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Colegio Británico de Cartagena

Colombia, Cartagena

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Spanish, English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 0 - 17 years
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), American Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages English, French
Strengths Sport, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

The Colegio Británico de Cartagena is a private day school in Colombia serving students from 0 to 17 with three international curricula: IB Diploma Programme, Cognia (American) and Canadian curricula. Students graduate with a triple qualification comprising a Colombian bilingual program, a Cognia US Diploma and the IB Diploma. English begins in preschool, with French introduced from 4th grade through 12th grade; high school students complete TOEFL certification. The school operates across two campuses: the Anillo Vial Campus, a country site with spacious classrooms, sports fields and laboratories, and Castillogrande Campus, the preschool site designed as a magical castle for early learning. Facilities include Ring Road and Castillogrande Libraries, science laboratories and a dining room. CBC emphasizes sports and co-curricular projects as core to learning. With more than 40 years of experience and as part of the REDCOL network, CBC combines academic offerings with social-emotional learning through Yale University's RULER program.

Anillo vial #km 12, Zona norte, Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia

The Essentials

Colegio Británico de Cartagena has instruction in Spanish, English.

Location
Location: Two campuses in Cartagena, Colombia: Castillogrande Campus on Av Piñango, and Anillo Vial Campus at KM 12. The campuses are accessible within the city via major roads. Castillogrande contact: (+57) 300 815 4026; Anillo Vial contact: (+57) 300 811 7729.

Stages
Little Skills CBC; Preschool; Elementary; Middle School; High School.

Type
Private day school with international curricula (IB Diploma; Cognia) and bilingual programs.

Country affiliation
Colombia
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The school has a food plant equipped with state-of-the-art technology and high quality standards, ensuring hygienic and safe processes. It promotes healthy eating habits from the early years and serves a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet to support learning. Snack and lunch are provided during the school day in accordance with nutritional standards, and the nutrition area develops projects to enhance student wellbeing.

House System
The school has three Houses—Dragons, Unicorns and Lions—each linked to values: Dragons (Wisdom with action), Unicorns (Imagination with purpose), Lions (Strength with balance). The House system fosters identity, school spirit and collaboration and supports IB learner-profile experiences through activities such as sports competitions, academic contests, cultural events, volunteering and recreational activities.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of the Cognita family of Schools. It maintains an ISO 9001:2015 quality management system (IQNET), Registration CO-SC-CER876764-9, expiring September 23, 2027.
Fees
Application / Admissions payment
- An admissions payment (consignación del valor del proceso de admisión) is required to start the admissions process; the registration (matrícula) is charged annually as shown below.

Registration (Matrícula) — maximum amounts by grade
- Prejardín: COP 9,732,521.
- Jardín: COP 9,732,521.
- Transición: COP 9,732,521.
- Primero: COP 9,615,873.
- Segundo: COP 7,754,092.
- Tercero: COP 6,420,985.
- Cuarto: COP 5,294,843.
- Quinto: COP 4,390,646.
- Sexto: COP 3,680,375.
- Séptimo: COP 3,011,114.
- Octavo: COP 2,954,884.
- Noveno: COP 2,983,572.
- Décimo: COP 2,927,279.
- Once: COP 2,913,469.
(These figures are the maximum registration amounts charged by grade.)

