Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
Floridablanca, Santander, Colombia (in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area). Calle 34
Kindergarten; Lower School; Upper School (K1–K5; 1–12).
non-profit educational community
Remedial support in core academic foundational skills and executive functioning; in-class support; occupational therapy; speech and language therapy; UDL (Universal Design for Learning) workshops for teachers; Jugar A stimulation program; PIAR (Plan Individual de Ajustes Razonables) implementation.
Colombia and United States
Uniforms: Colegio Panamericano requires all students to wear the clothes that make up the school uniform, as published on the website and distributed by authorized suppliers, in accordance with the schedule or occasion of use and in good condition (no fading, tears, or stains). Seniors may wear a shirt and jacket that identify them, with authorization from the directors and in compliance with school rules; the jacket is worn only by twelfth-grade students. For cocurricular activities, students may acquire the uniform and jacket for the sport practiced. Protocol for improper use of the uniform: violations are treated as a minor offense and the appropriate disciplinary process is followed. Note: old uniforms should not be distributed to others to avoid misuse; the school promotes uniform-recycling campaigns.
Snack Shack is available during recess; students line up and pay for items; purchases are made with money and can only occur during the break in designated areas; the Snack Shack is a privilege and can be suspended by the administration if misused. Lonchera is an optional service for K1–5 providing a snack during recess; the weekly menu is published in Jupiter. Almuerzo: the school provides a nutritionally appropriate lunch from Monday to Friday, except Wednesdays; the weekly menu is published in Jupiter; lunch is a curricular activity and all students from K3 to 12 must participate; dietary modifications require a medical order signed by a physician or nutritionist, and the school will adjust menus as needed. Parents should not accompany students during lunch; students must eat in an orderly way, return utensils, and no delivery orders are allowed.
Panamericano uses a house system; Panamerican Days celebrate values and community integration. Activities earn points, and at the end of the celebration a winning house is announced.
The school is a private, non-profit, bilingual, multicultural, non-denominational, co-educational institution with a single daily schedule and Calendar B. Governance is by a Board of Directors appointed by the Parent Assembly, which is composed of all parents with children enrolled for the year. The Director, hired by the Board, is the top academic and administrative authority. The school also maintains a Student Council (STUCO), a Parent Council, an Academic Council, and an Executive Council.
Academic Plan: Colegio Panamericano emphasizes STEM education. It was the first Latin American school to receive Cognia STEM certification. Through Project-Based Learning, students explore topics to enhance STEM knowledge and develop solutions to local community issues. An international teaching staff helps develop students' English skills within a safe and engaging learning environment. The school is the only international school in the Santander region that employs native-English speakers from abroad. The school offers a strong Student Support team, after-school activities and learning opportunities, and robust sports and arts programs.
8:3
The school centers on the whole-child, including socioemotional development. Student Support offers a wide spectrum of programs and initiatives that address socioemotional growth and well-being. The Student Support team includes professional therapists, cluster teachers, and inclusion teachers who collaborate to foster an inclusive community. Through these efforts, the school supports maturation, adaptation, and educational development for students. Family engagement and partnerships with external professionals further support students' social skills, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing.
The school provides remedial support in core academic foundational skills and executive functioning. In-class support is delivered through collaborative problem-solving and ongoing collaboration between teachers. Occupational therapy is available, and speech and language therapy is provided. The school implements PIAR (Plan Individual de Ajustes Razonables) to create individualized programs, instructional adjustments, and targeted support for student progress. The Student Support team works with families and external professionals to address learning differences and related educational needs.
The curriculum is taught 80% in English and 20% in Spanish. The school is bilingual and employs native-English speakers from abroad. It is the only institution in Santander authorized by the College Board to administer international tests. Project-based learning is embedded throughout the curriculum, with language development integrated across courses. Graduates earn a Colombian and American double degree.
The program explicitly supports mental wellbeing through socioemotional development as part of overall student growth. Therapists and inclusion staff work to support maturation, adaptation, and educational wellbeing within an inclusive community. The school emphasizes social skills and self-esteem through co-curricular activities and partnerships with families and external professionals. These efforts connect emotional well-being with academic learning, guided by Universal Design for Learning principles and collaborative teaching.
