EspañolFrequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Here you will find answers to those questions that are directed to us frequently. This page helps us -you and us- to save time. If you still have some queries please head to the “Contact Us” tab and send us a message.
Our students obtain excellent results in the International Baccalaureate Organization’s exams and in the National Tests. We have been certified by the three International Baccalaureate programs applicable in Colombia (PYP, MYP, and DP). Our educational model is based on the philosophy “Learn to Live”, which interprets the students’ needs in the classroom and transforms them into experiences that enhance all their knowledge, preparing them for an increasingly globalized and competitive world. We build peaceful environments, always open to dialogue, tolerant and respectful of differences, seeking consistency with the international and globalized education model that is promoted by the IB program. We work day by day to promote healthy coexistence and mutual understanding.
Additionally, we have two unique settings: The School Radio Station and the Symphonic Orchestra. GN94.5 is our school radio station; a place where our students explore and develop their communication skills in different media, with the leadership of professionals in the field. Our radio station has one of the best facilities for this purpose: two professional recording and transmission booths, a video and audio editing room, as well as the Film classroom.
Besides, we are proud of our Symphonic Orchestra. Since 2009, we have been building this context where children experience participating in an orchestra, developing their creative skills and practicing everything they have been learning in the school’s music program.
We are a bilingual school with the highest standards of English Language teaching, fully aligned with the bilingualism policies of the IB (International Baccalaureate) learning community. Our graduates achieve C1- C2 in the CEFR.
Yes, children from 6th to 9th grade have the opportunity to participate in an international exchange program with some partner schools in the U.S. (Sports Exchange Program) and U.K. (Linguistic Exchange Program). The exchange programs last 30 days and take place in summer. On the other hand, the school, permanently hosts exchange language students from different parts of the world, contributing greatly to maintain an international environment.
Around 18 in Preschool, 22 in Elementary and 25 in Secondary. We consider that children must obtain the best possible attention and follow-up of their academic and social processes to guarantee outstanding results.
We have a variety of extracurricular activities for Preschool, Elementary School and 6th grade children. Here, they can experience vocational and professional calls in a fun way. Also, the extracurricular activities provide students with a space to strengthen and put into practice the skills acquired through the IB programs.
Children begin their process at our school since age three. If your child is younger, we can provide you with a list of kindergartens with which we have signed agreements.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:20 am to 3:30 pm. Wednesdays from 7:20 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If your child is participating in an extracurricular activity or in any of our sports competition teams, schedules may vary.
We have food and transportation services, which can be included in the monthly fee.
The school nutrition area offers a balanced and adjusted menu for the nutritional requirements of our students. Either snack and lunch (from Pre-kinder to 3rd grade), or only lunch (from third grade on), children enjoy delicious alternatives such as: soup, two protein options, two carbohydrate options, a salad bar, two juice options, and a dessert. Additionally, the cafeteria offers two gastronomic festivals per month, where our students have the opportunity to try meals from other countries.
No, our school does not charge any extra fee, different from those included in the officially authorized prices.
The process begins when the purchase of the application form is made, to give way to the interviews with the Admissions Officer., the School Counselors and the Headmaster.
Gimnasio del Norte’s buses are recognized not only for their spectacular appearance, but also for their extraordinary safety system, guaranteed by Blue Bird, a brand that specializes in school transport vehicles design. The school bus picks children up at different pre-arranged stops, which are re-adjusted every six months, according to our students’ needs. In the afternoon, buses take students back to these stops. Door by door service is not offered because of the size of the buses, which is one of the factors that guarantees the safety of our children. We have OnTrack service available to our student’s parents, which is an App to track, on a second by second basis, where the bus is in its route.
Yes. Students wear three different uniforms: every day, sports and formal. If your child enters to any sports competition team, they will have an additional uniform.
Our teachers are qualified professionals from different areas, who have been trained in teaching methodologies, most of them enrolled in the IB training career as educators and examiners. This fact has contributed to our educational process greatly, adding wealth and diversity, something that is reflected in the awesome results that our students obtain in their university and professional careers.
We have been favoured by having students from different parts of the world, mostly from Europe and the Americas. This population composes 25% to 30% of our families. Our environment allows students to get in touch with other cultures and customs on a permanent basis
Sustainability is one of our main goals; for this reason, we put into practice the three R’s of sustainability:
Re-use: we collect rainwater to irrigate the gardens and to fill the toilets. We also bring old objects to life by re-conditioning them in our carpentry workshop.
Reduce: we make sure to optimize the use of resources such as water and energy; we take advantage of food wastes by sharing them with swine-producing farms; we also avoid the consumption of disposable elements in our community.
Recycle: we separate our waste to give it a better management, complying with the regulations for recovery of recyclable materials.