Tuition (annual total and installment breakdown) — Tarifa anual and monthly pension
- The annual charge is composed of matrícula (registration) plus pensión (annual tuition). The pensión is collected in 10 equal monthly instalments.
- For each grade the school's published Tarifa Anual (matrícula + pensión), the matrícula (maximum) and the implied 10-month pension instalment are:
- Prejardín — Annual: COP 97,325,205; Matrícula (max): COP 9,732,521; Pension (annual): COP 87,592,684; Monthly pension (10 payments): COP 8,759,268.
- Jardín — Annual: COP 97,325,205; Matrícula (max): COP 9,732,521; Pension (annual): COP 87,592,684; Monthly pension: COP 8,759,268.
- Transición — Annual: COP 97,325,205; Matrícula (max): COP 9,732,521; Monthly pension: COP 8,759,268.
- Primero — Annual: COP 96,158,727; Matrícula (max): COP 9,615,873; Monthly pension: COP 8,654,285.
- Segundo — Annual: COP 77,540,920; Matrícula (max): COP 7,754,092; Monthly pension: COP 6,978,683.
- Tercero — Annual: COP 64,209,848; Matrícula (max): COP 6,420,985; Monthly pension: COP 5,778,886.
- Cuarto — Annual: COP 52,948,428; Matrícula (max): COP 5,294,843; Monthly pension: COP 4,765,359.
- Quinto — Annual: COP 43,906,462; Matrícula (max): COP 4,390,646; Monthly pension: COP 3,951,582.
- Sexto — Annual: COP 36,803,748; Matrícula (max): COP 3,680,375; Monthly pension: COP 3,312,337.
- Séptimo — Annual: COP 30,111,136; Matrícula (max): COP 3,011,114; Monthly pension: COP 2,710,002.
- Octavo — Annual: COP 29,548,836; Matrícula (max): COP 2,954,884; Monthly pension: COP 2,659,395.
- Noveno — Annual: COP 29,835,719; Matrícula (max): COP 2,983,572; Monthly pension: COP 2,685,215.
- Décimo — Annual: COP 29,272,786; Matrícula (max): COP 2,927,279; Monthly pension: COP 2,634,551.
- Once — Annual: COP 29,134,692; Matrícula (max): COP 2,913,469; Monthly pension: COP 2,622,122.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual billing structure: families are charged matrícula once per year plus the pensión divided into 10 monthly instalments. Families may choose early (anticipated) payment options that can receive an institutional discount according to the school's financial policies. Late payments incur interest for mora and the school may initiate legal collection procedures if necessary; students will not receive a paz y salvo until outstanding obligations are settled. To renew a student's place, the family must be up to date on all payments.

Boarding / Residential provision
- The Colegio Británico de Cartagena is a co-educational day school; boarding / residential services are not offered and there are therefore no boarding fees.

Other mandatory or recurring costs (items with published amounts)
- Transport (annual): COP 6,148,295.
- Food / Catering (annual): COP 5,831,431.
- Bibliobanco (Preescolar): COP 603,168; Bibliobanco (Primaria): COP 1,206,337; Bibliobanco (Bachillerato): COP 1,206,337.
- Internationalization fees (varied by grade ranges): COP 436,379 to COP 870,650 depending on grade.
- Student insurance (annual): COP 111,586.
- Student ID (carnet): COP 15,079.
- Certificates: COP 17,693.
- International Master Plan / ABP (Prejardín a 11): COP 1,645,004.
- The school also identifies other periodic charges that can be billed with matrícula or pensión for services or materials such as the bibliobanco (Red Crezco), Portal Web, Restaurante (cafeteria) and Sistematización; extracurricular activities, specific external exam fees, transport, and some materials are charged separately as applicable.

Uniforms and materials
- Uniforms are required; the manual references uniform provision in program and scholarship descriptions (for example, a note about three full uniforms per year in the scholarship section) but does not list a standard uniform price in the fee schedule. Costs for personal materials, specific technology requirements and some school-specific books or supplies are listed among additional payable items and may be invoiced separately.

Refunds and cancellations
- The published financial rules require that families be up to date (a paz y salvo) to renew matriculation; late payments are subject to interest for mora and possible legal collection. The manual does not specify a separate, detailed refund schedule for paid matrícula or pensión in the fee tables; refund or cancellation handling follows the institution's financial policies and applicable legal rules.

Fee payment methods and practical notes
- For admissions the school explicitly references a consignación (bank deposit/consignación) as part of the admissions paperwork and payment process. The manual indicates families must provide evidence of the admissions payment when applying. The manual does not itemize every accepted payment channel (for example specific bank accounts, card payment processors or online payment platforms) in the published fee tables; families should follow the school's enrollment instructions for the exact payment steps.

Summary of amount presentation
- All amounts above are shown in Colombian pesos (COP) and are presented as the school published for the stated tariff period. The Tarifa Anual figures list the combined annual cost (matrícula plus pensión); the monthly pension figures shown are the pensión annual divided into 10 equal monthly instalments as described in the school's billing rules.
Academics

Colegio Británico de Cartagena teaches IB (DP), American Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum for students aged 0 to 17.

Curriculum
The school offers international and bilingual curricula. It pioneered the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) in Cartagena and provides a U.S. Diploma through Cognia, forming a triple qualification: Colombian bilingual, Cognia US Diploma and IB Diploma. The RULER program supports emotional intelligence in partnership with Yale University. A Highscope-inspired preschool program supports development in a bilingual environment. Language learning starts with English in preschool, with French introduced from 4th grade through 12th grade and English proficiency certified with the TOEFL exam in high school. The academic levels span Little Skills, Preschool, Elementary (Active Learning), Middle School (multilingualism) and High School (Triple qualification: national bilingual, Cognia and IB diploma).

