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Colegio Alemán de Barranquilla

Colombia, Barranquilla

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, Spanish, English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1100
Type Co-educational
Opened 1912
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), German Curriculum
Taught languages German, Spanish, English
Strengths STEM, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Colegio Alemán de Barranquilla is a historic German international school in Colombia, founded in 1912 and located on the Via al Mar campus since 2002. The school offers a bilingual program in German, Spanish and English, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Bachillerato alongside a German curriculum. It is affiliated with the German government and forms part of the global network of Auslandsschulen supported by ZfA, providing recognized credentials and updated methodologies with cultural immersion opportunities. The campus spans more than 55,000 square meters, featuring modern classrooms, laboratories, a library, arts and technology spaces, green areas, and multiple sports facilities. In Kindergarten, the Reggio Emilia approach guides learning through play, creativity and exploration. The school earned Microsoft Show‑Case School status in 2021 and renewed its accreditation with BLI 3.0 in 2022; in 2024 it added an IB specialization. The school remains committed to academic and intercultural excellence for families.

Via al Mar, Cra. 46 #Poste 89, Nte. Centro Historico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia

The Essentials

Colegio Alemán de Barranquilla has 1,100 pupils, instruction in German, Spanish, English.

Location

Located in Barranquilla, Colombia. The campus spans more than 55,000 m² with modern classrooms, green areas, laboratories, a library, sports facilities and spaces dedicated to art, technology and play.

Stages

Kindergarten; Primary; Secondary; International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP)

Type

German international school

Additional learning support

Psychoeducational guidance

Country affiliation

Affiliated with the German government as a German school abroad; part of the global network of German schools backed by the Government of Germany and the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA).

Fees
Application / registration fee
- The school requires a one-time enrollment (matrícula) payment at registration for each grade; specific matrícula amounts are published per grade and are shown below under each year group.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and installment breakdowns)
- Kindergarten / Kinderkrippe (contract example): annual total COP 29,390,027. This is billed as one matrícula of COP 4,584,880 plus ten monthly pension installments of COP 2,480,515 each (1 matrícula + 10 monthly pension payments).

- Klasse 2 (example for primary-year group; 2025–2026 project values): matrícula COP 5,039,734. The published pension figures show an annual pension that, after applicable seniority/other discounts, yields a payable annual pension of COP 26,707,702 with a monthly pension of COP 2,670,770 (paid in 10 monthly instalments). An annual prepayment option with an 8% discount is shown as pension COP 24,571,086 and a total (matrícula + discounted pension) of COP 29,610,820.

- Klasse 7 (secondary-year example; 2025–2026 project values): matrícula COP 1,923,968; pension annual COP 17,315,704; otros cobros COP 1,443,000; total (matrícula + pension + other cobros) COP 20,682,672. The document also shows an 8% discount option on the annual pension (pensión with 8% discount COP 15,930,448), giving a reduced total and a stated monthly instalment amount (monthly instalment shown as COP 1,875,870 in the published schedule).

- Klasse 11 (upper secondary / IB-year example; 2025–2026 project values): matrícula COP 1,584,521; pension annual COP 14,260,698; otros cobros COP 3,279,000; total COP 19,124,219. An 8% discount on the annual pension is shown (pensión with 8% discount COP 13,119,842), with a corresponding reduced total and a stated monthly instalment amount (monthly instalment shown as COP 1,753,970 in the published schedule).

- Notes on grade coverage: the school publishes grade-specific (Klasse-by-Klasse) cost circulars that set the matrícula, annual pension and any grade-specific "otros cobros"; the figures above are the published examples for Kindergarten, Klasse 2, Klasse 7 and Klasse 11 for the 2025–2026 proposals. Other Klasse (grades) follow the same format (matrícula + annual pension + otros cobros) and show either a standard payment plan (pension split across monthly instalments) or an annual prepayment option with an 8% pension discount.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The matrícula is charged as a single one‑time payment at registration. In the normal billing model the pension (tuition) is charged in monthly instalments (the school's published schedules show pensions payable in 10 monthly instalments for the academic year). Some documents for early-years contracts specify the enrollment schedule as one matrícula plus ten monthly pension payments; variations for specific grades are published in each grade's cost circular.
- An annual prepayment option is published: paying the pension for the year in advance typically triggers an 8% discount on the annual pension in the school's published schedules. The documents show both the standard monthly instalment figures and the reduced annual-payment totals where the discount applies.
- Payment punctuality is required. The institution applies sanctions for late payment, may charge collection costs in cases of arrears, and may declare contractual obligations due for immediate payment if instalments are not honoured. Advance or early payments once the academic year has started are treated as non‑refundable in the school's contract language.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not part of the school's published fee schedules. The school's contractual and operational materials reference day‑time supervision expectations (for example, pickup times and supervision after regular hours) rather than residential/boarding services; no boarding or residential‑school fees are published.

