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German European School Manila

Philippines, Manila

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, English
Fees ₱415,533 - 1,138,283
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 360
Type Co-educational
Opened 1980
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), German Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages German, English, French, Spanish
Typical class size 13
Strengths Languages, Sport, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

The German European School Manila (GESM) is a non‑profit, bilingual European international school located on the Eurocampus at 75 Swaziland Street, Better Living Subdivision, Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines. It serves ages 3–18 across Preschool, Primary, Secondary and Upper School stages and offers German‑section and English‑section pathways alongside international programmes: Cambridge (Lower Secondary and IGCSE) in the secondary years and the International Baccalaureate at Upper School (IB Diploma Programme and the IB Career‑related Programme), including a gemischtsprachiges (bilingual German–English) IBDP option. English or bilingual German–English is used as the language of instruction depending on the programme; German is taught from kindergarten and GESM is an accredited Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) centre with students prepared for DSD I and II. The school shares facilities with the Lycée Français de Manille on the Eurocampus and lists sports facilities (swimming pools, football field, climbing wall) and a shared library of 30,000+ multilingual resources with computer workstations and an interactive screen. Around 60 nationalities attend the campus.

Better Living Subdivision, 75 Swaziland, Parañaque, 1711 Metro Manila, Philippines

The Essentials

German European School Manila has 360 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in German, English.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at German European School Manila ranges from PHP 415,533 to PHP 1,138,283 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

German European School Manila teaches IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), German Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.

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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.

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.

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.
Parent Experience

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.

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.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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.

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.

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.

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 Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Languages

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.

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.
Reputation

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.
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.

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.

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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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