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Vermont School Medellín

Colombia, Medellín

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Spanish, English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 1 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1997
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), American Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Vermont School Medellín is a private, two-campus international school serving ages 0 to 17. It sits at El Retiro (rural eastern Antioquia) and El Poblado (urban Medellín), part of the Cognita Redcol family. The curriculum centers on the IB Diploma Programme, delivered across Early Steps, Kinder, Primary, Middle School and High School. English is taught as a second language and Mandarin Chinese is introduced as a foreign language; linguistic immersion experiences link with programs in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and Spain. Founded in 1997, the school evolved from a bilingual project to an IB World School in 2019 and gained Cognia School of Distinction status in 2022, the only Antioquia school to do so. Facilities include two venues designed for integrated learning, with large outdoor spaces and methodologies such as HighScope and RULER. A Kinder Headquarters at El Retiro opened in 2025, expanding facilities for early childhood.

Cl. 11 Sur #29E-197, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

The Essentials

Vermont School Medellín has instruction in Spanish, English.

Location
The Vermont School Medellín operates two campuses in Medellín, Colombia: Campus El Retiro on Avenida Las Palmas Indiana Mall Km. 2 Vía La Fe, and Campus El Poblado on Calle 11 Sur #29E – 197, El Poblado.

Stages
Early Steps; Kinder; Primary; Middle School; High School.

Type
Private school; two campuses in Medellín (El Retiro and El Poblado); part of the Cognita Redcol family.

Additional learning support
Integral Support for Learning with an interdisciplinary team (psychologist, nutritionist, nurse and speech therapist) who design and implement personalized intervention and follow-up plans; includes prevention programs and family guidance to support well-being and academic success.

Country affiliation
Colombia

Bus service
Safe and reliable school transport with designed routes and a team of qualified drivers and escorts; Ruta Segura real-time monitoring for journeys.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The school operates a restaurant and cafeteria service at the El Poblado and El Retiro campuses, offering breakfast and lunch options with a salad bar and snacks. Vegetarian options are available. The nutrition programme coordinates meals and there is an alternative menu.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of the Cognita family of schools and the Redcol network.
Fees
Application / Enrollment fee

- Enrollment fee (Matrícula): a one-off enrollment charge equal to the amounts shown below for each grade. The enrollment fee is set at up to 10% of the school's authorized annual tariff and is charged at the time of formal enrolment.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-payment breakdown)

- Prejardín
- Annual tariff: COP 38,428,729.
- Enrollment fee (Matrícula): COP 3,842,873.
- Annual tuition (Pensión): COP 34,585,856.
- Monthly equivalent (Pensión divided into 10): COP 3,458,586.

- Jardín
- Annual tariff: COP 38,428,729.
- Enrollment fee (Matrícula): COP 3,842,873.
- Annual tuition (Pensión): COP 34,585,856.
- Monthly equivalent (10 payments): COP 3,458,586.

- Transición
- Annual tariff: COP 38,428,729.
- Enrollment fee: COP 3,842,873.
- Annual tuition: COP 34,585,856.
- Monthly equivalent (10 payments): COP 3,458,586.

- Primero
- Annual tariff: COP 38,428,729.
- Enrollment fee: COP 3,842,873.
- Annual tuition: COP 34,585,856.
- Monthly equivalent (10 payments): COP 3,458,586.

- Segundo
- Annual tariff: COP 37,802,136.
- Enrollment fee: COP 3,780,214.
- Annual tuition: COP 34,021,922.
- Monthly equivalent (10 payments): COP 3,402,192.

- Tercero
- Annual tariff: COP 37,384,886.
- Enrollment fee: COP 3,738,489.
- Annual tuition: COP 33,646,398.
- Monthly equivalent (10 payments): COP 3,364,640.

- Cuarto
- Annual tariff: COP 36,246,347.
- Enrollment fee: COP 3,624,635.
- Annual tuition: COP 32,621,713.
- Monthly equivalent (10 payments): COP 3,262,171.

- Quinto
- Annual tariff: COP 35,323,713.
- Enrollment fee: COP 3,532,371.
- Annual tuition: COP 31,791,342.
- Monthly equivalent (10 payments): COP 3,179,134.

- Sexto
- Annual tariff: COP 34,617,239.
- Enrollment fee: COP 3,461,724.
- Annual tuition: COP 31,155,515.
- Monthly equivalent (10 payments): COP 3,115,552.

- Séptimo
- Annual tariff: COP 32,802,092.
- Enrollment fee: COP 3,280,209.
- Annual tuition: COP 29,521,883.
- Monthly equivalent (10 payments): COP 2,952,188.

- Octavo
- Annual tariff: COP 31,686,821.
- Enrollment fee: COP 3,168,682.
- Annual tuition: COP 28,518,139.
- Monthly equivalent (10 payments): COP 2,851,814.

