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Colegio Alemán La Serena

Chile, La Serena

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Spanish, German
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum
Taught languages German, English
Strengths Sport, STEM, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Colegio Alemán de La Serena is a German international school in Chile offering the German curriculum alongside the IB Diploma Programme. The academic year is organized into three cycles: the Initial Cycle for preschool and Kindergarten, Primer Ciclo from 1st to 6th grade, and Segundo Ciclo from 7th grade to the final year of secondary education. The school provides a German-language Sprachdiplom program with levels A2, B1 and C1, with corresponding assessments at various grade levels. An intercultural exchange program with Germany, coordinated by the Liga Chileno Alemana (DCB) and the VDA, enriches language use and global awareness. Founded in 1989, the institution promotes bicultural Chilean–German education and a Western Christian, humanist tradition emphasizing mutual respect, responsibility, honesty, and holistic development. Facilities include laboratories, libraries, computer rooms, a football field, and a gymnasium. It supports extensive clubs in science, arts, and language, alongside sports and wellbeing activities for students worldwide.

D-401 346, La Serena, Coquimbo, Chile

The Essentials

Colegio Alemán La Serena has instruction in Spanish, German.

Location
Cuatro Esquinas Avenue no street number, La Serena, Chile

Stages
Early Childhood Education; Primary and lower secondary (Ciclo Inicial, Primer Ciclo, Segundo Ciclo) and upper secondary (IV Medio); International Baccalaureate program

Type
German international school (Deutsche Schule La Serena)

Country affiliation
Chile

Religious affiliation
Christian (Western humanist) perspective
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Official uniform is required from Kindergarten through IV Medio. Girls wear a black logo sweatshirt with sleeves in black, red and yellow, a yellow polo shirt, and black pants with the logo and yellow/red stripes (shorts allowed in summer); in summer, black shorts with the logo or shorts with red and yellow stripes are allowed. Boys wear a black logo sweatshirt with the same color sleeves, a yellow polo shirt, and black pants with the logo and yellow/red stripes (shorts allowed in summer). Casual clothes are allowed on non-uniform days. The uniform and personal belongings must be labeled with the student's name, surname and class; uniforms may be purchased from any supplier.

Food Options
The school provides a daily student menu through the school canteen (casino). The menu includes an entrée (consommé or salad), a main course (options include a standard, vegetarian or low-calorie dish), a dessert, and a juice or bottled water, with bread. Lunch tickets can be purchased daily, weekly, or monthly at the kiosk; the casino is operated by Peralta Tobar Ltda. Payments can be made in cash, by bank transfer, or by debit/credit card.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by the Corporación Colegio Alemán de Elqui, a non-profit corporation with about 30 members. The Board of Directors has eight members who meet monthly; the President is Christian Villarroel C., the Vice President is Pablo Zavala M., the Secretary is Jessica Díaz A., the Treasurer is Gerardo Findel W., and Directors include Cristian Morales L., Francisco Wittwer O., and María Ignacia Silva W. The Rector is Emilia Pimentel M. The corporation maintains an alliance with Inmobiliaria e Inversiones El Milagro S.A., of which it is a significant shareholder.
Fees
Application fees

- Postulation (application) fee: a non‑refundable application/arancel de postulación is charged per postulante; the amount is determined annually by the school and is retained in all cases.

- Initial entry charges (published amounts shown below are the school's listed values):
- CLP 966,000 — Cuota de incorporación (one‑off, per family).
- CLP 541,000 — Matrícula (one‑off enrollment fee).
These initial charges are shown as the school's stated one‑time incorporation/matriculation fees.

Tuition (annual) by year group — published annual arancel (school year shown with amounts as published)

- CLP 3,919,000 — Nivel Medio Mayor (Early childhood level; published arancel).
- CLP 3,919,000 — Prekinder (published arancel).
- CLP 4,329,000 — Kinder (published arancel).
- CLP 5,324,000 — Ciclo básico 1º–4º (published arancel).
- CLP 5,441,000 — Ciclo básico 5º–8º (published arancel).
- CLP 5,441,000 — Enseñanza media (7º básico a IV medio; published arancel).

