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Colegio Panamericano

Colombia, Bucaramanga

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 629
Type Co-educational
Opened 1963
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum CBSE Curriculum, American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages English, Spanish
Typical class size 14
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Cultural and Language, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Colombia-based Panamericano offers a bilingual international program in Floridablanca, Santander, with CBSE and American curricula and AP courses. It is a non-profit educational community serving families with cross-border ties to the United States. An international teaching staff supports students' English development within a safe and engaging learning environment, and it is the only international school in the Santander region employing native-English speakers. The campus spans more than 10,000 square meters and includes more than 40 classrooms, specialized rooms for science, art, and technology, plus libraries and study zones. Academically, the school emphasizes STEM education and Project-Based Learning, and holds Cognia STEM certification. The program also offers after-school activities, sports, and arts, with strong student support. Notable programs include Model United Nations (Panmun), National Honor Society, and the Senior Project, fostering leadership, global awareness, and community involvement.

Calle 34 # 8-73 Cañaveral Alto

The Essentials

Colegio Panamericano has 629 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Floridablanca, Santander, Colombia (in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area). Calle 34 # 8-73 Cañaveral Alto.

Stages
Kindergarten; Lower School; Upper School (K1–K5; 1–12).

Type
non-profit educational community

Additional learning support
Remedial support in core academic foundational skills and executive functioning; in-class support; occupational therapy; speech and language therapy; UDL (Universal Design for Learning) workshops for teachers; Jugar A stimulation program; PIAR (Plan Individual de Ajustes Razonables) implementation.

Country affiliation
Colombia and United States
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms: Colegio Panamericano requires all students to wear the clothes that make up the school uniform, as published on the website and distributed by authorized suppliers, in accordance with the schedule or occasion of use and in good condition (no fading, tears, or stains). Seniors may wear a shirt and jacket that identify them, with authorization from the directors and in compliance with school rules; the jacket is worn only by twelfth-grade students. For cocurricular activities, students may acquire the uniform and jacket for the sport practiced. Protocol for improper use of the uniform: violations are treated as a minor offense and the appropriate disciplinary process is followed. Note: old uniforms should not be distributed to others to avoid misuse; the school promotes uniform-recycling campaigns.

Food Options
Snack Shack is available during recess; students line up and pay for items; purchases are made with money and can only occur during the break in designated areas; the Snack Shack is a privilege and can be suspended by the administration if misused. Lonchera is an optional service for K1–5 providing a snack during recess; the weekly menu is published in Jupiter. Almuerzo: the school provides a nutritionally appropriate lunch from Monday to Friday, except Wednesdays; the weekly menu is published in Jupiter; lunch is a curricular activity and all students from K3 to 12 must participate; dietary modifications require a medical order signed by a physician or nutritionist, and the school will adjust menus as needed. Parents should not accompany students during lunch; students must eat in an orderly way, return utensils, and no delivery orders are allowed.

House System
Panamericano uses a house system; Panamerican Days celebrate values and community integration. Activities earn points, and at the end of the celebration a winning house is announced.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a private, non-profit, bilingual, multicultural, non-denominational, co-educational institution with a single daily schedule and Calendar B. Governance is by a Board of Directors appointed by the Parent Assembly, which is composed of all parents with children enrolled for the year. The Director, hired by the Board, is the top academic and administrative authority. The school also maintains a Student Council (STUCO), a Parent Council, an Academic Council, and an Executive Council.
Fees
Application fees

- No published, fixed application fee amount is available in the school's public materials. An online Application Form is provided for admissions; any specific application or enrolment reservation fee is communicated to families during the admissions process.

Tuition fees by year group (amounts)

- The school does not publish a public, grade-by-grade fee table or fixed numeric tuition schedule on its public materials for the 2026/27 academic year (or for 2025/26). The annual tuition structure and the exact monetary amounts by year group are issued to families each year as an authorized fee resolution and a parents' circular.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual tuition is collected in eleven (11) installments: one (1) payment at enrollment (matrícula) plus ten (10) monthly pension payments corresponding to the school year months (August to May).
- Monthly payments and other charges are due by the 15th day of each month. Late payments incur interest at the maximum moratory rate established by the Superintendencia Financiera; continued delinquency may lead to progressive sanctions and referral to external collection.
- Outstanding balances must be settled before academic records or certificates are released. The value of the monthly pension is backed by a signed pagaré and instructions at the time of matrícula.
- The school approves and applies annual increases in matrícula and pension according to the percentage authorized by the Ministry of Education and the Council Directivo; the authorized values are filed with the municipal Secretariat of Education and communicated to parents annually.

Boarding / residential fees

- The school operates as a day school; there is no public listing or description of a boarding or residential programme and no boarding fees are applicable.

