Founded in 1946, Colegio León Pinelo is a private educational institution under the Jewish Association of Peru, located in the San Isidro district of Lima. It is the only school in Peru that integrates the history, Hebrew language, traditions, and customs of the Jewish people into its academic curriculum. Since affiliating with the ORT network, it has strengthened its mission to educate young people through an academic framework that blends excellence with the values and traditions of Judaism and Peruvian identity.

The School serves 270 students from nursery through high school, offering a trilingual education in Spanish, English, and Hebrew. Its goal is to foster ethical principles, critical thinking, innovation, and a lifelong commitment to learning, responsibility, and empathy—preparing future generations to navigate global challenges with knowledge, identity, and purpose.

Beyond academics, Colegio León Pinelo offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that foster leadership, creativity, and community engagement. The Model United Nations (MUN) project and a vibrant School Council develop students’ public speaking, negotiation, and teamwork skills.

Students participate in Tikkun Olam projects from preschool to high school, ensuring that social responsibility is embedded throughout their educational journey. Annual events and campaigns, such as Cultural Week, Kindness Week, and artistic showcases, encourage community building and highlight student achievements.

The School incorporates innovative teaching strategies rarely found in local institutions. Multi-age learning brings students of different ages together in shared learning spaces, encouraging collaboration, peer mentoring, and differentiated instruction. Interdisciplinary learning, especially through STEAM education, ensures students develop critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability.

Outstanding practices that could benefit the ORT network include:

• Implementation of personal projects that blend research, creativity, and real-world application

• Multi-age, interdisciplinary learning environments fostering collaboration and innovation

The School’s approach to STEAM education integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in ways that prepare students for future challenges. Entrepreneurship education is supported through personal projects and interdisciplinary initiatives that encourage problem-solving and innovative thinking.

A comprehensive Wellbeing Program ensures students are supported emotionally, socially, and academically. Initiatives include the #TAKEACTION anti-bullying campaign, Kindness Week, sexuality education, and drug and alcohol prevention programs. Students receive both individual and group counseling, workshops on stress management, and tailored learning support in early years. Collaboration between teachers, school leaders, and parents ensures a consistent, supportive environment for every student.

Jewish heritage is at the heart of School life. All students participate in Jewish education, Hebrew language studies, and cultural celebrations. Daily prayer is offered, with primary students gathering in classrooms and high school students meeting in the auditorium.

Experiential Jewish education includes an annual high school trip to Israel and new collaborations with ANU’s Shorashim program, which deepens students’ connection to Jewish identity and history.

Colegio León Pinelo promotes global citizenship through its IB curriculum, environmental action projects, and international exchanges, including partnerships with schools in Costa Rica. Students take part in ORT network programs and initiatives focused on environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

These experiences encourage students to act as informed, empathetic, and responsible members of both the Jewish and global communities.