Per‑term / per‑installment detail

- The school publishes annual arancel amounts (see list above). The school's enrollment contract requires payment of the annual colegiatura at the moment of contract signing in money (efectivo), although the corporate authority may authorize payment by documented monthly partialities; specific per‑term or standard installment amounts and standard due dates are not published as fixed schedules in the materials available. Any agreed installment plan must be documented in the contract.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard requirement: the annual colegiatura is payable at the time of signing the contract (in money), unless the Corporation authorizes documented monthly partial payments recorded in the contract.
- The school's Board may establish sibling discounts (rebajas) for families with two or more children; amounts and conditions are set periodically by the Board and communicated by the school.
- Postulation/application fees and admission costs are charged to the applicant and are non‑refundable.

Boarding / residence fees

- The Colegio Alemán de La Serena is operated as a day school; no boarding or student residence (internado) fees are listed in the school's public fee materials or institutional documents. There are no published boarding charges.

Other costs and recurring charges

- School supplies / materials: the school publishes detailed grade‑by‑grade listas de útiles (school supplies lists) that set out required items by level; these lists do not include prices — costs are paid by families through purchase in the open market. Examples of lists for 2026 are available per level (Kinder, Spielgruppe, 1º básico, etc.).

- Uniform: the school defines an official uniform and rules for its use; parents may purchase uniforms in the retail market of their choice (the Reglamento Interno specifies uniform items and the occasions when the uniform must be used but does not specify costs).

- Extracurricular / academies / selections: the school runs academies, selections and extracurricular activities that operate after the school day; participation and any associated costs are governed by the school's policies and may carry separate charges not listed in the general annual arancel.

- School meals / casino: the school operates a casino (canteen) and publishes menus/minutas for internal use; specific meal plans and prices are not published in the general fee schedule.

- Insurance: students are covered by the state school accidents insurance (Ley 16.744) as described by the school's insurance information; that coverage is part of the standard school environment provisions.

Refund and withdrawal policy

- Application fees: non‑refundable for any reason.

- Partial refund of annual escolaridad if parents transfer residence to another region: the protocol specifies a partial refund scale applied only in the case of parental relocation to another region, applied to the annual tuition that was already paid:
- 75% refund if the withdrawal occurs before the end of the first calendar trimester (January–March).
- 40% refund if the withdrawal occurs before the end of the second calendar trimester (April–June).
- 0% refund if the withdrawal occurs after those dates.

- Other refund situations and any pro‑rata or exceptional refunds are governed by the contract and the school's internal policies; the Board and the Corporation determine final refund conditions.

Fee payment options (documented in school materials)

- Payment in money at contract signing is the stated default; documented monthly partialities may be authorized by the Corporation and must be included in the signed contract. No standard public listing of accepted card, bank‑transfer or online payment providers is published in the school's general fee materials; such methods are not specified in the protocol and are subject to the terms recorded at contract.

Effective year of published figures and notes

- The aranceles and one‑off fees listed in this overview are the figures published by the school in its colegiatura/fees materials (the published page shows the values labelled as Arancel Escolar 2024). The school sets fees annually and updates amounts and payment procedures in its admission/matriculation documents; specific per‑term or standard installment schedules are not published as fixed amounts and must be detailed in the enrollment contract when an installment plan is authorized.
Academics

Colegio Alemán La Serena teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The Curriculum is organized into three cycles: Initial Cycle (Ciclo Inicial) with levels including preschool and Kindergarten; Primer Ciclo (First Cycle) from 1st to 6th grade; and Segundo Ciclo (Second Cycle) from 7th grade to 4th year of secondary education. Extracurricular activities support the school's Educational Objectives and are guided by general regulatory dispositions. The Academic Directorate plans, organizes, supervises, and evaluates curricular activities. The school offers a German-language Sprachdiplom program with three levels—A2, B1 and C1—and conducts the corresponding German-language assessments at various grade levels. The Intercambio program promotes intercultural competence through an exchange with Germany, coordinated by the Liga Chileno Alemana (DCB) and the VDA, enriching language use and global awareness.

