KCP´s History
Honoring our Past, Embracing our Future
In the 1930’s, a group of prominent families created a school unlike any other in Barranquilla. Coming from various national backgrounds they shared one dream for their children – a school that would prepare them for college studies in the United States. The result was Colegio Karl C. Parrish.
Karl Calvin Parrish was an engineer from the state of Iowa who made Colombia his home in the early 1900’s. With his influence and business skills, Mr. Parrish led a number of building projects that helped develop the city’s infrastructure and that continue to be a vital part of Barranquilla today. His ideals and vision for the future were shared by our founding families and have been kept alive by every generation of board members, school administrators, faculty members, and staff.
These ideals are present in our Mission and are reflected in the multicultural, cosmopolitan character of KCP families today.
1930
KCP´S INCEPTION
A group of prominent families created a School unlike any other in Barranquilla. Coming from various national backgrounds, they shared one dream for their children: a School that would prepare them for college studies in the United States. The result was Colegio Karl C. Parrish.
1938
EARLY YEARS
KCP Opens its doors for primary students in a rented house on 76th street under the direction of Miss Myriam Best. The School would eventually provide education up to 8th grade.
1939
FIRST CLASSROOMS
The Firm Parrish & Cia. Builds the first classrooms on the same street.
1943
A SECOND WING
As the School grows, a second wing of classrooms is added.
1946
A GENEROUS DONATION
Through the generosity of Parrish & Company, 2.000 square meters of land are donated and an additional 6.000 square meters are sold to the School at a very moderate price. The lot is adjacent to the Country Club, in the residential area of El Prado on the 77B street.
1948
FURTHER EXPANSION
It soon becomes clear that a larger site is needed. The board of Directors purchases a vacant lot located in Calle 76, adjacent to the Country Club, and finances the project though the public sale of bonds.
1950
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of trustees is formally installed as the highest authority of the School.
1964
DR. BURTON B. FOX
The arrival of Dr. Burton B Fox as Director marks the beginning of a new stage of growth in the life of the School. Due to his vision influence in the U.S. and Latin America, KCP begins to connect to an international network of leading Schools, educators and consultants. As more challenging performance standards are attained, KCP´s reputation grows as one of the top performing Schools in Latin America.
1965
US AMBASSADOR´S VISIT
Through Dr. Fox´s efforts, the U.S. Ambassador in Colombia visited KCP in 1965. Covey T. Oliver was welcomed by Mr. Karl C. Parrish, Jr. and by Dr. Fox.
1967
FIRST SENIOR CLASS
KCP graduates its first Senior Class consisting of: Maria Barber, Sherrie Belack, Cesar de Hart, Veronica Escribano, Bettina Frohberg, Leslie Gallagher, Esperanza Millón, Ricardo Modiano, Carlos Troncoso and Patricia Verano.
1973
TIME TO MOVE
After three decades at the 76th street, the School must be moved due to soil erosion caused by the notorious “ Arroyo del Country”. Careful consideration is given to the selection of the new site and fact gathering trips are made to other Latin American Schools before deciding on the final layout and architectural style.
1978
OUR NEW SITE
The firms of Noguera and Dugand and Barron and Macchi complete the first stage of construction on 8 acres at the school´s current site on the old road to Puerto Colombia. The Campus and facilities are spacious and impressive, rivaling the best on the continent.
1983
WORLD-CLASS LIBRARY
A Library Building is added in a Central Location reflecting the importance as a School-wide hub for learning and research. The two story structure is named in honor of Dr. Burton B. Fox. The Burton B. Fox Library contains over 20,000 volumes, periodicals, and resource materials.
1987
SPORTS FACILITIES
A swimming pool and gymnasium are built to enhance outdoor activities and for the benefit of our students physical health and development.
1998
ALUMNI HALL AUDITORIUM
Alumni Hall is inaugurated. The modern structure seats 465 and has ample backstage areas and its own sound and lighting system.
2003
LOOKING TO THE 21ST CENTURY
A period of renovation and remodeling begins, renewing the look and functionality of classrooms, offices, and outdoor areas. Resources and programs are updated to support teaching and learning for the 21st century.
2008
70 YEARS OF HISTORY
The School turns 70 years old. As part of the celebration it hosts The Binational Games of 2008.
2010
21ST CENTURY FACILITIES
The Library undergoes a physical and conceptual renovation to take on the challenge of changing times and transform into a 21st Century information, media, and educational technology center.
A "raising bar" approach creates higher standards for academics and behavior. Students experience growing success from the Reggio-style Preschool program, now in its 9th year, to Advance Placement in Secondary.
2014
THE ATELIER
The School environment for Preschool learning receives a modern look and enhanced functionality with the construction of an Atelier and a Gross Motor building, and a newly configured park.
2018
NEW TRACK FIELD AND PARKING LOT
KCP features a brand new track field with 6 lanes, built over a 2.800 sq meter area, providing our young athletes with the best facilities. Facing the athletic´s area, KCP built a 5,030 sq meter brand new parking lot that can fit 180 vehicles with direct access from two of our main entrances.
2020
SCIENCE LAB COMPLEX
KCP Steps into the future with a brand-new Science lab complex, featuring state-of the-art technology for our Secondary chemistry, physics and biology classes.
THE KCP STUDENT CENTER
A modern building that houses the KCP Spirit, where tigers do much more than just eat! At this wonderful place, healthy meals go hand in hand with colorful celebrations, fairs, extracurricular activities, and much more!
2023
OUR CAMPUS FACILITIES MASTER PLAN
Our Campus Facilities Master Plan with expert advisor DMZ Planners is under way!
KCP'S INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS CONTINUE!
State-of-the-art electrical generator for complete power coverage.
A brand-new perimeter wall with a modern gate.
Remodeling of 13 bathrooms.
A new ramp & elevator for our Secondary building.
THE ROAD TOWARDS 21ST CENTURY LEARNING NEVER ENDS
Wait for new and exciting developments!
An Everlasting Experience
Since its inception, KCP has had fifteen directors and over 300 faculty and staff members. Every one of them contributed in some measure to the School’s identity and growth. Over 1800 graduates have entered top-tier colleges and universities and gone on to highly successful careers worldwide. The friendships they forge at KCP stay with them. Many of our alumni visit us, and many have their children and grandchildren currently enrolled here.
Get to Know Us
The admission process at KCP is about taking the time to really get to know prospective students and their families and to let them get to know us.
KCP’s roots are intertwined with those of the city of Barranquilla and the families responsible for its early growth.
Solving the problems of society and helping the less fortunate are an important part of KCP’s mission. It is also a fundamental way to teach values and encourage positive character traits.