Ever since the Viatorians took over Colegio San Viator in Tunja, their goal has been to model it after their school in Bogotá, including becoming certified by the International Baccalaureate Program.

Fr. Mick Egan, CSV, Superior General, left and Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, right, with students at Querbes Park on the campus of Colegio San Viator in Tunja.

Earlier this month, Viatorian administrators in Tunja learned they had achieved the prestigious certification for their high school grades, or the diploma program.

“We have fulfilled all the requirements demanded by this organization,” said Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, president. “In the next few days we will receive the official certification.

“We began working toward this when we took over the school, back in 2016,” Fr. Herrera added. “This is such good news, which affects all of us.”

Students attend an all-school Mass.

Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, Assistant Provincial, agreed. “This is wonderful news! Congratulations to everyone at Colegio San Viator in Tunja!”

The International Baccalaureate is recognized worldwide because of its high quality programs and rigorous assessment methods. Its stated mission is to “develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.”

Colegio San Viator in Tunja

Currently, only 4,000 schools worldwide are certified as IB schools, and its graduates stand out. Viatorians at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá, where they first received their IB Program certification in 2016, see their graduates recognized at national and international universities.

“Being a part of the IB opens doors for students,” they says, “in many parts of the world.”