Other costs and recurring additional charges
- "Otros cobros" (other charges) are listed separately in the cost circulars and typically include items such as: anuario (yearbook), carnet estudiantil (student ID), actividades de convivencia (field or off‑campus convivencia events), salidas pedagógicas (pedagogical trips—transport is usually included while entrance fees/food are additional), lockers, derechos de grado, seguros estudiantiles, gestión de intercambios (voluntary exchange-management contribution for certain years) and charges for IB/Cambridge or Pre‑ICFES exam administration when applicable. Published examples list amounts by concept for specific grades.
- Example itemised amounts (representative published values from cost documents and official resolutions): Derecho de grado (grade 11) COP 200,000; IB fee examples such as Pre‑ICFES / IB administration or IB-related charges are published per grade (examples in institutional cost resolutions include values like COP 700,000 for certain IB‑year charges and other exam fees), and the circulars list an "otros cobros" subtotal per grade that is included in the annual totals. Specific item amounts vary by grade and by year and are shown in the school's grade circulars.
- Uniforms and school store items are an additional family expense. Example: the school store lists a primary sports T‑shirt (Camiseta Deporte Klasse 1–Klasse 6) at COP 80,000. Parents should budget for full uniform sets, classroom supplies and optional extracurricular activity fees (extracurricular activity listings show separate per‑activity prices such as COP 390,000 for several activities).

Refund information and withdrawal
- Advance or early payments (matrícula or pension paid in advance) once the student has started the academic year are stated as non‑refundable in the student contract language. The contract further indicates that absence (temporary or total) does not entitle the family to discounts or retroactive adjustments to the pension. The contract establishes that the school may pursue collection for unpaid amounts and that parents accept responsibility for collection costs in cases of default.

Fee payment options
- The school publishes and operates online payment channels and portals for families. The institution's documentation references the use of the school's online payment platforms (the school's web‑platform and PSE for virtual payments), and the school's IT/administration menu links include the PayGo payment link and the Phidias family portal for account management and billing. The grade circulars explicitly note the availability of virtual payments through PSE in the school's platform. Accepted methods therefore include the school's online payment portals (PSE / platform), and links in the school's administrative pages indicate use of third‑party payment processors (e.g., PayGo) and the Phidias family portal for invoicing and receipts. Bank deposit/transfer and the approved online channels are the school's published processes for cancelling invoices and registering payments.

Summary of what is published and where figures differ by grade
- The school issues grade‑by‑grade cost circulars (matrícula + pension + otros cobros) and shows two common payment patterns: (A) matrícula as a one‑time registration payment and the pension split into monthly instalments (typically 10 monthly payments), and (B) an annual prepayment option with an 8% discount on the annual pension. Representative published figures for 2025–2026 are given above for Kindergarten (contract example), Klasse 2, Klasse 7 and Klasse 11. Amounts and the composition of "otros cobros" vary by Klasse; the school's circulars present the full annual totals and the monthly instalment schedules for each grade.
Academics

Colegio Alemán de Barranquilla teaches IB (DP), German Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

The school teaches in German, Spanish and English. In Kindergarten, the Reggio Emilia approach guides learning through play, creativity and exploration. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is used for the Bachillerato Internacional, and has been part of the school for more than 22 years. It is the oldest German school in Colombia and one of four accredited in the country. It belongs to the global network of 136 German schools abroad, backed by the German Government and the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA), which guarantees educational excellence and updated methodologies with cultural immersion opportunities. The campus spans more than 55,000 square meters with modern classrooms, green spaces, laboratories, a library, sports facilities and spaces dedicated to art, technology and play.

