Founded in 1948, at the same moment as the creation of the State of Israel, Colegio Colombo Hebreo became Bogotá’s first and only private Jewish School. Since then, thousands of students—both from Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds—have been educated at the school, building academic excellence, cultural understanding, and enduring community connections.

The school is part of the Cambridge International Education network and joined the ORT network in 2017. Its mission is to inspire each student to achieve their full potential, fostering curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning, guided by Jewish values. Its vision is to be recognized for providing Jewish-inspired education for all, distinguished by innovation and life-skill development.

Values are expressed through CREO (Comunidad, Responsabilidad, Empatía and Osadía): Community, Responsibility, Empathy, and Audacity (Chutzpah) —forming the foundation for student growth, academic achievement, and social responsibility.

The school follows both the Colombian national curriculum and Cambridge International Education standards, offering IGCSE examinations and Cambridge Global Perspectives. The curriculum integrates Jewish learning at all levels, including Hebrew, Judaism, and Jewish history.

Special programs include:

• IGCSE Enterprise focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship

• Sports programs through UNCOLI (volleyball, basketball, football, table tennis)

• Cambridge Global Perspectives (PBL) connected to Tikkun Olam and Sustainable Development Goals

• Integration of Humanities and Arts into STEM for a STEAM approach

Extracurricular activities include music, arts, drama, and sports competitions within the UNCOLI school network. Students can also join leadership and debate initiatives such as the Model UN introduced in 2024, and participate in innovation-focused enterprises.

Graduation requirements include social service activities through partnerships with organizations such as Kineret, Cadena, and Beit-Avot (elderly housing). These experiences foster civic engagement and personal growth.

The school has adopted Project-Based Learning (PBL) across multiple subjects, particularly Global Perspectives and STEAM integration. Its innovation and entrepreneurship curriculum, combined with Cambridge certification, position it as a leader in modern pedagogical practices.

Key strengths to share across the ORT network include:

• Cambridge International Education curriculum delivery

• Global Perspectives PBL model

• Innovation and entrepreneurship training

Educating the whole student is central to the school’s mission. Programs emphasize social-emotional development through the Nefesh curriculum, taught by school counselors across all grades. Life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication are embedded in academics and extracurriculars, while enterprise education prepares students for innovative careers.

STEAM education links technology, science, and creative disciplines. Entrepreneurship is promoted through IGCSE Enterprise and Global Perspectives projects, ensuring students graduate with practical problem-solving and innovation experience.

Jewish culture and identity are woven into school life. All students learn Hebrew, Jewish history, and Judaism. Daily Tefilla is conducted in age-appropriate groups, with secondary students using the school synagogue. Weekly Kabbalat Shabbat brings together students and families.

The school also offers trips supporting Jewish education. Traditionally, Grade 10 students travel to Israel, though in 2024 this trip was adapted to Spain due to external circumstances.

Global citizenship is advanced through Cambridge Global Perspectives projects linked to Sustainable Development Goals and Jewish values of Tikkun Olam. Students complete social work as part of graduation requirements, volunteering with local organizations and building awareness of environmental and social challenges.

Through these initiatives, students strengthen leadership, empathy, and civic responsibility while connecting their Jewish identity to global citizenship goals.