Higher Education Progression
The Sprachdiplom levels include B1 for Studienkolleg and C1 for university studies in Germany. The EstudioS Superiores section provides a pathway via INSALCO for higher education opportunities.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1989 by Exempt Resolution No. 514 of the Ministry of Education of Chile, the Colegio Alemán de La Serena was established around the Instituto Chileno–Alemán de Cultura with a group of Germans, German descendants, and alumni of German schools, in light of the memory of the first German school that existed in La Serena until the 1940s. It is sustained by the Corporación Colegio Alemán de Elqui. The initial cycle, Kinder through Upper Middle, includes Basic Education (grades 1–6) and Secondary Education (grades 7–12). The institution aims to provide bicultural Chilean–German education and upholds a Western Christian, humanist tradition in which parents and guardians are regarded as the first educators. It follows the principles of German-speaking schools in Chile, emphasizing mutual respect, responsibility, honesty, and the holistic development of students.

Community
DSLS hosts regular community events such as Encuentro Padres e Hijos (Parents and Children meetings) for different grade groups, for example gatherings noted for 2.Klassen, 3.Klassen, 9.Klassen, and 10.Klassen. It also conducts Puertas Abiertas DSLS (Open House) events to welcome families, and annual activities like the Bücher-Flohmarkt (Book Fair and Used Clothes Sale) organized by the Library and the Comité. The school publicly highlights IB-related events such as the Feria IB 2024 and other family-focused activities, including celebrations acknowledging graduating generations. Community activities also include family-oriented events like Encuentro Padres e Hijos to strengthen parent–school connections.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Centre General de Padres y Apoderados del Colegio Alemán de La Serena is an autonomous body of the school, represented by a seven-member board of volunteers. It operates under the school statutes to promote solidarity and cohesion among its members and to support the educational work of the school. Its objectives include linking homes with the school, supporting the school's work, and fostering cooperation and participation within the local community. The CGPA–DSLS holds regular meetings with school leadership to pursue its goals and to propose and sponsor initiatives for education. It channels resources toward infrastructure and teaching materials, communicates problems affecting one or more grade levels to the school, and promotes parental involvement through health programs, scholarships, and student welfare. It may participate in budget discussions when the school deems it appropriate.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Deutsche Schule La Serena has invested in infrastructure to support teaching and the development of extracurricular and sports activities. The campus includes laboratories, libraries, and computer rooms. There is a football field and a gymnasium, among other spaces. All facilities are constructed to high standards and designed for the comfort of students, staff, and the school community.

Sports Facilities
The school offers a football field, a gymnasium, and multi-use courts.

Academic Facilities
The school has laboratories, libraries, and computer rooms.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Area Sciences and Technology is oriented toward understanding and discovering the world around us through logical reasoning, including the scientific method. It also offers opportunities to apply a technological perspective, developing curiosity, perseverance, and reflection. The Academies include Divertimática, Mini Científicos, Astronomy, Robótica, Matematik Talente, and Mathematics Olympiad selections to strengthen scientific literacy and mathematical thinking.

Arts & Creative
The Arts area enables development through experiences in dance, painting, crafts, visual arts, design and architecture, and music. It includes DANCE (Ballet), PINTANDO APRENDO, KREATIVE HANDARBEIT, CREACIÓN ARTÍSTICA I, CREACIÓN ARTÍSTICA II, DISEÑO Y ARQUITECTURA, PIANO, CORO, ENSAMBLE MUSICAL, BANDA JUVENIL, and instrumental groups such as VIOLONCHELO, VIOLÍN, and VIOLA. The focus is on expressing ideas and feelings creatively and cultivating values through artistic practice, in dialogue with Chilean-German cultural heritage.

Cultural & Language
Area Humanista develops thinking and cognitive skills, promoting a critical attitude and literary creation through German literature. Students work on the search for the meaning of existence and human values. Debates and Modern Oratory and Theater build public speaking, argumentation, and dramatic skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports promote physical activity and sport as a pillar of holistic formation, encouraging healthy use of free time and conduct suitable for national and international competition. Initiation Sports introduces motor activities for exposure to individual and team sports. Athletics, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, and Artistic Gymnastics develop physical, social, and psychological skills and prepare students for competition at various levels.
Languages

Language Provision
English is taught as a foreign language from fifth grade through the fourth year of upper secondary, following the CEFR. By second year of secondary, students are expected to reach B1 in English and begin the IB Diploma Programme, which includes English B. The school is a Cambridge English Preparation Centre and prepares students for the Cambridge B1 Preliminary certificate.