Gifted and Talented

Each student is unique. Through art, sport, science and technology, we drive programs that reinforce autonomy, confidence and the discovery of passions.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Convivencia Escolar is a transversal axis of the school's formation, built continuously in the classroom, in academic projects, in spaces of interaction, and in the close relationship between the school and families. The school educates citizens who can coexist with respect, empathy, responsibility, and recognition of others, in both in-person and online contexts, promoting a culture of care, dialogue, and co-responsibility. The Convivencia area collaborates with different teams to promote wellbeing and healthy relationships within the school community, aiming to consolidate a safe, inclusive, and protective climate, strengthen socio-emotional skills and student wellbeing, work with academic areas and families, address conflicts with a pedagogical and restorative approach, promote reflection and timely support, and reinforce the sense of community. Through innovative projects such as Calle de la Paz, Metaverso de Convivencia, Liga Fair Play, and Baños de PaS (Privacy, Attention, Security), the school promotes values, social skills, and emotional education to form empathetic and resilient people. We form students with life skills, emphasizing peaceful conflict resolution, emotional self-regulation, and assertive communication, while fostering empathy, active listening, and respect for diversity to prepare citizens with integrity and social responsibility. The commitment is to educate with respect and to promote prevention from awareness.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Baumhaus Pedagogical Support Center provides personalized support for Primary and Secondary students to reinforce German language skills, reinforce mathematics, support motor development and coordination, and implement individualized learning strategies. Participation is determined by a diagnosis from the guidance team and is tailored to each student's pace and learning style. The program also focuses on language development in German and targeted academic assistance to promote inclusive education. It works in partnership with families and teachers to ensure the well-being, academic success, and vocational preparation of each student. The overall aim is to strengthen academic confidence and success through targeted interventions.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school guides students toward trilingualism by offering instruction in German, Spanish, and English according to each student's development stage. Languages are introduced gradually and naturally to ensure solid, progressive learning throughout the school career. German is an essential part of school life from Kindergarten through Secondary, developing linguistic and academic competencies that prepare students for international certifications. Spanish forms the foundation for communication for most students and supports learning other languages. English is introduced starting in Klasse 2, enabling natural language acquisition and preparation for international certifications such as IELTS. The goal is for every student to master Spanish, German, and English, opening doors to universities and international experiences.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is a core aspect of the school's approach to education. The Convivencia program promotes socio-emotional development and wellbeing through structured activities and ongoing support. It fosters a safe, inclusive, and caring climate within the school community. Conflicts are addressed using pedagogical and restorative methods, with timely support provided as needed. The program emphasizes empathy, self-regulation, active listening, and healthy relationships to help students thrive across all grade levels.

Safeguarding

The school maintains a safe, inclusive, and protective climate across the community, promoting a culture of care, dialogue, and shared responsibility. The Convivencia program includes preventive and safeguarding practices designed to protect students. Conflicts are addressed with restorative approaches to ensure the wellbeing of all involved. Ongoing support and collaboration with families and staff are central to safeguarding and ensuring a secure learning environment.

Admissions

Admissions

1. Inscripción al proceso: Complete the online admissions form, make the required payment, and upload the documents required for the grade your child is applying for. The form is accessed through the admissions portal. Entry is determined by age as of August 31 of the school year: Kinderkrippe (Preschool) 3 years; Pre-Kindergarten 4 years; Kindergarten 5 years. This age policy ensures appropriate emotional and academic development for each stage.

2. Entrevista a padres de familia: A session with the academic and guidance team to get to know you, resolve questions, and accompany you in your decision. The interview aims to clarify expectations and provide personalized guidance. The interview follows the submission of the online form. The information gathered helps tailor the admissions process to each family.

3. Valoración del aspirante: We conduct an observation for Kindergarten applicants and perform evaluative tests for other levels, according to grade and developmental stage. The evaluation assesses readiness and fit for the program. The results inform the admissions decision. This step ensures placement aligns with the student's development.

4. Evaluación del Comité de Admisiones: Once the process is complete, a specialized Admissions Committee analyzes each case individually and communicates the decision and next steps. The committee ensures careful review and provides clear guidance on subsequent steps. Families receive a formal admission decision and information on how to proceed.

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