Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
Km 10 via Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia
Pre Primary; Elementary; Secondary
International school
Colombia and United States
Movilizate Express
The school has a Dress Code with Nido uniforms, a Daily Uniform, a Physical Education Uniform, and Accessories.
The school uses a four-house system. Students are allocated randomly to a house at enrollment, and younger siblings join the same house when they enroll. The four houses are EGETES (Green) — Leadership; ΟΙΚΙΑ (Red) — Family; GNOSIS (Yellow) — Knowledge; and POLITEIA (Blue) — Biculturism.
Altamira International School is a family-owned non-profit corporation. The Shareholders Assembly is the supreme governing body responsible for appointing and evaluating the Director, ensuring the financial viability of the institution, and directing its general policies.
An internationally focused education emphasizing Spanish/English language proficiency, with a holistic educational approach and inclusive ethos. Intercultural education supports bilingual development and global perspectives. Programs run from Pre-Primary through Secondary. PRAE integrates Environmental Education with Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to connect learning with real-world issues.
The school aims to be college-ready and globally competitive integral leaders prepared to change the world. Alumni pursue higher education at universities including Universidad del Norte (Colombia); University of Florida (USA) with a double degree in Management; Clark University (USA); University of Navarra (Spain); Universidad Externado Colombia; High Tech High (USA); UC Davis (USA); Universidad del Rosario (Colombia); and Pamplona University (Spain). Examples include: Rachid Correa (Universidad del Norte; double degree in Management from the University of Florida; specialization at Externado Colombia), Mariangela Vergara Ruiz (University of Navarra; Master's in Education at High Tech High), Salomón Cure (HULT International Business School, UK), Natalia Saade Ortega (Universidad del Rosario; UR Diplomats), Andrea Ramirez (Pamplona University, Spain), Marcelly Contreras (Universidad del Norte; teacher), Natasha Chegwin (Universidad del Norte; student counselor at AIS).
The counselors at Altamira International School provide a comprehensive guidance program for students, parents, teachers and other stakeholders. The SEL Curriculum focuses on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making, inspired by Illinois Classroom in Action and CASEL.org. The Optimal Match Center offers a PK-12 program to meet students' social, emotional, and academic needs, with adjustments in the classroom to ensure meaningful learning. Early Childhood Intervention provides additional instruction for younger learners, and RTI uses scaffolded activities to support readiness. The mental, emotional and physical well-being of students and staff is a priority, and families engage through Coffee with the Principal and SEL Newsletters.
Altamira International School attends to learners with special needs within the classroom. The school has an Inclusion Policy and a Process for Admission to Learners with NEE. The Plan Individualizado de Ajustes Razonables (PIAR) guarantees individualized adjustments based on pedagogical and social assessment. Adaptive strategies include non-significant and significant adaptations, curriculum adaptations, universal design for learning, and targeted supports. Policies align with national laws and inclusive education principles.
Intercultural Education provides an internationally focused education emphasizing Spanish/English language proficiency.
The mental, emotional and physical well-being of students and staff is a priority. The Optimal Match Center provides a comprehensive program to meet social, emotional and academic needs and offers adjustments to help students with different learning styles develop their strengths.
Altamira International School has a comprehensive Child Protection Policy based on US and Colombian law and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Staff are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect, and training is provided for staff. The policy includes age-appropriate lessons for students, information sessions for parents, and staff training. The school also references structured procedures for reporting and response, including the Ruta de Atención Integral para la Convivencia Escolar, and collaborates with community health services and authorities for holistic referrals.
