International Schools in Bolivia

Diploma and graduate hat - Fotolia

You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Bolivia with fee information. It includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools and you will find the right school to prepare for International Baccalaureate, and other diploma in Bolivia. Some schools may follow the American or British curriculums with English speaking programs while others are regulated under the French or German education system.

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Bolivia. There may be some local population, but the schools are geared for an international student body. Schools usually follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, France, Canada or Australia/New Zealand. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English, French, Spanish, German, or Japanese. Many schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. Schools often provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

Education in Bolivia is divided between Bolivia's rural and urban areas. In rural areas, illiteracy is high, schools are poorly funded, and children are often needed to contribute financially. A gender divide also exists. The country's literacy level is at 86.7 percent which is lower than many South American countries. Because of this disparity, there are many excellent private schools, though some expats choose to send their children to school abroad. There can be long waiting lists so begin searching and sign up as soon as possible.

Accreditation

The CoIS (Council of International Schools) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools. AdvancEd is the unified organization including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and is an accrediting body. Association of American Schools in South America provides information and accreditation for schools in South America. The Network of International Schools (NICS) is an organization of Christian schools.

La Paz

Highlands International School
Address: Valle Del Sol
Mallasilla, La Paz
Tel: 591-2-2745113
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Highlands International School follows an American-style curriculum and offers an American diploma. Most graduates go on to study in the United States, Canada, and Bolivia.

French School in La Paz

Lycée Franco Bolivien
Address: Av. Francia s/n, Achumani
Casilla postal 6547
La Paz - Bolivia
Tel: 591-2-2793370
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Offers classes from kindergarten to High School. Curriculum is approved by the French Ministry of Education.

Cochabamba

American International School of Bolivia (AIS/B)
Address: Casilla 5309
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Tel: 591-4-428-8577
Tuition Rates ($US): $1,391 - $4,567 per year

The American International School of Bolivia is a private, coeducational, bilingual, bicultural day school. It offers a program from pre kindergarten through grade 12. Spanish is required for all students in grades K-12. All classes, except for language instruction, are taught in English. Three high school diplomas are offered: the Bolivian Bachillerato diploma, the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and an accredited U.S. high school diploma. The School is accredited by AdvancEd and the Bolivian Ministry. Most of the graduates go on to study in colleges and universities in the United States, Europe and South America.

Cochabamba Cooperative School
Address: Av. Circunvalación s/n
Zona Mesadilla, Cochabamba, Bolivia
Tel: 591 4 4490 605
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

A non-denominational college-preparatory school for American, Bolivian, and international students. The academic program includes Early Childhood for 3 and 4 year old children with an elementary unit (kindergarten through the 6th grade) and secondary unit (7th through 12th grade).

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz International School (SCIS)
Address: Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Santa Cruz 4640 Bolivia
Tel: (591) 3-3535035
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Santa Cruz International School provides an English language education with curriculum based on the Cambridge International Examinations Board. There are pre-school, primary and secondary levels. Students take international exams at the end of 8th (Checkpoint), 10th (IGCSE) and 12th (IGCSE & AS-Level) grades. Graduates also receive a Bolivian High School Diploma.

Santa Cruz Cooperative School
Address: Calle Barcelona 1
Casilla 753 Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Tel: (591) (3) 353-0808
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This school holds classes from pre kindergarten through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. Classes are held in English to prepare for an American or school overseas. SCCS is accredited by SACS and the Bolivian Ministry of Education. It offers American and Bolivian High School Diplomas, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Colegio St. George
Address: Av. Alemana 4to anillo
Santa Cruz de la Sierra 1663 Bolivia
Tel: (591 3) 342-2121
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This school follow the teaching of the Catholic Church. Instruction is in Spanish with additional languages offered.

Eagle's School
Address: Av. Beni entre 5to. anillo y Av. Humberto Leigue
Santa Cruz de la Sierra - Bolivia
Tel: 591(3) 343-3137
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This is an international school with courses from kindergarten to High School. There is a strong degree of extracurricular.

German School in Santa Cruz

Colegio Aleman
Address: Casilla 624
Santa Cruz - Bolivia
Tel: 591 3 3351282
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

German language school that prepares students for further education worldwide. Curriculum is approved by the Central Bureau of German Schools Abroad (Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen) at the Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt) in Cologne.