The German School of the Sisters of Mercy of St. Charles Borromeo in Alexandria (DSBA) is a German-Egyptian school of encounter. It was founded in 1884 as an educational institution for Germans and Austrians whose fathers were involved in the construction of the port of Alexandria. Today, the school is attended predominantly by Egyptian girls, lovingly cared for by the Sisters of the Order of St. Charles Borromeo, along with dedicated teachers and staff.
The DSB Alexandria enjoys a high reputation in Egypt. In Alexandria, it is commonly referred to as the best school in the city. This excellent reputation is built upon a tradition of over 140 years.
Arrival of the Sisters of the Order of St. Charles Borromeo in Alexandria. Founding of DSB Alexandria for German and Austrian children whose fathers were building the port in Alexandria.
During World War I, the German sisters are expelled.
The sisters return. Classes resume after the war years.
The first secular, officially assigned German teacher is sent to the school. The number of German teachers increases steadily along with the student population.
The school survives World War II without being shut down.
Egyptian school-leaving certificates become part of the school program. Arabic becomes an official subject. The number of Egyptian students increases.
Two more officially assigned German teachers arrive.
The first German "Mittlere Reife" (secondary school certificate) exam is held for Grade 10 under the supervision of Dr. Döhner.
The Borromean schools are granted the status of "Colony Schools" through a memorandum, allowing them to retain their system despite the 1958 private school law requiring all school owners and principals to be Egyptian.
Grade 9 students take the Egyptian "Addadeya" (Middle School Certificate) exam.
Sister Carola Barl becomes principal and holds the position until 1999.
The previously one-year commercial school is extended by a year; commercial subjects are taught in both German and Arabic, as well as French and English.
The first students register for the Egyptian "Thanaweya Amma" (General Secondary Education Certificate) and go on to study at Egyptian universities.
The upper secondary level (Thanaweya) is completed with the inclusion of the literary stream.
First official exam for Egyptian primary school (Ibtidaeya, Grade 6).
Graduates of both branches (mathematical and literary) of Grade 12 are eligible for university admission.
First stage II German Language Diploma exam by the KMK (Conference of Ministers of Education).
Recognition as a German School Abroad conducting official German final examinations (German Realschulabschluss).
The Egyptian Thanaweya exam is replaced by the German Abitur (university entrance exam).
Final year for Grade 12 to prepare for the Thanaweya exam, which they pass with great success. The former commercial school is renamed “Advanced Vocational School for Business with a focus on Foreign Languages”, continuing the school’s tradition of teaching four languages.
Grade 12 students take the first German Abitur exam (general university entrance qualification).
A computer and internet lab is set up and equipped for 24 to 30 students.
For the first time, leadership of the school is handed over to a secular German<br>principal, Nikolaus Eberl (until 2007), assigned by the German Foreign Office. Until then, the school had always been led by Sisters of the Order, most recently for 30 years by Sister Carola Barl, the Regional Superior.
Introduction of the FOS track (Fachoberschule), approved by the KMK and the Egyptian Ministry of Education as equivalent to the Thanaweya Amma. Additionally, it offers optional qualifications as foreign language assistant or secretary.
Last graduating class of the Advanced Vocational School for Business with a focus on Foreign Languages.
Friedrich Gerber serves as interim principal.
Dr. Hubert Müller becomes the new principal.
DSB Alexandria celebrates its 125th anniversary with over 700 students and more than 60 teachers.
After the Federal-State Inspection (BLI), the DSB is awarded the title “Excellent German School Abroad.”
Dipl.-Phys. Wolfgang Mager becomes the new principal.
The Federal-State Inspection again recognizes DSB Alexandria as an "Excellent German School Abroad."
DSB Alexandria approved the " German International Abitur " as its recognized certificate instead of the “German Abitur”
Herr Frank Waigand becomes the new principal.
DSB Alexandria celebrates its 140th anniversary with over 700 students and more than 60 teachers.