- Noveno
- Annual tariff: COP 27,261,141.
- Enrollment fee: COP 2,726,114.
- Annual tuition: COP 24,535,027.
- Monthly equivalent (10 payments): COP 2,453,503.

- Décimo
- Annual tariff: COP 27,393,478.
- Enrollment fee: COP 2,739,348.
- Annual tuition: COP 24,654,130.
- Monthly equivalent (10 payments): COP 2,465,413.

- Undécimo
- Annual tariff: COP 22,664,336.
- Enrollment fee: COP 2,266,434.
- Annual tuition: COP 20,397,903.
- Monthly equivalent (10 payments): COP 2,039,790.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The enrolment charge (Matrícula) corresponds to the amount shown for each grade and cannot exceed 10% of the authorized annual tariff. The tuition (Pensión) may be billed in monthly instalments or in payment periods not exceeding a trimester; the school establishes the exact billing schedule and instalment dates in its enrolment and billing procedures.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. The institution operates as a full‑day day school (jornada completa); there are no boarding/internado fees listed.

Other costs, periodic charges and optional extras

- Food services (optional, charged when the service is actually provided):
- Breakfast and lunch (all grades): COP 651,133.
- Lunch only (Transición): COP 527,528.
- Breakfast only (all grades): COP 123,605.

- Voluntary/optional periodic charges (examples and amounts):
- Student accident insurance (voluntary): COP 71,113 (per year/period listed).
- Student ID card (voluntary): COP 35,394.
- International standard testing (monthly charge for 6º–11º): COP 59,392 (per monthly instalment where applicable).
- International certification (monthly): 6º–7º: COP 111,284 (in 11 monthly instalments); 8º–11º: COP 179,911 (in 11 instalments).
- Bibliobanco (monthly in 11 instalments): 6º: COP 111,284; 7º–11º: COP 157,653.
- Graduation fees / rights (Derechos de grado) for grade 11 (voluntary participation in ceremonies where applicable): COP 804,402 (identified as applicable to degree/graduation activities).
- Musical and arts activities (examples): iniciación musical, coro, band levels – typical listed amount COP 43,842 for those activities.

- Notes on supplies and uniforms: the school publishes recommended supplies and uniform items, but parents are not obliged to purchase from a specific provider; purchase of lists or specific vendors cannot be mandated. Any optional services are charged only when actually provided.

Refunds and cancellations

- The formal departmental fee authorization lists the charged items and permitted amounts but does not specify a standard refund schedule for cancelled enrolments or partial attendance. Refunds, cancellation deadlines and conditions for return of enrolment or tuition payments are set in the school's enrolment terms and billing policies. Parents should follow the school's published enrolment terms for specific refund or cancellation procedures.

Fee payment options

- Accepted payment channels and billing systems include the school's online billing/parent portal and Colombian online payment services:
- Electronic bank payment (PSE) / online banking payment.
- School billing portal (Phidias) for invoices and payments.
- Card and terminal payments via the payment service indicated (Paygo / point-of-sale solutions shown in the school's payment instructions).
- Bank transfer or direct deposit to the accounts the school provides when invoicing.

These payment channels are used for tuition instalments, periodic services and other authorised charges.
Academics

Vermont School Medellín teaches IB (DP), American Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
IB Diploma-based international curriculum across Early Steps, Kinder, Primary, Middle School and High School, delivered at Campus El Retiro and Campus El Poblado. English is taught as a second language and Mandarin Chinese is taught as a foreign language.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Active and participatory learning is promoted from early childhood, with a focus on social-emotional learning (SEL), development of agency and adaptability, and a commitment to wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has a Learning Support Center and a Learning Support Center Coordinator, Marcela Giraldo Correa, to support students with diverse learning needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school fosters mastery of three languages and offers a bilingual academic track, along with American Cognia and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a central focus of the school's mission and educational approach, alongside SEL and active learning.

Safeguarding
There is a safeguarding policy referenced in the school's governance documents.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in Medelledn in 1997, Vermont School Medelledn began as a bilingual educational project led by Raquel Rojas and Fernando Rojas Rivadeneira, owners of Colegio Vermont in Bogote1. They opened the school in the mountains of El Retiro with 89 students, and soon expanded the curriculum and staff, including teachers from the United States. In 2016 the Redcol family acquired the school. In 2019 the school became an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme, and in 2022 Cognia awarded it the School of Distinction accreditation, the only school in Antioquia to receive the distinction and one of about 80 schools worldwide.

