Changing the school calendar may seem, at first glance, like a decision that has to do only with dates. However, for a family, this involves considering the student’s academic continuity, the adjustment process, and the characteristics of the school they are considering enrolling in. Therefore, rather than simply asking when to switch from the A calendar to the B calendar, it is important to understand what changes and what factors should be evaluated before making a decision.
In Colombia, both school calendars are used. The A schedule usually begins between January and February and ends around November, while the B schedule begins between August and September and ends around June. This difference may be particularly important for families who are considering moving within the country or abroad, are looking for a bilingual program, or want an education with a more global perspective.
So, is there really a best time to make the transition? The answer depends on each student and their circumstances, but knowing the options in advance and understanding how the process works can help them make a more informed decision.
Switching from the A Calendar to the B Calendar: More Than Just a Change in Dates
The academic calendar, on its own, does not determine the quality of a school. Although the structure of the school year may be an important factor for some families, the decision should primarily take into account the school’s educational approach, its methodology, the support it provides to students, and the opportunities it offers throughout their academic career.
For example, for a family interested in a bilingual education, it is not enough to know that a school incorporates English into its curriculum. It is also important to know what level students reach, how their progress is assessed, and how much the language is incorporated into the school day. Similarly, if you are looking for an education with an international focus, it is a good idea to check whether there are international programs or certifications, exchange opportunities, and a curriculum that explores different options for higher education.
The B calendar typically aligns with the academic cycles of various international education systems and is common at private bilingual and international schools in Colombia, including schools that offer programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). This organization may be of interest to families who move between countries, are considering academic exchanges, or are looking for continuity with educational models that have an international focus.
However, switching from the A calendar to the B calendar should not become a goal in and of itself. The first step should be to identify what the student needs and what the family is looking for in their next school. Beyond comparing dates, it’s worth asking whether the new institution offers a program that aligns with your academic, linguistic, and personal expectations.
When is the best time to start exploring a change in the calendar?
An educational transition takes time. Before changing schools, it is advisable to learn about the institution, review academic equivalencies, understand where the student is in the educational process, and discuss the support the student will receive during the adjustment period. Conducting this review in advance ensures that the decision is not based solely on how close the start of classes is.
For families currently on the A Calendar , September and October may be good months to start looking into schools on the B Calendarsince these institutions are beginning a new school year. This does not necessarily mean that the student must make a change right away, but rather that this is an opportunity to explore the available options, understand how they work, and plan a potential transition with greater clarity.
As Luisa Fernanda Guzmán, headmistress of the British School of Cartagena, explains, “September and October are a good time to explore your options, ask questions, and understand what a potential transition might look like.” In fact, getting to know the school before making a decision allows families to review academic and practical aspects well in advance and to understand how the student would be supported if they were to make the switch.
The right time will also depend on each student’s age, grade level, and academic background. Not all transitions are the same, which is why it’s important to review how learning achievements are recognized, what the expectations are for the new grade level, and whether there are any areas that need to be strengthened before starting. A well-supported admissions process should help the family understand these specifics.
It is also important to consider emotional and social adjustment. Starting at a new school means getting to know classmates, teachers, routines, and different ways of learning. Therefore, in addition to reviewing the curriculum and course equivalencies, families can ask how new students are supported, what strategies are in place to help them integrate, and how communication with parents is maintained throughout this process.
What should a family consider before making a decision?
Before switching from the A calendar to the B calendar, it is a good idea to look at the educational program as a whole. A good place to start is to ask what kind of education the family is looking for in the coming years: a bilingual education, an international program, specific learning methodologies, particular curricula, or greater opportunities for academic mobility. Having a clear understanding of these priorities helps you compare schools beyond just their schedules.
It is also a good idea to understand how bilingualism works in practice. Asking what proportion of the school day is conducted in English, how students’ proficiency is assessed, and what opportunities they have to use the language in real-life contexts provides a better understanding of the scope of the proposal. The same is true of international programs and certifications: rather than simply recognizing their names, it is important to understand what they contribute to education and how they are integrated into the curriculum.
For families considering college education in or outside of Colombia, it may also be helpful to ask how students are prepared for that next stage. Exchange opportunities, cultural immersion experiences, and guidance on different higher education systems can be among the criteria used to assess whether an institution aligns with the educational vision the family is seeking.
Finally, it is essential to ask how we support students who come from a different school calendar. Understanding the admission process, possible course equivalencies, academic monitoring, and adaptation strategies makes it possible to anticipate needs and ensure that the change does not simply amount to an adjustment of dates. A well-planned educational transition should aim to ensure continuity in learning and provide students with the necessary conditions to gradually integrate into their new environment.
There is no single date that works for all families, nor is there a calendar that, on its own, guarantees a better education. The best time to switch from the A Calendar to the B Calendar will be when the family is able to make an informed decision, understand the implications of the change, and find an educational option that meets their goals for their child’s future.