Gab Ibis

Ateneo De Manila Grade School (AGS) opened its doors for co-educational learning after 165 years on Thursday, August 1.


The start of the current school year saw over 2,900 new and returning Ateneans, including 200 girls–72 in Kindergarten and 128 in Grade 1.

Originally, classes were scheduled to start on the 29th of July, but the onslaught  of Typhoon Carina necessitated a delay to the pilot start.

In a Facebook post, AGS highlighted the significance of the event, stating that history was made as the institution welcomed girls for the first time in the school’s 165-year history.

“History was made today, August 1, as Ateneo de Manila Grade School welcomed girls in Kindergarten and Grade 1 for the first time in our school’s nearly 165-year history,” the post read.

The change was part of a broader plan for full co-education in Ateneo’s Basic Education Levels by 2030.

Ateneo de Manila Junior High also began accepting female students in Grade 7 for the current school year.

The transition to co-education follows the Lux-in-Domino Strategic Plan, which aims to increase student diversity and expand access to Ateneo education. 

The Manila campus first admitted female students in 2016 as part of the K to 12 program. 

Founded in 1859 as Escuela Municipal de Manila, the school was initially exclusive to boys due to societal norms of the time.