Community
Vermont School Medelledn maintains an active community through its Vermont Skills and Learning Hub initiatives. News posts include Vermont Skills: Volleyball as a Lesson in Teamwork and Growth (November 25, 2025), Vermont Skills: Motivation for Excellence (November 10, 2025), and Vermont School Unveils Our Learning Hub (August 20, 2025).
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Two Venues Designed for Integrated Learning. El Retiro is located in a rural area of eastern Antioquia, about 35 minutes from Medellín, and has new and modern facilities for Kindergarten designed for learning of children from 1 year old. El Poblado Campus offers innovative, adapted spaces for comprehensive learning in a privileged urban environment. At both sites, students enjoy large outdoor spaces that stimulate creativity and enhance development with international methodologies such as HighScope, RULER and IB. New Kinder Headquarters in El Retiro opened in April 2025. The Kindergarten facilities at the El Retiro headquarters are a space that is already fully operational, designed for the learning and comprehensive development of our children from 2 years old. This new campus has specialized environments for early childhood, a modern restaurant and large spaces that enhance their growth in a safe and stimulating environment. We invite you to schedule a tour and discover first-hand this space designed for the future of our students. We are waiting for you!

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular activities at Vermont School Medellín are essential to the integral development of students, complementing academic formation with experiences that strengthen social, emotional and practical skills. A wide variety of options allows students to explore interests, enhance talents and enrich personal growth, preparing them for challenges of the world with confidence and creativity. Registration is open for the After School Program; contact Wilmar Meneses, After School Program Coordinator, at servicioscomplementarios@vermontmedellin.edu.co or 301 213 0043. Course offerings include Little Chef; Baby Soccer; Volleyball (both genders); Painting workshop and handicrafts; Lego, little engineers; Taekwondo; Violin; Basketball (both genders); Soccer (Initiation, seedbed); Robotics; Survival; Baby Dance.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
International curricula form the basis of Vermont School Medellín's academic program, centered on the IB Diploma. The IB Diploma trains students in inquiry, critical analysis and problem solving, preparing them for university life and the global workforce. Academic preparation is complemented by university readiness and research and inquiry components that foster independent learning and global perspectives. Vermont's international focus and accreditations framework underpins its commitment to developing globally minded leaders with strong academic skills.

Arts & Creative
Extracurricular activities include music and visual arts. Violin is offered as an after‑school program, and painting workshops provide opportunities for creative expression. Lego and robotics clubs foster creativity and engineering thinking, alongside other creative programs available after school. Little Chef, dance and other creative programs are also offered through the after‑school program.

Cultural & Language
English is taught as a second language from Kinder 4 in an immersive, natural way, with the aim of fluency. Mandarin Chinese is introduced as a foreign language from Stage 4 to Stage 9. The school also features linguistic immersion experiences with international programs in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and Spain.

Social & Hobbies
Extracurricular activities supplement academics by strengthening social and emotional skills through varied programs and clubs. The After School Program offers Little Chef, Baby Soccer, Volleyball, Painting, Lego, Taekwondo, Violin, Basketball and more, with registration details available. These programs foster teamwork, creativity and practical talents beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
Vermont School cultivates global citizens with values, cultural awareness and social responsibility. The school emphasizes citizen culture, empathy, environmental care and collaboration as core aspects of its community, guiding students to act with integrity and to contribute positively to society.

Leadership & Professional
We develop leaders with critical thinking and global vision. The school combines values with socio‑emotional learning to prepare students to lead with purpose. The international focus and accreditations framework supports university preparation, research and inquiry, and the development of ethical, responsible professionals.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Integral wellbeing is central to Vermont School's approach. A comprehensive welfare program provides counseling, nutrition, nursing and psychology support through an interdisciplinary team, alongside safeguarding policies to ensure safety. The program fosters holistic development—physical, emotional and social well‑being—with initiatives like Global Be Well Day to celebrate wellness. The school also provides balanced feeding programs and safe transport arrangements.
Languages

Language Provision
English is taught as a second language in a natural and immersive way from Kinder 4. Mandarin Chinese is taught as a foreign language from Stage 4 to Stage 9. The bilingual education integrates English and Spanish-language instruction to prepare students for IB and international contexts.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the second language and is taught in a natural and immersive way from Kinder 4. From Primary, English instruction becomes more structured, including reading, writing and speaking. In Middle School and High School, English is deepened with critical thinking, argumentation and written production to prepare for the IB and international settings. The school offers a bilingual education.

Immersion Programs
English is learned in a natural, progressive and immersive way from Kinder 4. Mandarin Chinese is taught as a foreign language from Stage 4 to Stage 9. Linguistic immersion programs include Canada (international programmes for 6th and 7th grades), the United Kingdom (8th and 9th grades), the United States (STEM and arts programmes) and Spain (sports experiences from grade 6).
Reputation

Accreditations
International Baccalaureate Diploma. Overall preparation; ISO 90001 certification. Academic quality; Emotional management. programme developed by Yale University
Admissions

Admissions
1. Information meeting: It is very important to get to know the training project and the locations. Reservations can be made up to three years in advance of the admission date. Complete the form to schedule an informational meeting. This step helps families understand how Vermont School operates and what to expect at the campuses.

Waitlist
Waiting list: After the admission decision, applicants may be placed on the waiting list.
School Events
The school has not added events
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