The policy defines the right to protection as outlined in the Code of Childhood and Adolescence (Law 1098 of 2006). The school has a role to protect students and ensure a safe learning environment. Educators and staff identify situations and students at risk through observation and interaction over time. There is a moral and legal obligation to offer support, protection, and necessary assistance to manage these circumstances for the student and family. Safeguarding is integrated into school practice to protect student wellbeing.
K1 to K5
1. Schedule an interview with the admissions coordinator, Maria Consuelo Durán. The interview begins the admissions process for kindergarten through fifth grade and introduces the family to the admissions team. It sets the stage for the applicant's fit with Colegio Panamericano and outlines the next steps.
2. Take a tour of the facilities and learn about our educational project. The tour provides firsthand insight into the school's spaces, resources, and how the educational project is implemented in daily practice. Families can ask questions during the tour to better understand the learning environment. The tour helps illustrate how the school supports student growth and curiosity.
3. Register on the website to receive the step-by-step admissions process by email. Registration ensures that the family receives the detailed sequence of required actions directly to their email. The emailed steps guide the family through what to prepare and by when. This step connects the family with the formal admissions workflow.
4. Make the admissions process payment and request the respective links to upload the payment receipt and the required documents. Payment confirms the family's participation in the admissions process. The links facilitate submission of the payment receipt and the required documents for review. Completing this step advances the application to the next evaluation stages.
5. The applicant will be called for an observation day (1 hour) and a psychological evaluation. The observation day assesses classroom behavior and interaction with peers and teachers. The psychological evaluation contributes to a holistic view of the applicant's readiness for the program. Scheduling depends on the admissions calendar and availability.
6. The admissions department will verify the required documents with the family. This verification ensures all necessary documents are provided and correctly completed. Timelines for the review are influenced by the completeness of submitted materials. Verification helps prevent delays in the admissions decision.
7. Financial analysis of the documentation provided by the family. The school reviews financial information as part of the admissions process to understand enrollment feasibility and related steps. This analysis informs the overall readiness for enrollment.
8. Admissions Committee. The committee reviews all collected information and makes a decision regarding admission. The process involves evaluating the applicant's fit with the school's programs and expectations. The outcome is communicated by the admissions coordinator.
9. The admissions coordinator will inform the family of the decision made by the admissions committee. Approved: K4, K5 and 1st grade: Submit SIMAT withdrawal. The family will receive an email from the treasury department with the steps to follow for payment and the respective legalization of the enrollment. Denied: End of the process. The response time for the admissions process will depend on the timely delivery of all documents.
1st–12
1. Schedule an interview with the admissions coordinator, Maria Consuelo Durán. The interview initiates the admissions process for 1st grade through 12th grade and begins the family's onboarding with the school.
2. Take a tour of the facilities and learn about our educational project. The tour provides an overview of spaces and resources and helps families understand how the educational project is implemented for older students.
3. Register on the website to receive the step-by-step admissions process by email. Registration ensures that the family receives the detailed sequence of actions via email. The process guide supports families as they complete required steps.
4. Make the admissions process payment and request the respective links to upload the payment receipt and the required documents. Payment and document submission move the applicant to the testing and interview phases.
5. 1st grade – Second semester: English and Spanish tests (2 hours) and an interview with the principal of the section. The tests evaluate English and Spanish proficiency and are followed by an interview with the section's principal.
6. 2nd – 12th grade – First and Second semester: MAP Test in English and Math (2 hours). An interview with the principal of the section will be scheduled. The MAP Test assesses language and math skills as part of the admissions assessment.
7. The admissions department will verify the required documents with the family. Documentation verification ensures all required items are complete for review.
8. Financial analysis of the documentation provided by the family. Financial review evaluates the family's documentation in relation to enrollment requirements.
9. Admissions Committee. The committee reviews all materials to determine admission eligibility.
10. The admissions coordinator will inform the family of the decision made by the admissions committee. The outcome will be communicated and next steps provided.
