The school calendar is a fundamental tool to ensure the proper development of the educational process in any society. In Colombia, the Ministry of National Education is responsible for defining the key dates for each academic year, which must be met by all educational institutions in the country.
The Colombian education system is organized so that each department of the country can establish a school calendar that fits its particular needs, always within the general guidelines established by the Ministry of Education. This is done due to the country's climatic and cultural diversity, which means that some departments have slightly different calendars.
Two School Calendars
In Colombia there are two main types of school calendars: Calendar A and Calendar B.
Calendar A : This is the most widely used calendar in the country and covers most public and private institutions. Classes generally begin in January or February and end in November or December.
Calendar B : This calendar is more common in private schools with international influences and some universities. Classes begin in August or September and end in June or July of the following year.
We will focus mainly on Calendar A, since it is the one followed by most educational institutions in Colombia.
Key Dates of the 2025 School Calendar
The Ministry of National Education establishes a general structure for the school calendar, which includes:
Start of the School Year
Start date : The 2025 school year in Colombia is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 27 for most institutions under Calendar A.
Planning sessions : Before the start of classes, teachers participate in academic planning and organization sessions, which generally take place during the last week of January.
Academic Periods
The school calendar is divided into four academic periods:
First period : From January 27 to March 28. This first period includes the first evaluations and adaptation activities to the new school year.
Second period : From April 7 to June 13. Includes a week-long break in April, corresponding to Holy Week (April 14 to 20).
Third period : From June 24 to September 5. This period begins after the mid-year holidays.
Fourth period : From September 15 to November 28. This is the final stretch of the school year, where final evaluations and closing activities take place.
Holidays and Breaks
Easter : April 14-20, 2025. This is a mandatory break for students and teachers.
Mid-year break : June 16 to June 23. This period allows students and teachers to rest and recharge their batteries for the second semester.
End-of-year holidays : Starting on December 1st. This period marks the end of the academic year and the beginning of the end-of-year festivities.
Holidays
Colombia has a long list of holidays that also affect the school calendar. Some of the holidays that fall within the 2025 school year are:
March 24: St. Joseph's Day
May 1: Labor Day
May 19: Ascension of the Lord
June 9: Corpus Christi
June 16: Sacred Heart of Jesus
August 7: Battle of Boyacá
July 20: Independence Day
October 12: Columbus Day
November 11: Independence of Cartagena
These holidays are observed by educational institutions and represent an additional break for students and teachers.
Regional Differences
Colombia is a country with great geographic, cultural and climatic diversity. These differences are also reflected in the school calendar. For example:
In regions with long rainy seasons, such as the Amazon, schedules may be adjusted to avoid disruptions.
In urban areas such as Bogotá and Medellín, the calendar usually follows the general guidelines of the Ministry of Education.
In coastal regions such as the Caribbean Coast, institutions may slightly modify the start and end dates of classes due to high temperatures during certain months.
Impact of the School Calendar on Society
The school calendar not only affects students and teachers, but also families, the economy, and society at large. Some of these impacts are explored below:
Family planning
Many families plan their activities and holidays around the school calendar. For example, mid-year and end-of-year holidays are key times for trips or recreational activities.
Cultural and Social Activities
The school calendar also influences the scheduling of cultural events, such as fairs, festivals and local celebrations. For example, some schools actively participate in events such as the Barranquilla Carnival or the San Pedro Festival in Huila.
Economic Impact
The transport, food and retail sectors are also affected by the school calendar. For example, the start of classes generates an increase in the sale of school supplies, uniforms and books.
Academic Continuity
A well-structured school calendar is essential to ensure academic continuity. Unexpected interruptions or modifications can affect student performance and educational quality.
Changes and Adjustments to the School Calendar
In some cases, educational institutions may make adjustments to the school calendar due to exceptional circumstances, such as:
Extreme weather conditions : Floods, droughts or landslides may lead to temporary suspension of classes.
Public order situations : In some regions, public order may influence the continuity of the school calendar.
Health emergencies : As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions may be forced to adopt virtual or hybrid modalities to ensure the safety of students and teachers.
Importance of Complying with the School Calendar
Compliance with the established school calendar is crucial to ensure that students receive a quality education. It also allows for better organization by teachers and educational institutions. The Ministry of Education constantly monitors to ensure that the stipulated dates are met and academic objectives are achieved.
The 2025 school calendar in Colombia is designed to ensure a balance between the fulfillment of academic objectives and the well-being of students and teachers. With key dates such as the start of classes on January 27, well-defined academic periods and scheduled vacations, this calendar allows for efficient organization at both the educational and family level. However, it is also important to take into account regional particularities and possible adjustments that may arise throughout the year. Ultimately, an effective school calendar contributes to the comprehensive development of students and the strengthening of the Colombian educational system.