Admission Process and General Information: Application requirements: Age: To apply you must consider the student's age for the following grade levels: Pre‑Kinder — 4 years old before June 30; Kinder — 5 years old before June 30; First Grade — 6 years old before June 30. To ensure the experiences and academic quality of our students, admissions are limited, so families should begin the admissions process one to two years in advance. To learn about the educational project or visit our campus, contact us via WhatsApp. OUR ADMISSIONS PROCESS 1 – Registration: To apply to our school and begin the admission process please fill out the following form. Make the payment of the admission costs according to the rates: ALTAMIRA: COP 150,000; NIDO: COP 70,000; Non‑refundable. Pay online: After completing the registration form, you will be redirected to the payment process. Pay at the bank: Corporación Colegio Internacional Altamira; NIT: 802008179‑5; Bancolombia savings account: 69209746778. 2 – Document Submission: Once the documents have been filled out, they will be sent directly to the admissions department and the admission process will formally begin. Documents to attach to the application form include: Student's School Report (English and Spanish versions), Families Recommendation (English and Spanish versions). 3 – Interview with the school's Counselor and academic ASSESSMENT: After the required documents are received, the admissions committee will schedule an on‑campus appointment and the student will undergo the academic screening. 4 – Response of the admission process: The committee will take time to respond to applicant families and will email the admission decision; enrollment is subject to seat availability. The school reserves the right of admission. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the admissions process? The process consists of the following steps: 1. Pre‑inscription: Complete the form on the website. 2. Document submission: Present the required documents (birth certificate, academic reports, school references, etc.). 3. Interview and exams: An appointment is scheduled with the admissions team and a diagnostic evaluation is conducted. 4. Evaluation and decision: The admissions committee reviews the application and communicates the decision. 5. Enrollment: If admitted, sign the contract and pay the enrollment rights. How can I schedule a visit? Pre‑register on the admissions page and the team will contact you to schedule the visit. When can I apply for admissions? Applications are accepted year‑round as long as there are seats available in the requested grade, but it is advisable to start early (January–March), especially for the start of a new academic year. Can I apply to join mid‑year? Yes, if seats are available; late‑year admissions require a leveling plan and, if necessary, external tutoring may be recommended at the family's expense; retaking times will be defined after school hours with prior validation by the vice‑rectorates. What are the requirements for foreign students? The requirements are in the Admissions page, in the Document Submission section. Also note: notes must be apostilled/convalidated if applicable; translations are required if certificates are not in Spanish; a passport and a visa showing stay in the country are required. From what age can a child enroll? The school begins bilingual education from Prekinder and goes up to Grade 12. Children can apply at Prekinder (4 years old by June 30), Kinder (5 by June 30), or 1st Grade (6 by June 30). What does it mean to be on the waiting list? Being on the waiting list does not guarantee a seat; if a seat becomes available later, you will be contacted immediately to continue the process. When are ordinary enrollments? The school, on a calendar B, runs the academic year from August to June; ordinary enrollments occur toward the end of the school year during a three‑week period, generally starting in the last week of May. What should I do if I need any type of certificate from the school? Certificates and academic records are processed through the school's online system. Each certificate costs COP 15,000; payment can be made on the website; delivery time is 5–7 business days after the request and payment confirmation. Km 10 via Puerto Colombia, Atlántico.
Student clubs at AIS provide opportunities to apply for scholarships and national or international networking experiences.
Being on the waiting list does not guarantee a seat; it means that although an application has been submitted, there are currently no available seats in the requested grade. If a seat becomes available later, you will be contacted immediately to continue the process.
Barranquilla metropolitan area, Atlántico, Colombia. Address: Calle 1B
Preschool through 12th grade, with Elementary and Secondary divisions.
The school is a private, bilingual educational establishment.
The Optimal Resource Center (ORC) offers specially designed programs and strategies to help students with learning differences, including an Early Intervention Program for Preschool and First Grade and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) within the general classroom.
Uniforms are required for students. A PE uniform is part of the school attire. For photo days, students must wear the complete uniform; PE uniforms are not worn for individual photos, and group photos follow the school dress code.
The cafeteria service encourages healthy eating habits by offering appealing, balanced meal choices for elementary and secondary students. The daily menus are nutritionist-approved. A variety of options are available for secondary students, while the elementary meals are tailored to younger tastes.
The school is nonprofit, private, non-sectarian elementary and secondary. The main campus is located in Barranquilla, Colombia. The Director is Dr. Matthew Shannon.
KCP uses a bilingual Colombian–American curriculum. The language of instruction is English and Spanish. The school offers both the Colombian Bachillerato program (grades 7–12) and an American High School Program that includes Advanced Placement courses. AP courses offered include Calculus AB, Physics 1, Physics 2, English Literature, English Language, Spanish Literature, Spanish Language, Biology, Microeconomics, US History and Chemistry. Graduates earn both the US High School Diploma and the Colombian Diploma. BYOL is required for grades 3–12, and an ORC program provides support for learners with special needs. The school embraces Reggio Emilia and 21st Century Learning approaches.
