When are mid-year vacations in Colombia?
The mid-year break in Colombia 2025 is one of the most anticipated school periods for both students and their families. It represents a necessary break in the academic calendar that allows children and young people to take a break from school, recharge their batteries, and strengthen family ties. This break, which typically occurs between June and July, is also an opportunity for teachers to receive training or engage in complementary educational activities.
In Colombia, the exact dates of the school calendar are not uniform throughout the country, as each department, district, and municipality can establish its own educational schedule. This means that, depending on the city you're in, mid-year vacation can start and end at different times. You should also consider whether the school follows Calendar A (the most common in public institutions) or Calendar B, used by some private institutions and international schools.
Having clear and up-to-date information on school vacation dates is essential for organizing family activities, trips, summer courses, or simply planning a break at home. In this article , we present the dates by region and give you useful tips to help you make the most of this school break.
School holiday calendar by region
Colombia is divided into multiple educational jurisdictions , and therefore , school break dates may vary. Here's a summary of the official 2025 mid-year break dates in several of the country's major cities:
Bogotá
Start : June 23, 2025
End : July 11, 2025
Back to School : July 14, 2025
In the nation's capital, the District Education Secretariat has established a calendar that includes three weeks of mid-year holidays. This is an ideal time for cultural activities in museums, public libraries, or city parks.
Antioquia and Medellín
Start : June 16, 2025
End : July 6, 2025
Back to School : July 7, 2025
The department of Antioquia and its capital, Medellín, have a slightly earlier schedule than Bogotá. During these weeks, high participation is expected in vacation programs offered by local organizations such as INDER Medellín.
Valle del Cauca and Cali
Start : June 30, 2025
End : July 20, 2025
Back to School : July 21, 2025
Cali and Valle del Cauca have one of the latest school holidays in the country. This gives them the opportunity to organize vacation activities when other departments have already resumed classes.
Atlantic and Barranquilla
Start : June 23, 2025
End : July 13, 2025
Back to School : July 14, 2025
Barranquilla, like Bogotá, is considering a three-week break, during which time community sports and cultural activities will be strengthened.
Cartagena and the Caribbean Coast
Start : June 16, 2025
End : July 6, 2025
Back to School : July 7, 2025
The Caribbean region typically follows a similar calendar to Antioquia. During this time, families often visit beaches and enjoy the warm climate characteristic of the area.
What about private schools?
Private schools in Colombia enjoy greater autonomy in planning the school calendar. This means they can adjust the start and end dates and duration of vacations, as long as they comply with the school days required by the Ministry of National Education.
In practice, most private schools adopt the A calendar , so vacation dates are usually aligned with those of public institutions. However, some schools operate under the B calendar , which structures the academic year differently: it typically begins in August and ends in June of the following year, with vacation periods in October and December.
It is very important for parents to check each school's academic calendar , as this affects not only family vacation planning but also coordination with extracurricular activities and school transportation.
How to make the most of your mid-year break?
School holidays represent much more than just a break from classes. This time can be transformative if used properly. Here are some ideas for enjoying this break constructively:
1. Recreational and educational activities
Enroll children in vacation courses in art, science, or robotics that develop skills different from those in the traditional classroom.
Promote reading with literary challenges as a family.
Take advantage of your city's cultural offerings: theaters, libraries, cultural centers, and museums often offer free events.
2. Quality family time
Going out to natural parks, taking ecological hikes, or traveling to nearby towns can be as enriching as a long vacation.
Promote communication and socializing with board games, family cooking, or movie nights.
3. Promotion of well-being
Maintaining a stable routine, with schedules for sleeping, eating, and physical activity, helps avoid setbacks when returning to school.
Vacations are also a good opportunity to attend follow-up medical appointments that cannot be scheduled during the school year.
What to consider before returning to school
As the return to school date approaches, it's important to prepare everything you need ahead of time so that the return isn't stressful for both children and parents:
Organizing school supplies in advance avoids last-minute purchases.
Establishing progressive sleep schedules a few days before your return can help you get back into your routine without any problems.
Reviewing assigned homework or school readings is essential to avoid starting the new period behind.
Talking with children about what they learned or enjoyed during their vacation also helps them integrate their personal experiences into their educational process.
Plan ahead and enjoy the break
The mid-year break in Colombia 2025 is a great opportunity to recharge, reconnect with family, and promote meaningful learning outside of the classroom. Whether traveling, exploring new activities, or relaxing at home, this time can make a difference in students' emotional, social, and intellectual development.
Planning ahead, preparing a balanced routine, and spending time with your family are key to making the school break a rewarding experience. Plan now and make these weeks a memorable time for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are vacation dates the same throughout the country?
No, each city or department can establish its own calendar. You should check the local Education Secretariat's schedule.
How do I know the exact dates for my school?
The best option is to consult directly with the educational institution or its official website.
What activities are recommended for children during recess?
Vacation courses, recreational activities, reading, family time, camps, and art or sports workshops.
What happens if the school has a B calendar?
Schools with a B calendar often have mid-year vacations on other dates, such as October, so it's important to check directly with the school.
Are there free options for children during the holidays?
Yes, many municipalities and public entities offer free courses, workshops, and recreational activities during this period.