Best bilingual and international schools in Colombia: how to choose for your children

By Francisco Viloria · Updated: 13 October 2026

Quick answer: To choose a bilingual or international school in Colombia, evaluate the calendar (A or B), curriculum and accreditation (IB, Cambridge, AP or others), Spanish and English levels, location, total cost and admission process. Always verify accreditation with official sources such as the Ministry of Education and the IB directory.

Choosing a school is probably the most important decision for a family moving to Colombia with children. It defines the city, the neighborhood, the budget and, to a large extent, the children's adaptation. Colombia has a varied offer ranging from national schools with intensive English programs to international schools with foreign curricula, with bilingual institutions combining both worlds. This guide does not give you a ranking, because no unverified ranking is reliable and conditions change every year; instead, it gives you a method to evaluate any school: what to ask, which documents to request, how to verify accreditation and how to prepare admission. Before deciding, visit, compare and confirm each fact with the school itself and with official bodies. This content is informational and does not replace a visit or professional advice.

The Colombian education system in brief

Formal education in Colombia is organized into preschool, primary basic education (grades 1 to 5), secondary basic education (grades 6 to 9) and upper secondary (grades 10 and 11). At the end of grade 11, students take the Saber 11 tests, administered by ICFES, and receive the bachiller degree. The National Ministry of Education sets policy and local education secretariats oversee schools in their jurisdiction. Schools may be public or private; private ones set their own tuition within the regulatory framework. Knowing this structure helps you understand what you will be asked when enrolling and how your children's studies are validated.

Types of school: national, bilingual and international

A bilingual school usually teaches part of the curriculum in English and part in Spanish, following the Colombian program, and sometimes adds English certifications. An international school usually follows a foreign curriculum, for example American, British or the International Baccalaureate, with students of several nationalities, and may also offer a Spanish and Colombian culture component. A national school with English reinforcement keeps the Colombian curriculum with more hours of foreign language. There is no better option in the abstract: it depends on how long you will live in Colombia, your children's ages, their language and whether they will return to a foreign education system. Read International Schools in Medellín.

Calendar A and calendar B

Colombian schools usually follow calendar A, which runs approximately from February to November, or calendar B, which runs approximately from August or September to June. Many international schools use calendar B to match the northern hemisphere, though it is not a rule. This matters if your children come from a system with a different calendar: arriving mid-year may force you to wait or catch up. Ask the school how it handles students who arrive off-cycle and what options exist to avoid losing academic time.

Curricula and accreditations: what they mean

International options include the International Baccalaureate, IB, with programs for different ages; Cambridge exams and programs; Advanced Placement courses; and schools with American or British accreditations. To verify that a school really offers an IB program, check the directory of authorized schools on the organization's website. For accreditations from international agencies, review the agencies' listings. A school calling itself "bilingual" or "international" in its marketing implies no accreditation; it is a commercial description. Ask for the document or link that proves each claim.

Operating license and official recognition

In Colombia, private schools need an operating license or recognition from the corresponding education authority. Ask the school for its resolution and verify it with the local education secretariat. This matters because it determines whether degrees are valid in the country and whether you can validate your children's studies if they return to their home country or change school. An international school that also grants a foreign diploma should explain clearly what recognition each diploma has.

Language: Spanish, English and support for new students

If your children do not speak Spanish, ask whether the school offers language support programs for new students, how long they last and what happens with the subjects meanwhile. If they speak Spanish but not English, the case is the reverse. Young children tend to adapt faster, while teenagers may need more support. Also consider the language they will use at home and in the community. Read Learning Spanish in Colombia: Schools and Methods for language learning options for the whole family.

Location, transport and time

In cities such as Medellín and Bogotá, traffic can turn a distant school into an hour-long daily commute. Many schools offer school bus routes, a service worth evaluating for safety, punctuality and cost. Choosing housing near the school can improve the family's life more than any budget adjustment. If you are choosing city and neighborhood at the same time, read Medellín neighbourhoods for foreigners, Bogotá neighbourhoods for foreigners and Best cities to live in Colombia for expats: comparison.

