International Schools in Colombia: Complete Guide for Expat Families

When my friends started asking about moving to Colombia with kids, the first question was always the same: what about schools? I get it. You can handle sketchy landlords and slow internet, but your kid's education is non-negotiable.

Good news: Colombia has a strong network of international schools, especially in Bogotá and Medellín. The bad news? Tuition isn't cheap, and the enrollment process requires patience and paperwork. Here's everything I've learned from helping families make the move.

Why Colombia Is Actually Great for Expat Families

Colombia ranks surprisingly well for international education in Latin America. The country has over 100 schools with international accreditation, bilingual programs are everywhere, and tuition costs roughly 40-60% less than equivalent schools in the US or UK. Plus, your kids will become genuinely bilingual — not "took four years of Spanish in high school" bilingual, but actually fluent.

The school system follows two calendars, which matters more than you'd think when planning your move.

Calendar A vs. Calendar B: Don't Get This Wrong

Colombian schools operate on two different academic calendars, and picking the wrong one can cost your family a full year.

Most international schools use Calendar B, which aligns with the Northern Hemisphere academic year. If you're planning to eventually return to the US, UK, or Europe, Calendar B makes the transition seamless. Calendar A schools are cheaper but your kid will be out of sync with international timelines.

Best International Schools in Bogotá

Bogotá has the largest selection of international schools in Colombia. The city's size means more competition, which generally keeps quality high.

Colegio Anglo Colombiano

The Anglo is one of Bogotá's most established international schools, offering the full IB program from PYP through the Diploma Programme. It's been around since 1956, and the alumni network in Colombia is genuinely useful. Expect tuition around COP 28M-45M ($6,800-11,000) depending on grade level. The campus in the Usaquén area is excellent, with strong facilities for sports and arts.

Colegio Gran Bretaña

This is where the diplomatic community sends their kids. With over 50 nationalities represented, your child won't be "the foreign kid" — they'll be one of many. The school follows the British curriculum leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels. It's pricey — upper secondary can hit COP 55M+ ($13,400+) — but the diversity and academic rigor justify it for many families.

Colegio Nueva Granada

CNG is the gold standard for American-curriculum education in Bogotá. Founded in 1938, it's accredited by AdvancED and offers AP courses alongside IB. The campus feels like a small American university. Tuition ranges from COP 35M-62M ($8,500-15,100) and there's usually a waitlist, so apply early. The school bus network covers most of northern Bogotá.

KSI Bogotá

A newer entrant but worth knowing about. KSI follows an international curriculum with strong emphasis on multilingual education. Smaller class sizes than the big three, which some families prefer. Tuition is slightly more accessible at COP 22M-38M ($5,400-9,300).

Best International Schools in Medellín

Medellín's international school scene has grown rapidly as more expat families discover the city. The options are fewer than Bogotá but quality is strong.

The Columbus School

Columbus is Medellín's premier international school, offering both American curriculum and IB Diploma. The campus in El Poblado is stunning — green spaces, modern labs, a performing arts center. Founded in 1947, it has deep roots in the city. Tuition runs COP 30M-55M ($7,300-13,400). The school has a strong STEM program and produces IB scores consistently above the global average.

Vermont School

Vermont offers a dual American and IB track, giving families flexibility. The school emphasizes technology integration and has a 1:1 device program from grade 5. Tuition is COP 25M-48M ($6,100-11,700). The Envigado campus is slightly outside the tourist bubble, which some parents see as a plus for cultural immersion.

Colegio Colombo Británico

The British school in Medellín follows the IB curriculum with strong ties to UK universities. It's known for rigorous academics and excellent arts programs. Tuition ranges COP 24M-42M ($5,900-10,200). Smaller than Columbus but with a tight-knit international community.

International Schools in Cartagena

Cartagena has fewer options but two solid international schools serve the expat community there.

COJOWA (Colegio Jorge Washington)

COJOWA is Cartagena's main international school, offering American curriculum with IB options. What makes it stand out is the price: tuition ranges from just $2,951 to $5,639 per year, making it one of the most affordable international schools in Colombia. The trade-off is a smaller international community — most students are Colombian.

British International School of Cartagena

A smaller school following British curriculum. Good for families committed to staying on the coast. Tuition is competitive with COJOWA. The school has grown steadily as Cartagena's expat community expands.

Tuition Costs: What to Actually Budget

Here's the reality of international school costs across Colombia. These ranges cover the major schools in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.

Beyond tuition, budget for enrollment fees (typically COP 3M-8M / $730-1,950 one-time), uniforms (COP 800K-1.5M / $195-365), school supplies, and transportation. Most international schools offer bus services for COP 3M-6M ($730-1,460) per year.

For context on overall living costs, check out my <a href="/colombia-cost-of-living-2026-1500-month-breakdown/">Colombia cost of living breakdown</a> — families with kids in international schools should budget $3,000-5,000/month total.

