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St. Matthew School

Colombia, Bogotá

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees COP 2,400,250 - 4,026,680
Ages 2 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1984
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages French, Mandarin
Typical class size 14
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School, Sixth Form
Introduction

St. Matthew School in Bogota is a private bilingual school for students aged 2 to 18. The 34,208-square-meter campus north of the city includes 45 classrooms, science laboratories, a High-Tech Center for robotics and programming, spaces for visual and performing arts, two libraries, a 350-seat auditorium, a chapel, four football pitches, and dining and study areas. The Grimm's Kindergarten operates in a separate villa with age-appropriate spaces. The school offers the Cambridge International curriculum from early years through A Levels (IGCSE and AS Levels), alongside the CBSE curriculum options. Instruction is in English and Spanish, providing a dual diploma: the Colombian high school diploma and the Cambridge International diploma. Founded in 1984 and rooted in Catholic values, it emphasises discipline, creativity and innovation. In 2017 it joined Inspired Education Group, the only Inspired school in Bogota. Extracurriculars include Model United Nations, Dance, and a French language club for students.

Cl. 215 #50-24, Bogotá, Colombia

The Essentials

St. Matthew School has typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location

Located in the north of Bogotá, St. Matthew School has a world-class campus designed to inspire academic excellence, creativity and personal growth. The campus covers more than 34,000 square metres, with 70% green space, and serves students from 18 months through grade 12. Grimm's Preschool serves ages 18 months to 6 years, Primary covers ages 6 to 12, Secondary covers ages 12 to 18, and Cambridge International serves students from 18 months to 18 years.

Stages

Grimm's Preschool (18 months–6 years); Primary (6–12); Secondary (12–18); Cambridge International (18 months–18 years)

Type

Private bilingual school in Bogotá; follows the Cambridge International program; calendar B; mixed/coeducational; part of Inspired Education

Additional learning support

Specialized teachers are carefully selected and provide expertise across disciplines including science, mathematics, humanities, languages, technology, sports and arts.

Country affiliation

Colombia

Bus service

Bus transportation is available for students.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

The school has a daily uniform, a sports uniform, and house T-shirts. Items can be ordered online through Caracolitos Uniformes.

Food Options

Two dining halls serve daily balanced menus, and a mid-morning snack shop offers healthy options. Snacks and meals are prepared on-site to ensure quality.

House System

St. Matthew School has four houses: Jischana (Green, Earth; Tree of Life), Nemgata (Red, Fire; Phoenix Bird), Sie (Blue, Water; Three Fish), and Fijisca (Yellow, Air; OM). The houses participate in sports, artistic, academic, and cultural competitions to foster identity and values.

Governance and Ownership

The school has been part of the Inspired Education Group since 2017 and is the only Inspired school in Bogotá.
Fees

Annual tuition at St. Matthew School ranges from COP 2,400,250 to COP 4,026,680 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
* Admission Exam: COP 250.000

Annual Enrollment Fees (Matrícula)
* [cite_start]K1-K3 (Ordinary / Complete): COP 2.400.250 / COP 2.841.555
* K4-Grade 1: COP 3.652.250
* Grades 2-4: COP 4.017.475
* Grade 5: COP 3.944.197
* Grade 6: COP 4.026.680
* Grade 7: COP 3.632.782
* Grade 8: COP 3.665.807
* Grade 9: COP 3.317.404
* Grade 10: COP 3.301.347
* Grade 11: COP 3.044.385
* Grade 12: COP 2.831.497
*Additional fixed annual costs apply depending on the student's grade.*

Monthly Tuition Fees (Pensión)
* [cite_start]K1-K3 (Ordinary / Complete): COP 1.280.245 / COP 1.567.815 [cite: 47]
* K4-Grade 1: COP 3.287.025
* Grades 2-4: COP 3.615.727
* Grade 5: COP 3.549.777
* Grade 6: COP 3.624.012
* Grade 7: COP 3.615.727
* Grade 8: COP 3.299.227
* Grade 9: COP 2.985.664
* Grade 10: COP 2.971.213
* Grade 11: COP 2.739.946
* Grade 12: COP 2.548.347

Additional Monthly Services
* Full Transport Route: COP 638.439
* Half Transport Route: COP 394.397
* Lunch: COP 638.439
* Snacks (Onces): COP 283.480

*Note: The school operates as a day school, so boarding fees do not apply. Specific billing schedules, refund policies, and payment method options (like bank transfer or credit card) are addressed directly during the formal enrollment process.*
Academics

St. Matthew School teaches Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum

Cambridge International curriculum from the early years through A Levels, taught bilingually in English and Spanish; graduates obtain a dual diploma—Colombian high school diploma and Cambridge International diploma.

