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Saint John's School

Chile, Concepción

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1942
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, French
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Saint John's School in Concepción, Chile, is an International Baccalaureate World School delivering a full IB continuum—PYP, MYP, and DP—alongside Chile's national requirements. English is the principal language of instruction through grade 5, with a dedicated bilingual program from grade 6 to 12, fostering global communication skills. The campus spans four levels—Infant, Junior, Middle, and Senior—each with tailored facilities, including three libraries split by level and a Middle & Senior Library with over 10,000 titles, a print press, photography labs, and a Mediatrack catalog. An arts-focused complex houses three visual arts studios, a print press, a sculpture courtyard, a theatre, a radio studio, and a recording booth. First-rate sports facilities and trained staff support a broad sports program. The school emphasizes service and community through CAS, Navidad Compartida, and TECHO projects, alongside a sociable House system and trips to local, national, and international destinations, including the UK and Ireland globally.

Avenida George A. W. Knight 3240 San Pedro de la Paz, 4130000 Biobío, San Pedro de la Paz, Bío Bío, Chile

The Essentials

Saint John's School has instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Saint John's School is located in Concepción, Chile, in the San Pedro de la Paz district. The campus address is Avda. George A. W. Knight Nº 3240, San Pedro de la Paz, Concepción. The location is listed as Concepción, Chile with the street address provided.

Stages
The school comprises four levels: Infant school, Junior school, Middle school, and Senior school.

Type
IB World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), with bilingual education.

Additional learning support
Learning Support coordinates inclusive education, differentiating teaching to meet diverse rhythms and learning styles under the guidance of Learning Support. It works directly with students who face learning barriers and provides support through teachers, families and/or the student. When classroom strategies are insufficient, the team assesses and identifies special educational needs and potential curricular adjustments to promote holistic development; the team includes counselors, differential education teachers, and psychologists.

Country affiliation
Chile

Bus service
Saint John's School provides a student bus service. The Transport Coordinator oversees routes for 2026 (15:30 and 17:00 departures). A Bus Protocol is published with guidelines for students during transit. Contacts include Ignacio Valdebenito (Coordinator), ivaldebenito@stjohns.cl; Gregory Neira (Head of Operations); Oscar Abricot (Commercial Manager).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has an official school uniform. The 2020 notice lists the uniform items including the Physical Education uniform, vests, skirts, socks, and red ballet flats; the use of the new PE uniform pieces is not mandatory, and current PE uniforms may be used. The official uniform supplier is De Laura, with store locations at Ongolmo 125, 2nd floor, Concepción, and Pasaje Los Jesuitas 48, Villa San Pedro.

Food Options
The school has a cafeteria service provided by Aramark; lunch is available for students and staff, and a kiosk offers healthy snacks, fruit, and beverages during the school day. Menu options include 'Homemade Flavors' with two hot dishes and interchangeable sides, and 'Build Your Salad' with a cold option based on lettuce and other vegetables, plus protein and grains with healthy dressings. A 'Light Diet' option is available with a medical certificate. Tickets are purchased through Aramark's school platform.

House System
The school has a House System. Students and staff are assigned to a House; there are four Houses named Darwin, Drake, Cochrane, and Shackleton. Houses compete in sports and academic activities, earning points toward an annual trophy. Each House is supervised by two House Masters in Junior and Middle School, and there are two Captains and a Vice-Captain per House in Junior, Middle, and Senior School.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by the Corporación Educacional St. John's School, whose Board is elected every two years by a general assembly of parents/guardians. The Board includes a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Directors.
Fees
Application / Admission fees
- Admission exam fee: CLP 90,000 per applicant for Pre-kinder through 4º Medio (Playgroup applicants are not charged an admission fee).
- Annual registration (matrícula) fee: CLP 253,000 per student (applies from Pre-kinder to 4º Medio).