SAT mean scores for the Class of 2020 were 530–720 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 520–710 in Math, with 37 test takers. May 2020 AP Courses Results included 48 candidates; May 2021 AP Courses Results included 29 candidates; in 2021, 83% of AP students earned scores of 3 or higher. KCP graduates have a 100% college/university acceptance rate and have attended US, Colombian, and European universities, including American University, Babson College, Boston University, William & Mary, Eckerd College, Florida International University, and Fordham University.
KCP graduates have a 100% college/university acceptance rate. Classes 2020 and 2021 attended universities in the United States, Colombia, and Europe, including American University, Babson College, Boston University, William & Mary, Eckerd College, Florida International University, and Fordham University.
The school places emphasis on social and emotional development alongside academics. Teachers and counselors pay close attention to the social, emotional, and academic needs of each student. An Elementary School Counselor is part of the student support team. The school uses Character Counts! to foster character and social responsibility. The school fosters a caring, multicultural community that supports student well-being. The mission and daily practice guide holistic development of students.
The school provides an Optimal Resource Center (ORC) to support students identified with learning exceptionalities in Middle School and High School. The School Profile notes dedicated Academic Support for students with learning needs. The ORC is integrated with the broader support services to help these students access the curriculum. The program is designed to accommodate diverse learners within the regular school program. The ORC aims to help students participate fully in school life and progress toward their diplomas.
Language of instruction is English and Spanish. The curriculum is bilingual, binational, and multicultural, combining Colombian and American educational contexts. Most of the secondary staff are bilingual, allowing the majority of instruction to be in English. Teachers hold teaching certifications from the United States, United Kingdom, Jamaica, Barbados, Colombia, and Canada. Forty percent of teachers hold advanced degrees.
The school prioritizes students' social and emotional wellbeing as part of its academic program. Teachers and counselors attend to the social, emotional, and academic needs of each student. An Elementary School Counselor is part of the staff. Character Counts! contributes to wellbeing by promoting values and responsible behavior. The school fosters a caring, supportive community that supports students' mental health and wellbeing.
The school maintains a Child Protection Policy to safeguard children and respond promptly to abuse or neglect. All staff must report suspected abuse or neglect; adult visitors and volunteers must also report. The policy is based on US and Colombian law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The policy includes a Code of Honor, a disciplinary policy, professional boundaries and social media guidelines, and procedures for reporting and responding to allegations. Training on child protection is provided annually for staff, and the school follows a Comprehensive Pathway for Convivencia Escolar (Ruta de Atención Integral para la Convivencia Escolar) for safeguarding matters. The school may involve local authorities or external resources as needed and will maintain confidentiality as required.
1. Admissions decisions are made by the Admissions Committee based on space availability, the entrance examination, and previous academic performance (grades, standardized test scores, and disciplinary record) for the grade applied. If space is not available, the application is placed on a waiting list and you will be contacted when space becomes available. An admitted student must be proficient in oral and written English, with an exception for STEM or Pre-Kinder entries where English is not required. The application will not be processed until all required documents are submitted.
2. English language requirements apply to admission: the applicant must demonstrate oral and written English proficiency for the grade being applied to. For First Grade the English level should be comparable to that of an average student in that grade; no English proficiency is required for students entering STEM or Pre-Kinder. If the applicant does not meet the English requirement, admission may not proceed until proficiency is demonstrated.
3. Required documents must be submitted for the application to be processed: a 2" x 2" photograph and a family picture; birth certificate; School Recommendation Form A-1; three family references; applicant's academic records; certificate of good standing from the previous school; financial information; custody documentation if applicable; both parents' IDs; and the non-refundable Admission Application Process Fee.
4. Start the process by paying the non-refundable application fee of $250,000 via wire transfer to Bancolombia Savings Account No. 55427852333 in the name of Sociedad Escuela Karl C. Parrish, and attaching the payment support to the Application Form. Complete the Prospect/Family General Information, the Application for Admission, and the Applicant Information Form (applicable for STEM, PK & KINDER).
5. Request an appointment to discuss admission: the school will contact you with a date and time for the appointment. For additional information, contact the Admissions Office by phone at 605-359-8929 ext. You may also use the online forms provided for appointment requests.
6. After submitting the required items and scheduling an appointment, the Admissions Committee will review the application and communicate next steps or decisions as space permits.
If space is not available, the application is placed on a waiting list and you will be contacted when space becomes available.