Other costs and periodic charges

- The school identifies a category of "otros cobros periódicos" (other periodic charges) that are charged annually at matrícula/renewal and cover items such as co‑curricular activities, field trips, family events, week‑long academic or cultural projects, and programme supplements. Specific items listed as occasional/eventual charges include certificates and transcripts, yearbook/agenda/photos, school insurance, MAP and PSAT exams, orientation and mock exams, graduation rights and diploma costs for final‑year students, certain extracurricular course fees, and costs related to damages caused by a student. These items may be billed separately or included as annual other charges.
- Uniforms: All students must wear the official uniform distributed through authorised suppliers; the school states uniform items are published and sold through authorised providers but does not publish uniform prices in its public materials. Costs for sport/ensemble uniforms and optional cocurricular kit items are charged to families where applicable.
- Transport, lunch/feeding, instruments for band, and specific cocurricular programme fees are handled as separate charges where applicable and may be billed as periodic or occasional costs. The school's contract/matrícula annex details which additional charges apply per student.

Refund and cancellation information

- The manual sets out the administrative process for cancellation or withdrawal of matrícula (written notification to the Rector and academic secretariat and observance of contractual effects). The matrícula is treated as the advance payment for the year; the manual describes causes and effects for cancellation and non‑renewal but does not present a general, line‑by‑line public refund schedule in the school's public materials. Any specific refund or reimbursement conditions are handled according to the contract of matrícula and any annexes provided to parents at the time of enrolment.

Fee payment options and practical process

- Payments and invoicing are managed through the school's designated payment platform (Phidias). Families use the Phidias payment channel associated with the school for matrícula, pensions, and other billable items; the school also uses the Jupiter platform for academic and administrative interfaces. The school indicates parents receive the payment code/reference needed to pay in the manner and financial channel determined by the school for the year. Specific allowed methods (e.g., PSE/online bank payment, bank deposit/consignment, bank transfer, card) are made available through the Phidias payment flow or by the payment instructions the school issues to families each year.

Concise summary of findings and gaps (why numeric amounts are not provided here)

- The school's publicly posted Manual of Convivencia and main site clearly define billing structure, payment schedule, sanctions for late payment, categories of other charges, uniform rules, and the administrative process for cancellation of matrícula.
- However, the school's public materials do not publish a grade‑by‑grade numeric tuition table (matrícula and monthly pension amounts) for the 2026/27 academic year or for 2025/26 on the public pages and PDFs accessible without parental login. The authorized numeric fees are issued annually by the school to families (typically via an official circular and the school's payment portal) and are therefore not available in the public documents consulted. Because precise per‑grade monetary figures are not published openly, no definitive numeric tuition amounts are provided in this overview.

If you require those per‑grade numeric values for 2026/27 or 2025/26, the school communicates the authorized fee schedule to enrolled or prospect families and through its secure payment portal.
Academics

Colegio Panamericano teaches CBSE Curriculum, American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Academic Plan: Colegio Panamericano emphasizes STEM education. It was the first Latin American school to receive Cognia STEM certification. Through Project-Based Learning, students explore topics to enhance STEM knowledge and develop solutions to local community issues. An international teaching staff helps develop students' English skills within a safe and engaging learning environment. The school is the only international school in the Santander region that employs native-English speakers from abroad. The school offers a strong Student Support team, after-school activities and learning opportunities, and robust sports and arts programs.

Student Teacher Ratio
8:3
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school centers on the whole-child, including socioemotional development. Student Support offers a wide spectrum of programs and initiatives that address socioemotional growth and well-being. The Student Support team includes professional therapists, cluster teachers, and inclusion teachers who collaborate to foster an inclusive community. Through these efforts, the school supports maturation, adaptation, and educational development for students. Family engagement and partnerships with external professionals further support students' social skills, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides remedial support in core academic foundational skills and executive functioning. In-class support is delivered through collaborative problem-solving and ongoing collaboration between teachers. Occupational therapy is available, and speech and language therapy is provided. The school implements PIAR (Plan Individual de Ajustes Razonables) to create individualized programs, instructional adjustments, and targeted support for student progress. The Student Support team works with families and external professionals to address learning differences and related educational needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The curriculum is taught 80% in English and 20% in Spanish. The school is bilingual and employs native-English speakers from abroad. It is the only institution in Santander authorized by the College Board to administer international tests. Project-based learning is embedded throughout the curriculum, with language development integrated across courses. Graduates earn a Colombian and American double degree.

Mental Wellbeing
The program explicitly supports mental wellbeing through socioemotional development as part of overall student growth. Therapists and inclusion staff work to support maturation, adaptation, and educational wellbeing within an inclusive community. The school emphasizes social skills and self-esteem through co-curricular activities and partnerships with families and external professionals. These efforts connect emotional well-being with academic learning, guided by Universal Design for Learning principles and collaborative teaching.