Exam Results

Saber 11 exam results place St. Matthew School among the top 15 schools in Colombia year after year.

Higher Education Progression

University and careers guidance; more than 95% of graduates gain admission to their first-choice universities, including the Universidad de los Andes in Colombia and Ivy League institutions.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school has leadership groups that foster social and emotional literacy. Pastoral Jonás unites and empowers social initiatives, enabling members to collaborate toward meaningful goals for social change. Community service is a life-skills priority, with the Jonas Youth Team focusing on serving those in greatest need and providing emotional support. The Peacemakers program promotes conflict-resolution among students, and the Student Council fosters leadership, collaboration, initiative, and active listening. The House system builds identity, belonging, teamwork, and resilience through a range of sports, arts, and academic competitions.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school offers a bilingual education that immerses students in English and Spanish, with opportunities to master up to four languages, including French and Mandarin.

Mental Wellbeing

Emotional and mental wellbeing through dedicated support.
Parent Experience

History

Founded in 1984, St. Matthew School has a long history of world-class education, recognised for high academic standards, excellent student outcomes, and a bilingual, values-driven approach. The school is rooted in Catholic values, emphasising discipline, creativity, and innovation to prepare learners for a fulfilling life beyond school. It follows the Cambridge International curriculum, delivered in English and Spanish, with elements of the Colombian national curriculum. In 2017, St. Matthew joined Inspired Education Group, becoming the only Inspired school in Bogotá and gaining access to a global network of premium schools.

Community

St. Matthew School fosters a community focused on social entrepreneurship and positive impact, with students engaging in projects that benefit local families and communities. The school provides global exchanges and summer camps through Inspired Education, expanding opportunities for international collaboration and cultural learning. Open Day events and personalised campus tours invite prospective families to experience the school community firsthand. The campus is located in the exclusive north of Bogotá, with world-class facilities and ample green spaces that support a holistic learning environment.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

St. Matthew School sits on a 34,208-square-meter campus north of Bogotá, with 70% of the grounds dedicated to green spaces. The campus is designed for kindergarten through grade 12 and includes 45 classrooms, four laboratories, three art studios, two music rooms, and an auditorium for 350 seats, plus two fully equipped dining facilities, two libraries, a High-Tech Center, four football pitches, and a chapel. The Grimm's Kindergarten is housed in a separate villa with age-appropriate spaces and outdoor areas for early learning. Primary facilities include a High-Tech Center for robotics and programming, and spaces for dance, music, and visual arts, along with extensive sports spaces such as football fields and multipurpose courts. Secondary facilities offer advanced classrooms, physics and chemistry laboratories, quiet study areas, tutoring rooms, and dedicated spaces for visual and performing arts, complemented by a recording studio and large outdoor sports areas.

Sports Facilities

Sports facilities include four football pitches, multipurpose courts, and expansive green spaces for team and individual sports. The preschool has a dedicated gym for motor-skill development. Primary and secondary levels benefit from extensive outdoor sports areas and courts to support physical education and after-school activities.

Academic Facilities

Classrooms are modern and equipped with the latest technology to support interactive learning. The campus includes physics and chemistry laboratories with a wide range of experiments, a High-Tech Center for robotics and programming, and dedicated spaces for visual arts, performing arts, and music, including a recording studio for radio and video production. There are two libraries and quiet study areas with tutoring rooms to support academic work.

Extra Curricular Facilities

St. Matthew's offers a broad extracurricular program with clubs and representative teams running from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Clubs include sports such as Equitation, Taekwondo, LEGO and Golf, Squash and Tennis, Football, Youth Basketball, and Children's Basketball; arts clubs include Choir, Dance, Piano, and Rock Band; and design clubs cover Ceramics, Embroidery, and Character Design. Representative teams include Football, Volleyball, Rock Band and Musical, and academic teams such as Model United Nations (SMMUN), One Globe, Technology, and French B1-B2; the school covers participation costs, with families responsible for uniforms, transport, and travel. There is also a Before School program at Grimm's from 7:00 to 8:15 a.m. for younger students.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Academic Clubs include French. School Teams are Pastoral and Model United Nations (MUN). Extracurricular activities run from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. and are organized as Clubs and School Teams. The school covers participation costs, with families paying only for uniforms, transport, and travel fees when applicable.