Tuition fees by year group (annual and monthly amounts)
- Pre-kinder and Kinder:
- Annual tuition (colegiatura anual): CLP 6,180,000.
- Monthly option: 12 monthly instalments of CLP 515,000.
- 1° Básico to 4° Medio (Primary Years through Senior School):
- Annual tuition (colegiatura anual): CLP 6,804,000.
- Monthly option: 12 monthly instalments of CLP 567,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing frequency: Monthly billing is issued; boletas (invoices) are sent at the start of each month and have a due date equal to the last calendar day of the month.
- Monthly payment deadline and discount: Paying the monthly invoice by the fifth business day of the month qualifies for the “Pronto Pago” discount (5% off that month's tuition). The quick-payment deadline for each month is indicated on the billing notice.
- Annual-payment discount: Families who pay the full year's tuition in advance receive a discount equivalent to one month's tuition (i.e., pay 11 months instead of 12 when meeting the school's annual-payment deadline).
- Conditions of payment (summary):
- Payment Anticipated (annual): immediate receipt of funds (acceptable by cash, bank transfer, debit/credit card, etc.).
- Payment Monthly Guaranteed: payment in instalments with guaranteed forms such as automatic card mandate (PAT), post-dated cheques, or the school's credit-card agreement.
- Payment Monthly Non-Guaranteed: month-by-month payments using any available means; eligibility may be restricted based on an account's past delinquencies. From 2027 the school requires either annual payment or a guaranteed monthly payment for all families, with exceptions for families with acceptable payment records in 2026.

Boarding / residential provision
- No boarding program is listed for Saint John's School; there are no boarding fees applicable.

Other costs and recurring additional fees
- Mandatory and optional insurance and parent association fees:
- A mandatory student accident insurance (seguro de accidentes) is charged for all students; an optional escolar insurance and a per-student Cuota del Centro General de Padres y Apoderados (CGPA) are also billed as additional items. These other charges are included on monthly or annual invoices.
- After‑School (extended care) program (Infant School): example pricing for the After School pilot for Infant levels in 2026 was CLP 1,250,000 for the first semester (equivalent to CLP 250,000 per month for the period indicated); specific enrolment and payment terms apply to this program.
- Uniforms and books: uniform providers and official suppliers are named; uniform and textbook purchases are additional to tuition and are billed or purchased separately. Official uniform suppliers: De Laura (Los Jesuitas 48, San Pedro de la Paz), Spike (Pedro Lira 1495, San Pedro de la Paz). Books supplier example: Books and Bits, Tucapel 63, Concepción.
- Transport and cafeteria (casino): the school operates transport and on‑site food services as chargeable services; these services are provided under separate billing and contract terms. Route information and operational details are published by the school.

Refund information
- Registration (matrícula): payments made for matrícula are not refundable.
- Other refunds: standard invoices and boletas are the accounting record for payments and discounts; the payments and collections regulation defines billing and receipt procedures. Specific refund conditions for other fees (for example, prorated tuition refunds on mid‑year withdrawals) are not described in the summary texts provided; the regulation requires that billing details appear on the monthly notices.

Fee payment options
- Online card payments via Webpay (Transbank) and the school's Webpay link; families may register a digital PAT mandate for automatic card charging.
- Bank transfer: Corporación Educacional Saint John's School — Banco BICE — Current account 03001601 — RUT 71.301.400-1. Families must include student name and course in the transfer reference and email payment proof to recaudaciones@stjohns.cl.
- In-person payments: cash, debit/credit card or physical terminal at the school administration office during business hours. Cheques are accepted under the school's stated conditions.
- Payment by post‑dated cheques, automatic card mandate (PAT), or the school's credit‑card agreement are accepted for guaranteed monthly plans; annual payments may be made by bank transfer, cash, or card.

(End of fee overview)
Academics

Saint John's School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Saint John's complies with the national Chilean education requirements and also incorporates three International Baccalaureate programs: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The IB programs are implemented across Infant to Senior School, creating a continuum with the national curriculum while fostering an international mindset. English is the principal language of instruction up to grade 5, with dedicated bilingual instruction from grade 6 through grade 12. The learning model is constructivist and student-centered, with external assessments and IB certifications to monitor quality. The curriculum blends national requirements with IB standards to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes for global citizenship.

