You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Colombia with fee information. It includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools and you will find the right school to prepare for International Baccalaureate, and other diploma in Colombia. Some schools will follow the American or British curriculums with English speaking programs while others are regulated under the French, Intalian or German education system.

Education in Colombia

Education in Colombia is under the jurisdiction of the Ministerio de Educación Nacional (Ministry of National Education) and the literacy rate is in excess of 98 percent. It includes nursery school (Educación Preescolar), elementary school (Educación Primaria), high school (Educación Media), technical instruction and university education (Educación Superior). A typical Colombian studies 11 years and attempts to complete the secondary level of education. Most children over one year old are provided with daycare and nursery school in Hogares Comunitarios (community homes) sponsored by the National Institute for Family Welfare (ICBF). There are also a large number of private facilities, but high fees mean they are out of reach for the average Colombian family.

There are two academic calendars: "A" and "B". Both calendars follow a 198-day school year.
Calendar A is used by most of the country and is divided into two cycles or semesters. The first semester lasts 18 weeks, beginning in February and ending in June. The second semester lasts 20 weeks, beginning in July and ending in November.
Calendar B is used in the southern states of Valle, Cauca, Nariño and Putumayo. The first semester begins in September and ends in December. The second semester begins in January and ends in June.

International Schools

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Colombia. There may be some local population, but the schools are geared for an international student body. Schools usually follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, France, Canada or Australia/New Zealand. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English, French, Spanish, German, or Japanese. Many schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. Schools often provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

Accreditation

The CIS (Council of International Schools) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools. Quality Schools International (QSI) is a group of non-profit international schools offering education in the English language, in a number of countries in Europe, Asia, and South America. EFQM is a global non-for-profit membership foundation based in Brussels, Belgium. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is an American regional accreditation agency for an 11-state region and schools abroad. New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) also accredits schools with American curriculum abroad. Association of American Schools in South America (AASSA), Association of Colombian and Caribbean American Schools (ACCAS), and Colegios Privados de Santander(Alianza) offer membership for international schools.

Armenia

Fundación Gimnasio Inglés de Armenia (GI SCHOOL)
Address: KM 3 Via, Armenia,
Circasia, Colombie
Tel: +57-6-7495111
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

GI School is the only internationally accredited school in Quindío offering bilingual and multicultural education. This school draws students from both the international and local community. The North American curriculum is taught with English as a Second Language in the pre-school and early elementary school. Classes transition to being taught in English.

Barranquilla

Colegio Britanico Internacional
Address: Km 6 Antigua carretera a Puerto Colombia
Barranquilla, Colombia, Suramérica
Tel: 3598699-359889
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This British International College is a large co-educational bilingual day school. It follows the National curriculum of England. The Diploma Programme students study six IB subjects at higher level or standard level.

Colegio Karl C. Parrish (KCP)
Address: Km. 2 Antigua Via a Puerto Colombia
Barranquilla, Colombia
Tel: (57-5) 359-8929
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

A private, non-sectarian, non-profit elementary secondary school that is open to children of all nationalities. Offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses. KCP is affiliated with the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Model United Nations.

Bogotá

Gimnasio Alessandro Volta
Address: Calle 119 # 4-79
Telephone: (571) 743 88 50

Another Italian international school, with a curriculum centered around Italian culture and civilization. Levels offered: from pre-school to secondary school. Graduates have the possibility to obtain Colombian and Italian diplomas.

Gimnasio Colombo-Britanico
Address: Costado Sur – Occidental Aeropuerto
Bogota, Colombie
Telephone: (57) 668 39 99

British education for kindergarten to secondary school. Awards Colombian diploma, but also offers the possibility of British IGCSE certificate.

Colegio Cambridge
Address: Calle 127A # 7-19
Bogota, Colombie
Telephone: 350 417 1060

An internationally-recongized school that boasts a truly international community. It is one of the highest-ranked educational institutions in the country, while also offering an IB curriculum.

Colegio Gran Bretaña
Address: Cra 51 #215
Bogotá, Colombia
Tel: 315 887 3788
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Also known as the British School, instruction is in English and it offers classes for nursery to Year 13 (UK). Students are about a third Colombian, with a significant portion of American students. It is accredited by NEASC & CIS.

Colegio Helvetia de Bogotá
Address: Calle 128 No. 71A
Bogotá, Colombia
Tel: (571) 6247374
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This is a private multilingual (Spanish, German, French) Swiss school. Founded in 1949, students begin formal education in kindergarten, culminating in the acquisition of Swiss Matura Colombian Baccalaureate. This can grant access to universities around the world.

Colegio Internacional de Bogotá (CIB)
Address: Carrera 49 N 202 -85
Bogotá, Colombia
Tel: 676 2200 / 310 2670460
E-mail: admisionescib@etb.net.com
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This is a private, bilingual and internationally focused school. Caters to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Instruction is in English. Graduates may earn the Colombian High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Colegio Nueva Granada (CNG)
Address: Cra 2 Este # 70-20
Bogotá Colombia
Tel: (0)2123199
Tuition Rates (US $): $8,200 - 13,200 per year

This is a private, coeducational, bilingual, bicultural day school founded in 1938. The school provides a U.S. college-preparatory curriculum with 17 Pre-Advanced and Advanced Placement courses. All classes are taught in English, except Colombian social studies and Spanish. (In addition, there are 2 classrooms for teaching Mandarin-Chinese.) A dual program prepares students for both the U.S. High School Diploma and the Colombian Bachillerato Diploma. The School is accredited by SACS and by the Colombian Ministry of Education. The school year begins in August and ends in June.

