Colegio San José Barranquilla

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ong time ago, in a small town nearly to become a so called big city, Monsignor Carlos Valiente, obtained from Father Wennz, Superior General of the Jesuits, the authorization to open a residence for the members of the Society of Jesus. This small town was Barranquilla , and this residence became later on, a second home for many young men. 1911-1920:On December the 27th 1911, Father Luis Javier Muñoz SJ, arrived to Barranquilla as the first Superior . Seven years later the residence turned into a school and next to it the Jesuits began the construction of the Church. On August 5th 1918, The Colegio San José opened its doors. School’s first President was Father Luis Gamero SJ. 1921-1930:During this period of time, the construction of Saint Joseph ’s Church is finished under the leadership of Father Uldarico Urrutia S.J. Between 1931 and 1904, nearby the school emerged the so called Escuela Diurna. Later on it became the Instituto San Jose. 1941-1950: Father Bernando Arango SJ. was appointed, as the Apostolic Prefect of the Magdalena River . 1951 – 1960: Nuns from the Servants of Saint Joseph ’s took charge of the first years of Primary school. They started working in a building where the German School used to be. A year later they moved into the current location. 1961 – 1970: The construction of the present San José ’s School setting started. The old building which was formerly built over Las Flores cemetery was sold to the city, leaving only the property of Saint Joseph ’s Church. In 1968 when the school celebrated its 50th anniversary, under the leadership of Mother Adelaide, the school introduced Personalized education in Prekinder. 1971 – 1980: The School sports coliseum was built. School’s 50th graduating ceremony took place. The schools patio was changed and the school walls started to be covered with a cristanac coating. Big and wider stairs where built at school sides to allow students arrival and dismissal. 1981-1990: New projects took place, such as a new computer room, the construction of a dental medical center, and a semi-olympic pool. School’s 70th anniversary was celebrated with academic, cultural and sports activities. School started legally issuing the Bachillerato Academico Diploma and it became a co-educative institution not only for boys and girls.

1991 – 1998: School got first and second places in the ICFES test in 1990, with a score of 365 and 364. A Song festival was organized with the participation of 15 schools members of CONACED. School’s newspaper “Antorcha Juvenil” was edited again. An environmental park was developed for outdoor activities.

A new space for cafeteria service was organized on the first floor. International Family Day was celebrated. New musical instruments where bought. First football and baseball tournament for students and parents was organized.



The school ranked on the 62nd place over 5000 schools in . School’s 75th anniversary was celebrated. According to the New General Law of Education the school writes its own Proyecto Educativo Institucional. At this time a big celebration was held to celebrate the 400 years of coming of Jesuits to and the 80th anniversary of the school. The first co-educative class obtained its high school diploma. First computer Fair (Compusanjose) took place. New computer rooms where built including one in Early Years Section. 1999 – 2000: The Human Resources Management department was opened. Thirteen English rooms where built as a part of new emphasis in the teaching of English. Specialized rooms for the TIC program were created. In the year 2000 a house for pastoral activities was inaugurated under Saint Mary of the Sea name. It is a place located in the road to Cartagena, 30’ from Barranquilla and close to the coast. 2201-2005: The British Council visited the school from May 7th to May 11th, on year 2001. An external exam was administered by the school. In the year 2003, a British Council representative held a training session for school teachers. On April 2003, Father Jose Alberto Mesa SJ was designated as new President of the school. Teachers and students were administered the computer based Q.P.T exam. Emerges school project for the improvement of Academic standards, setting up high curricular standards in all learning areas. A new Pre-school was built and opened in year 2004. School Certification process under the Norma ISSO 9001-2000 started. In 2006 ICONTEC certifies the school for its fulfilling the international standards of quality. Begins an educational exchange program for teachers with the Fulbright Foundation. Georgetown University and the school signed an agreement to train English teachers and improve English teaching in the school. Begins a mutual collaboration program with Loyola University-Chicago in which teachers from our school have the opportunity to attend training programs and students the opportunity to attend courses. The Science area begins to be taught in English at first grade and it will gradually expand to other grades.

The School changes to the B Calendar as part of a policy to improve English teaching and encourage international agreements and opportunities