Bogotá has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades. Colombia's capital — high on the Andes at 2,600 metres above sea level — is now one of Latin America's leading business, creative, and educational hubs. For the growing number of expat families choosing Bogotá as their base, the international school sector offers strong options across a range of curricula and price points. This 2026 guide covers the best international schools in Bogotá, with verified school profiles, realistic fees in Colombian Pesos, and practical advice on admissions.
Why Bogotá Attracts International Families
Bogotá's international profile has grown significantly as Colombia has stabilised and opened its economy. Multinational companies in energy, mining, finance, and technology have expanded their Colombian operations, bringing professional families from Europe, North America, and Asia. The city offers a rich cultural life, world-class gastronomy, excellent parks, and a temperate mountain climate that stays mild year-round. The international school ecosystem has evolved to match this growth, with established schools offering the same quality of education found in more traditional expat hubs.
Curricula Available in Bogotá
Bogotá's international schools offer a diverse range of curricula. The IB (International Baccalaureate) is the most widely available internationally recognised programme, with several schools offering the full continuum or the Diploma Programme at secondary level. British-curriculum schools following the Cambridge pathway — IGCSE and A Levels — serve families seeking globally portable qualifications. Several of Bogotá's most prestigious schools also offer bilingual Spanish-English programmes, which are highly valued by families planning a longer stay in Colombia or with Colombian roots. A small number of schools follow the French Baccalaureate or the American curriculum.
Top International Schools in Bogotá
Colegio Anglo Colombiano
Colegio Anglo Colombiano is one of Bogotá's most respected and long-established bilingual schools, founded in 1956. It offers the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme — making it a full IB continuum school — alongside a strong bilingual Spanish-English academic foundation. Anglo Colombiano is widely regarded as one of the top schools in the country, with consistently strong IB Diploma results and a substantial alumni network in Colombian professional life. It draws both expat families and the Colombian professional elite.
View Colegio Anglo Colombiano on ISA
St. George's School
St. George's School in Bogotá is part of the international St. George's network and follows the British National Curriculum through to Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels. It is particularly popular with British expat families and international families who value the globally recognised British qualification pathway. The school has a strong reputation for academic achievement, a well-organised pastoral system, and a genuinely welcoming community for newcomers.
View St. George's School on ISA
The English School (Colegio Inglés)
The English School — known locally as El Colegio Inglés — is one of Bogotá's most established bilingual institutions, with a history dating back to the early 20th century. It offers a bilingual Spanish-English education underpinned by the British curriculum framework, culminating in Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. The school is known for its rigorous academic standards, strong sense of community, and excellent results. It has a broad co-curricular programme and is popular with both expat and Colombian families seeking a prestigious bilingual education.
View The English School on ISA
Knightsbridge Schools International Bogotá
Knightsbridge Schools International is a premium British international school group with a growing Latin American presence. Its Bogotá campus follows the British National Curriculum and offers a modern, well-resourced learning environment with a strong emphasis on technology, creativity, and global citizenship. KSI Bogotá is a relatively newer addition to the city's international school landscape and has quickly built a reputation for quality, innovative pedagogy, and an international community feel.
View Knightsbridge Schools International on ISA
Colegio Gran Bretaña
Colegio Gran Bretaña is a well-regarded bilingual school offering a Spanish-English education with the Cambridge International curriculum pathway. It has a long history of serving both Bogotá's expat community and Colombian families who value a rigorous bilingual education. The school is known for its strong academics, warm community, and excellent sports and arts programmes. Its location in the northern part of the city makes it accessible from the main expat residential areas.
View Colegio Gran Bretaña on ISA
International School Fees in Bogotá
Bogotá's international schools are considerably more affordable than comparable institutions in Western Europe, the Gulf, or Southeast Asia. Approximate 2026 annual tuition ranges in Colombian Pesos (COP):
- Early Years / Pre-school: COP 18,000,000 – COP 35,000,000 per year
- Primary (Years 1–5): COP 22,000,000 – COP 48,000,000 per year
- Secondary / IGCSE (Years 6–11): COP 28,000,000 – COP 62,000,000 per year
- IB Diploma / Sixth Form (Years 12–13): COP 32,000,000 – COP 70,000,000 per year
These figures translate to approximately USD 5,000 – USD 17,000 per year at current exchange rates. Most schools also charge a one-time matriculation or enrolment fee. Some schools adjust fees annually for inflation, so confirm current rates directly with the admissions office.
Practical Admissions Tips for Bogotá
Apply well in advance: The most prestigious schools — particularly Colegio Anglo Colombiano — can have waiting lists. Applications for August entry (the Colombian school year starts in late January/early February, with a second intake often in July or August) are best submitted 3–6 months ahead. Understand the school year: Colombia's academic year typically runs from late January to November, though IB and Cambridge-curriculum schools may operate on a September–June cycle. Clarify this when enquiring. Choose your district: Northern Bogotá — particularly the Usaquén, Chapinero, and Salitre areas — is home to most of the city's international schools and the largest expat communities. Language support: If your child is not yet Spanish-speaking, ask about English-language support programmes and how quickly children are expected to transition to Spanish instruction in bilingual schools.
Browse the full directory of schools in Colombia at International School Advisor Colombia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bogotá safe for expat families with children?
Security in Bogotá has improved dramatically over the past two decades. The northern districts where most expat families live and where international schools are located — including Usaquén, Chapinero Alto, and the Chico area — are considered safe and comfortable. Most expat families in Bogotá report feeling settled and well-supported by the international school community. Standard urban precautions apply, and employers typically provide security guidance as part of the relocation process.
Do Bogotá's international schools teach in Spanish or English?
Most of Bogotá's leading international schools are genuinely bilingual in Spanish and English. The level of English instruction varies: some schools are majority-English with Spanish as a second language, others are genuinely 50/50. A smaller number of schools — particularly those following the full British curriculum — teach primarily in English. Your choice will depend on your family's language goals and how long you plan to stay in Colombia.
What is the school year calendar in Bogotá?
Colombian schools typically operate on a January–November calendar. However, international schools in Bogotá increasingly offer dual calendars or operate on a September–June academic year aligned with European and North American universities. Confirm the specific calendar with each school, as it varies and can affect transition planning when moving to or from Bogotá.