool hosts events like the annual 24-hour Swim Marathon.	Extra curricular facilities Campus life includes a range of student clubs and organizations across campuses. Southville supports international activities such as Model United Nations and debate. The Scholastic Reading Center and related literacy-focused facilities supplement extracurricular language development.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History GESM began as José Rizal School, opening on August 5, 1980. It was officially recognised as a German School abroad by German authorities in 1984. In 1992, the German School Manila joined with the Lycée Français de Manille to form Eurocampus on a shared two-hectare campus in Parañaque. In 2002, the European International School, Inc. was created to govern both DSM and LFM, and in 2005 the International Section opened and the school adopted the name German European School Manila. A master-plan modernization began in 2013, with new facilities completed by 2014 and further expansions through the late 2010s; IGCSE examinations began in 2014, DSD I exams followed in 2014, DSD II in 2018, UNESCO recognition in 2019, and the IB Career-Related Programme was introduced in 2021.	History Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) was founded in 1990 as Southville International School in a simple single-story building (Elizalde Campus) in BF Homes, Parañaque, with two students and five teachers, and was recognized as a 'Special School for the Intellectually Gifted.' The school expanded to lower and upper grade levels in the mid-1990s and adopted international curricula aligned with United States and United Kingdom standards. In 1999, it received its initial accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), marking its entry into the global education space. Today, SISC operates across five campuses: the Elizalde Campus (STAR), the Munich Campus, the Luxembourg Campus, the Tropical Campus, and the Luxembourg CAA Campus for the college. The college programs include degrees such as AB Communications, AB Multimedia Arts, BS Accountancy, BS Nursing, BS Psychology, BS Tourism, and BS Information Technology.
Community	Community GESM is a non-profit, international and multilingual day school in Manila serving Kindergarten to Grade 12, with two parallel sections defined mainly by medium of instruction: German or English. The school offers the GIB, the IB Diploma Programme (DP), and the IB Career-related Programme (CP) in Grades 11–12. Its community comprises students and staff from about fifty countries, with English, German, French and Filipino omnipresent on campus. Recent student activities include projects such as the Cinematics Club film and a Model United Nations (MUN) simulation that foster international collaboration and debate.	Community Southville supports campus life through a range of campus clubs across divisions, including Arts and Craft, Dance, Music, Model United Nations, and the Duke of Edinburgh program; the athletics program provides varsity competition and training. Asian Federation of Student Leaders is a campus platform for student leadership, and Monarch's Digest is a student news publication. The SISC Alumni Association coordinates alumni engagement and events.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association GESM's governance framework includes the German School Association (GSA) and the Gesamtelternbeirat, the Parent Council (GEB). Families may join the GSA during enrollment by paying an annual membership fee and submitting an application, and GSA members elect the Board of Directors and vote on major school matters at the AGM. The Board of Directors consists of parent volunteers elected for two-year terms and oversees budget, staffing decisions and major projects, while day-to-day operations are managed by school leadership. The GEB is formed by parent representatives elected at the start of each school year; it meets monthly with school management to discuss pedagogy, safety, transport, and related issues, and it provides a channel for parent feedback to the school management and the German School Board. The GEB publishes a Parent Council Handbook, and parent involvement is supported by additional parent networks and a Parents' Advisory Council at Eurocampus, reflecting structured opportunities for parental participation in campus life.	Parent teacher association Public materials describe parent involvement through Coffee Chats and Parent-Teacher Conferences as part of home–school collaboration. The Students and Parents' Bulletin is the main communication channel for sharing updates, announcements, and learning resources with families. Monarch's Digest is a student news publication, and The SISC Mover provides another student communications channel. The SISC Alumni Association coordinates alumni events and maintains ties with graduates. Parent involvement is organized through these channels rather than a standalone PTA.