Bilingual vs. Fully International: Know the Difference

This trips up a lot of families. Colombia has hundreds of "bilingual" schools, but that doesn't mean they're international schools.

Bilingual schools teach some subjects in English but follow the Colombian national curriculum (MEN). They're regulated by the Ministry of Education and prepare students for Colombian university entrance. Tuition is typically COP 8M-18M ($1,950-4,400) per year — much cheaper.

Fully international schools follow IB, American, British, or other foreign curricula. They're accredited by international bodies (CIS, AdvancED, etc.) and prepare students for universities worldwide. They cost 2-4x more but offer globally recognized diplomas.

If you're staying in Colombia long-term and your kid will attend a Colombian university, a bilingual school might be the smarter financial choice. If you might relocate or want US/UK university prep, go international.

Enrollment Documents You'll Need

Start gathering these before you arrive — some take weeks to process:

• Apostilled birth certificate (translated to Spanish by a certified translator)
• Apostilled academic records from previous school (last 2-3 years)
• Valid passports for student and parents
• Colombian visa (student visa or parent's work/investment visa)
• Vaccination records (hepatitis B, MMR, and local requirements)
• Recommendation letters from previous school (some schools require these)
• Passport-size photos (4-6)
• Proof of address in Colombia

Pro tip: get everything apostilled and translated before leaving your home country. The Apostille process in Colombia for foreign documents is slow and expensive. Most schools also require an entrance exam and family interview.

The Homeschooling Option

Homeschooling is legal in Colombia, and it's more common among expat families than you'd expect. There's no specific homeschooling law, but the Colombian constitution guarantees parents the right to choose their children's education.

Here's what you need to know: you don't need to register with the Ministry of Education for primary and secondary years. However, if your child wants to attend a Colombian university, they'll need to take the ICFES Saber 11 exam — Colombia's standardized university entrance test. Some homeschooling families register with a validating school (colegio validador) in 10th and 11th grade specifically for this purpose.

Popular homeschool curricula among expat families in Colombia include American programs like Calvert and Oak Meadow, British IGCSE self-study, and online options like Khan Academy supplemented with local tutors. Budget COP 3M-8M ($730-1,950) per year for materials and exam fees.

Universities Worth Knowing About

If you're thinking long-term, Colombia has some excellent universities that accept international students.

Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá is the #1 private university in Colombia, ranked #236 globally by QS. Tuition for international students varies by program but expect COP 20M-35M ($4,900-8,500) per semester. The campus in the Candelaria neighborhood is beautiful.

EAFIT in Medellín is outstanding for business, engineering, and economics. At roughly $5,000 per year for international students, it's remarkably affordable for the quality. The campus in El Poblado is modern and well-equipped. Many expat families specifically choose Medellín knowing their kids can attend EAFIT.

Both universities offer programs taught partially or fully in English, though Spanish proficiency at B2+ is expected for most programs.

Finding Family-Friendly Housing Near Schools

School location should drive your neighborhood choice, not the other way around. Bogotá traffic can turn a 5km commute into a 90-minute nightmare. In Medellín, El Poblado is convenient for Columbus School but Envigado works better for Vermont.

If you're looking for family-friendly apartments near international schools, browse listings on <a href="https://colombiamove.com/categoria/apartamento-arriendo">colombiamove.com</a>. For neighborhood guidance in Medellín specifically, I wrote a detailed guide on <a href="/ai-find-right-medellin-neighborhood-lifestyle/">finding the right Medellín neighborhood</a>.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What age do kids start school in Colombia?

Formal education begins at age 5-6 (transición/kindergarten). Most international schools offer pre-K starting at age 3-4. Unlike the US, there's no strict September cutoff — each school sets its own age requirements.

❓ Can my child attend a Colombian public school for free?

Yes, foreign children with valid visas have the right to free public education in Colombia. However, instruction is entirely in Spanish, class sizes can exceed 35 students, and infrastructure varies wildly. It works well for families committed to full immersion but can be overwhelming for children with zero Spanish.

❓ Do international schools in Colombia accept mid-year transfers?

Most Calendar B schools accept transfers at semester breaks (January and August). Some will accommodate mid-semester transfers with conditions. Calendar A schools are more rigid about January enrollment. Contact schools directly — they're generally accommodating for international families.

❓ Is an international school diploma recognized for Colombian universities?

Yes. IB Diploma, American high school diplomas, and British A-Levels are all recognized by Colombian universities. Students may need to validate their diploma through the Ministry of Education (convalidación), which takes 2-4 months. The ICFES exam is waived for most international diploma holders.

❓ How safe are international schools in Colombia?

Very safe. International schools in Colombia have extensive security — controlled access, ID systems, vetted transportation, and often armed security guards (standard in Colombia, not alarming). Most schools are in upscale neighborhoods with additional private security. School bus services are tracked by GPS with parent notifications.