Exam Results
IB Diploma Programme results: 20 students sat the Diploma, with an average score of 31 out of 40 and a maximum of 40. PAES results for 2024 show Saint John's School average 816.2, compared with the national average of 744.8. The Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) results: 56 students sat the exam; 16 achieved C1 (28.6%), 35 achieved B2 (62.5%), and 5 achieved B1 (8.9%), with an overall average score of 173 out of 190.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Saint John's School recognizes that teaching and learning must consider the human being as a whole. This element of differentiation is led by Learning Support with teachers across the school. The Learning Support team works directly with students who face barriers to learning that require more extensive support to progress in their educational journey. This support is provided through teachers, families and/or directly with the student. When various strategies to address diversity do not meet learning needs, the school evaluates and identifies special educational needs that may require curricular adjustments. The Learning Support team aims to promote the holistic development of students and makes decisions that facilitate the development of students with special educational needs; the team is formed by counselors, differential educators and psychologists.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school identifies students who have special educational needs that may require curricular adjustments. This process is led by Learning Support, which analyzes and contrasts information provided by guardians and the school's policies to determine appropriate measures. The team includes counselors, differential education teachers and psychologists. When strategies to respond to diversity do not meet learning needs, curricular adjustments are pursued to support the student's educational trajectory. The aim is to facilitate development of students with special educational needs within the school's framework.

Mental Wellbeing
The School Coexistence Regulation includes a Protocol for Prevention and Action in Mental Health, Emotional Dysregulation, and Risk. The Protocol provides guidance for addressing mental health concerns and emotional challenges among students. It demonstrates the school's commitment to safeguarding mental wellbeing within the school community. The Protocol indicates coordinated actions with families and staff to provide timely support as needed. It reflects a holistic approach to student welfare and safety.

Safeguarding
The school underwent official oversight by the Superintendencia de Educación on moral suitability and normative compliance to ensure safety, integrity and protection of all students. The results were fully successful, confirming that administrators, teachers and assistants are authorized to work with minors and have no disqualifications in the General Registry or Special Convictions. The school conducted 100% of staff reviews with certificates and official checks to verify transparency and safeguarding commitment. These findings underscore the school's dedication to safeguarding and ethical governance for the wellbeing of its students.
Parent Experience

History
Saint John's School in Concepción originated in 1942 from two private educational establishments founded in 1936 to serve the British community and the broader Concepción community. The first was founded by Mrs. Grimsditch and began operating in a private house on Rengo Street to serve the resident British community. The second operated under the Anglican church St. John's the Baptist in Pedro de Valdivia, led by Pastor John Hemmans. With the onset of World War II, British authorities through the British Council supported creating a single English-language school in Concepción, and Saint John's opened in 1942 in Pedro de Valdivia with Reginald Close as its first headmaster. The school expanded under successive leaders, established infant education and secondary education, joined the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in 1989, and in 2005 inaugurated a new building and sports facilities at Fundo el Venado in San Pedro de la Paz, reflecting its ongoing growth. Saint John's continues to emphasize academic excellence, growth, innovation, and a forward‑looking vision.