Safeguarding
The policy defines the right to protection as outlined in the Code of Childhood and Adolescence (Law 1098 of 2006). The school has a role to protect students and ensure a safe learning environment. Educators and staff identify situations and students at risk through observation and interaction over time. There is a moral and legal obligation to offer support, protection, and necessary assistance to manage these circumstances for the student and family. Safeguarding is integrated into school practice to protect student wellbeing.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1963 after a group of Bucaramanga community representatives, led by Dr. Juan Francisco Villarreal, decided to establish a school for international bilingual education. The Ministry of Education licensed Colegio Panamericano to operate on October 24, 1963. The school began in the eastern sector of the city known as Cabecera del Llano. In 1966 it moved to its current site in Floridablanca, Santander, and in 1972 the first high school graduates completed their studies.

Community
Panamericano views the community as a puzzle of students, teachers, parents, and staff, with a strong sense of belonging as a priority. The school hosts events that bring staff and families together to strengthen relationships and collaboration. Panamerican Days celebrate values through house-based activities, while International Day, Grand Parent's Day, and the Holiday Show highlight culture, family involvement, and tradition. Three-way Meetings (parent-teacher conferences) and Project Exhibitions involve parents in learning and student progress.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a Board of Directors appointed by the Parent Assembly, which is made up of all parents with children enrolled for the school year. The Board hires a Director responsible for operating the school in accordance with policy manuals, regulations, and procedures. A Student Council (STUCO) is elected by students, and a Parent Council includes one representative per classroom. Additional governance bodies include the Academic Council and the Executive Council. The Parent Assembly and these councils support accountability, input, and collaboration among families, students, and staff.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus spans over 10,000 square meters and offers a modern, comprehensive educational environment. There are more than 40 classrooms designed to foster an engaging learning atmosphere. Specialized rooms support science, art, and technology, ensuring a well-rounded curriculum. The campus includes libraries and study zones, and is designed with student comfort and safety in mind. The location in Floridablanca, Santander, makes it easily accessible for families and strengthens community engagement.

Academic Facilities
The facilities include specialized rooms for science, art, and technology to support the curriculum. Libraries and dedicated study zones are available for student work. The campus is designed with student comfort and safety in mind.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-curricular activities complement the academic program; through sports, culture, and other activities, students develop social skills, boost their self-esteem, and discover new talents.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school was the first in Latin America to receive Cognia STEM certification. Through Project-Based Learning, students explore topics that enhance STEM knowledge and develop solutions to problems affecting local communities. An international teaching staff helps develop students' English skills within a safe and engaging learning environment. A strong Student Support team, after-school activities, and robust sports and arts programs support student growth.

Arts & Creative
Music is a powerful tool for developing concentration, discipline, motor skills, memory, language learning, and soft skills. Band and music activities are offered across all sections under teachers specialized in instruments and ensembles, allowing students to sing and play wind instruments, strings, keyboards, and percussion. The Art Education Area centers on creativity and sensitivity, guiding students to engage with Colombian, Latin American, and world art; themes are age-appropriate and expressed through diverse materials to stimulate expression and originality.

Cultural & Language
Panmun introduces the Model United Nations program, letting students assume roles as country or organizational representatives and address global issues. This initiative fosters respectful discussions, strengthens critical thinking, and enhances problem-solving as students collaborate to tackle real-world challenges. The school emphasizes global awareness and cross-cultural perspectives through these internationally oriented activities.

Social & Hobbies
Beyond textbooks, co-curricular activities complement a well-rounded education. Through sports, culture, and other activities, students develop social skills, boost self-esteem, and discover new talents. Music, robotics, and art programs are part of Student Life, providing additional avenues for student interests. These opportunities foster teamwork and personal growth.

Community & Service
National Honor Society promotes community service, leadership, and character among secondary students. The school collaborates with families and external professionals to support student development and inclusion. The Panamericano community Life emphasizes belonging and collaboration among students, teachers, parents, and staff.

Leadership & Professional
National Honor Society fosters leadership skills and character development in students. Panmun provides Model United Nations simulations that build leadership and diplomatic skills. Senior Project offers final-year students a two-week internship and a research project under professional supervision, culminating in a public presentation.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports activities promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being and develop discipline, respect, empathy, teamwork, and collaboration. Movement and sport support lifelong healthy habits and a higher quality of life. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to education that includes wellness alongside academics.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught are English and Spanish. English is the primary language of instruction in about 80% of courses, with Spanish comprising about 20%. The school offers Colombian and American diplomas and is the only institution in Santander authorized by the College Board to administer international tests.

