Our Story

Since its founding in 1980, the German European School Manila (GESM) has grown from a small German school serving the expatriate community into a thriving international school with a distinctly European identity. While remaining firmly rooted in German educational traditions, GESM has continually evolved to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse community, expanding its programmes, partnerships, and global outlook over more than four decades.

1980

Foundation of José-Rizal-Schule: Deutschsprachige Auslandsschule Manila

The German European School Manila traces its origins to 5 August 1980, when it was founded under the name José-Rizal-Schule.

The name was proposed by Rudolf Lietz, a member of the founding board, in honour of the Philippine national hero José Rizal. Rizal’s academic experience in Germany, particularly in Heidelberg, and his appreciation of German educational traditions contributed to the connection between his legacy and the school’s educational vision.

1984

Official German School Abroad recognition

German School moves to Pasig City

Compelled by the fast-growing student numbers, the German School (often called "DSM") moved its location to the University of Life compound in Pasig, some 4 kilometers East of its original location in Makati. The new grounds were officially opened on 17 February 1984.

1992

Founding of Eurocampus Manila

On 17 August 1992, the German School started holding classes in its current location in Parañaque. The move and the renovations of the new campus took place over a two-month period preceding S.Y. 1992-1993. The French school subsequently held classes on the new location two weeks later.

The Manila Eurocampus is recognised as the first French-German Eurocampus in the world and later served as a reference model for similar international school partnerships. The concept introduced a shared campus environment where different national school systems operate alongside one another while maintaining close educational cooperation.

1993

Eurocampus expands to include the Dutch School

On 17 November 1993, the Dutch School -- which was already operating on a limited capacity since the previous school year -- was officially inaugurated as part of the growing Eurocampus. In a symbolic ceremony, the Dutch flag was raised by children of different nationalities alongside those of the German, French and Swiss colors.

It was, however, to be a short-lived existence for the Dutch school in Manila, closing shop by the end of S.Y. 1995-1996.

1996

British School Manila (BSM) sets up shop at the Eurocampus

On 9 September 1996, the British School Manila (BSM) began holding some of its classes at the Eurocampus. BSM approached the Eurocampus Joint Management Committee (JMC) for assistance in housing some of its classes while they moved locations the previous school year. What was supposed to be a one-year stay by a single class, became a five-year cooperation involving a good majority of BSM's Secondary School being housed in the Eurocampus until S.Y. 2001-2002.

2003

Creation of European International School Inc. (EIS)

The German school's partnership with the French school was solidified by the creation of the European International School, Inc. (EIS) in the summer of 2003. A joint incorporation by the two schools to further the internationalization of the Eurocampus, and to establish a registered entity that can offer schooling beyond Grade 10. Today, GESM and the French school LFM administer separate offerings for Grades 11 and 12, but the EIS still exists as a body that supervises joint affairs of both schools, particularly in matters that deal with the campus and common facilities.

2004

First Batch of IBDP Exams

The first batch of Grade 12 students take the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) examinations in May 2024. It was the first time that the German school produced Grade 12 graduates via the European International School (EIS), the joint senior high school entity formed with the French school. At the time, students can take the IBDP either in English, in bilingual German-English, or bilingual English-French.

2006

English-based Kindergarten Offered for the 1st Time

In September 2006, the German school began offering English-based preschooling, under the framework of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The development came as the school started moving towards a more German-European identity, opening its doors not only to cater to German-speaking families, but to families who are interested in having their children learn the German language and be educated in a European environment.

2008

Founding of the "Eurosection", Adoption of Current Name & Logo

While English-based schooling was already being offered in preschool, the "European Section" (later "International Section") was only officially launched on 12 March 2008. This new pedagogical stream grew rapidly in size, and by the following year had classes from Kindergarten to Grade 4.

In the same ceremony, school officials and the German embassy introduced a brand new logo and name: the German School Manila. In the following year, the word "European" was added after the fashion of the German school in Singapore.

2010 'Excellent German School Abroad'.PNG

2011 & 2017

First & Second Seals of Excellence

GESM has received several forms of recognition reflecting its academic standards and development as a German school abroad.

In 2011 and 2017, the school was awarded the Seal of Excellence as an officially recognised “Excellent German School Abroad.”

2014

GESM starts offering IGCSE, DSD I

For the first time ever, GESM was offering a full K-12 program for both German and International Sections. S.Y 2014-15 saw the very first English-based Grade 10 come into existence, as well as the approval to administer exams for UK's International General Certificate for Secondary Education (IGCSE). Additionally, GESM was poised to offer the official German Language Diploma (DSD I) exams, having been accredited by German authorities in the same school year.

2018, 2019

Introduction of DSD II, accreditation as Pearson Edexcel Exam Center

GESM expanded its German language program and began offering the German Language Diploma II (DSD II) exams in 2018. This means that GESM students, whether from the German or the International Section, can earn a B2 or C1 German language proficiency certification before they graduate.

In the following year, GESM was accredited as an official examination center by the IGCSE exam board Pearson Edexcel.

2021

IB Career-Related Programme introduced

In 2021, GESM expanded its International Baccalaureate offerings through the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), providing students with additional pathways combining academic and career-oriented studies.

2026-2027

Integration of the German and English Secondary Schools

Beginning in S.Y. 2026–2027, GESM will integrate the German and English sections from Grades 6 to 10. This development aims to strengthen bilingual and multilingual learning opportunities within the school community. Students with the sufficient proficiency level may take selected courses in German (including History & Biology), preparing them for the Abitur-equivalent Gemischtsprachiges IB or the bilingual German-English IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12.

THE GERMAN EUROPEAN SCHOOL MANILA TODAY

Today, German European School Manila combines:

German academic standards

International curricula

Multilingual learning environments

European educational cooperation

Global citizenship values

GESM provides a learning environment that brings together academic development and cultural diversity, preparing students for international educational pathways and participation in a globally connected world.