11. Approved: 1st – 12th grade: Submit SIMAT withdrawal. The family will receive an email from the treasury department with the steps to follow for payment and the respective legalization of enrollment.
12. Denied: End of the process. The timeline depends on the timely delivery of all documents.
13. The response time for the admissions process will depend on the timely delivery of all documents.
Calle 5 No. 122-21, Vía Pance, Cali, Colombia (14-hectare campus at the foothills of the Farallones de Cali).
Early Childhood Center; Preprimary; Primary; Middle School; High School.
A robust learning support program that nurtures students' skills from the earliest years.
Colombia; affiliated with Colombia's Ministry of National Education and Cognia (AdvancED).
The school offers a bilingual, bicultural and binational day program; no boarding is provided.
Uniforms are available for purchase through the Asopadres store on campus. The uniform includes T-shirts, pantalonetas, sweatshirts, and jackets in sizes from 4-6 up to XL.
The school provides on-campus dining through Cocina Cris. Weekly menus are posted for students and include a vegetarian option.
The school is governed by a Rector. It is supported by the Fondo Educativo ASOBOLÍVAR, which funds financial aid and other community-support programs.
Preprimary uses the Ontario Program with a play-based, bilingual curriculum that develops 21st-century skills such as inquiry, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, creativity, character, and critical thinking. The Preprimary curriculum integrates math, science, art, physical education, and values, supported by two teachers per classroom and spaces like the library, gym, and Atelier. Primary offers a bilingual, Deeper Learning-guided program for Grades 2–5, focusing on reading, writing, critical thinking, and knowledge in science, math, and technology. The Primary curriculum features Math based on the San Francisco model and the Ontario Curriculum; Science taught through real-life phenomena and STEM challenges; advanced bilingual development with instruction primarily in English; and Integration of Art, Music, Dance, Physical Education, and Technology. Middle School provides a bilingual, international program preparing students for the Colombian Bachillerato and the U.S. High School Diploma, with class sizes capped at 22 and electives such as art, robotics, video production, Model UN, AI, and video game design. High School offers a double diploma and a robust college-preparation program, including AP courses across multiple subjects, AP Capstone, Senior Project, college guidance for SAT/ACT/TOEFL/ICFES, and placement support; graduates have gained admission to top universities worldwide.
Class sizes are capped at 22 students in Primary and Middle School; Preprimary classrooms typically have 18–20 students, with two teachers per classroom.
High School offers a double diploma and a robust college-preparation program, including AP courses across multiple subjects, AP Capstone Diploma, Senior Project, college guidance for SAT, ACT, ICFES, and TOEFL, and scholarships. Starting in Grade 9, university guidance helps with admissions in Colombia and abroad. AP is offered in English, Spanish, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computing, and art, with a Senior Project and honors recognition. 57% of graduates have been admitted to top universities worldwide, including 26% in the United States and Canada, 31% in Europe/Asia/Latin America, and 43% in Colombia.
Learning Support Services include one NES teacher, six Learning Support teachers, and one Enrichment teacher (shared with Preprimary). Enrichment supports advanced learners within the Learning Support framework, alongside specialized counselors for social-emotional development.
The school has a comprehensive social and emotional learning (SEL) program focused on wellbeing, inclusion, and empathy. The Week of Well-Being emphasizes managing emotions, a sense of community, inclusion and empathy as daily practices. This initiative is aligned with the Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and addresses mental, physical, emotional, relational, and cognitive wellbeing. Activities include expert talks, promotion of healthy habits, balanced nutrition, physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and yoga. The counseling team coordinates these activities with input from teachers, the library, the music program, alumni, and families to foster a supportive community and to promote resilience and social-emotional growth as part of a holistic education.
