Compare International Schools in Manizales, Colombia

Villamaría, Caldas, Colombia. Address: Cll 71

1-998, Villamaría, Caldas, Colombia.

Kinder (K1–K5); Primary (Grades 1–5); Secondary (Grades 6–12).

Private, nonprofit, bilingual (English–Spanish).

Colombia

The school has an on-site restaurant and publishes monthly snack and lunch menus.

The school is a private, non-profit educational institution. It is accredited by the Colombian Ministry of Education and by COGNIA. It is governed by the Asociación Colegio Granadino (ACG).

Standards-based curriculum that defines what students should know, understand, and be able to do at each stage. The written curriculum describes the knowledge and skills to be taught, aligned with national and international standards. The taught curriculum (implementation) covers textbooks, platforms, and teaching strategies used to support learning. The taught curriculum (assessment) transforms 21st-century standards and skills into a coherent curriculum and assessment system that emphasizes deep learning and long-term transfer. The curriculum values the arts, humanities, health, well-being, and responsible citizenship and prepares students for university and professional life, developing responsible, critical thinkers and creative individuals. Accredited by the Colombian Ministry of Education.

Class sizes vary by grade. Grades with two sections per level have about 25 students per section (up to 26). Grades with three sections per level (K3 to 12) have about 21 students per section (up to 22). For admissions, the school lists these targets for grouping by level.

The school runs a comprehensive social-emotional learning program across Kinder, Primary, and Secondary. Kinder: Navegar Seguro teaches social-emotional skills; Fun Day strengthens emotional expression and positive learning habits; PECES supports emotional education, positive discipline, and effective communication with families. Primary: Navegar Seguro continues; Meraki provides holistic stimulation to develop attention, self-regulation, and socio-emotional skills; PECES supports families; Steps to Success helps parents reinforce study habits and learning strategies at home. Secondary: Study Skills Classes develop organization, planning, and study techniques to promote autonomy and academic performance; HEPASI provides parenting tools for the 21st century; the Mental Health and Wellbeing Club offers a safe space for Middle and High School students to learn about emotional wellbeing, develop healthy coping skills, build self-awareness, and foster a positive school community. The department works in close partnership with families and, when needed, external specialists to support each student's well-being.

Learning Support provides a team of highly qualified professionals delivering differentiated education. In Preschool, Primary, and Secondary, there is ongoing support during and after classes for students with differences in language development and learning processes; there are stimulation, prevention, and pedagogical intervention programs to prevent future learning problems; early detection is emphasized and addressed. The work is interdisciplinary, with families, teachers, and external professionals collaborating. Inclusion is guided by Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences framework, with an inclusion approach that uses differentiated learning goals, alternative assessments, feedback, and multiple opportunities. For students with special needs, the school develops and implements IEPs, IAPs, and comprehensive learning plans designed by a team and monitored by the learning support team.

English Language Development (ELD) develops English proficiency, and students whose English skills are below school expectations receive support in the classroom (push-in) or in ELD elective sessions (grades 11 and 12).

Mental Health and Wellbeing Club provides a safe and supportive space for Middle and High School students to learn about emotional wellbeing, develop healthy coping skills, build self-awareness, and foster a positive school community. The program emphasizes coping strategies and social-emotional growth within a supportive environment.

The CG Community Kindness Code commits to a kind, safe, and supportive environment: we treat everyone with kindness and respect every day, we include others, and we stand up for each other by informing a trusted staff member if we witness unkind behavior. The guidance emphasizes a See Something, Say Something, Do Something mindset and a community built on kindness, inclusion, and respect. The school also works in close partnership with families and external specialists to support each student's learning and well-being.

1. Initial Visit. Prospective families visit the school to learn more about Colegio Granadino. The visit is scheduled by the Admissions Office through direct invitation, referrals from families, or direct requests from interested families. 2. Attention and Information. The Director of Admissions meets the family and provides information about the school's philosophy, mission and vision; beliefs and institutional values; organization, structure and academic programs; and general policies of the Asociación Colegio Granadino. 3. Delivery of the Application Package. If the family decides to continue, the application package is provided. This package includes all required documents detailed in the List of Documents for Admissions (see below). 4. Evaluation and Interview. The Counselor of the relevant section schedules an interview with the family and conducts an evaluation or observation of the student. 5. Communication of the Result. After the evaluation, the Admissions Office informs the family by email of the result. The school has 30 days to communicate the decision from the receipt of the required documentation. 6. Essential Requirements. To begin the admissions process, the family must submit all completed documents. The process does not begin until the documentation is complete. Receiving the admissions application and evaluating the applicant does not guarantee acceptance. 7. Availability of Space. Admission is subject to seat availability, guaranteeing quality education and differentiated instruction. Placement by grade is as follows: Grades with two groups per level have 25 students per group (with a possible 26th in special cases); grades with three groups per level (K3 to 12) have 21 students per group (with a possible 22nd in special cases); K1 has a maximum of 16 students per group; K2 has a maximum of 18 students per group. Colegio Granadino offers education from Kinder 1 to Grade 12 with a bilingual approach and an international curriculum.

No scholarships are granted during the first year of studies at Colegio Granadino. The student who is the recipient of a scholarship must meet, to the satisfaction of Colegio Granadino, the terms set by the school.