Costs: what to ask

Private schools charge annual enrollment, monthly or periodic tuition, and may add costs for supplies, uniforms, transport, meals, extracurricular activities and international exams. Some require entry fees, bonds or contributions. Values vary widely between schools and change every year, which is why we include no figures: ask the school for a written list of all first-year and later costs, and the adjustment terms. Compare total cost, not just monthly tuition. Read Cost of Living in Medellín 2026: Complete Breakdown and Cost of Living in Bogotá 2026 to place education within the overall budget.

Admission: timing, tests and documents

Admission processes include forms, interviews, placement tests, reports from the previous school and sometimes waiting lists. The most sought-after schools may fill places months ahead, so start contacting them well before moving. Usual documents include passports or ID, the visa or corresponding permit, vaccination record, transcripts and recommendations, with apostille and translation when required. Ask what your family must present if the visa is still in process. Read Apostille and translations for Colombia visas.

The right to education for foreign children

Colombian regulation recognizes the right to education of children and adolescents, including foreigners, and there are instructions to facilitate their access to schools. If your immigration situation is not yet resolved, ask your city's education secretariat which documents are accepted for enrollment. In parallel, sort out the family visa: children usually obtain it as beneficiaries of the holder. Read Beneficiary or dependent visa and Family and partner in the migration file.

Validation of studies and transition between systems

If your children come from another education system, the school must determine which grade they enter and which subjects they need to catch up on. For basic and upper secondary studies completed abroad, official recognition is processed with the education secretariats. If you plan for your children to return to your country or apply to foreign universities, ask the school how it certifies grades and supports university admission processes. Choosing a school with a curriculum recognized in your country eases the transition.

Special educational needs

If your child has special educational needs, ask clearly what support each school offers, which professionals it has, how many students are in each group and how it coordinates with families and therapists. Colombia has an inclusive education policy, but support capacity varies widely between institutions. Ask for interviews with the support team before enrolling and review cases of families with similar profiles.

School life, community and safety

Visit the school during school hours. Observe the atmosphere, discipline, the relationship between teachers and students, facilities, the infirmary and safety protocols. Ask about the anti-bullying policy, extracurricular activities, emotional support and communication with families. Talk to current parents, including foreigners, and ask what they would change. The community of families is a key support in the first months. Read Personal safety for foreigners in Colombia.

Health and insurance for children

Families with a visa of more than three months must enroll all members in the health system. Many complement it with prepaid medicine or international insurance for quicker access to pediatricians and specialists. Ask the school about its emergency protocol and which health documents it needs. Read Healthcare in Colombia for foreigners: EPS, prepaid plans, private policies and international insurance and How to Affiliate with an EPS as a Foreigner.

Checklist for comparing schools

For each school note: official license and verified accreditations, calendar, curriculum, language of instruction, support for new students, group size, total first-year cost, transport, location, admission and dates, special-needs support, test results and graduate destinations, communication with families and parent opinions. Visit at least three and decide with data, not only the impression of the visit.

Common mistakes when choosing a school

Choosing by name, not verifying accreditation, not asking the total cost, not considering the commute, underestimating admission times, not planning for the calendar, forgetting the children's health and visa and expecting the school to solve everything. A visit, a list of questions and a realistic budget avoid most problems.

Questions to ask during the visit

Bring a written list. Ask how many students are in each group, how many teachers have left in the past year, how progress in English and Spanish is measured, what percentage of students continue to the final grade, how conflicts between students are handled, what support exists for students who arrive mid-year and how the school communicates with families who do not speak Spanish. Ask to see a real schedule, a homework sample and the events calendar. Concrete answers with examples are usually a better signal than brochures. If a question is repeatedly dodged, note it as a warning sign.

