Colegio León Pinelo

The Colegio León Pinelo is the private basic-education school of the Jewish Association of Peru. It was founded in 1946 by representatives of the Lima Jewish community to educate girls, boys and young people in a framework centered on the values and culture of Judaism, thereby consolidating Jewish life in the city. From its origins it has been a community-oriented school and is the only school in Peru that transmits Jewish history, Hebrew language, festivals and customs. The name "León Pinelo" was chosen to honor Diego de León Pinelo, a descendant of a Jewish-origin family who was Rector of the University of San Marcos in 1656, as well as fiscal of the Real Audiencia of Lima and advisor general to the Virreinato del Peru. It is located on Calle Maimónides in the district of San Isidro, symbolizing the union between Peru and Jewish culture. Currently, there are around 300 students from pre-nursery to V of secondary, and it is a trilingual school, teaching Spanish, English and Hebrew.

The school aims to be a Jewish, pluralistic, multilingual, and inclusive school, committed to the Peru and the State of Israel. It forms citizens aware of their surroundings, prepared for lifelong learning, with a capacity for reflection, inquiry, and dialogue. Our students are active builders of knowledge and of the social reality, respectful of Peru's multicultural character, grounded in Jewish heritage and the idea of Tikún Olam. The Jewish cultural framework provides an emotional connection and a space to develop values and interpersonal skills, including Hebrew language and the celebration of Jewish traditions; students are encouraged to know their history and traditions and to stay informed about current Jewish life. At the end of IV de secundaria, students undertake a study trip to Israel, strengthening their Jewish identity and ties to the State of Israel.