Exploring Children’s Education Options in Medellín: A Guide for Parents

Introduction

Are you a parent new to Medellín? You probably have many questions about finding the best education for your child. Medellín offers affordable quality education, a child-friendly environment, and top-notch services. In this guide, we’ll explore education options in Medellín, curated from real parents’ recommendations. 

Early Childhood Education

Preschools and Kindergartens:

When choosing early education centers, expats often look for specific qualities such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf education, bilingual instruction, conscious upbringing, play-based learning, outdoor play areas, and flexible learning environments. Here are some institutions in the Medellín Metropolitan Area that stand out:

1. Sol Naciente (Poblado)

2. Descubriendo Maravillas (Laureles and Poblado)

3. Only Kids (Envigado)

4. Pelusa (Laureles)

5. La Casa de los Sueños (Poblado)

Nannies and Daycare Agencies:

For babies and toddlers under 3 years, personalized care and flexibility are crucial. Here are ways to find the right fit:

– Consider referrals from trusted nannies within parent groups on social networks.

– Recommended agencies: Kanguritos, The Stork, and Happy Nanny.

– Use websites with verified nannies like Babysits and Sitly.

Early Stimulation:

For babies under 2 years, options include:

1. El Castillo (Poblado)

2. Gymboree (Laureles)

3. Network Kids (at-home)

4. Rainbow Mom (at-home)

Primary and Secondary Education:

Public and Private Schools:

Public schools offer tuition-free education but may not meet quality standards. Private institutions, especially those with monthly fees exceeding 800,000 COP, often provide bilingual education and international certifications. Recommended schools include:

1. Colegio Colombo Británico (Envigado)

2. Vermont (Poblado/El Retiro)

3. Theodoro Hertzl (El Retiro)

4. The New School (Las Palmas)

5. German School (Itagüí)

6. Colegio Montessori (Poblado)

7. Leonardo Da Vinci School (Envigado/Laureles)

8. The Canadian School (La Estrella)

9. Montesser (Rionegro)

Homeschooling:

Homeschooling is legal in Colombia, but students must take exams at the end of each educational cycle to access higher education or regular schools. One Two Three is recommended as a cooperative school for homeschooling families.

Beyond the Classroom: Enriching Activities:

Sports:

– Swimming: Diana Espinosa Aquatics Center (Laureles), Peskids (Llanogrande / at-home), Liga de Natación (Laureles), Itm (Laureles), Comfama (Envigado / Itagüí)

– Football: ABC Academia (Poblado), River Plate Medellín (Laureles), Neural (Envigado, ages 6 and up)

– Basketball: Club Promesas (Laureles)

– Equitation: La Granja (Envigado), Los Potrillos (Poblado), La Estancia (Poblado)

Arts and Culture:

– Dance schools: Maria Isabel Angel (Laureles), Fianna Danza (Poblado), Claudia Cadena (Poblado)

– Music academies: Sinfónica de Antioquía (Poblado), Matices (at-home), Solo Rock (Laureles/Poblado/Llano Grande), Musique (Poblado)

– Art workshops: Creati Taller (Laureles), Historia del Arte, Da Vinci Academia (Envigado), Museo El Castillo (Poblado), Museo Pedro Nel Gomez (Manrique)

Tech and Innovation:

Children can explore technology with Novorobot (Laureles), Imaginate.stem (Laureles), Snapology (Poblado), or online platforms like Scratch, Blockly, LightBot, Codecademy, CodaKid, Code.org, Coding with Minecraft, and Khan Academy. Experimental Robotics will be the best option on the robotics focus.

Summer Camps:

– Play Music Kids: Offers Spanish-based camps with some English help.

– Parque Explora: Interactive park offering workshops and summer camps for children during vacations.

Wrapping up

Medellín offers a diverse education landscape, from traditional classrooms to enriching extracurricular activities, ensuring every child can discover their passion and future.