Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren't we an IB school?
Over the past 30 years, Colegio Hacienda Los Alcaparros has developed a bespoke curriculum dedicated to developing the human potential of each student. We offer an education where students learn in context through project-based and active learning methodologies at every grade level. The curriculum seeks to balance academic rigor with personal development, providing students with opportunities to truly discover who they are and how they can contribute as global citizens. The curriculum is ever evolving and thus we continuously review how to best prepare our students for success in their future. Our curriculum is one of our defining characteristics. While we recognize that the International Baccalaureate (IB) program offers benefits to many schools, it is a different and prescribed curriculum. Adopting this program would mean changing our DNA. At our core there are many things that we share with the IB curriculum such as a commitment to developing global citizens and critical thinkers, but retaining our own unique identity gives us the flexibility to make decisions that work best for our students and in our context. Not having the IB has not compromised our academic standards, nor has it been a hindrance for our graduates in gaining admission to the universities of their choice. American universities do not require a diploma or an IB certificate. Because we are a COGNIA accredited school, university admission processes with U.S. and some other international universities are simplified since our curriculum is generally accepted as a "U.S. Curriculum". Some European universities require the IB diploma for undergraduate studies, and the applicant's results must be in the "very superior" range to gain admission.
What measures do you take to ensure gender equality?
Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity extends to students of all gender identities and creating an open and respectful environment for all. We have policies and practices in place to ensure that all students have equal opportunities and are treated with fairness and respect. We aim to provide a safe and supportive space where every student can thrive and feel valued. We celebrate differences and actively work to foster a sense of belonging for all.
How does the school address harassment and discrimination?
We have a zero tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination. Our staff is trained to address any case, and we work proactively to create a culture of respect and acceptance for all students. We focus on prevention through a conflict resolution program that spans from K4 to 11th grade, teaching children how to manage their emotions and resolve conflicts. The goal is for students to develop skills to become good citizens by peacefully resolving differences. If a conflict arises, an intervention protocol is activated according to Colombian law. The program also teaches students that reaching an agreement is not always necessary, but differences do not justify aggression. The school also has the support of the parent school and programs like Consentidos, as well as the Responsive Classroom concept and CPRs (Circles of Power and Respect), which enable immediate attention and follow-up.
What medication is provided to students?
In the medical consultation, only medications for symptomatic control will be provided, reserving the formulation of etiological treatment medications to the corresponding family physician or EPS.
What conduct will be assumed in cases of vital emergencies?
In case of an emergency, the infirmary will communicate as soon as possible with the parents or guardians and will notify the secretaries of the school to which the student belongs. Immediate treatment will be established and previously authorized by the parents the specific therapeutic conduct for the stabilization of the patient, in such a way that the vital emergency can be overcome. Once the crisis has been overcome, the patient will be taken to the hospital indicated by his/her parents for the corresponding treatment.
How is the communication between the infirmary and the parents when there is any eventuality with the students?
If the student has an accident, the infirmary will communicate directly with the parents to notify what happened and determine the procedure to be carried out.
Does nursing provide support for students with chronic medical conditions or allergies?
When Alcaparros students enter the school, they are informed of the special medical conditions and the treatment to be followed during the school day. The infirmary accompanies the student so that their health is in optimal conditions.
Who is in charge of the infirmary?
The infirmary of Colegio Hacienda Los Alcaparros has a medical professional, Dr. Leonardo Enrique Gutiérrez Pulido, doctor in medicine and surgery from Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora Del Rosario (1982) and a Nursing Assistant, Lorena Martínez Cardona, graduated from the School of Health of the San Pedro Claver Clinic, who are available to the entire community during the school day.
How are the good handling practices and quality standards?
In Alcaparros we have a quality person who is responsible for ensuring the safety of all food in the kitchen. Also, compliance with the biosecurity protocol in the food handling areas. Some of the practices are:
- No cross contamination, no cutting or handling different raw proteins at the same time (chicken, meat or fish, or mixing with vegetables with proteins).
- Constant hand washing.
- Disinfection of work utensils.
- Use specific utensils for each activity.
- Use of masks and caps at all times.
If my child cannot eat any food, how can I notify the cafeteria?
Parents should contact each school's secretary's office through Phidias, email or telephone and notify the school of the situation. They will communicate directly with the cafeteria for their knowledge and proper handling.