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Model United Nations (MUN) is an ongoing academic simulation at GESM. The program started in 2016 and typically involves about 10–12 students who prepare for conferences hosted with partner international schools. Students participate in simulations to develop debate, research, and public-speaking skills, with student leaders such as Chairs guiding sessions. In addition, the Chess Club competes in inter-school tournaments—GESM's U11 team won silver and the U14 team placed in the top five in 2025—and the Cinematics Club produces films as part of the IB CAS program.	Academic & intellectual Southville offers a range of academic and intellectual activities through its Campus Clubs. Model United Nations (MUN) is a prominent program, with Southville delegations earning awards at local and international conferences. Science and STEM interests are supported by clubs such as YES (Young Enthusiasts in Science) and Chess, which meet regularly and compete in events. The robotics program includes participation in the Manila VEX Robotics Competition, including a 2023 Excellence Award winner and pathways to the VEX World Championship.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Cinematics Club produces short films as part of IB CAS, with student projects crossing grade levels. A representative project is the short film 'Where Time Slows,' which was released and screened for the school community. Campus-wide arts initiatives include ongoing collaborations such as the Berliner Bär art project featured on campus.	Arts & creative Arts and performing arts are supported by clubs such as Arts and Crafts, Dance, and Music, including the SISC Chorale and Glee Club. Additional creative outlets include Creative Dramatics, Film/Movie Enthusiasts, Film Appreciation, and Book Lovers. These activities foster expression and collaboration through regular, student-led meetings and performances.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language GESM hosts German cultural activities and language experiences beyond the classroom, including Lantern Fest and Martinstag celebrations on campus. The school's international focus is reinforced through programs like MUN, which fosters cross-cultural understanding and global awareness. Family-oriented cultural events such as Eat, Meet & Greet provide opportunities to engage with German campus culture.	Cultural & language Southville promotes cross-cultural learning through international exchanges and global programs. An international student exchange program with Bangkok University in Thailand provides academic and cultural immersion for BS Tourism students. Model United Nations and related leadership activities foster global awareness and cross-cultural understanding.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Social and hobby-based clubs at GESM include the Chess Club and the Football Club. The Chess Club participated in inter-school tournaments in 2025, earning U11 silver and a top-five finish in U14. The Football Club launched a partnership with Arayat Athletics Academy in 2025, with about 30 players and coaches guiding training and tournament preparations.	Social & hobbies A broad range of recreational clubs and sports is offered, including Chess, Basketball, Soccer, Badminton, Volleyball, and Table Tennis, with active participation in inter-school events. The VICTORS program and other clubs provide social and hobby engagement outside academics. The campus also hosts student-led arts and performance activities as part of the extracurricular landscape.
Community & service	Community & service Community engagement includes visits from local organizations, such as Kyle Javier, founder of the Tiny Blessings Foundation, which were arranged for Grade 3 students. The school also runs outreach initiatives such as the Shoebox Project, along with other charity activities coordinated through student groups.	Community & service Southville For Others (SFO) leads the school's community outreach and professional outreach initiatives. Community Outreach programs include SAT (Asian SEED Academy of Technology), POUCH, HOME, and COPE, with projects such as STePP, SAMASA, BITS, BEEP, HEMA, PaSem, and ACCET. REAP provides educational scholarships and SPES opportunities, and Operation Paglingap addresses humanitarian needs.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership development is embedded in student activities; in MUN, students assume roles such as Chairs and Deputy Secretaries General to lead sessions and guide debates. Clubs also have formal leadership structures and coordinators, for example, a Club Coordinator is listed for the Football Club (Ms. Kathleen Juliano) with a designated contact for club enrollment. IB CAS-related activities, like the Cinematics Club, foster mentoring, collaboration, and professional skill-building.