Patrick
If you’re moving to Cali, Colombia with children, one of your top concerns is likely schooling. Cali has a range of private, bilingual schools that cater to both Colombian and international families, but choosing the right one can be tricky — and expensive.
As someone who’s lived in Cali for over 12 years and interacted with many families and friends navigating the same decisions, I’ve put together this guide as a starting point. But keep in mind: this shouldn’t be your final stop. All of the schools mentioned offer open houses and information sessions — and you should absolutely attend them. Each school has its own vibe, culture, academic strengths, and quirks, and it’s vital that you see it for yourself before making a decision.
Also, don’t expect it to be just a simple sign-up. Most schools will require you to go through an interview, provide bank statements, and share the source of your income. Cali is a society with a lot of “funny money” floating around — and schools are cautious. If they feel you can’t consistently pay tuition, or your financials raise red flags, you probably won’t be accepted.
Another thing to know: If your child is entering after the first grade, they will likely be required to take a test to prove they are up to speed academically before being placed into any classroom.
Now, let’s break down the options.
Top-Tier Bilingual Schools: Prestigious, Competitive, and Expensive
These schools are the most prestigious and expensive in Cali. All are bilingual (English/Spanish), and many have international faculty or foreign accreditations. These schools are also extremely class-conscious. To get in, expect to pay a hefty one-time “donation”, anywhere from $10-30 million COP (it’s not officially tuition, but it’s mandatory). These schools often serve as networking hubs for Cali’s wealthiest families — which can be a double-edged sword.
If you’re not part of the social elite (i.e., no country club membership, flashy SUV, weekends in Miami, or family name), your child could potentially be viewed as an outsider.
1. Colegio Bolivar – Arguably the most well-known bilingual school. American-style curriculum, strong academics, huge campus, and a strong alumni network. Donation.
2. Colegio Colombo Británico – British-style curriculum with strong academics. Very international feel. Donation.
3. Colegio Jefferson – Popular with upper-middle class families. Also requires a donation to enter.
4. Colegio La Colina – High academic standards and an emphasis on discipline. No donation.
5. Arboleda School – Smaller and slightly less elitist than the others, but still considered top-tier and with teachers from several English speaking nations. No donation.
📍 Location: Jefferson and La Colina are located in the north of Cali; the others are in the south.
Mid-Tier Bilingual Schools: Accessible and Balanced
For many expat families, the middle tier of bilingual schools offers the best of both worlds — quality education, a more diverse student body, and a slightly less competitive atmosphere.
Colegio Bennett is known for its warm community and solid bilingual instruction. It’s not as flashy as Bolívar or Británico, but it prepares students well academically.
Colegio Berchmans, a Jesuit school, emphasizes both academic rigor and values-based education. It maintains good English instruction and has a long-standing reputation in Cali.
Colegio Philadelphia International is a growing option for expats seeking a more international mindset without the elite price tag.
These schools still offer bilingual education and extracurriculars, and your children are more likely to be surrounded by a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds. This can lead to a more grounded and inclusive experience overall.
📍 Location: All in the south of Cali.
Other Bilingual Schools: European Languages
Cali also hosts several excellent bilingual schools that focus on languages other than English.
Colegio Alemán teaches in German, Spanish, and English, and often facilitates exchange programs with Germany. It’s an excellent fit for German-speaking families or those with ties to Europe.
Lycée Français Paul Valéry follows the French national curriculum and is fully immersed in French language and culture. If you’re a francophone family or plan to move to France or another French-speaking country in the future, this school may be your best option.
📍 Location: The German school is in south and the French school in the north close to Yumbo.
Spanish-First Academic Powerhouses
If your children already speak Spanish fluently, or are young enough to pick it up quickly, Cali’s top Spanish-language schools should not be overlooked.
Colegio Diana Oese consistently ranks among the top academic schools in the entire country. Known for discipline, academic excellence, and rigor, it’s a popular choice for families who value strong academics above all else.
Colegio Hispanoamericano is another respected academic institution, known for preparing students for Colombia’s most competitive universities.
These schools focus almost exclusively on Spanish, and while some offer limited English classes, they’re best for families focused on long-term integration in Colombia.
📍 Location: Diana Oese is in the south and Hispanoamericano in the north.
Creative and Alternative Schools
Not every child thrives in a traditional classroom, and Cali has a small but growing number of creative, project-based schools that focus on emotional development, arts, and individuality.
Colegio Ideas is known for its alternative philosophy, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression.
Alas Colegio offers a holistic approach to learning and may be a good fit for families looking for a more humanistic and less rigid school environment.
Colegio Luis Horacio Gomez – Based on Waldorf methodology. A good fit for families aligned with holistic education philosophies.
📍 Location: Ideas is located in Bella Suiza (west). The others are in the south.
What It Really Costs (And What Schools Don’t Advertise)
Tuition at Cali’s private schools ranges from 1 to 4 million COP per child, per month, depending on the school. This usually includes transportation, lunch, and some extracurricular activities.
What many expats don’t expect is that schools charge the full monthly fee in August, December, January, and June, even though there may only be 10–12 school days due to holidays.
While July is usually not billed as a tuition month, families are still charged for:
- Annual inscription (enrollment) fees
- Educational materials
- Uniforms and school supplies
When you factor these in, your effective annual cost is essentially 12 months of tuition.
Some schools offer:
- Discounts for paying the year in advance
- Discounts for siblings
- Referral bonuses (yes, it’s a business — we got several months at a reduced rate after my wife referred a friend!)
Logistics and Life Realities
Most private schools are located in southern Cali with large campuses, close to upper-class neighborhoods like Ciudad Jardín and Pance. But if you don’t live near there, be warned — traffic is brutal.
My kids do 2–3 hours of traffic per day, waking up at 5:00 a.m. to catch a school bus by 6:00 a.m. It’s totally normal here, but coming from a place where I used to walk to school and classes started at 8:00 a.m., it’s a shock.
Think long and hard about whether you want your kids to endure this. They’ll arrive home late and exhausted, often without the energy for sports, homework, or socializing.
Final Thoughts: Prestige Isn’t Everything
It’s tempting to aim for the fanciest, most elite school in town. But before you commit, ask yourself: Will my child be happy there? Will we, as a family, feel like we belong?
Cali’s most prestigious schools can open social and academic doors — but they also come with an unspoken social code. If you’re not plugged into the local elite or can’t keep up with expensive vacations, country club memberships, and designer school gear, your child might be seen as an outsider. That’s not to say it’s a dealbreaker — but it’s something to be aware of.
Take your time. Visit multiple schools. Talk to other parents, both local and expat. The best school is the one where your child is seen, supported, and inspired — not just the one with the fanciest brochure.
Let this guide be your first checkpoint — but definitely not your last. Good luck!
