55 years ago, in a small house in Cali, Colombia, Colegio Bolivar was founded by Mrs. Gladys Holt Bryson as a bilingual school for North Americans and Colombians. The school grew rapidly, and by the end of the 1950’s, it was clearly time to move from the school’s small birthplace in San Fernando (a small neighborhood in Cali) to a more spacious setting. Today, Colegio Bolivar lays at the feet of the Andes, spread out over a large acreage of lush, fertile land. Looking out over the city of Cali, the school is nestled in its own tropical paradise. We now have over 1,200 students, 800 families, 250 teachers and about 1,500 alumni who make up our community. Our mission remains a simple one: to provide English instruction and a North American-type education to the children of foreign residents in Cali, as well as to those Colombian nationals seeking this type of education for their children.

Inside these pages, produced in part by members of our own Web Site Class, you will find what we think is special about our school. A spacious and tropical campus, one of the most beautiful in Latin America; modern buildings with open classrooms; a Science building with the latest equipment; a well-endowed library: these are only the physical aspects of the school, the tangible elements which can be seen, felt and heard. However, there are some things much more important about Colegio Bolivar: the liberal education we provide; the fluent bilingualism achieved by our students; the high level of professional respect and success of our alumni; the spirit of joy and happiness in the good times; and the compassion and solidarity in our moments of grief. Colegio Bolivar is a school wherein each individual is special. Arriving each morning, greeted by the first golden light reflected by the majestic Andes at our back, you can sense the spirit of Colegio Bolivar.

Profile is a brief description of Colegio Bolivar that serves as orientation information for both teachers and students.

The Colegio Bolivar Alumni Association (Alumni)

History of Colegio Bolivar, a brief look through the decades and its influences on the school. Also, a short section by Inge Koele on her memories as a teacher at Colegio Bolivar.

We have included a special page where we have posted the links to organizations that make part of our community at large.