Arts & Creative

Artistic Clubs are Dance, Piano, Rock Band, and Choir. School Teams include Musical and Radio. Clubs meet from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., and some clubs are led by teachers who are experts in their disciplines.

Cultural & Language

French is offered as an academic language club. This provides language practice and cultural exposure. Clubs run from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Social & Hobbies

Sports Clubs include Football, Horse Riding, Tennis, and Skating. School Teams include Football and Volleyball; Artistic Teams include Musical and Radio. Participation is from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., with transport available.

Leadership & Professional

Model United Nations (MUN) develops leadership, diplomacy, and public speaking. School Teams compete in local, national, and global competitions. The school covers the costs of participation.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Before School Programme at Grimm's runs from 7:00 to 8:15 a.m. and is available for K1 to First Grade, Monday through Friday. Activities are guided by an Art teacher and designed to foster creativity and autonomy. The programme supports improvements in hygiene and eating habits and helps children begin their day with structure.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages of instruction are English and Spanish. The Cambridge International curriculum is taught in English, with elements of the Colombian national curriculum taught in Spanish. Upon graduation, students will be proficient in Spanish (native) with a C1 level in English and a B2 level in French. French and Mandarin are offered in the program (Mandarin as an extracurricular).

Bilingual Teaching

St. Matthew School offers bilingual education in English and Spanish from the Early Years through Secondary. The Cambridge International curriculum is delivered with Colombian national curriculum elements in a bilingual program. English-language instruction covers Cambridge subjects while Colombian subjects are taught in Spanish. French and Mandarin are offered as additional languages; French starts in 5th grade in primary and Mandarin is available as an extracurricular class, with secondary continuing French and offering Mandarin as an extracurricular option.

Immersion Programs

French and Mandarin are part of the language program. In Primary, French is introduced as a third language from Grade 5 and Mandarin is available as an extracurricular class, supporting multi-lingual skills. In Secondary, language immersion continues with bilingual English-Spanish education; Cambridge subjects are taught in English while Colombian subjects are taught in Spanish, and students may continue French with Mandarin offered as an extracurricular option.
Admissions

Admissions

Start Your Child's Inspiring Journey Towards a Bright Future Today. A world of opportunities awaits your child at St. Matthew School. We are committed to providing a high-quality education from preschool through 12th grade, equipping students with essential life skills, unique talents, and a strong academic foundation for lifelong success, whether in Colombia or abroad. As an international school, we welcome new students throughout the academic year, subject to availability. Register Your Interest With Us in a Few Simple Steps: 1. Enquiry Form: Begin by submitting the Enquiry Form, and our team will contact you to schedule a visit to the school. 2. Schedule a School Visit: After the enquiry, schedule a personalised visit to Grimm's Preschool or St. Matthew School (Primary onwards), depending on your child's age; you will meet our team and learn about our educational philosophy, bilingual approach, and British curricula; the visit includes a tour of modern facilities. 3. Complete the Application Form & Submit Required Documents: Fill out the application form during or after your visit and follow the checklist; upload the required documents to the platform and pay the application fee. 4. Interviews, Evaluations, and Play Day: Preschool applicants participate in a Play Day, and parents attend an interview with the Psychology Department; Primary, Middle, and High School applicants require entrance examinations and an English interview; parents will also have an interview as part of the process. 5. Application Review: The Admissions Committee reviews the application and you will receive the response by email as soon as possible. 6. Offer & Enrolment: An offer is issued with enrolment instructions, and once the enrolment steps are completed, the child is officially enrolled at St. Matthew School. The admissions team remains available to assist with any questions throughout the process.

Scholarships

Nsouli Scholars Programme is a global initiative that enables 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend any of Inspired's prestigious schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. The aim is to provide opportunities across academics, sports, the arts, and extracurricular activities, empowering children from all backgrounds. The endowment honors Nadim Nsouli, founder of Inspired in 2013, and several scholarships will be awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin. Inspired schools offer a holistic educational experience that combines academics with engaging extracurricular activities, allowing students to develop confidence and a love of learning beyond the classroom. The programme also emphasizes access to learning technologies and specialist experiences, including music tuition through partnerships with The Royal College of Music and Forte. The Inspired Group's global network provides opportunities through Summer Camps and Global Exchange Programmes, helping students engage with diverse cultures and experiences. This Nsouli Scholarships programme represents an investment in education and in shaping tomorrow's leaders.
School Events
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