Colombia, Manizales
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· Reviewed by Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
Colégio Granadino in Caldas, Colombia, offers an American-based curriculum with AP and a bespoke approach. It is a private, nonprofit, bilingual English–Spanish school serving Nursery through High School. Accredited by the Colombian Ministry of Education and previously by SACS-Cognia since 2001, it enables students to earn the American High School diploma alongside the Colombian Bachillerato. The 11.8-hectare La Florida campus in Villamaría provides a countryside setting with facilities: 48 classrooms, labs, a library, theaters, art and music spaces, multiple gyms and auditoriums, dining facilities. The school emphasizes standards-based curriculum design—written, taught, and assessed—focusing on deep learning, 21st-century skills, and responsible citizenship. Notable strengths include bilingual language development and a robust sports program, along with a commitment to community service through Granadino Solidario. The campus continues to expand under a Growth Plan, reinforcing its aim to prepare students for university and citizenship, while maintaining a values-driven environment.
La Florida, Cl. 71 #1-998, Villamaría, Caldas, Colombia
Colegio Granadino has 848 pupils, instruction in English, Spanish.
Villamaría, Caldas, Colombia. Address: Cll 71
Kinder (K1–K5); Primary (Grades 1–5); Secondary (Grades 6–12).
Private, nonprofit, bilingual (English–Spanish).
Colombia
Colegio Granadino teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 1 to 18.
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.
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.
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