Colegio Las Margaritas IED, a public school in Bogotá, has been recognized as one of the 10 finalists worldwide in the Supporting Healthy Lives category of the World’s Best School Prizes 2026. This acknowledgment comes after the school successfully implemented a student well-being model that resulted in an 85% reduction in serious school incidents, kept dropout rates below 1%, and eliminated reported bullying cases. The school, managed by Alianza Educativa and supported by Bogotá’s Secretariat of Education, promotes emotional well-being in learning through its Socio-Emotional Refuge model, which emphasizes mediation, dialogue, and peer support instead of traditional disciplinary measures.
The recognition highlights the school’s measurable success and its innovative approach to education, contributing to an environment where students actively engage in resolving conflicts. More than 150 students have undergone peer-mediation training, fostering a sense of belonging and supporting academic achievement. The nomination underscores the importance of integrating emotional development with academic instruction.
The World’s Best School Prizes annually highlight schools addressing educational challenges and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals across various categories. Las Margaritas joins a growing list of Colombian schools gaining international acclaim, showcasing a public education model that enhances both academic performance and student well-being.
Public voting for the Community Choice Award is currently open, with winners set to be announced by T4 Education later this year.