By Ana María Conde
Directora de Preescolar, Colegio Las Pachas
Preschool Principal, Las Pachas School One of the most common questions is: Is a girls’ school or a coeducational school the better choice? It’s a natural question. In fact, many of the families who are now part of our community initially believed they were looking for a coeducational school. However, when they discovered Las Pachas, they realized what they were truly looking for was a place where their daughters’ potential would be nurtured with intention, guided with purpose, and empowered to shine.
A Place Where Every Girl Takes Center Stage
A girls’ school is not defined simply by the fact that it educates girls. What makes the difference is that every decision—from the curriculum and teaching approach to classroom dynamics and leadership opportunities—is intentionally designed with girls in mind.
Here, students actively participate, explore, create, express their ideas, and learn to lead alongside others with confidence, empathy, and responsibility. As Megan Murphy, Executive Director of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, explains: “When girls are at the center of the environment, they don’t compete for space—they define it.”
This does not mean taking up space at the expense of others. It means learning that their voices matter, that they have the right to participate in any space—including those traditionally associated with men—and that they can help create environments where others are also heard, valued, and included.
Beyond acquiring knowledge, they develop the confidence to ask questions, take on responsibilities, make mistakes, and try again. Because confidence is not a trait reserved for the most outgoing girls—it is developed when they experience a sense of belonging, are given meaningful opportunities, have the chance to practice, and are surrounded by adults who believe in their abilities.
The goal is not to isolate them from the world, but to strengthen their voice and their ability to shape it with confidence, empathy, and purpose.
An Education That Looks to the Future
That purpose comes to life through intentional educational decisions. Through our SHINE curriculum, every student learns to understand herself, build meaningful relationships, care for her well-being, and lead her own life. Through InnGenius, she tackles real-world challenges by applying creativity, science, technology, and innovation. Through RULER, she develops the emotional skills to make thoughtful decisions, build healthy relationships, and navigate challenges with confidence and balance.
These are tangible examples of how we intentionally design learning experiences that empower every girl to discover her strengths, expand her possibilities, and recognize her ability to make a meaningful impact on the world around her.
A Global Perspective for a Borderless World
As part of Cognita, one of the world’s leading education groups, Las Pachas enriches its students’ learning experience through an international perspective. Our educational approach is strengthened by Cognia Triple Accreditation, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, the Colombian national curriculum, and internationally recognized language certifications through TOEFL and DELF. Today, 30% of our graduates continue their studies at universities abroad—a reflection of an education that opens doors and broadens horizons.
Beyond Labels
Ultimately, the decision may not be between a girls’ school and a coeducational school.
The real question is: Where will your daughter discover who she is, cultivate her potential, and learn to use her voice to shape the future she dreams of?
That is the invitation of Las Pachas: to discover a community that supports every girl as she uncovers her unique light, learns to shine with purpose, and prepares to become a light for the world.