The school has Learning Support Services that work with teachers and families to strengthen skills, overcome difficulties, and enhance talents, supporting academic and socioemotional development. The program covers foundational learning (Preprimaria to 2nd grade): attention, memory, and phonological awareness, as well as English reading and writing support (1st–5th). It also includes Mathematics understanding (1st–5th), critical thinking and deep learning, executive functions (1st–5th): self-regulation, organization, and emotional management, and English enrichment (K4–5th) plus Mathematics enrichment (2nd–5th) for advanced learners. In Middle School and High School, the program supports learning processes and study strategies such as organization, time management, comprehension, and autonomy.
The school offers a bilingual English–Spanish program to support language development for all students, including reading and writing in English and enrichment in English for advanced learners.
The school places emphasis on mental wellbeing as part of its wellbeing initiatives. The Week of Well-Being focuses on mental health, emotional health, and the development of healthy coping strategies through activities designed for every grade level. The counseling team coordinates initiatives related to social-emotional learning, including mindfulness, stress management, and resilience-building activities. The program engages administrators, teachers, the counseling department, the library, and families to create a supportive environment for students' mental health. The school aims to foster a culture of wellbeing that recognizes mental health as essential to learning and development.
The school has a Manual for the Protection of Minors. The school also maintains a Data Protection Policy outlining how personal information is collected, stored, and used in compliance with privacy regulations.
The school offers a daytime, bilingual, bicultural, and binational program for families seeking this educational approach. It educates approximately 1,250 students in pre-college education, from Kinder 4 through 12th grade, in English and Spanish, and is designed to be comparable with leading schools in Colombia, the United States, and other global communities. The program prepares students to continue their university education and to develop as individuals. The admissions process consists of five steps: Step 1 – About us: Download the brochure. Step 2 – Contact us: Complete the form. Step 4 – Payment of the registration fee. Step 5 – Evaluation of the application by the Admissions Committee. Address: Calle 5 No. 122-21 Vía Pance, Cali, Colombia.
The ASOBOLÍVAR Educational Fund is a solidarity commitment to the future of Colegio Bolívar's students. It currently has two main components: The Temporary Economic Assistance Program (AET) provides partial scholarships to families facing temporary economic difficulties. This aid is granted for one school year and is awarded to a single student per family, prioritizing the eldest child. After review, the amount assigned can range from 15% to 50% of the annual tuition; for Grade 12, the benefit can extend for an additional year if resources exist and the student performs well (top 25% of the grade). Death of a parent coverage: Life insurance included with the Fund's services covers both parents with a single premium and operates on a first-loss basis, aiming to cover educational costs up to grade 12 for students whose father or mother dies. Additionally, there are benefits including serious illness assistance of COP 20,000,000 and funeral assistance of COP 8,000,000. Impact of the Fund: It has 30 years of existence, with 59 students having completed their education thanks to the Fund, and financial returns are allocated to annual aid.
Envigado, Colombia (km16 Alto Las Palmas).
Preschool (K4 to 1st grade), Elementary (2nd to 5th grade), Middle School (6th to 8th grade), High School (9th to 12th grade).
International bilingual school.
The school has a Learning Center with professionals who support students with learning difficulties or who need additional help.
Colombia
The school works with transportation providers Transporte Asia, Las Buseticas, and Orientours; the contract with the transport company is directly with the family.
The Columbus School allows free expression; students can dress as they like as long as it is respectful. On PE days, they wear the uniform; it is also acceptable to wear the PE uniform on days when they do not have class.
Students have two breaks for snack or lunch. Families may choose to bring a lunchbox or use the school food service provided by ServExpress. For Early Years and Elementary, families can sign up and pay monthly for a snack and a daily lunch, just a daily snack, or just a daily lunch. Middle and High School can register and pay monthly for a daily lunch, bring a lunchbox from home, or buy at the cafeteria every day.
The Columbus School is a not-for-profit corporation, Corporación Colegio Cristóbal Colón (“The Columbus School”), domiciled in Envigado, Antioquia, Colombia. It has three governing bodies: Asamblea General de Miembros (General Assembly of Parents), Junta Directiva (Board of Directors), and Rectoría (Rector). The General Assembly is composed of the parents of the students who are in good standing. The Board of Directors consists of seven members, four internal (parents) and three external, elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. The Board defines and monitors strategy, makes strategic decisions, ensures the school's sustainability, carries out risk management, ensures regulatory compliance, and evaluates its own performance and that of the Head of School. The Rector leads the school under the Board and the Assembly. The FUNDACIÓN THE COLUMBUS SCHOOL is a separate non-profit foundation connected to the school.