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is supported through SFO's Professional Outreach, including AFSL (Asian Federation of Student Leaders), CMIP, and GAIN networks that connect students with professional and industry bodies. AFSL, CMIP, and GAIN facilitate events, collaborations, and ongoing leadership training for students, faculty, and staff.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and physical activity are supported through clubs such as the Football Club, which emphasizes discipline and teamwork and participates in tournaments. The campus environment includes sustainability and wellness activity, evidenced by events like hydroponics workshops and the school's garden, which support science learning and well-being. Cultural celebrations and family events, including Lantern Fest activities, contribute to community well-being and a balanced school life.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Southville's Athletics program emphasizes discipline, perseverance, and character, with a varsity program and ISAC participation. Scholar-athlete orientations and contracts are part of the athletics framework, reinforcing balance between sport and academics. Rec sports include Basketball, Soccer, Badminton, Volleyball, and Table Tennis, and the school fosters overall wellbeing through an active sports culture.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision German and English are the languages taught across the school. The German Section uses German as the medium of instruction, while the English Section uses English. In the English Section, German is taught as a foreign language from Kindergarten/Grade 1 with beginner placement for new learners; EAL support is available when needed, and all students are prepared for DSD I (Grade 10) and DSD II (Grade 12). Non-native German learners in the German Section receive language support through push-in and pull-out programs.	Language provision English is the primary medium of instruction across all levels, including the IB Diploma Programme. Foreign languages offered include Mandarin, French, and Spanish; Mandarin is taught in lower grades and students in upper grades may study Mandarin or French. ESL support is provided for non-native English speakers through ESL programs such as Mainstreamed ESL, Small Group ESL, and Intensive ESL. In 2025, the Southville International English Learning Center (SIELC) was launched to provide English for Academic Purposes, English for Specific Purposes, ESL, English as a Foreign Language, and IELTS/TOEFL test preparation, along with immersive language activities.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching From Kindergarten to Grade 10, GESM runs two parallel sections defined by the medium of instruction: German or English. The German Section uses German as the medium of instruction, while the English Section uses English. In Grades 11-12, the school offers the IB Diploma Programme or the IB Career-related Programme with English and German as the mediums of instruction, including the Gemischtsprachiges IB option. New students without prior German knowledge may be placed into beginner-level DaF classes, and EAL support is available when needed.	Bilingual teaching The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). A bilingual IB Diploma can be pursued under IB rules, defined as taking two Group 1 courses in different languages and/or taking a Group 3 or 4 course in a language other than the candidate's language A. The language of instruction for IB courses is English. Foreign languages taught include Mandarin, French, and Spanish, with ESL support for non-native English speakers.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Southville runs an English Immersion Program for non-native speakers, providing an English-speaking environment with native English speakers. The program aims to develop English language skills and familiarity with English-speaking culture and includes TOEFL ITP and TOEIC as assessment options. The immersion formats include two-week (4 hours per day) and four-week (4 hours per day) options with corresponding costs of $295 and $415.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards - CHED ICON 2025 Internationalization Champion of Nation-Building and Sustainability — A national recognition certifying Southville's leadership in internationalization and sustainability efforts (Certificate of Commendation, CHED ICON 2025). - Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2024 Corporate Excellence Award — Recognition for effective talent mobilization and organizational capability within Asia's regional award program. - ACES Asia's Most Promising SME 2023 — ACES Awards recognition for Asia's most promising SME, highlighting corporate excellence and sustainability practices. - Global Performance Excellence Award (GPEA) — 2021 award (presented/publicly announced in 2022) recognizing Southville as a model for organizational performance and e-learning innovations (VOLT). - Philippine Quality Award (PQA) — 2024 recognition for Mastery in Quality Management, part of the country's highest presidential quality-award program.