Marymount Barranquilla operates two campuses in Barranquilla, Colombia: the Preschool campus at Carrera 59
Preschool; Lower Elementary; Upper Elementary; Middle School; High School
Private Catholic day school
Catholic
Athletes must obtain a competition uniform assigned by the Marymount Corporation (for MACC participation).
Cafeteria provides a monthly contract food service: snacks for Nursery through 3rd grade and lunches for 1st through 12th grade. Prices: Preschool and Elementary Snack COP 185,000; Elementary Lunch COP 354,000; High School Lunch COP 440,000; Snack and Lunch 1st–3rd COP 525,000.
Marymount Barranquilla is a member of the global network of Marymount schools founded by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM).
The Marymount Barranquilla curriculum is a learning community focused on developing 21st‑century skills, global competence, and entrepreneurial leadership grounded in Catholic values. It blends national and international standards and uses the Cambridge curriculum for English, Science and Mathematics since 2019; English Social Studies uses the AERO Standards; French follows the European Framework; Physical Education follows NASPE; Art uses NAfME; Library uses AASL; Technology develops ISTE standards; and Religion content aligns with the Episcopal Conference. The program is bilingual, with instruction in English and Spanish from early years. In 11th and 12th grades students can choose emphases such as Advanced Mathematics and Engineering; Advanced Biology and Science; and Advanced Economics, Humanities, and Arts. Cambridge International Curriculum (IGCSE, AS/A Levels) is implemented, with IGCSE piloted in 2022-23 and first full implementation in 2023-24, and AS/A Levels first taken in 2024-25. The Marymount NOVA program offers personalized and advanced curriculum options to help high‑performing students develop their full potential.
1,228 students and 161 teachers yield an approximate student‑teacher ratio of 7.6 to 1.
Cambridge Examinations include IGCSE and AS/A Levels, with IGCSE piloted in 2022-23 and first implemented in 2023-24 (10th grade) and AS/A Levels first taken in 2024-25 (11th–12th grade). Saber national exit examinations are administered on a 10–100 scale with 70 as passing. The GPA is calculated by crediting courses and incorporating Cambridge and Saber results into the cumulative GPA.
100% of Marymount Barranquilla graduates pursue higher education in four‑ to five‑year programs. Notable universities and destinations include Santa Fe College, SCAD, Stevens Institute of Technology, the University of Miami, New York University, Purdue University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Marymount University, among others.
The Marymount NOVA program provides personalized and advanced curriculum options to help high‑performing students develop their full potential.
The school uses a preventive approach to promote a healthy environment for the socio-emotional development of students from Nursery to Grade 12. It provides education and training on topics including biological/sexual, psycho-affective, ethical/values and prevention. Teachers are trained to recognize abuse, and school psychologists support families in need. A school–parent partnership is essential to provide safety and care for children. The program promotes respect, social skills and healthy relationships within a supportive community.
English is a major language of instruction; since 2019 the Cambridge curriculum has been adopted for English, Science and Mathematics. English-taught Social Studies uses the AERO Standards. French is taught through the Common European Framework, and other subjects follow international standards (NASPE for Physical Education, NAfME for Art, AASL for Library, ISTE for Technology, and guidance for Religion per the Episcopal Conference).
Socio-emotional development is prioritized through a preventive approach to student wellbeing, ongoing teacher training and access to school psychologists who support families. The program includes classroom activities and parent involvement to reinforce healthy emotional growth and resilience.
The school implements the Child Care and Protection policy, trains teachers to recognize abuse and provides psychologists to support families. It trains and supports parents in protective behaviors and builds networks with the community, health services and local authorities for referrals.
Step 1: Registration process: Fill out the form and pay the 50,000 registration fee; wait 2 hours after payment before proceeding to step 2.
Step 2: Online registration: Complete online registration; the Admissions area will accompany you throughout the process.
Step 3: Upload documents: Submit the required documents.
Step 4: Personal recommendation: Three personal recommendation forms are required and must be completed directly by the referees; recommendations from school staff are not accepted; if both parents are alumni, letters of recommendation are not required.
Step 5: School recommendation: The applicant's current school must complete the requested information.
Step 6: Pension advances: This form activates once the student has been accepted. Next steps: Family interview; Explore With Us day: for preschool candidates, the day involves interactive play to assess development; for candidates in 1st grade through 12th grade, it includes evaluations in mathematics, English and Spanish and a personalized interview with the level psychologist. The Admissions Committee makes the final decision on admission and communicates the decision by email; Marymount reserves the right of admission.