The Columbus School offers four school phases: Preschool (K4 to 1st grade), Elementary (2 to 5th grade), Intermediate (6th to 8th grade), and Senior High (9th to 12th grade). The curriculum emphasizes academic excellence, bilingualism, and training in values and social responsibility. The Elementary program includes K5 through 5th grade with Math Scope and Elementary Math Progressions. For grades 6 through 12, there are alignment documents for Grade 6 through Grade 12, updated February 19, 2019. These documents provide an overview of learning for each term, including essential learning, assessments and depth of understanding. All students pursue higher education at Colombian universities and prestigious institutions abroad.
All students pursue higher education at Colombian universities and prestigious institutions abroad.
The Counseling Department is composed of 14 psychologists, each assigned to a specific grade level. They provide socio-emotional support to students, working in collaboration with families and the teaching staff. They conduct group interventions for the promotion and prevention of issues such as conflict resolution, bullying, substance abuse prevention, responsible sexuality, self-esteem building, and digital citizenship. They offer conferences and workshops for parents to strengthen strategies for effectively managing situations with their children. A High School college counselor supports students in decision-making regarding their professional future and the application and admission processes to local, national, and international universities. This process is carried out both individually through advising students and parents, and at a group level with activities such as university fairs, internship opportunities, conferences, workshops, and more.
The Learning Center provides a department of professionals who help students who have learning difficulties or who need additional help, with the aim that all students reach their highest level. It emphasizes inclusive education and supports diverse learners. The center features highly qualified staff who participate in ongoing professional development, are supported by instructional coaches, and can engage in Master's degree programs or campus courses offered by SUNY Buffalo to enhance practice.
English is the primary language of instruction in homeroom classes, and students receive one hour of daily Spanish instruction.
The Counseling Department provides socio-emotional support to students and works with families and teachers. It runs group interventions on topics such as conflict resolution, bullying, and digital citizenship. It also offers parent conferences and workshops to support families, and a High School college counselor assists students with university planning and applications.
The school maintains a Protection Policy under Policies and a Personal Data Processing Policy (English version) on its site to govern safeguarding of personal data. An Ethics and Transparency Line provides a channel to report suspicious behavior, with defined procedures for reporting concerns.
Step 0: Informational meeting for prospective parents. The Columbus School schedules information meetings in April and May 2024 for prospective K4 admissions for the August 2027 start. Attending is essential to begin the admissions process, and seats are limited. The meeting provides information about the school, includes a tour of the facilities, explains the admissions process and its requirements, and offers the opportunity to ask questions. If a family already has a child enrolled or assigned a seat, they should not register for this meeting. Step 1: Admissions form, submission of documents and interview. A few days after the last information meeting, the Admissions Office will email an invitation with instructions and requirements to begin the admissions process. The emails used come from the registration; families should provide current email addresses. From late May to early August 2024, families must complete the admissions form with the required documents; parents/guardians must schedule the first interview, which is required to finalize the applicant. Step 2: Initial analysis (internal process). To proceed, all required documents must be submitted and the admissions interview attended during the established dates. In August 2024 the admissions committee will review all applicant families and pre-select those invited to schedule a counselor interview. Step 3: Counseling interview. From late August to September 2024, the admissions office will email families to schedule the counselor interview. The interview is conducted in person at the school or via Zoom; the attendance of the parent or guardian is essential. Step 4: Final analysis. The admissions committee will conduct a second evaluation based on the school's admissions philosophy and the number of spaces available; the committee will publish the list of accepted families. Step 5: Response to the family. During October 2024 the admissions office will email responses to the accepted families; along with acceptance, instructions for paying the pre-matriculation are provided; the family must respond by email to indicate acceptance. Those not allocated a seat will also be notified. Step 6: Pre-matriculation payment. The deadline for payment is defined in the communication; families accepting the seat for August 2027 must send the pre-matriculation payment proof to the admissions office by the deadline; failure to provide the proof will result in the seat being offered to another applicant. End of the admissions process.