Accreditations	Accreditations The German European School Manila (GESM) operates as part of the European International School, Inc. (EIS), which is the legal entity accredited by the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd). This provides formal recognition of the school by the Philippine government. GESM is an IB World School and offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), the IB Diploma Programme (DP), and the IB Career-related Programme (CP) in the senior years, indicating official authorization to run these IB programs. GESM is a member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), aligning with UNESCO's aims on sustainability and global citizenship. GESM is recognized by UNESCO as a UNESCO school, confirming its status within UNESCO's network of schools dedicated to sustainable development and global citizenship. GESM follows a German curriculum in the German section and also offers curricula from Cambridge Assessment International Education, reflecting a dual European/International standards framework. GESM is part of the German-speaking network of German Schools Abroad, under the Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA), and is described as being within a globally recognized German schools abroad system. GESM's curricula include Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge) as part of the international section, alongside the German curriculum and the IB framework.	Accreditations - ISO 9001-2015 Certified — Southville International School and Colleges holds ISO 9001-2015 certification, indicating its quality management system meets international standards. - IB World School — Southville has International Baccalaureate (IB) World School status since August 2005, enabling delivery of IB programmes consistently with other IB schools worldwide. - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) accreditation — Southville is accredited by ACS WASC, a recognized US-based regional accrediting body for schools, confirming external evaluation of its programs and operations. - Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) Level IV accreditation — Four flagship college programs (BS Nursing, BS Psychology, BS Business Administration, BS Information Technology) earned PACUCOA Level IV accreditation, valid August 2025 through August 2030, reflecting high levels of instructional quality and outcomes. - CHED Autonomous Status — CHED has granted autonomous status to Southville's college division, allowing greater curriculum design freedom and operation with less regulatory oversight. - Department of Education recognitions — DoE recognizes Southville as the School of the Future and notes its Adopt a Poor Urban Child (Po.U.Ch) program, reflecting government acknowledgment of its educational initiatives.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. First contact. Interested families should reach out to the school and/or arrange a campus visit. The school welcomes inquiries and invites families to take a look at the campus and programs before deciding. 2. Submission of primary requirements. Start the process by submitting the online application form, the last two report cards or development reports, and the Confidential Student Evaluation Form completed by the child's previous homeroom teacher. For Kindergarten and Pre-Primary (ages 3–5), download the appropriate form; for Grade 1–12, use the form intended for older students. These documents help the school assess the child's prior learning and readiness. 3. Assessment and interview. After the primary documents are received, the child is scheduled for an assessment interview with the head teacher of the relevant department, which may be online or on campus. Students entering Grades 6–9 may also take an admissions test in Mathematics and/or English before the interview. Special arrangements are possible for Grades 10 and up. 4. Submission of the application form and other requirements. Complete the rest of the enrollment requirements, including Form I-C Physical Examination Form, Form I-DEx (optional), Form I-F Confidential Student Evaluation Form, copies of last two reports, birth certificate, passport, Philippine visa stamp (if applicable), immunization record, parents' passports, and a digital ID photo. All documents must be submitted in German or English; translations should be verified by the issuing body or an embassy-accredited translator. 5. Approval and enrollment. Once the forms are submitted and the student is assessed by the Head Teacher, the family receives an official admission confirmation from GESM. The letter will note any pending forms or requirements that still need to be completed. 6. Payment of fees. Following admission confirmation, an invoice is issued by the accounting office with the amount due and payment deadline. The school accepts cash, cheque, or bank transfer, and payment details are on the invoice. 7. First day of school. After fees are paid, the teachers or the secretariat contact the family with information about the first day of school, required materials, and other logistics. 8. Age requirements. Kindergarten can begin at age three if the child is toilet-trained, weaned, and can eat independently. Children progress from Kindergarten to Vorschule/Pre-Primary and then to Grade 1, with promotions based on age cut-offs (five turning five before August 31 advances to Vorschule, six turning six before August 31 enters Grade 1). Exceptions to the age rules can be made after discussion with the teachers.	Admissions Overview: Southville International School and Colleges offers admissions for both Basic Education (K–12) and College/Higher Education. Admissions procedures are published in separate sections for K–12 and for college programs, including required documents, testing/assessment options, and enrollment steps. Where specific forms or portals are used, applicants are guided to submit materials to the appropriate office (Admissions/Registrations) and to complete enrollment through the designated channels. 1. Basic Education admissions process (K–12) – Step 1: Prepare and submit admission requirements. The entry requirements for Basic Education include two 2×2 photographs, a clear copy of the birth certificate, and a photocopy of the Report Card or Transcript of Records (authenticated and red-ribboned). A Certificate of Good Moral Character is required for Grades 1–12. These documents are presented to the school's admissions or registrations office as part of the initial submission. 