Deutsche Europäische Schule Manila

The German European School Manila is one of five prestigious schools in Metro Manila. As a German School Abroad, it is both a UNESCO School and an internationally recognized IBO School, offering the PYP Program, the IBDP Program, and the IBCP Vocational Training Program. DESM was awarded the Seal of Quality by the German Federal and State Inspection Agency for the second time in 2017.

Manila is a typical "megacity" where ultramodernity collides with the backwardness of a developing country – exciting and challenging at the same time.

The fascinating combination of Filipino, Chinese, Spanish-Mexican, and American elements is unique. Added to this is the unusual flora and fauna and the influence of the Spanish-Mexican colonial period, which is evident in the architecture.

Combined with the friendliness and openness of the Filipino people, the multicultural character of the Philippines gives it a special appeal. Unfortunately, the reality stands in stark contrast to the public and media-conveyed perception in Germany.

Together with its French partner school, the Lycée Français de Manille (LFM), DESM forms the school community of EUROCAMPUS Manila. At this place of linguistic and cultural exchange, whose layout is reminiscent of a typical Filipino school, teachers and students from all over the world live and work together. The language of instruction is English, with German, French, and Filipino also spoken.

DESM has an English-speaking branch in addition to the German-speaking department, both of which lead from kindergarten to the combined upper secondary school. 

Our educational program primarily follows the principles of individual support, inclusion, strengthening social skills, linguistic sensitivity, and differentiation. 

Our mission statement emphasizes the key concepts of "global citizenship" and "sustainability," guided by the understanding of UNESCO schools. Therefore, environmental projects and social engagement play a crucial role.

The reports of the Federal-State Inspection and our regular surveys positively highlight the trusting atmosphere within our school community, the high level of satisfaction among parents, students, and teachers, the multicultural character of the Eurocampus, the social projects, and the high success rate of our students. Our development priorities for 2024/25 are: consistent language development, further improvement of teaching quality (social forms, differentiation), and projects on the topic of sustainability, which we are implementing through, among other things, the school garden, aquaponics, and hydroponics facilities.
We are also preparing for the Federal-State Inspection 3.0, which will take place in March 2025.


updated: August 2024