Education and Schools in Colombia

Education and schools in Colombia have shown significant improvements in recent years, and the government’s commitment to enhancing its education infrastructure has led to better learning outcomes and global competitiveness.

The public education system is governed by the Ministerio de Educación Nacional (Ministry of National Education), but the standard of public schooling does vary rather widely, tending to lag behind in the more rural areas of the country.

The government has initiated multiple programmes, such as the National Development Plan, to bridge the education gap between urban and rural areas by enhancing infrastructure, providing teacher training and implementing technology-based solutions.

Private schools in Colombia form an important part of the education system. There are also many international schools in cities across the country.

The school year typically follows one of two calendars. Calendar A starts in late January or early February and ends in November, and is used by public schools and some private schools. Calendar B runs from August or September to June, followed by many private and international schools.

Public schools in Colombia

All mandatory stages of education in Colombia are subsidised by the state, allowing lower-income families access to free schooling. Children can attend state-sponsored community nursery schools or daycare centres from the age of one. Children enrol in elementary school at the age of six.

Secondary education is divided into four years of compulsory basic secondary schooling (ages 12 to 15) and two years of optional vocational education called educación media (ages 15 to 16, Grades 10 and 11). Students are offered different technical and academic specialisations.

Although you can enrol your children in public schools, many expat families choose not to due to the varying standards of public education. Children who don’t speak Spanish will find public schools extremely challenging. On the other hand, public schooling can offer an opportunity for cultural immersion, especially for the little ones who’d pick up the language more easily than older kids might.

Useful links

• Ministry of National Education

Private schools in Colombia

There is a wide variety of private schools in Colombia, and the standards, entry requirements and fees at these schools may differ considerably. Generally, private schools have higher learning standards, smaller classes and a wider range of extra-curricular activities. Private schools are attended not only by expats but also by the children of wealthier Colombian families.

Many private educational institutions are bilingual, teaching classes in both English and Spanish. Research schools thoroughly before enrolling your child; although some schools call themselves ‘bilingual’, teachers may have only an intermediate knowledge of English, and most classes may be taught in Spanish.

International schools in Colombia

There are many international schools in Colombia, most of which are in Bogotá. There are also international schools in major cities such as Medellín and Cali. Expats will find English, French, German and Italian schools in Colombia. Like many private schools, these are attended by a large number of local students.

International schools adhere to the educational model of their affiliated country. Schools will generally follow the national curriculum of this country, but many offer globally recognised qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). The teaching language is usually that of the school’s country of origin, but many international schools also offer bilingual programmes.

International schools offer a high standard of education, similar to international schools across the globe. Tuition tends to be on par with private education in Europe or the United States, which is very expensive by local Colombian standards. Admission and enrolment procedures differ from school to school.

Useful links

• International Schools Database: Colombia

Special educational needs in Colombia

If you have a child with disabilities, you should consider an international school in Colombia, as these institutions provide the best special-needs care and education. The Ministry of Education implements policies and regulations for children with special education needs in Colombia. The system aims to include children with disabilities within mainstream schools, but there is still much room for improvement.

International schools will cater for most disabilities, including hearing, vision and other physical impairments, as well as mental disabilities. We recommend thoroughly researching each school to ensure that your child will be accommodated, as not all international schools cater for children with special educational needs, or perhaps not all challenges. Spaces at these schools also tend to fill up quickly, so apply well in advance.

Useful links

• Ministry of National Education: Inclusive Education Policies

Tutors in Colombia

Tutors in Colombia can be a valuable resource for your children, whether they need help learning Spanish or other speciality subjects or assistance preparing for entrance exams or SATs. A good tutor can also boost the confidence of expat kids in their new environment or with a new curriculum.

We recommend you inquire at your child’s school about reputable tutors, or browse for a recommended tutor on online resources such as Apprentus, Preply, Varsity Tutors, or TeacherOn.

Useful links

• Apprentus
• Preply
• Varsity Tutors
• TeacherOn