The school calendar in Colombia is structured so that students have a balance between study time and rest. This calendar varies depending on the region of the country, being mainly divided into two calendars: Calendar A and Calendar B. Calendar A is the most common and is used in most regions, while Calendar B is more used in the Atlantic coast regions and some private institutions.
School Calendar in Colombia
Calendar A
Calendar A, used in most of the country, begins the school year in late January or early February and ends in mid-November or early December. This calendar is divided into four academic periods with three intermediate vacation periods.
First Academic Period:
Start : End of January or beginning of February
End : End of March or beginning of April
Easter Holiday: A week's holiday coinciding with Easter, usually at the end of March or beginning of April.
Second Academic Period:
Start: Early April
End: Mid-June
Mid-Year Vacation: Approximately two weeks of vacation in mid-June.
Third Academic Period:
Start: Early July
End: End of September
October Vacation: A week's vacation in mid-October, known as "Recess Week."
Fourth Academic Period:
Start: Mid-October
End: Mid-November or early December
New Year's Eve Vacations: They begin in mid-November or early December and extend until the end of January or early February of the following year.
Calendar B
Calendar B, used primarily on the Atlantic coast and some private institutions, begins the school year in August and ends in June of the following year. This calendar is also divided into four academic periods with three vacation periods in between.
First Academic Period:
Start: Early August
End: End of September
October Vacation: A week's vacation in mid-October.
Second Academic Period:
Start: Early November
End: End of December
New Year's Eve Vacation: Approximately three weeks of vacation at the end of December and beginning of January.
Third Academic Period:
Start : Early January
End : Mid-March
Easter Holiday: A week's holiday coinciding with Easter, usually at the end of March or beginning of April.
Fourth Academic Period:
Start : Early April
End : End of June
Mid-Year Vacations: They begin at the end of June and extend until the beginning of August of the following year.
Featured Activities in the School Calendar
Academic activities
Periodic Exams: At the end of each academic period, students take exams that evaluate their performance in different subjects. These exams are crucial in determining each student's final grades.
Research Projects and Assignments: Throughout the school year, students participate in various research projects and assignments that encourage active learning and critical thinking. These projects are usually interdisciplinary and may include exhibitions, experiments and presentations.
Academic Olympiads: Many institutions organize academic olympiads in various areas such as mathematics, science, language and sports. These competitions allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a competitive environment.
Cultural and Social Activities
Cultural Week: During Cultural Week, schools organize a series of activities including artistic presentations, dances, concerts and art exhibitions. This week aims to promote culture and the arts within the school community.
Language Day: Celebrated on April 23, Language Day is a special date that pays tribute to the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking writers. Schools usually organize reading contests, poetry recitation and plays on this date.
Independence Day: On July 20, Colombia's independence is celebrated. Schools organize civic events and parades in which students participate, paying tribute to national heroes and reflecting on the country's history.
Columbus Day: Celebrated on October 12, Columbus Day is an opportunity for schools to reflect on the cultural and ethnic diversity of Colombia. Activities are organized that highlight the contributions of different ethnic communities to the country.
Sport activities
Intercollegiate Games: Intercollegiate Games are sports competitions in which students from different educational institutions participate. These competitions include a variety of sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, athletics and swimming.
Sports Day: Many schools celebrate Sports Day, a day dedicated to the practice of physical activities and sports. During this day, tournaments, competitions and sports exhibitions are organized to promote a healthy lifestyle among students.
Walks and Excursions: Throughout the year, schools organize walks and excursions to different places of interest. These activities not only promote physical activity, but also offer students the opportunity to learn about the nature and history of their environment.
Wellness and Personal Development Activities
Wellness Days: Schools organize well-being days in which activities aimed at the physical and mental health of students are carried out. These sessions may include relaxation workshops, talks on nutrition and physical exercises.
Career Guidance Workshops: As students near the end of their secondary education, schools organize career guidance workshops to help them make informed decisions about their academic and professional future. These workshops may include university visits, talks by professionals and aptitude tests.
Volunteer Activities: Many schools encourage student participation in volunteer activities as part of their comprehensive training. These activities may include visits to nursing homes, community work, and environmental care projects.
Importance of Dates and Activities in the School Calendar
The school calendar and the activities that take place within it are fundamental for the comprehensive development of students. Through different academic, cultural, sports and wellness activities, students not only acquire knowledge, but also develop social, emotional and physical skills.
Academic Development : Academic dates and activities are essential to ensure that students acquire and retain the knowledge necessary in each subject. Exams, projects, and academic Olympiads foster critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to work as a team.
Cultural and Social Growth: Cultural and social activities allow students to explore and appreciate the cultural diversity and traditions of their country. Through these activities, students develop a sense of identity and belonging, as well as communication and collaboration skills.
Physical and Mental Health: Sports and wellness activities are crucial for the physical and mental development of students. Participation in sports and physical activities promotes a healthy lifestyle, while wellness days and career guidance workshops help students manage stress and plan for their future.
Responsibility and Service : Volunteer and community service activities teach students the importance of social responsibility and service to others. These activities foster empathy, compassion, and a sense of community.
The Colombian school calendar, both Calendar A and Calendar B, is designed to provide a balance between study time and rest, as well as to offer a variety of activities that contribute to the comprehensive development of students. The dates and activities highlighted on the school calendar are not only important moments for academic learning, but also opportunities for students' cultural, social, physical, and emotional growth. Through these experiences, students are prepared to become responsible, well-informed citizens, ready to meet the challenges of the future.