What is the process for providing feedback on the quality of the food or service?
It is necessary for parents to communicate through the school secretaries to make the corresponding observations. They will notify the cafeteria and the necessary follow-up will be done.
Does the cafeteria offer vegetarian or vegan options?
The Alcaparros cafeteria has a vegetarian menu for those who wish to opt for this option. If available
Are there breakfast options at the school?
Our school does not offer breakfast service.
Are meal options offered for students with dietary restrictions or food allergies?
If any student has dietary restrictions, they should be notified to the school coordinators or secretaries who will be in charge of reviewing with the cafeteria area the foods that cannot be consumed and review the most convenient option for the student's diet
What food and beverage options are available in the cafeteria?
The cafeteria has a varied snack for the entire community that can include baked goods, cereal, fruit, and hot or cold beverage. For lunch, we have a balanced menu that includes carbohydrates, protein (2 choices), salad, juice or water, vegetables and soup.
What are the school cafeteria hours?
There are two cafeterias at Alcaparros, the first for preschool and the second for elementary, middle school and high school. However, each of the schools has established shifts and times for students to have snacks and lunch.
How are students' academic and athletic achievements communicated?
In order to encourage our students to develop their talents and celebrate their academic and athletic achievements, it is necessary that parents send the information through the secretaries of each school or directly to the communications area, who will be in charge of making the recognition visible in the different communication channels that the school has.
Where can I learn more about extracurriculars?
To learn about the extracurricular courses that the school offers to students every semester, you can consult them through our website in the extracurricular section or communicate directly with the area in charge through email.
What is the mobile app or platform to access school information?
The school has the Alcaparros App that facilitates the communication of the entire community. This application must be downloaded through the Apple Store or Play Store. To access all the information published, it is necessary to log in with the same credentials as Phidias.
What are the communication policies between parents and teachers?
Parents can communicate via e-mail with teachers or school coordinators. They can also communicate by phone or email with the secretaries of each school, who will facilitate contact with teachers and areas of the school. Teachers communicate with parents via email or through the school secretaries.
Where can I find the school calendar and institutional events?
The school calendar can be consulted through Phidias, accessing with the username and password previously assigned by the technology area.
What is the school's official communication channel?
The school's official communication channel is Phidias, a platform that facilitates communication between Alcaparros, students, teachers and parents. It can be navigated from a computer or from our Alcaparros App. Also, we have the Llama, an internal communication newsletter that is published weekly for the entire community with general information, sports activities, events, editorial of the director of the educational project, menu, among others.
How far in advance can I request a change of address?
In order to provide adequate service, it is necessary to make the request to the transportation area through Phidias 24 hours in advance to schedule the service. When these changes occur, it is important to notify the school to which the student belongs.
What should I do to request a change of whereabouts?
To request a change of stop, parents must notify through Phidias the corresponding schedules and addresses to the transportation area and to the secretary's office of the school to which the student belongs. During the course of the day, they will receive an email with the confirmation of the new route number and schedule according to the request made.
How can I use the OnTrack app?
To use the OnTrack application, it is necessary to request a username and password from the transportation area through the e-mail [email protected] . Parents will automatically receive the link to create their personal username and password and use the platform.
What is the profile of the Alcaparros family?
Alcaparros families value education, invest in it, have prepared themselves to play a professional or intellectual role in society, seek the human development - not only academic - of their children, and live in the north of Bogota or in La Calera. An Alcaparros family seeks to build a united and happy family nucleus that supports each other. They do not define success solely in economic terms. On the contrary, they firmly believe that personal development and self-esteem are as important as academic, professional and economic success. Consequently, they seek a school that supports their children's individual needs so that they can develop their individual potential - whatever that may be - and be prepared to excel in their own way and be happy in a changing world. In addition, they want their children to develop social and environmental awareness, and a sense of belonging and responsibility to Colombia. They value dialogue and accept differences and seek to connect with a like-minded community.
Does the school offer in person clases?
Classes at Alcaparros are 100% in person.
Does the school offer any discounts on educational costs?
Alcaparros offers discounts for siblings of students. For discounts for families with more than two children, a meeting must be arranged with the financial manager. This meeting is scheduled after passing the family interview and completing the admission exams.