Colombo American School
Address: Carrera 73 # 215-53
Bogota, Colombie
Telephone: (57) 668 50 77

A catholic-oriented private, bilingual and co-educational institution that caters to children aged 4-18. Offers the possibility of a British IGCSE diploma upon graduation.

Knightsbridge Schools International Bogota
Address: Calle 221 # 115- 51 Vereda Recodo de Guaymaral
Bogota D.C. 111176
Telephone: +57 60 1 7456215
Whatsapp: +57 315 7006662
Email: admissions@ksi-bogota.com

KSI Bogotá is a bilingual IB World School for students 4-18 years, offering a holistic approach to teaching and learning through the International Baccalaureate. Part of the global Knightsbridge Schools family, students benefit from a truly international experience. 

The English School (TES)
Address: Calle 170 #15-68[
Bogotá, Colombia
Tel: 57 - 1 - 6767700
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Colegio de Inglaterra, or TES, is a private co-educational institution of bilingual, international, and non-confessional education. It offers the programmes of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO): Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). It is accredited with EFQM.

French School in Bogotá

Lycée français Louis-Pasteur de Bogotá
Address: Calle 87 N7-77
Bogota, Colombie
Tel: (+57 1) 218 70 58

Created in 1934, this French school caters to students from kindergarten to graduation. Graduates may earn a French Baccalaureate or Colombian diploma. Curriculum is approved by the French government and it is a member of the AEFE.

German School in Bogotá

Colegio Andino – Deutsche Schule
Address: Carrera 51 # 218-85
Bogota, Colombie
Telephone: (57) 668 42 50

One of the few international schools offering education in German. Uses a German curriculum, and offers the possibility of both Colombian and German secondary school diplomas.

Italian School in Bogotá

Colegio Italiano Leonardo da Vinci
Address: Carrera 21 # 127-23
Bogota, Colombie
Telephone: (571) 258 64 34

Leonardo da Vinci is an Italian international school in Bogota. It caters for children aged 3-18. Instruction is in Italian and Spanish, and it offers both the Colombian and Italian diplomas.

Cali

Colegio Bolivar
Address: Calle 5 No. 122-21 Vía Pance
Cali, Colombie
Tel: (57-2) 684 8600
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Private, non-denominational, American school. Accredited by AdvancED and the Colombian Ministry of Education.

French School in Cali

Lycée français Paul Valéry de Cali
Address: Calle 50N # 4AN-56
Cali, Colombie
Tel: (572) 485 5850 (51/52)

This international school provides education in French. Curriculum is approved by the French government and it is a member of the AEFE.

Cartagena

Colegio Jorge Washington
Address: Zona Norte, Anillo Vial Km.12
Cartagena, Colombia
Tel: 673 5505 – 673
Tuition Rates (US $): $2,951 - $5,639 per year

Colegio Jorge Washington is a private, coeducational day school. It caters to students from nursery through grade 12 with a U.S. college-preparatory curriculum. English language instruction begins in pre-kindergarten with supplementary programs for children with little or no English language capability. A dual program prepares students for both the U.S. high school diploma and the Colombian Bachillerato degree. The school year comprises 3 trimesters extending from early August until late June. The School is accredited by the AdvancedED, SACS, and by the Colombian Ministry of Education.

Cerrejon

Colegio Albania
Contact Address: P.O. Box 02-5573
Miami, Florida 33102
Tel: 575-350-5648
E-mail: info@colegioalbania.edu.co
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

An international school that offers classes from Nursery - Senior Year (11th Grade). Graduates may ear a Colombian Bachillerato, an American High School diploma, or the IB Diploma.

Envigado

The Columbus School
Address: Km. 16 (Alto de Las Palmas)
Envigado, Colombia
Tel: (574) 403 3000
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

In 1947, a small group of American and Colombian businessmen founded The Columbus School. It provides U.S. style education for expatriate and Colombian children. The school has classes fro students from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Manizales

Asociación Colegio Granadino
Address: AA 2138
Manizales, Colombia
Tel: (57-6) 8745774
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

A bilingual (English/Spanish) school. The school caters to children from Kinder 1 (one year) to Grade 12. It is a member of SACS.

Medellin

Marymount School
Address: Calle 7, No 25-64
Medellin, Colombia
Tel: 57 5 742 661 555
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The Marymount School Medell¡n is a private, bilingual (English/Spanish), educational institution, established in 1953 by the Religious Order of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM). Eventually the school was bought out by the parents and graduates in Medellín and today the school is owned and governed by a proprietary Board. It is still in loose confederation with the RSHM order and oriented by the principles of the Catholic Religion.

The school has four divisions: Pre-school, Elementary, Middle School and High School. The school's curriculum is dictated by the Colombian Ministry of Education.

Pereira

Fundación Liceo Inglés
Address: Km 5 Via Cerritos Entrada 17
Pereira, Colombia
Tel: (57) (6) 320 55 63
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This comprehensive international school focuses on instruction in English.

Santander

Colegio Panamericano
Address: Calle 34 No. 8 -73 Cañaveral Alto
Floridablanca - Santander, Colombia
Tel: 57 + (7) 6386213
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Colegio Panamericano is a progressive, bilingual, non-profit college preparatory school. It offers both a Colombiuan and U.S. diplomas. It is a member of AASSA, ACCAS, and Alianza.