There is a yearly waiting list; the Admissions team explains how the waiting list operates.
Located in the northern part of Bogotá, Colombia, in the Zona Arrayanes area. The main campus address is Calle 212 No. 77-20, Bogotá D.C., Colombia. The Portales campus serves families in this area.
Preschool: Wonder Place Preschool for children aged 2 to 4 years. The preschool is bilingual. Primary and secondary: Colegio Mixto with International Baccalaureate and multilingual education.
Co-educational school offering the International Baccalaureate diploma program and multilingual education.
School day runs from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Transportation service for Bogotá and Sabana Norte provided by Tehc S.A.S., with route monitors and two coordinators, satellite positioning and speed monitoring, and compliance with service levels with the school and local authorities. Contact: Julieth Andrea López Avendaño, [email protected], Office hours: Monday to Friday 5:30 am to 5:00 pm; additional hours 5:00 am to 8:00 pm with telephone numbers 676 4055 ext. 104 and 743 5224 ext. 103–104.
The cafeteria provides balanced meals to support student well-being. Meals are prepared to high standards and include a salad bar, fruit options, three types of juice, and a dessert.
The Fundación Los Portales is a nonprofit organization established under the laws of Colombia, with legal personality recognized by Resolution No. 131 of June 11, 1987, issued by the Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá, and ratified by Resolution No. 44 of January 12, 2011, issued by the Secretaría de Educación Distrital, based in Bogotá and identified with the NIT. The policies herein apply to students, parents/guardians, users of the facilities, speakers, affiliates, officials, employees, members of the School Governance bodies, and other persons who may be involved with the Foundation or the School in relation to the collection or processing of personal data.
Coeducational school offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It provides multilingual education and formation in values. The academic calendar follows Calendar B. Learning experiences include the International Baccalaureate, Multilingualism, STEAM, Go International, and the Ignite Program.
Ignite Program is offered as part of learning experiences.
The school supports social and emotional development through its values-based education and community initiatives, with a focus on leadership, responsibility, empathy, and open-minded collaboration across the student body.
The school provides a multilingual curriculum with Spanish as the mother tongue, English as a second language, and French as an additional language, with ongoing development of oral and written communication in all languages.
1. Admissions profile. The school is a mixed-gender institution that offers the International Baccalaureate and is multilingual. The language offerings are Spanish, English, and French, and the school uses the IB Calendar B for its programmes. 2. Transition grade openings. The Transition Grade is accepting new admissions slots, and new openings are available for this entry level. Families are encouraged to inquire to secure a place. 3. Grade levels. The school is coeducational for Preschool through 6th grade, and girls only for 7th to 9th grade. This grade structure reflects the school's programme design. 4. Language and culture. Spanish, English, and French are offered. In the bilingual school, English and French proficiency is promoted to develop communication skills and global cultural appreciation. 5. International Baccalaureate and curriculum. The school is part of the International Baccalaureate community and is one of 15 schools in Colombia certified to offer the IB Continuum across all three IB programmes. 6. Digital transformation. The school emphasizes Digital Transformation, enabling students to realise their potential through real projects based on innovative digital methodologies. 7. Values education. The school provides solid values education, guided by the principles of the Christian Catholic faith and lived through the motto Be to Serve. 8. Inspiring campus. The campus is described as inspiring; the space is regarded as the third teacher, with a green, harmonious, and inspiring campus. 9. Admissions openness. Admissions are open; families are invited to fill out the form to receive more information about the Educational Project. 10. Career prospects. The Career Prospects section highlights post-graduation pathways and features logos of partner institutions. 11. Copyright and reproduction. © 2024 - All rights reserved; reproduction of all or part of the information contained on this portal is prohibited; this protects the portal's content and intellectual property.
