Expat Education Guide: Schools in Cartagena

Education Overview

Cartagena scores 3.0/5 for education quality and 3.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 8 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 25 education-related costs.

Cartagena's education system offers a mix of quality options, with the city being home to some of Colombia's better educational institutions due to its status as a major tourist and business center. The system includes strong bilingual programs, several international schools catering to expatriate families, and improving public schools. Private institutions generally offer higher quality education, while public schools vary significantly in quality depending on the neighborhood.

Quick Stats

Education Score

3.0 /5

Family Score

3.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$3,225

Monthly Costs

$2,480/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $150

Private School Application Fee $200

International School Application Fee $350

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $450/mo

Tuition Fees International $1,200/mo

Transportation Monthly $140/mo

Showing 6 of 25 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 8 →

Crespo

Density 4/6

Types: Private, bilingual, and international options

Notable: Colegio Bilingüe de Cartagena, Colegio Jorge Washington

Bocagrande

Density 3/6

Types: Private bilingual and international schools

Notable: Colegio Biffi La Salle, Colegio La Anunciación

Manga

Density 3/6

Types: Public schools, some private options

Notable: Escuela Naval Cadetes Padilla, Colegio La Salle

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Practical Tips

Consider international schools in Bocagrande area for enrollment flexibility

they accommodate mid-year transfers better than traditional Colombian schools

You could visit Universidad de Cartagena's language center for affordable Spanish classes

they offer intensive programs at fraction of private school costs with qualified professors

Try enrolling children well before the academic year begins for better placement

enrollment in September to November of the prior year secures optimal classroom assignment

Consider schools in Crespo neighborhood for local integration

they have good academic standards without tourist area premium pricing

Useful Links

Ministry of Education Colombia

Official government portal for education system information, school enrollment procedures, and credential validation.

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Universidad de Cartagena

Public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs with international student admission services.

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Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar

Private technological university providing engineering, business, and science programs with English-language support.

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Cartagena International School

International bilingual school offering IB curriculum and American-style education for expatriate children.

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Colegio Jorge Washington

Prestigious bilingual school providing American curriculum with English instruction for international families.

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Education Guides in Colombia

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cartagena has 8 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Cartagena varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 25 education-related costs to consider when moving to Cartagena, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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