The Columbus School in Medellín, Colombia is a private, co-educational School which offers an educational program from Kinder4 through Grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The School was founded 62 years ago, in 1947. Medellín is a progressive city of 3,500,000 inhabitants, beautifully located in a valley surrounded by mountains. At its elevation of 5,000 feet/1,524 meters it has an almost ideal climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 90F/16 to 32C. The city is a cultural center with pride in modern buildings, country clubs and an active social life. Travel within the country is generally by air. However, public transportation can take the curious visitors to interesting small towns in the vicinity.

ORGANIZATION: The School is governed by a 7-member Board of Directors, elected for three-year terms by The Columbus School Association that sponsors the School. Membership in the Association is automatically conferred on the parents or guardians of children enrolled in School.

CURRICULUM: The curriculum is that of U.S. college preparatory Schools. Students receive instruction in English and Spanish. All grades are accredited by the Colombian Ministry of Education, which allows graduates to enter any Colombian university. The School is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools SACS/AdvancEd. Almost all the graduates go on to colleges and universities in Colombia, the United States, and Canada. The School year runs from early August to mid-June.

FACULTY: There are 146 full-time or part-time faculty members in the School year, including 46 US citizens, 13 Canadians, 81 Colombians and 6 of other nationalities. Class sizes range from 20-25 children; a typical class has 22 children.

ENROLLMENT: Enrollment is 1,472 where 98% are Colombians and 2% are from other nationalities. Enrollment is: Elementary (743); Middle School (331); and High School (348).

FACILITIES: The Columbus School has a 45 acre campus at 7,874 feet/2,400 meters above sea level on top of a mountain 30 minutes outside of Medellín with cooler temperatures ranging from 55 to 75F/13 to 24C. The campus currently contains three (3) Schools:  Elementary, Middle and High Schools, all immersed in Andean majesty, year round autumn like weather, and the warmth of the most wonderful people. Educational facilities include over 70 spacious classrooms; eight (8) science and four (4) computer labs, laptops for students in the three Schools; two (2) libraries; three (3) Gymnasiums, two (2) soccer fields, a track, a softball field, separate fields and hard surface courts for each of the lower Schools; a 400 seat outdoor theater; a Fine Arts Center with eight (8) music and art classrooms, a 270 seat theatre, and exhibition hall; a Curriculum and Staff Development Center, Staff Lounges and Work Areas.

FINANCES: Approximately 99 percent of the School’s income is derived from regular day School tuition. Annual tuition rates averaged US$6,000. School transportation is separate and averages US$950 per year per student.

CONTRACTS / VACATIONS: Contracts are for two years. Thereafter, contract renewal is yearly.  There are generally two vacation periods: a five week inter-semester break in June and July, and a three week vacation in December and January.

RELOCATION / AIRFARE: Tourist air travel expenses are paid from the closest international airport from home to Medellín. At the end of the original two-year period of service, return fare is also paid.  For each subsequent yearly contract renewal, a round-trip ticket is paid.  For the original contract US$500 will be paid in COL Pesos upon the teacher’s arrival in Medellín. This amount generally covers passport and visa-related costs, excess baggage, inoculations and other incidental expenses.

HOUSING: Apartments contracted by the School are located in upscale neighborhoods. Two single teachers share a sparsely furnished apartment.  If you choose to live alone, there might be an additional monthly cost of approximately US$100 per month (furnishings not guaranteed).

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION: The School will provide transportation to and from school approved housing daily during academic periods.

MEDICAL COVERAGE: All teachers are protected by a Colombian Medical Plan. Benefits include medical care (office visits, medicine, hospitalization and dental care for accidents). Glasses and dental visits are not included. The School also subsidizes an insurance policy with international coverage on a 50-50 basis (teacher paying USD$900/semester approximately).  This policy has coverage limitations for major pre-existing medical conditions.

COLOMBIAN LEGAL DEDUCTIONS: Approximately 12% is deducted every month from the peso salary for Health Social Security.