2. Basic Education admissions process (K–12) – Step 2: Submit registration/enrollment documents. If the student studied abroad, provide the Original Hard Copy of the Report Card/Transcript; for younger students a Medical Certificate may be required (Pre-school to Grade 6). For Grades 7–12, a Medical Exam and Drug Test Result from SISC's affiliated clinic/hospital is required. For foreign applicants, a clear photocopy of the applicant's passport and visa, as well as parents' pictures and a Special Study Permit (SSP) or Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) or any valid visa, must be provided. The Report Card/Transcript from foreign schools should be authenticated or red-ribboned by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate of the country of origin. 3. Basic Education admissions process (K–12) – Step 3: Documentation for foreigners and transfers. Foreigners must submit passport and visa copies, and may need additional documents per registration rules. For students transferring from overseas, the original documents should be authenticated or red-ribboned by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate of the country of origin. These steps ensure that foreign credentials are recognized locally and align with cross-border education practices. 4. Basic Education admissions process (K–12) – Step 4: Enrollment and enrollment-related steps. After the admission and documentation are reviewed and approved, enrollment proceeds through the Registrations/Admissions process. Inquiries and guidance regarding enrollment are typically directed to the PR and Marketing Office, which coordinates enrollment communications and schedules. This phase formalizes acceptance and begins the student's active enrollment in classes. 2. College admissions process – Step 1: Application and testing. For college programs, applicants submit an online application form and may be required to take an Admission Examination. On-campus testing and international testing options are provided on AY 2026–2027 schedules, with specific testing dates and registration periods published at certain times. Applicants can access the college Student Portal to register and view the unofficial tuition assessment before submitting the required documents. 3. College admissions process – Step 2: Clearances and schedule coordination (for re-enrollment). For students renewing their college enrollment, a clearance must be obtained from relevant offices (Accounting, Library, Guidance, and Clinic) to confirm there are no outstanding accountabilities before re-enrollment. The AIMS account is used to verify clearance status. This step ensures that all prior obligations are settled before continuing studies. 4. College admissions process – Step 3: Enrollment steps (finalizing registration). Once admission is confirmed, enrollment proceeds through a multi-step process: enroll online via the College Student Portal to select subjects and schedules, print the unofficial assessment form, and bring it to the Dean/Registrar as needed. The Dean's Office may require advising or subject approvals for certain programs (e.g., IT courses). The Fees are then discussed/assessed in the PR Conference Room, after which the official Enrolment Form is issued by the Registration Office, and the student's ID is prepared in the ID Room (including any MOODLE/AIMS orientation if offered). 5. College admissions process – Step 4: Orientation and post-enrollment steps. After enrollment, students may participate in Moodle/AIMS orientations (optional) and receive access to online learning platforms. This step helps students transition to the college's blended/online learning environment and ensures access to course materials and grade portals. Notes on current cycles and portals: For current AY cycles, Southville provides online application forms and testing schedules through the College Admissions channels, including the College Student Portal and online testing options. Prospective students should check the latest cycle details, exam dates, and application forms via the college admissions pages and announcements.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarships: No scholarship program is documented on the school's published admissions or fees materials. The School Fees page lists the membership, entrance, and refundable deposit, plus tuition in Euro and PHP, with notes on currency options and payment timing, but it does not describe any scholarship awards or eligibility.	Scholarships Southville offers several scholarships and financial assistance programs for both Basic Education and College. In Basic Education, scholarship options include Academic, Performing Arts, and Sports scholarships. The basic-education scholarship offerings are described in the Basic Education FAQ, which notes these scholarship categories without detailing specific application procedures or criteria. For College, a formal College Scholarship program exists with pathways such as the Responsive Educational Assistance Program (REAP), which provides financial aid to exceptional students, and a Founder Scholarship Program offering substantial—potentially full—tuition and cost coverage under certain conditions. Some scholarships may cover up to 75% of tuition, and benefits can include direct costs, stipends, and possible post-graduation opportunities within the Southville Global Education Network, subject to program criteria. Details and eligibility are described in the College Scholarship page. In addition, Southville now accepts Senior High School vouchers as a form of financial assistance for SHS enrollees in Grades 11–12, expanding access to SHS programs; this is in addition to other discount and scholarship options. Other discounts historically offered include sibling and alumni discounts and loyalty discounts (amounts vary by year and program). These policies have been published in school news posts, indicating ongoing availability of tuition-related discounts; exact current terms should be confirmed with the Admissions Office.
Waitlist	Waitlist Waitlist/Pool: There is no published waitlist or enrollment-pool procedure described in the admissions materials. The process published for enrollment moves from initial contact to required documents, assessment/interview, approval, and then enrollment, subject to available spaces.	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →