German European School Manila vs The Beacon School

	G German European School Manila Manila, Philippines	T The Beacon School Manila, Philippines
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₱415,533 - 1,138,283	Fees / year ₱392,177 - 919,181
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 14 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), German Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Pupils	Pupils 360	Pupils 360
Typical class size	Typical class size 13	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1980	Opened 2001
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location The Beacon School is located in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The campus address is 2266 Central Square, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City 1231. It sits in central Makati with access to major roads and public transport options. Beacon announced a move to a new Makati campus along Pasong Tamo Extension in February 2023, with Phase I opening for Pre-K to Grade 8 in August 2023.
Stages	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.	Stages Beacon School offers education from Pre-K through Grade 8. It is an IB World School authorized to deliver the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP).
School type	School 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.	School type Beacon School is an independent, non-profit, secular and co-educational IB World School. It is an IB World School offering the PYP and MYP; it operates as an independent, non-profit institution.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support A publicly listed SEN program is not described on public pages. The school publishes a Child Safeguarding policy and has a Student Services section that includes onboarding, a community portal, after-school activities, and school conferences, indicating available student support structures.
Country affiliation	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.	Country affiliation There is no country affiliation listed; The Beacon School operates as an independent IB World School.
Religious affiliation	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.	Religious affiliation The Beacon School is secular and has no religious affiliation.
School day structure	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.	School day structure Public pages do not publish start and end times for the school day; the exact timings are provided by the admissions team upon inquiry. The school calendar lists dates and events but not daily hours.
Bus service details	Bus service details 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.	Bus service details Public pages do not list a school bus service for The Beacon School. Families may arrange private transport or other arrangements as needed.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details 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.	Fee details Application fee - An application fee of PHP 2,500 is payable at the time the completed application documents are submitted. Tuition fees (by year group) Note: The school's published annual tuition structure is shown as a two-part amount (a USD component plus a PHP component). The published annual totals and a per-term estimate (see Billing schedule and note on calculation below) are given here. - Pre-Kinder - Annual: USD 850 plus PHP 344,500. - Estimated per term (annual divided by three terms): USD 283.33 plus PHP 114,833.33. (Per-term figure shown as an arithmetic division of the annual amount; see note below.) - Kinder to Grade 5 - Annual: USD 1,800 plus PHP 760,000. - Estimated per term: USD 600.00 plus PHP 253,333.33. (Calculated by dividing the annual amount by three terms.) - Grades 6 to 8 - Annual: USD 2,000 plus PHP 807,000. - Estimated per term: USD 666.67 plus PHP 269,000.00. (Calculated by dividing the annual amount by three terms.) Billing schedule and payment terms - The school year is organised in school terms (the calendar references Term 1, Term 3, etc.), and admissions and re-enrolment references use a three-term structure. The per-term amounts above are derived by dividing the published annual tuition by three, consistent with the school's three-term academic references. - Once a place is offered, a reservation fee is required by the date shown in the letter of offer to secure a place; the school's admissions information also states that returning-student re-enrolment requires payment of a Returning Students Fee by the date advised by the Board of Trustees. (Specific reservation/returning fee amounts are not published in the accessible admissions text.) Boarding fees - The Beacon School operates as a day school for students from Pre-K to Grade 8; no boarding programme or boarding fees are listed for the Makati campus. Other costs and typical additional fees - School-branded clothing and merchandise (examples and prices): - One Beacon Shirt — Adult PHP 800; Child PHP 650. - Barracudas Shirt — PHP 600. - Ball cap — PHP 500. - Barracudas water tumbler — PHP 900. - (These are sample shop items and prices available from the school shop.) - Co‑curricular activities, field trips and program-specific costs are included in descriptions of the school's programmes; such activities and any related fees (for example, curriculum trips or optional activities) are additional to tuition and merchandise costs. Refund information - The school's public admissions pages specify the application fee, reservation/returning-student payments and that reservation payment secures a place, but no publicly available page or downloadable policy on fee refunds (for application, reservation, tuition or other deposits) was located in the published admissions or policies material accessible on the school pages. The availability and terms for refunds (if any) are therefore not explicitly published in the materials examined. Fee payment options - Bank transfer via Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is provided as an online payment method with both PESO and DOLLAR account numbers listed for the Beacon International School Foundation. The Enrol/Finance contact information and the BPI account details are published as a school payment method. - The Enrol page provides step-by-step instructions for adding the school as a biller in BPI Online (Manage Recipients → Add recipient → select Biller → BEACON INT'L SCHOOL FOUNDATION; confirm details and submit). The Finance Office contact details are published for payment queries. Summary of evidence and limits of the available public information - Application fee and the requirement for a reservation fee (amount given in the offer letter) are published in the school's admissions information. - Annual tuition amounts by broad year-groups (USD + PHP components) are published in a recent independent parent- guide article that lists the school's published tuition ranges and figures. The per-term numbers above are arithmetic divisions of those annual totals by three because the school's published calendar and admissions pages reference a three-term year; the per-term figures are therefore inferred from the published annual totals and the school's term structure. - The school's Enrol/Finance information explicitly lists BPI bank account numbers and instructions for online payment, and the school shop lists sample prices for branded shirts and items. - What was not publicly available in the pages examined: a detailed official tuition and fees schedule in a single downloadable fee schedule that lists every fee line (for example: explicit reservation fee amount, Returning Students Fee amount, term-by-term billing schedule text, formal refund rules) was not located in the accessible admissions and policy pages. For those specific line items and formal refund terms, the Finance Office contact is provided for direct confirmation.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	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.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	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.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	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.	Food options —
House system	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.	House system —
Governance and ownership	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.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details 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.	Curriculum details The Beacon School Philippines offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Pre-K to Grade 5 and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grade 6–8, with high school years planned for the future. It is accredited by the Philippine Department of Education and IB-authorized to deliver PYP and MYP. The PYP uses transdisciplinary units built around six themes (Who We Are; How We Express Ourselves; How the World Works; Where We Are in Place and Time; How We Organize Ourselves; Sharing the Planet), integrating core disciplines and stand-alone subjects such as Visual Arts, Filipino, Music, Physical Education, and Religious or World Religion. The MYP organizes learning around eight subject areas—Language A (English), Language B (Filipino and another language), Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, Design, The Arts, and Physical Education—guided by global contexts and culminating in a Grade 8 Community Project; Grade 6–7 also includes Religious and Moral Education. Service as Action is embedded across the MYP, with school partnerships for service learning, and the campus is located in Makati with IB School Code 002224.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning 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.	Social & emotional learning The Beacon School PH supports social and emotional learning through the House System, which fosters a close-knit community and cross-grade collaboration, with house-based service projects and school-wide activities.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school uses an inclusion approach with reading and learning support specialists and provides additional services for students whose needs can be met; admissions assess whether Beacon has the resources to support a student with special needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language 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.	English as an additional language Limits are placed on the number of English Language Learners within any one section.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing Art Therapy is offered as part of After School Activities (3-5) to support students' emotional well-being.
Safeguarding	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.	Safeguarding The Beacon School PH has a Child Safeguarding policy as part of its School Policies.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview Beacon School's Makati campus serves students from Pre-K to Grade 8 as part of its IB program. A 2023 announcement described relocation to a 12,500-square-meter Makati campus along Pasong Tamo Extension, with a main building renovated to house Pre-K to Grade 8. The campus includes a playground, a soccer field, a gymnasium, and an urban garden. Visual arts is integrated into the curriculum and there is a gallery showcasing student work, with drama and music also offered as part of the arts program.
Sports facilities	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.	Sports facilities The site includes a gymnasium for indoor activities and a soccer field for outdoor play and games. Outdoor spaces also include a playground and an urban garden that can be used for physical education and movement activities. These facilities support a range of PE and team sport activities.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	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 facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History The Beacon School was founded in 2001 by educators and professionals who sought a rigorous, progressive K–8 program within a close-knit learning community. It is governed by The Beacon International School Foundation, an independent, non-profit, secular organization that currently serves Pre-K to Grade 8 and envisions adding a high school in the future. In 2023, Beacon moved to a new Makati campus as part of the One Beacon Project, which consolidates The Beacon School with Beacon Academy under a single organizational umbrella. The One Beacon Project intends to extend Beacon's inquiry-based IB education by adding a high school at the Makati campus and by offering Pre-K to Grade 8 at Beacon Academy's Laguna campus, which currently serves up to Grade 12. Beacon was among the first Philippine IB World Schools authorized to deliver both the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme.
Community	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.	Community The Beacon School is an independent, non-profit, secular and co-educational IB school for students from Pre-K to Grade 8 in Metro Manila. It emphasizes inquiry-based learning and Filipino cultural values, building a global-minded community rooted in local culture. Beacon's community life includes sporting achievements, student performances, and family events that bring together students, parents, alumni and friends, such as the ISAA volleyball tournament results and events like the Moana 2 Block Screening. Families participate through the Beacon Community Portal and school programs that connect parents with staff and activities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association 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.	Parent teacher association A formal Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is not publicly listed on The Beacon School's public pages; parent involvement is organized through The Beacon International School Foundation and broader community programs. The Beacon International School Foundation acts as the school's governing and fundraising body, reflecting its independent, non-profit status. Community events that involve families include the Par for a Purpose: 1st Beacon School Golf Cup and related fundraising tournaments. Other family activities include Moana 2 Block Screening, which invites parents, alumni and friends, and merchandise campaigns such as Beacon Barracudas merch. The school maintains a community portal for parent volunteers and communication, and offers after-school activities and conferences to engage families.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual The Beacon School offers an after‑school activities program for students from K to 8 that extends learning beyond the academic day. STEM and related enrichment options include Robotics Class (3–8), Nutty Scientists, Coders' Playspace, and Bricks 4 Kidz. There are film‑ and media offerings such as Film‑making, Future Film Makers, and Cartoon Creations, alongside other academic and inquiry‑based activities like Tatak Filipino!, Sign Language for Kids, and Lego/Bricks‑related clubs. The program supports inquiry, collaboration, and creative problem‑solving beyond regular class time.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative The Music After School program offers group classes including Chorale, JAM, Guitar Ensemble, Stick & Stomp, Glee, Showstoppers, and String Ensemble, with individual lessons in violin, piano, guitar, drums, and voice available. Recitals are held, and students regularly perform at school assemblies and events. Additional arts offerings include Film‑making, Art Therapy, K‑2 Painting, K‑2 Photography, Origami, Storybook Artists, and Cartoon Creations, among other creative activities.
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language The Beacon School emphasizes language learning through curriculum‑based language acquisition opportunities and a global perspective. The school marks Filipino Week, International and Book Week, and the Christmas celebration to celebrate culture. Sign Language for Kids (K‑2) and Tatak Filipino! (3–8) provide structured cultural and language experiences, complemented by cross‑grade and cultural activities organized through the school's community programs.
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies A broad range of social and hobby activities runs after school, including film‑making, photography, crafts, and board games such as 3–8 Board Geeks. Students can explore creative and social pursuits through K‑2 Storybook Artists, K‑2 Painting, K‑2 Origami, K‑2 Cartoon Creations, and similar clubs. These offerings give students opportunities to build friendships and pursue personal interests beyond academics.
Community & service	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.	Community & service The Beacon Experience includes a House System that runs service projects and community initiatives, with students contributing to house goals through participation, collaboration, and leadership activities. Grades 7–8 participate in a four‑day RAFI Center for Leadership program to develop self‑awareness, social consciousness, collaboration, and resilience. Off‑campus activities connect classroom learning to the wider community, and students practice responsible outdoor behavior through Leave No Trace principles.
Leadership & professional	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.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is embedded in Beacon's programs: the House System promotes collaboration and community leadership, with service projects and school‑wide initiatives. The RAFI CFL Center for Leadership program provides structured leadership training for older students. The Beacon Experience and school conferences also offer mentoring, planning, and opportunities for developing professional skills as part of the student leadership pathway.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The athletics and wellbeing program includes Taekwondo, Gymnastics, T‑ball/Baseball, Futsal/Football, Archery, Volleyball, Badminton, and Chess. K‑2 Kid's Yoga is offered as a mindfulness‑ and movement‑based activity. The program emphasizes teamwork, discipline, safety, and enjoyment across sports, with ongoing opportunities to participate in group physical activities. Off‑campus experiences and outdoor activities further support students' physical health and overall wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision The language of instruction is English for all core subjects in The Beacon School's IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. Filipino is taught as a second language, organized into six phases, and students may begin at any phase and progress through the continuum. English language arts is provided as Language and Literature, emphasizing reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Spanish and Mandarin are offered as language electives to develop additional language proficiency.
Bilingual teaching	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.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards In 2024, The Beacon School's volleyball teams achieved a notable ISSA Inter-Scholastic Sports Association result: the Middle School Boys won the championship and the Middle School Girls finished in third place.
Accreditations	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.	Accreditations The Beacon School is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Kindergarten to Grade 5 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–8 at its Makati campus. This marks the school as an IB World School with internationally recognized curricula in its current facility.
Admissions	Admissions
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.	Admissions 0. Age-Grade Level Placement Information: The Beacon School places new students according to age by the end of August for the academic year, with a clear mapping to grade levels and local/national equivalents. The table shows how ages align to Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 1 through Grade 8, and beyond (for the IB structure). Class size limits are 16 students for Pre-K to Grade 3, 17 for Grades 4–5, and 20 for Grades 6–8. This framework guides initial placement decisions and ensures alignment with the school's program. 1. Introductory Tour: Prospective families are welcome to visit The Beacon School for an introductory tour. It is advised to contact the Admissions Office in advance to arrange a visit so you can receive a structured briefing. During the tour, you will get an overview of the admissions process and information about the school; a packet of application forms is provided to take away and study. This visit helps families assess fit before submitting formal materials. 2. Submission of Application Documents and Application Fee: To formalize an application, complete and submit the forms and required documents from the admissions packet to the Admissions Office. If any documents are in a language other than English, provide certified translations in English. You can download the required documents from the admissions packet, and an Application Fee of PHP 2,500 is payable with the submission of all completed documents. 3. Sit-in Visit: After review of the application materials and if there is an available slot in the requested grade level, the prospective student is invited to attend a “sit-in” pre-entry visit at the level applied for (or another level as determined by the Admissions Committee). The sit-in duration equals the length of the school day at that level. The sit-in is a required step and helps assess fit and, where applicable, whether the school has the resources to support a student with particular needs. 4. Academic Testing and Interview: All applicants will have an interview with the Guidance Counselor. Students applying for Grades 4–8 will be tested in Math and English and will write an essay to establish academic readiness. These assessments are conducted on paper during the sit-in visit. 5. Interview with Parent(s): In some cases, after the sit-in, an interview is arranged with the prospective student's parent(s) together with the grade level coordinator and the Head of School to discuss fit, expectations, and any additional considerations. This step ensures parents and the school share alignment on the student's needs and the school's offerings. 6. Offers of Placement and Acceptance: Once the sit-in, testing (if applicable), and committee review are complete, space may be offered. Offers for the following school year are generally issued by early March, with the possibility of earlier offers if space permits. Acceptance decisions are final once communicated. 7. Reservation and Enrollment: After a place is offered, a reservation fee is due by the date indicated in the offer letter to secure the slot. The enrollment process proceeds with the completion of necessary forms and the submission of any outstanding documents. This step formalizes enrollment and moves the family toward the start of the term. 8. Re-enrolment of Returning Students: The school supports returning students who remain in good standing (academic proficiency and behavior per the Code of Conduct). Returning Students Fee must be paid by the date advised by the Board of Trustees, and the reservation fee guarantees space for the following academic year.
Scholarships	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.	Scholarships The Beacon School offers The Beacon School Scholarship Programme, which can provide tuition coverage for Grades 6, 7, and 8. Scholarships are awarded based on three pillars: 1) Academic Merit (evidence of strong academic ability, critical and creative thinking, and strong communication; options include above-average ACER (OPI) scores, CAT4 results, stellar school records, an essay, and a teacher recommendation), 2) Financial Need (families must demonstrate need and provide documents such as the current Income Tax Return and a completed Beacon Scholarship Application Form), and 3) Potential Contribution to The Beacon School Community (leadership and evidence of responsible citizenship). Applications and decisions are managed by the Admissions team, and the school can provide more information via email.
Waitlist	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.	Waitlist Yes. When a grade-level section is full, prospective students who meet Beacon's admissions requirements are placed on a waitlist. They may be invited to sit in when an opening arises, subject to Admissions Guidelines. This waitlist mechanism allows families to remain in consideration while the school manages space and resources.
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