Bilingual Teaching
The school is bicultural Chilean-German and teaches German intensively. English is taught as a foreign language and Cambridge English certifications are integrated into the program. The Sprachdiplom program certifies German language proficiency.

Immersion Programs
Intercambio estudiantil with Alemania is offered. The Liga Chileno-Alemana (DCB) coordinates the exchange with Germany, and the VDA assists with student arrivals and departures. Requirements include being a regular student, in 3rd year of Educación Media, having approved DSD-A2/B1 (ex DSD Nivel 1), a GPA of at least 5.8, being at least 16 years old, and no disciplinary issues, with participation subject to exchange regulations and not automatically guaranteed.
Reputation

Accreditations
A1/A2 comparative tests (for 4th grade and 6th grade)
Language Diploma 1 (for Level II of Secondary) and Language Diploma 2 (for Levels III and IV of Secondary)
Sprachdiplom 1 and Sprachdiplom 2 (DSD1/DSD2)
Admissions

Admissions
1. Postulation and eligibility. Admission postulation is open to all families. The ordinary admission process applies to Medio Mayor, PreKinder, and Kinder; extraordinary admission may be opened for other levels if vacancies exist. A seat is reserved for students with permanent special educational needs in the ordinary process, and extraordinary admission may be opened for students with special needs if vacancies exist. Applicants may apply to only one admission process (ordinary or extraordinary). The start and end dates of each process are announced, and applications are submitted online through the admission portal.

2. Documentation and fees. Attach the required documents: birth certificate; a photo for the student file; an educational report for Jardín, PreKinder, and Kinder; for entry to Básico and Enseñanza Media, proof of promotion from the previous year and the current year's report; for 2º Básico to IV Medio, proof of attendance at a school with an International Baccalaureate; for levels from a German or English program, a language certificate (German A1/A2/B1 or PET) if applicable. The documents must be complete and submitted by the deadlines. Incomplete documents will not be considered. The application is online and there is a postulation fee per applicant, which is non-refundable.

3. Admission testing. After postulation, admission tests are conducted. For 2º Básico to IV Medio, German tests are required unless a certificate demonstrates language proficiency. For 1º Básico, an Educational Test assesses reading, writing and arithmetic. For 2º Básico to IV Medio, tests cover Language and Mathematics according to the school's programs. Tests are administered under supervision by school staff; assistance such as dictionaries or calculators may be permitted by prior notice.

4. Observation day (Initial Cycle). Applicants for the Initial Cycle attend an Observation Day, lasting 1 hour 45 minutes, with two parts: an observation and an individual maturity evaluation. The day is conducted by school specialists. Medio Mayor and PreKinder are exempt from the attainment criteria. The observation assesses Autonomy, Coexistence, Identity, Language, Motor skills, and logical-mathematical reasoning.

5. Guardian interviews. Interviews with families are conducted via Zoom or another method designated by the school. The interviews occur after the observation and tests and provide a chance to discuss the student and family context.

6. Publication of admitted list. The list of admitted students is published and communicated to families by email. Publication dates are defined in the admissions calendar and may be modified.

7. Enrollment process (Matrícula). Following admission, enrollment information is provided. The Protocolo de Admisión y Matrícula outlines the general procedures and the charges for admission, enrollment and annual tuition. The Department of Admissions provides enrollment details, deadlines, and required documents. Enrollment is completed by submitting the required documents and paying the applicable fees.

Scholarships
Beca. The school operates a Scholarship Fund to support regular students whose socioeconomic situation is insufficient. Scholarships may cover up to 100% of the monthly tuition, with the board deciding the percentage for each student; the enrollment fee is not discounted. The number of scholarships granted depends on the school's finances. The Scholarship Fund is not available to children of staff. A commission reviews applications once a year in the second half of the year; results are communicated to each family by email. To access a scholarship, complete the Postulation Form with all required information and submit the mandatory documents. The commission may request additional information from the homeroom teacher. The commission may approve or reject any application, and the scholarship framework is reviewed annually by the Board.
School Events
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