Community
The Saint John's community centers on a cocurricular program that includes a house system, sports, clubs, and field trips, enriching student life beyond the classroom. The school's community life is supported by a Parents and Guardians Center (Centro General de Padres) and a Students Center (Centro de Estudiantes) that foster collaboration among parents, students, teachers, and staff. The program also includes digital yearbooks (Anuarios digitales) and engagement in solidarity and environmental initiatives as part of school culture. Activities and events bring together families and school personnel, reinforcing shared values and community spirit.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The CGPA (Centro General de Padres y Apoderados) works to share perspectives on the academic and personal development of our children. It serves as a channel of communication between parents/guardians and the school, operating around four focuses: strengthen the community; strengthen Saint John's values; monitor the development of the academic project; and promote a safe environment and infrastructure aligned with the educational project. Monthly meetings are held with the presidents of each class to share visions and concerns and then collaborate with the school's academic and administrative bodies. The CGPA organizes a series of activities that bring together parents, guardians, students, teachers, and leadership, notably the Fiesta de la Chilenidad to celebrate Fiestas Patrias, the Walkathon St. John's, the Parents' Football Championship, and the Christmas Fraternal Dinner. The CGPA is elected in part every two years by course representatives, and the directors must have served as class presidents for at least one year.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Saint John's School operates a four-level campus with Infant, Junior, Middle, and Senior School divisions. Libraries are organized into three spaces—Infant, Junior, and Middle & Senior—supported by librarians; the Middle & Senior Library houses more than 10,000 titles and provides computers, a printing and copying center, and a Mediatrack online catalog. An arts-focused facility includes a building with three visual arts studios with a print press, analog photography labs, a sculpture courtyard, three acoustically treated music rooms, a recording booth for an online radio, a theatre space with a large mirror, lighting and dressing room, and a covered inner courtyard with a stage and an outdoor amphitheatre. The curriculum emphasizes English language instruction across levels and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program with Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Academic departments include Arts, Experimental Sciences, Social Sciences, Physical Education and Sports, English, Language, Mathematics, Libraries, and Learning Support.

Sports Facilities
Saint John's School has first-rate sports infrastructure supported by a trained professional staff to address the range of disciplines offered. The sports program emphasizes fair play, teamwork, communication, a sense of achievement, and resilience. The school also organizes diverse events and is an active member of various local and national organizations.

Academic Facilities
The school offers the International Baccalaureate program with PYP, MYP, and DP. English is the main language of instruction through grade 5, with a bilingual program emphasized from grade 6 onward. The campus is divided into Infant, Junior, Middle, and Senior Schools. Academic departments include Arts, Experimental Sciences, Social Sciences, Physical Education and Sports, English, Language, Mathematics, Libraries, and Learning Support, with libraries serving all levels (Infant, Junior, and Middle & Senior).

Extra Curricular Facilities
Clubs are cocurricular activities offered after school for Middle and Senior Schools, with Junior School students able to choose three clubs per year. There are clubs in the arts (music, theatre, radio), robotics, chess, and debate. Giras (study trips) include Local trips to Los Pellines, National trips to the North or South of Chile, and International trips to the United Kingdom and Ireland, with additional thematic Senior School itineraries.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is offered across Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The English department teaches the MYP and Diploma, embedding IB philosophy to develop global thinking. In 2024, 20 Diploma candidates achieved an average of 31 points, and 56 seniors earned the Cambridge First Certificate in English at levels B1, B2, or C1. The program also uses visible thinking routines from Project Zero to strengthen autonomous and collaborative learning.

Arts & Creative
Clubs include arts (music, theatre, radio) as well as robotics, chess, and debate. In Middle and Senior, clubs run after school, and Junior School offers three clubs per year within the regular timetable, developed quarterly. Clubs are led by internal and external teachers who plan with students to present their work to the school community.

Cultural & Language
The English department teaches the MYP and Diploma Programme. Students explore texts from diverse cultures—India, Africa, the United States, England, Denmark, Norway, Afghanistan, and more—to develop intercultural understanding. IB attributes are developed through autonomous and collaborative study and the use of visible thinking routines from Project Zero. In 2024, 56 students earned the Cambridge First Certificate in English at levels B1-B2-C1, and 20 Diploma candidates earned an average of 31 points.

Social & Hobbies
Clubs include arts (music, theatre, radio) and also robotics, chess, and debate. Junior School offers three clubs per year, developed quarterly within the school timetable. Giras provide local, national, and international trips, including a international focus on the United Kingdom and Ireland for 8th grades and thematic trips in Senior School for sports and art/history.

Community & Service
Solidaridad reflects the school's commitment to helping others, guided by empathy, sensitivity, and respect. The CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) program connects service with learning and community involvement. In Middle School, many students participate in social work and lead Navidad Compartida, and in Third Year Upper School, students participate in TECHO community construction projects.