Higher Education Progression
The school's triple qualification enables access to universities around the world, through Colombian bilingual, Cognia American and IB Diploma credentials.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Be Well is the school's framework for wellbeing and mental health. It defines five focus areas: Sleep, Healthy Living, Social Networks and Screen Time, Brain and Your Wellbeing, and It's Good to Talk. It provides guidance to students, staff and families on maintaining emotional and physical wellbeing. The school promotes a positive wellbeing culture with universal and targeted supports to develop resilience and social-emotional skills, including cross-curricular approaches to risk awareness from K2 to K12 and the daily application of the RULER program for emotional regulation. Be Well activities include Global Be Well Day, safe spaces, and student voice surveys to identify vulnerable students and tailor support. The safeguarding lead coordinates wellbeing and safeguarding across the school.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Emotional and social support is provided universally, with additional support available through a SENCO (coordinator of special educational needs) who assesses student needs and either provides direct support or refers to the appropriate professional (DSL or safeguarding/coexistence teams) when more resources are required. The school offers individual support programs that strengthen social, emotional and behavioral skills, and inclusion is implemented through the Decree of Educational Inclusion with development of DUA and PIAR (Plan for Inclusion and Reasonable Adjustments). When universal supports are not enough, there is access to more specialized help, including SENCO, psychoeducational work with psychology, or a shadow tutor trained in safeguarding. One-to-one sessions enable students to discuss concerns in a confidential setting, while the school does not substitute professional mental health or clinical care. The school collaborates with families and external specialists to ensure access to appropriate services.

Mental Wellbeing
The Cognita-RedCol international network prioritizes mental health and wellbeing and defines Be Well as a cross-school focus. The Be Well framework directs attention to five areas—Sleep, Healthy Living, Social Networks and Screen Time, Brain and Your Wellbeing, and It's Good to Talk—and provides guidance to students, staff and families on maintaining wellbeing. The network fosters a healthy culture and delivers school-wide wellbeing education, including routines, preventative programs, and the RULER approach for emotional regulation, as well as calm spaces and transversal wellbeing initiatives from K2 to K12. Global Be Well Day activities and the VOS (student voice) survey help identify vulnerable students and shape targeted supports. Safeguarding and wellbeing strategies are integrated to ensure timely support and family involvement in wellbeing decisions.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a school-wide priority with a Designated Safeguarding Lead (and deputy) and a contact network to coordinate safeguarding across the school. All staff have a responsibility to support safeguarding and must report concerns to the safeguarding lead, who will inform parents and coordinate with external agencies as needed. If a student is at risk or discloses abuse, staff follow internal safeguarding protocols and involve the safeguarding lead or deputy, with external agencies engaged when appropriate. Cases are reviewed at least monthly, with weekly follow-up in suicide-risk situations and ongoing collaboration with parents and safeguarding professionals. Staff receive safeguarding training and guidance on conduct, and a shadow tutor may be assigned with safeguarding training when needed. In extreme cases, temporary or permanent withdrawal may be considered in agreement with families and treating professionals to protect the student and the wider community.
Parent Experience

History
The Colegio Britnico de Cartagena has more than 40 years of experience in education. The CBC is part of the REDCOL holding network. The school offers international and bilingual curricula, including a Colombian bilingual program, Cognia (American) accreditation, and the Diploma IB. The preschool program features an international bilingual curriculum with HighScope and Yale University9s RULER emotional intelligence program. The CBC emphasizes sports and co-curricular activities as an essential part of learning.

Community
The CBC maintains a formal community and wellbeing structure led by the Coordinator of Community and Wellbeing, with the Rector and cycle coordinators participating. A Parent Council representative sits on the Governing Board, and the Student Council President participates in governance. The Alumni Association has a representative with voice and vote on the Governing Board, reflecting active alumni involvement in school life. The CBC emphasizes engaging students and families through these governance bodies to support the learning community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The CBC includes a Parent Council (Consejo de Padres), with a parent representative on the Governing Board. The governance framework includes the Parent Council as part of school leadership. An Alumni Association also has representation on the Governing Board, illustrating broad participation in school governance.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Two venues designed for learning provide CBC's campuses. The Anillo Vial Campus is a country site with spacious and comfortable classrooms, sports fields and laboratories. The Castillogrande Campus is the preschool site, described as a magical colorful castle designed for learning and fun for the little ones. Each area is created for children to interact with their environment in ways that support their intellectual and personal growth.