Bilingual Teaching
Panamericano offers bilingual education with English and Spanish. The school employs native-English speakers from abroad. The curriculum is taught 80% in English and 20% in Spanish. Students graduate with dual Colombian and American diplomas.
Reputation

Awards
AP Scholar Awards in 2024 include: International Diploma (5 recipients); Scholar (4); Scholar with Honor (4); Scholar with Distinction (7).

Accreditations
Cognia (since 1994; Cognia is the regional accreditation body formerly known as AdvancED). Tri-Association member. Affiliated with ACCAS (Association of American Schools of Colombia and the Caribbean) and AMISA (Association of American Schools of South America). Authorized by the College Board to administer international tests in Santander. Regulated by the Colombian Ministry of Education.
Admissions

Admissions
K1 to K5
1. Schedule an interview with the admissions coordinator, Maria Consuelo Durán. The interview begins the admissions process for kindergarten through fifth grade and introduces the family to the admissions team. It sets the stage for the applicant's fit with Colegio Panamericano and outlines the next steps.
2. Take a tour of the facilities and learn about our educational project. The tour provides firsthand insight into the school's spaces, resources, and how the educational project is implemented in daily practice. Families can ask questions during the tour to better understand the learning environment. The tour helps illustrate how the school supports student growth and curiosity.
3. Register on the website to receive the step-by-step admissions process by email. Registration ensures that the family receives the detailed sequence of required actions directly to their email. The emailed steps guide the family through what to prepare and by when. This step connects the family with the formal admissions workflow.
4. Make the admissions process payment and request the respective links to upload the payment receipt and the required documents. Payment confirms the family's participation in the admissions process. The links facilitate submission of the payment receipt and the required documents for review. Completing this step advances the application to the next evaluation stages.
5. The applicant will be called for an observation day (1 hour) and a psychological evaluation. The observation day assesses classroom behavior and interaction with peers and teachers. The psychological evaluation contributes to a holistic view of the applicant's readiness for the program. Scheduling depends on the admissions calendar and availability.
6. The admissions department will verify the required documents with the family. This verification ensures all necessary documents are provided and correctly completed. Timelines for the review are influenced by the completeness of submitted materials. Verification helps prevent delays in the admissions decision.
7. Financial analysis of the documentation provided by the family. The school reviews financial information as part of the admissions process to understand enrollment feasibility and related steps. This analysis informs the overall readiness for enrollment.
8. Admissions Committee. The committee reviews all collected information and makes a decision regarding admission. The process involves evaluating the applicant's fit with the school's programs and expectations. The outcome is communicated by the admissions coordinator.
9. The admissions coordinator will inform the family of the decision made by the admissions committee. Approved: K4, K5 and 1st grade: Submit SIMAT withdrawal. The family will receive an email from the treasury department with the steps to follow for payment and the respective legalization of the enrollment. Denied: End of the process. The response time for the admissions process will depend on the timely delivery of all documents.

1st–12
1. Schedule an interview with the admissions coordinator, Maria Consuelo Durán. The interview initiates the admissions process for 1st grade through 12th grade and begins the family's onboarding with the school.
2. Take a tour of the facilities and learn about our educational project. The tour provides an overview of spaces and resources and helps families understand how the educational project is implemented for older students.
3. Register on the website to receive the step-by-step admissions process by email. Registration ensures that the family receives the detailed sequence of actions via email. The process guide supports families as they complete required steps.
4. Make the admissions process payment and request the respective links to upload the payment receipt and the required documents. Payment and document submission move the applicant to the testing and interview phases.
5. 1st grade – Second semester: English and Spanish tests (2 hours) and an interview with the principal of the section. The tests evaluate English and Spanish proficiency and are followed by an interview with the section's principal.
6. 2nd – 12th grade – First and Second semester: MAP Test in English and Math (2 hours). An interview with the principal of the section will be scheduled. The MAP Test assesses language and math skills as part of the admissions assessment.
7. The admissions department will verify the required documents with the family. Documentation verification ensures all required items are complete for review.
8. Financial analysis of the documentation provided by the family. Financial review evaluates the family's documentation in relation to enrollment requirements.
9. Admissions Committee. The committee reviews all materials to determine admission eligibility.
10. The admissions coordinator will inform the family of the decision made by the admissions committee. The outcome will be communicated and next steps provided.
11. Approved: 1st – 12th grade: Submit SIMAT withdrawal. The family will receive an email from the treasury department with the steps to follow for payment and the respective legalization of enrollment.
12. Denied: End of the process. The timeline depends on the timely delivery of all documents.
13. The response time for the admissions process will depend on the timely delivery of all documents.
School Events
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