Santiago College

Santiago, Chile

About Santiago College: Santiago College is an international school in Chile with a strong history (opening its doors back in 1880). There are around 2,000 students at the school which offers the full IB (PYP, MYP, DP).

Head to the Santiago College website to discover more details and information.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Given the lack of package details we could source, it’s difficult to recommend this school.
That said, there have been no recent teacher reviews and the majority of issues appeared to be with past senior leaders.
If you have any insights about this school please let us know.

Overall compensation package rating

It’s not the highest paying school in the region, and depending on your lifestyle and whether you’re on a single or dual income it may be challenging to save (and live comfortably).

Tuition benefits

100% tuition for teacher children is included (no reference to any limits).

Housing

Based on our research we found no evidence of the school providing housing or a housing allowance as part of the teaching package.

Flights

Flights are provided at the beginning and end of placement for teaching staff.

Healthcare

We could not source any information relating to what (if any) level of medical insurance is offered to teachers as part of an overseas hire package.

Adjustment for kids

There are around 2,000 students at Santiago College, with the majority of students in the primary school.
Most students are local Chileans which may be challenging for older kids and non Spanish speakers to integrate.

Average class sizes

Class sizes are relatively large for an international school – averaging 27 students per classroom across all year levels.

Teaching experience required

The majority of teachers are local, so turnover is relatively low. International teachers come from America, Australia, the UK, Canada and other European countries primarily.
You’ll need at least three years teaching experience to apply, and hold a formal teaching qualification.

Curriculum

American, International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP)

Retirement/pension benefits

No information regarding retirement of pension benefits was found, however there is a national pension scheme in Chile. Depending on the contract you have with the school, you may be required to pay 100% of your earnings into a private pension scheme (though there can be exemptions).

School history & stability

The school has an incredible history of over 145 years – originally established in 1880.

Santiago College – Additional Benefits

  • Relocation allowance (start only)
  • Transparent pay scale (experienced based)
  • Strong teacher induction program

What Teachers are Saying About Santiago College

The campus is absolutely incredible – it feels more like a college campus. The school has a lot of money and therefore they have an abundance of resources.

EX TEACHER, SANTIAGO COLLEGE

Santiago College follows the IB curriculum and is considered a leader in Chile – many other schools look to them. PD is provided regularly, which is great (although the quality can be varying). 

CURRENT TEACHER AT SANTIAGO COLLEGE

In terms of international teacher support, the school is severely lacking. Many overseas hires don’t feel supported. The school doesn’t cover the cost of visas and there’s very little support on arrival. The HR department is severely lacking the empathy and understanding needed to hire overseas teachers.

EX-TEACHER AT SANTIAGO COLLEGE
  • Vibrant street mural in Santiago, Chile - with man walking past
  • Chilean flag against a cloudy sky
  • Cityscape of Santiago with high rise buildings in the foreground and the snowy Andes mountains - what you might see if you work at Santiago College

When I worked at the school (under previous leadership) there was often no consultation or explanation before implementing wide ranging educational change. You just had to get on with it even if it meant being weighed down with marking and no time for planning. I hope it’s better under new leadership.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, SANTIAGO COLLEGE

Some foreign hires find it hard to adjust. In my opinion it’s not a truly international school – even with its strong history and IB. There’s a very closed minded approach to staff input and opinions which might improve the school. 

EX TEACHER, SANTIAGO COLLEGE

If you don’t speak Spanish don’t expect the school to make any accommodations for you.

EX TEACHER, SANTIAGO COLLEGE

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Good – Lo Barnechea is one of Santiago’s more affluent and family-friendly communes, located in the northeast of the city near the foothills of the Andes. It’s a safe area, with gated communities. Based on our research, day-to-day life in Lo Barnechea feels secure and comfortable compared to more central districts.
  • High – With several international schools in the area (including Nido and Craighouse), new families often find the transition smooth. While Spanish is necessary, some locals are accustomed to interacting with international residents. Lo Barnechea is largely residential, with easy access to supermarkets, shopping malls, cafés, and green spaces. You’re also close to hiking trails and ski resorts in the Andes. The main drawback is commuting into central Santiago, as traffic can be heavy.
  • Cost of Living: High – Housing in Lo Barnechea is among the most expensive in Santiago. Domestic help is affordable compared to North America or Europe, and local markets offer fresh produce at reasonable prices. However, imported goods can make costs add up quickly. Utilities are moderate, though internet and mobile services are slightly pricier than you might expect.

General Overview for Teaching Families

Santiago College (SC) is a prestigious, private, bilingual international school founded in 1880, located in the Lo Barnechea district of Santiago. The school (from Pre-K to Grade 12) delivers a dual curriculum that integrates Chile’s national requirements with the full International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, and DP). The school was the first in Chile to adopt the IB back in 1982.

SC is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and recognised by the Chilean Ministry of Education.

The school is made up of around 2,000 students and over 250 teachers. Instruction is delivered in both English and Spanish, and unlike some other schools in Latin America, the school year begins in March and ends in December (operating on a southern hemisphere calendar like Australia).

The school has a reputation for its close-knit faculty community, and encourages professional development with a supportive environment for its teachers.

Based on Glassdoor data, salaries range from around USD 30,000–52,000, paid in local currency.

Do you work at Santiago College? We’d love to hear about your experience, please get in touch. Or alternatively complete our teacher survey to provide anonymous feedback to inform other teachers considering this school and moving to Chile.

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