Mrs. Gladys Bryson, a foreign resident in Cali and an educator by profession, turned a room in her home in the San Fernando neighborhood into a classroom.
The school already offered classes up to 8th grade. Tuition fees were $20 pesos for Grades 1–8 and $15 pesos for Kindergarten. Principal: Elizabeth Cooper.
The school’s name was officially changed to Colegio Bolivar because the previous name, Colegio Anglo-Americano de Cali, was too similar to Colegio Americano.
In September 1952, the school obtained its legal status. Principal: Donald R. Thomas (1951–1954).
Each student brought their own desk. A kiosk was built for students to use during recess and lunch. Principal: George P. Young (1954–1958).
With a donation from the United States, an 18-acre piece of land was acquired for the construction of new school buildings.
The school received international accreditation from SACS/CASI, now known as Cognia.
Under the leadership of Mr. Dale Swall (1958–1970), six classroom and service buildings were constructed, and the school relocated to Pance, its current campus. At that time, enrollment reached 600 students.
A Summer School program began for elementary students whose families did not speak English at home. The goal was to help them maintain their English language skills during the summer.
The Swall Auditorium was built. Mr. Gengenbach began selling donuts and sandwiches from his food truck.
A Summer Course was launched for employees’ children, where volunteer teachers provided English literacy lessons free of charge.
The John P. Lee Gymnasium was built, initially serving as the cafeteria. Sports such as golf and tennis were practiced, and student government was established for both Middle and High School. Other activities like the Chess Club, Scouts, and a music band gained popularity.
The swimming pool was inaugurated. A soccer field was built, and the Library opened in Block G that same year.
The Colombian Education Ministry approved Colegio Bolivar’s Colombian Study Plan.
The current cafeteria facilities were inaugurated. Dr. Martin A. Felton became the new Head of School.
The current parking area was built, and the Martin Felton Library was inaugurated.
The Science Building was inaugurated.
The Preschool music room was remodeled, and improvements were made to the main soccer field. A slide and locker rooms were built in the ecological park (soccer field area).
The cafeteria dining area was reconstructed, replacing the old kiosks. Students presented various artistic performances.
New subjects and computer labs were introduced. All administrative offices were equipped with computers and internet access.
The Physical Education uniforms were redesigned.
Dr. Joseph Nagy was appointed Head of School.
Opening of the Early Childhood Center “El Nido”
Inauguration of Block J, expanding classroom capacity for the secondary program and electives.
The falcon was adopted as the school’s official mascot following a participatory process in which the Bolívar community voted.
Construction begins on the second phase of the Sports Complex, covering 8,200 m² and including a three-level building with a main arena, multipurpose covered courts, gymnastics rooms, faculty offices, cafeteria, storage areas, and parking spaces.