Altamira International School

Km 10 via Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia

Pre Primary; Elementary; Secondary

International school

Colombia and United States

Movilizate Express

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.