Our analysis

There is no best school in Colombia in the abstract; there is the one that best fits your family, city, budget and long-term plans. The safest method is to define your criteria, verify accreditations in official sources, visit several schools and budget the total cost. Since school choice often goes hand in hand with housing, in Medellín you can rely on Medellín Advisors and Premium Propiedades to rent or buy near the chosen school; for the family visa, Colombia Visa Legal; and for the children's health, CoVisas and Protege Tu Viaje.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best bilingual school in Colombia?

There is no single best for everyone. It depends on city, curriculum, calendar, budget and your family's plans. Always verify accreditation and visit several schools.

What is the difference between a bilingual and an international school?

A bilingual school usually follows the Colombian curriculum with part of the teaching in English; an international school usually follows a foreign curriculum, such as the IB, with a multi-national community.

What are calendars A and B?

Calendar A runs approximately from February to November and B from August or September to June. Many international schools use B, but it depends on the school.

How do I verify that a school offers the International Baccalaureate?

Check the directory of authorized schools on the IB's official website (ibo.org) and ask the school for its accreditation documentation.

Can I enroll my children if my visa is still in process?

Regulation recognizes foreign children's right to education.

When should I start the admission process?

As early as possible, ideally several months before moving, because the most sought-after schools may have limited places and waiting lists.

What is a bilingual school?

A school that teaches part of its curriculum in two languages. The level varies between institutions.

What is an international school?

One offering international programs such as the International Baccalaureate or other foreign curricula, plus its own accreditations.

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB)?

An international educational program recognized in many countries.

What is the school calendar?

There are Calendar A (January to November) and Calendar B (August to June) schools.

How much does a private school cost?

It varies widely by institution, city and level.

What extra costs are there?

Enrollment, tuition, transport, uniforms, supplies and activities.

How does admission work?

It usually includes an application, interview, assessment and documents. Places are limited.

What documents are required for foreign children?

Normally ID documents, academic records and sometimes visa proof.

Do my children need a visa?

Foreign minors need regular immigration status; ask about student or beneficiary visas.

Do they need to speak Spanish?

Some schools offer language support.

How do I assess quality?

Talk to other families.

Are there public schools for foreigners?

Foreign minors can access the education system under the rules and availability.

What is validation of studies?

It is recognition of studies done abroad by the Ministry of Education or the relevant secretariat.

Which cities have the most options?

Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Barranquilla concentrate more international options.

When should I start the process?

Early, because places and deadlines are limited.

What are the ICFES and Saber 11 tests?

They are Colombia's standardized end-of-high-school exams, which universities use for admission.

What ages does each school level cover?

Preschool from age three, primary through fifth grade, secondary and upper secondary through eleventh grade, which grants the bachiller degree.

What is the bachiller diploma?

It is the high school diploma earned on finishing grade eleven, which allows access to university.

What is jornada única?

It is an extended school-day scheme in schools, with more class hours per day.

What is preschool education?

It is the initial level, from prejardín to transición, which prepares children for primary school.

What international schools are there in Medellín?

There are several bilingual and international schools in Medellín and its metropolitan area, with English calendars and international programs.

What international schools are there in Bogotá?

Bogotá has the largest range of international and bilingual schools in the country.

What is a campestre school?

It is a school located on the outskirts of the city, with large green spaces and outdoor activities.

Can foreign children validate their studies when returning to their country?

International schools with programs such as the IB facilitate academic continuity abroad.

Where can I live near the best schools in Medellín?

Medellín Advisors and Premium Propiedades guide you on housing near schools in Medellín.

If you are evaluating housing or investment, Medellín Advisors can guide you on search, title review and the purchase or rental process. Always hire independent legal review.

Related guides

• Colombia's economic and political outlook: opportunities and risks for foreigners
• What is changing for foreigners living in Colombia in 2026
• Mercure visa: cases

General information based on current rules and practice; it may change. Confirm your case with the official source or an authorized professional. Not legal, tax or medical advice.