Leadership & Professional
The school uses a House system with four Houses named Darwin, Drake, Cochrane and Shackleton; each House is supervised by House Masters, and every House has two Captains and a Vice-Captain across Junior, Middle, and Senior School. This structure supports leadership development and teamwork within the school community. House activities foster leadership, collaboration and service.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sport is central to Saint John's education and is a fundamental vehicle for forming a healthy, active lifestyle and a sense of belonging. The school provides first-class sports infrastructure and a trained staff to support multiple disciplines and promote broad participation. Giras and clubs promote social interaction, wellbeing and a sense of belonging to the school community.
Languages

Language Provision
The school is bilingual in English and Spanish. The majority of subjects are taught in English up to 5th grade; from 6th grade onward, most subjects are taught in Spanish, with English taught as a subject. The school is an International Baccalaureate World School offering PYP, MYP, and DP. In the Diploma Programme, Spanish is the primary language of communication, English remains the first language, and French is available as an additional language.

Bilingual Teaching
The school provides bilingual education in English and Spanish. Most subjects are taught in English up to 5th grade, and from 6th grade onward most subjects are taught in Spanish, with English taught as a subject. In the Primary Years Programme, the language of communication and instruction is predominantly English, with some subjects taught in Spanish. In the Diploma Programme, Spanish is the primary language of communication, English remains the first language, and French is available as an additional language.

Immersion Programs
English language immersion begins gradually from Playgroup. The Primary Years Programme uses English as the language of communication and instruction. In the Middle Years Programme, the primary language of communication is Spanish, and English is studied as a first language. In the Diploma Programme, Spanish remains the primary language of communication with English as a first language and French offered as an additional language.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Saint John's School is a private bilingual school with more than 80 years of delivering education with international standards. It offers the International Baccalaureate with three programs: PYP (Primary Years Programme), MYP (Middle Years Programme), and DP (Diploma Programme). It is located in the El Venado neighborhood, San Pedro de la Paz, VIII Region. The Institutional Brochure provides additional detail about the school and its programs.

2. For more information and to learn about the school, review the Institutional Brochure. The school publishes information about admissions for different entry points, including Playgroup, Pre-kindergarten through 4º Medio, and Extraordinary admissions.

3. Playgroup 2026 admissions have 104 available seats. Priority seats for NEEP/Disability have been allocated to students who meet criteria under current regulations. The application period begins March 31, 2025 and ends May 4, 2025, with the deadline for sending documents also May 4, 2025. A parent interview for new families will be scheduled, Open School Day is to be confirmed, and results are delivered by email. The Admission Regulations and Informed Consent are available for download. Apply here.

4. PRE-KINDER TO 4º MEDIO admissions outline seat availability by grade and important dates. Available seats include: Pre-kinder 1 seat; 2nd Básico 1 seat; 3rd Básico 1 seat; 4th Básico 2 seats; 5th Básico 1 seat; 6th Básico 2 seats; 7th Básico 2 seats; 8th Básico 2 seats; 1st Medio 4 seats; 2nd Medio 6 seats; 3rd Medio 7 seats. The application window runs from September 3, 2025 to December 5, 2025. The admission exam is scheduled for December 15, 2025 at 8:30 a.m., and the exam fee is 90,000 Chilean pesos. Results are delivered within five business days after the exam. The Admission Regulations and Informed Consent documents are available for download. Apply here.

5. Extraordinary admissions have seats: Playgroup 1 seat; 1st Básico 1 seat; 2nd Básico 5 seats; 5th Básico 3 seats; 7th Básico 5 seats; 2nd Medio 4 seats; 3rd Medio 6 seats. The admission exam fee (from Pre-kinder onward) is 90,000 Chilean pesos. Results are delivered five business days after the exam. The Admission Regulations and Informed Consent documents are available for download. Apply here. Thank you for your interest; there are no vacancies at present.
School Events
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