What sports facilities do you have?
We have a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, climbing wall, among others. Outside we have an equestrian area, courts for basketball, soccer, volleyball, cycling and mountain biking, and athletics practice. For preschool students we have a smaller gymnasium designed to work on motor development according to their age.
How does the admission process work?
The process changes slightly depending on the grade level. The first suggested step is to attend our Information Session. Then, begin the online process by attaching the required documents. Next, a family interview is scheduled and depending on the results, we proceed to formalize the admission. In the case of applicants for Elementary, Middle School and High School, a admission tests and MAP test results are required. Find more details and links on our website.
What are the expansion plans?
Alcaparros is interested in maintaining a medium-sized community and does not plan to grow beyond its capacity. As for the campus, we have just inaugurated the new elementary school building with more than 4,500m2 built. In the future, we plan to expand the preschool facilities and the spaces for aesthetics. We are also expanding our offer of Makers workshop spaces.
What percentage of students are foreigners?
We have approximately 800 students of which 6% are foreigners and 9% have dual nationality.
How many students are there per classroom?
At Alcaparros, the maximum class size is 24 students.
Which intercollegiate groups do you belong to?
Alcaparros is a member of UNCOLI (Union of International Schools) and UCB (Union of Bilingual Schools). All kinds of sports, academic and cultural meetings are held.
When was the School founded?
The school was founded in 1992. In 2022 we will celebrate 30 years of foundation.
Is the school bilingual?
Yes, the process begins in preschool in a gradual manner, first reinforcing the oral, reading and writing skills in the native language, while exposing children to sounds and texts in English. Total immersion (85%) begins in transition. Portuguese as a third language begins in 6th grade. In high school some subjects, such as science, are taught in English and Spanish for the acquisition of the vocabulary necessary for the Saber 11 tests. Our school is bilingual Spanish - English. The process begins in Preschool in a 50/50 percentage and total immersion, 85%, begins in transition. Starting in 6th grade we offer our students the Portuguese program as a third language. Our graduating students score in the C1 (Advanced English) and C2 (Proficiency English) level in the Duolingo, TOEFL and IELTS exams.
What is the daily schedule?
The schedule at Alcaparros is from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for all grades.
Do you have extracurricular classes?
We have a varied extracurricular program made up of different workshops related to the arts, sports and complementary disciplines. Some of the workshops are: science, technology and robotics, violin, piano, electric and acoustic guitar, wind instruments, drums, electric bass, saxophone, singing, mountain biking, drawing, comics, taekwondo, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, ballet, skating, horseback riding, vaulting and cooking. Some of the activities take place during school hours and others from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In this link you can find the offer: www.alcaparros.edu.co/extracurriculares For more information, the contact email is: [email protected]
Do you have international exchange programs?
One of the initiatives of the Global Connections Center is to develop exchange programs for students and agreements with universities abroad. Its responsibility is the constant search for new opportunities for our students. Thanks to its management, fifth grade students participate in an academic exchange with schools in Canada, and Middle School and High School students visit NASA Orlando and/or NASA Houston annually and at Model United Nations in New York as well as GRULAC Junior Summits in Argentina. On other occasions they have done projects such as an art and science project with the CERN institute which included a trip to Switzerland to kick off the project. In this link you can find the offer: www.alcaparros.edu.co/globalconnections
Do you have services or a program to serve children with special needs?
Yes, we have a Learning Center that provides adequate support for the academic and/or developmental needs of our students. It has a specialized team of eight professionals, including speech therapists, psychologists and occupational therapists. We have a specialized team of 8 professionals, including speech therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, academic leveling and educational inclusion who provide support to our students according to their academic or developmental needs.
What certifications does the school have?
The school is Cognia certified, with Great Place to Study certification in June 2020.
What area does the campus have?
Alcaparros has a campus of 10 hectares (10,000 m2), 90% of which is composed of green areas and forests.
What is your maximum student capacity?
The maximum capacity is 1100 students, with 3 groups of 24 students per level from kindergarten to eleventh grade. A small community like ours presents important advantages such as a greater sense of belonging, the close accompaniment of teachers thanks to the high student-adult ratio, a greater capacity to care for one another, a safe environment by being part of a community that knows each other, and the possibility of nurturing the individual potential of each student at each stage of their development.