Compare German Curriculum International Schools in Philippines

Instructs in German, English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees ₱415,533 - 1,138,283

Pupils 360

Type Co-educational

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Greatstart International School Manila

Instructs in English

Ages 18 - 12 years

Greatstart International School Manila offers early childhood education under the GR.A.C.E. Learning Program, a proprietary curriculum based on The Creative Curriculum for Preschool and aligned with state and national early learning standards. The Manila campus is located at 187 Dona Soledad Ave. Extension, Better Living, Paranaque City, Metro Manila, near Nuat Thai and Alfamart. Programs start with Toddlers (as young as 18 months) and run through School Age (up to 12 years), including Toddlers, Nursery I, Nursery II, Pre-K, Kindergarten, School Age, and a Summer Camp. The school day runs Monday–Friday with optional extended care and after-school programs; bus service is available through an accredited provider. Instruction is in English, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support if needed. The GR.A.C.E. program emphasizes social development, international-mindedness, and a structured yet creative approach to learning. For inquiries, contact the Manila center.

Location

Greatstart International School Manila is located at 187 Dona Soledad Ave. Extension, Better Living Subdivision (BLS), Paranaque City, Metro Manila. The school sits in the Better Living neighborhood and is accessible from the South Luzon Expressway via the Bicutan exit; it is described as being beside Nuat Thai and Alfamart. This location places the campus in southern Metro Manila, convenient for families relocating to or residing in the area.

Stages

Classrooms are organized by age: Toddlers (18 months to 2 years), Nursery I (2–3 years), Nursery II (3–4 years), Pre-K (4–5 years), Kindergarten (5–6 years), School Age (up to 12 years), and Summer Camp (2–12 years).

Type

The school operates as an international early-learning program that serves preschool through school-age students; it runs as a day program (no boarding is listed). The daily schedule aligns with a daytime model, with school hours Monday–Friday.

Additional learning support

Greatstart International School Manila is described as inclusive; decisions about admitting students with special educational needs are made by Center Directors based on individual assessments. Some students may receive full-time support from a Learning Support Assistant.

Country affiliation

The school aligns with American education standards and guidelines, reflecting a United States affiliation.

Religious affiliation

No religious affiliation is indicated in the available materials.

School day structure

School days run from 7:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, with programming that covers early childhood through school-age activities.

Bus service

The school offers bus service through an accredited provider, Iskulbus. Families should contact Iskulbus directly for enrollment and scheduling details.

Uniform Requirement

A school uniform is required for all students. Casual wear is allowed for certain events.

House System

The school uses a house system with house-based competitions. Activities include parent–child themed house events and classroom competitions such as 100 Days of School and pumpkin carving.

Governance and Ownership

Greatstart International School Manila is part of the Greatstart Early Learning network. Each center is led by a Center Director. The brand was founded in the United States by Johanna and Peter Badenhop.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Greatstart Manila emphasizes social development as part of its GR.A.C.E. curriculum and daily practice, aiming to foster confidence and social skills in students. The program highlights a Western-style approach to social development to help children become confident participants in learning. The International Student Experience Program provides a two-week social immersion at a U.S. location to develop social skills in an international context and support language development. The school describes its environment as warm, supportive and creative, which underpins social and emotional learning. Center Directors and trained teachers guide both academic and social development, and there is emphasis on partnering with parents to support students' social growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Greatstart Manila is described as an inclusive school. Decisions about admitting children with special educational needs (SEN) are made by Center Directors based on the extent to which the school can meet the student's needs. Individual assessments are required, and a recent Educational Psychologist's report is often requested to ensure the school can cater for the student. Some students are admitted on the condition that they receive full-time support from a Learning Support Assistant. The SEN information does not specify a named SEN category or a specialist SEN facility, indicating the school is not positioned as a dedicated SEN specialist institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school is an all-English language school and provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. During evaluation, the prospective student's language ability is assessed to determine EAL needs, ensuring access to the curriculum. EAL support is available through the school, and parents are encouraged to continue using and developing their native language at home to support learning. The program is designed to accommodate students who are not yet fluent in English rather than replacing their home language.

Mental Wellbeing

The Manila campus describes learning as taking place in a warm, supportive and creative environment, which underpins students' mental well-being and holistic development. The GR.A.C.E. program and its social-skills focus contribute to resilience and confidence as part of well-being. The International Student Experience Program supports social skills development and cultural exposure, which can positively affect students' social-emotional well-being. The school relies on trained staff, including Center Directors and teachers, to guide academic and social growth within this supportive framework. There is no separately named, publicly disclosed mental health program beyond these social-emotional supports.

Safeguarding

The Manila pages do not publicly disclose safeguarding and child protection policies.

Admissions

1. Schedule a Tour. School Tours are typically 30 minutes to 1 hour long. Families should call the numbers listed to schedule a tour appointment, or inquire online, to arrange a visit. The tour allows families to view the facilities and ask questions about the school and its programs.

2. Register Your Child. Because slots are limited, use the Online Application for Admission form since slots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. The Application for Admission form can be requested during the school tour or by contacting the school administrator.

3. Admissions Evaluation and Interview. Once the Admissions Evaluation and Enrollment Deposit fees have been paid, families will be contacted for Assessment scheduling. The initial assessment helps inform high-quality instruction tailored to the child's learning needs and can be conducted during the school tour.

4. Acceptance. An Enrollment Packet, including information such as parents' and child information and health records, is provided upon acceptance. Families can opt to visit the school or be contacted for orientation prior to their child's start date.

Scholarships

There is no scholarship information published on the admissions pages. The materials describe the admissions steps and age requirements but do not mention any scholarship programs.

Waitlist

The school describes an open admissions policy with applications accepted year-round and spaces reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no published waitlist or pool system. This implies no formal waitlist beyond the standard first-come, first-served approach.

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Compare German Curriculum International Schools in Philippines

Location

Stages

Type

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

Religious affiliation

School day structure

Bus service

Boarding Arrangements

Uniform Requirement

Food Options

House System

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Admissions

Scholarships

Waitlist

Location

Stages

Type

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

Religious affiliation

School day structure

Bus service

Uniform Requirement

House System

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Admissions

Scholarships

Waitlist

Filters

Currency

Annual fees

Children's Ages

Curriculum offered

Brand

Preschool

Primary

Secondary

Pre-University

National Curriculums

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Language of instruction