History
A Legacy of Vision, Innovation, and Learning
From the dream of a group of visionary families in Manizales to a community of lifelong learners.
More than four decades ago, a group of visionary families in Manizales shared a dream: to create an educational community where students could receive a high-quality bilingual education while developing the knowledge, values, and skills needed to positively impact the world.
Inspired by the emerging model of American international schools in Colombia, these families envisioned a school that would go beyond traditional education — a place where students would be known, supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and ethically.
That dream became Colegio Granadino.
The Visionaries Behind the Dream
In November 1980, the first official meeting that would establish Colegio Granadino took place. Behind this initiative was a group of committed families who believed that Manizales deserved an innovative educational institution with a global perspective.
María Mercedes Londoño de Gutiérrez
She played a fundamental role in guiding the development of the institution, bringing together families, organizing the community, and helping establish the foundations that would support the school’s growth.
Joanne Smith Barrett
An American educator with experience in international education. She contributed her academic expertise and helped develop the curriculum, educational philosophy, and internal practices that would define Colegio Granadino from its earliest years.
Their dedication, leadership, and passion for education became essential in shaping the identity of Colegio Granadino.
Together with a dedicated group of parents, they worked with determination and vision to create a school founded on bilingualism, academic excellence, innovation, and the holistic development of every learner.
Our Journey
The milestones that shaped the school we are today.
The Beginning of a Transformative Journey
On February 9, 1981, Colegio Granadino opened its doors with 45 students in Kinder 4 and Kinder 5. From the very beginning, the school embraced a forward-thinking philosophy: preparing students not only for academic success, but also to become responsible, compassionate, and engaged citizens.
Each year, a new grade level was added, allowing the school to grow alongside its students until completing its full Kinder through Grade 12 program.
What began as a small educational initiative quickly became a vibrant community where families, educators, and students came together around a shared purpose: creating meaningful learning experiences that would inspire generations.
A Bold Step Toward the Future
As the Granadino community grew, so did its vision. After quickly outgrowing its first location in a renovated house in Palogrande, the founders took a courageous step in 1982 by acquiring a 50,000 m² property in the rural area of La Florida.
At the time, moving a school beyond the city limits was an innovative and ambitious decision. This vision became part of what continues to make Colegio Granadino unique: a campus where students learn surrounded by nature and where spaces are intentionally designed to support their academic, personal, and social development.
Colegio Granadino opened its current campus, beginning classes in the renovated estate buildings and the original Red House, which remains one of the most iconic symbols of the school’s history and character.
With 153 students and facilities designed for future growth, Granadino continued building a learning environment focused on the complete development of each student — nurturing mind, body, and spirit.
Growing With a Global Perspective
Throughout its history, Colegio Granadino has remained committed to innovation, international education, and continuous improvement.
In 1987, the school became the first institution in Manizales to adopt the B academic calendar, strengthening its international approach and expanding opportunities for students and educators. With an increasingly international faculty, Granadino continued developing a global perspective that prepared students for an interconnected world.
In 2001, Colegio Granadino achieved international accreditation through Cognia, reaffirming its commitment to educational excellence, institutional growth, and continuous improvement.
This milestone also allowed graduates to earn both the Colombian diploma and the American High School Diploma.
A Complete Educational Journey
Colegio Granadino expanded its educational offering with the creation of Kinder Granadino, providing a learning environment inspired by Reggio Emilia principles for younger learners.
With programs from early childhood through Grade 12, Granadino became a complete educational journey where students can grow within the same community from their first years of exploration to their preparation for university and beyond.
Today: Continuing the Legacy, Creating the Future
More than 40 years later, Colegio Granadino continues to honor the dream that inspired its founders: creating a community of lifelong learners prepared to make a difference in the world.
Located in the beautiful natural surroundings of La Florida, our campus brings together academics, innovation, technology, arts, athletics, and well-being to create meaningful learning experiences for every student.
While the school has grown and evolved, its purpose remains unchanged:
To inspire a community of lifelong learners to make the difference as citizens of the world.
The vision that began with a group of committed families, and was strengthened by the leadership of educators such as María Mercedes Londoño de Gutiérrez and Joanne Smith Barrett, continues to guide Colegio Granadino as we prepare future generations to lead with purpose, kindness, curiosity, and innovation.