Colégio Stella Maris

Founded in 1955 by the Christian Brothers, the school is a Catholic, bilingual institution inspired by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice. Its educational philosophy, summarized by the motto 'Ad Astra' (To the Stars), emphasizes integral development, critical thinking, compassion, and a commitment to service. The school promotes values such as respect, solidarity, and the pursuit of excellence, encouraging students to give their best in all undertakings.

The school offers a bilingual curriculum from Early Years through to Secondary education, incorporating both national requirements and international programmes. Primary students follow the Cambridge Primary curriculum (English, Science, Global Perspectives), while Secondary students can pursue the IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The academic programme is complemented by religious education, arts, physical education, and the study of additional languages like Portuguese in the lower secondary cycle.

Students have the opportunity to earn international certifications, including Cambridge Primary Checkpoint, IGCSE, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The school's rigorous academic preparation aims to equip graduates for success in higher education at both national and international universities.

The school employs a dedicated Learning and Pupil Support Team (Departamento de Psicopedagogía) that works alongside teaching staff to monitor individual learning processes. This team provides personalized academic support, including supplementary classes, workshops in mathematics and sciences, and vocational guidance for older students. Specialized staff also assist students with specific language acquisition needs in English.

The school provides continuous education for students aged 3 to 18. Prospective families can find information regarding pre-registration processes for various levels, including Early Years (Explorers) and Secondary, through the school's official communication channels.

The academic year includes scheduled examination periods and accreditation tests, such as those held in April. The school also organizes various community events, including sports tournaments, religious celebrations, and student exchanges throughout the year.

The campus, located on Máximo Tajes in Montevideo, features specialized facilities including computer labs, a library, and a dining hall. The school has expanded its infrastructure over the years to include dedicated buildings for Primary and Early Years, as well as facilities for the International Baccalaureate programme. Sports facilities are utilized for a variety of disciplines, including rugby, football, and hockey.

Students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including the Model United Nations (MUN) club, the 'Makebelieve' theatre company, and various sports teams. Sports offered include rugby, football, hockey, handball, basketball, athletics, and artistic gymnastics, with many activities organized through inter-school leagues like L.I.D. and A.D.I.C. Pastoral activities, such as social missions and religious retreats, are also integral to the student experience.