Sports Facilities
Anillo Vial Campus has spacious and comfortable classrooms, sports fields and laboratories. Castillogrande Campus is the preschool site, designed for early learning rather than sports facilities. The facilities include dedicated spaces for physical education and science learning. Two sites combine to offer a comprehensive environment for sports and laboratory-based activities.

Academic Facilities
Ring Road Library and Castillogrande Library are part of CBC's academic facilities. Laboratories are available to support science learning. Castillogrande Dining Room is part of the Castillogrande Campus facilities. The two campuses are designed to provide spaces for learning and interaction with the environment.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Sports and co-curricular projects are part of CBC's curriculum. They promote skills and teamwork as an essential part of learning. These activities support physical, social and collaborative development.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The academic formation of our students is complemented by sports and co-curricular activities as an essential part of learning. We have a preschool with an international and bilingual curriculum with HighScope methodology and Yale University's RULER emotional intelligence program.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include English and French. The preschool is international and bilingual, exposing students to a bilingual environment. Middle School emphasizes multilingualism to form global citizens. The curriculum includes IB Diploma and Cognia (U.S. Diploma) alongside a national bilingual track.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers bilingual education beginning in preschool within an international program that uses the Highscope approach. Multilingualism is emphasized in Middle School to form global citizens. The High School offers triple qualification: national bilingual, American Cognia and IB Diploma.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
1. General requirements: The College admits students from Kindergarten 1 through 9th grade. For grades 10 and 11, each case must be evaluated with prior authorization of the Rectorate; there are no admissions to Grade 12. Parents interested must register some initial data with the Admissions Department and authorize the processing of their personal data. Kinder 3 applicants have a Play Day scheduled on an internal day (Day 5), which is the day the Psychology Department has designated for admissions processes. Applicants to primary and secondary grades must undergo an interview with Psychology and knowledge tests (including an English test). The interview also applies to the parents. 2. Description of the admissions process: Families express their interest in starting the admissions process and send initial information. The school receives the information and invites them to an informational talk. The school offers an informational talk, a presentation of the educational project, a tour of the school, and the purchase of the application form. Families submit the required documentation for the admissions process. Valuation activity: for Kinder 1, after receipt of the applicants' documents, the valuation activity and parent interview are scheduled; for other grades, knowledge tests and interviews with the applicant and with the parents are conducted. The Admissions Committee reviews the documentation and the results of the valuation and interviews to make the final decision. The admissions outcome is: Admitted (continues to enrollment); Not admitted (the reasons are communicated to the family); Partially admitted (the possibility of admission is reviewed by the committee). 3. Diploma Programme entrance: All CBC students may access the Diploma Programme and the IB does not exclude them. All students enrolled at CBC will study the Diploma Programme subjects during the last two years of schooling (Grade 11 and 12). At the end, all students may sit the official IB examinations to obtain the IB Diploma. Depending on the results obtained during the first year and the student's specific conditions, the possibility of awarding certifications instead of the Diploma may be considered. Applicants to Grade 11 from other schools must have outstanding academic results in the majority of the assessments administered, and the Admissions Committee will consider these along with the other required criteria. Grade 11 admissions are at the discretion of the Rector, the Head of the Diploma Programme, and the Diploma Programme Coordinator once it is verified that the student has met in another institution the same subject requirements that will be offered by the College. The Diploma Coordinator informs students of the Diploma Programme elective subjects and teachers present their subjects so that students can make informed decisions about the subjects they will study during the two-year programme. The Coordinator organizes the student groups for each subject area according to the offering for the school year. 4. Responsibilities: The Diploma Programme Coordinator organizes, counsels, and follows up with students through the different admission stages. The Coordinator organizes and conducts informational talks for families interested in the school and for 10th-grade students, and administers student enrollment. Teachers, in addition to knowing and complying with the established guidelines, actively present their subjects to students and support them in choosing what is best for each individual, and provide important information to the Diploma Programme Coordinator for subject planning. Parents and administration know and comply with the guidelines. 5. Updates: 20/10/17 Creation (Version 01). 15/08/24 Introduction and diploma requirements (Version 02). Includes the possibility of suggesting certifications in place of the diploma.
School Events
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