If you are living in Mexico with children of school-age, you will need to choose from the various institutions where they may gain a proper education during their stay here.
Choice of Schools in Mexico
People who move to Mexico with children will have to find adequate schools. There is no lack of private schools in Mexico, although the number of bilingual or bicultural schools is limited.
The choice of schools is greater in the larger cities, although the time it takes for traveling in traffic can be a limiting factor in choosing a school, reducing the options to those in reasonable proximity to home. Newcomers can choose an area to live in that has convenient access to the school they want their children to attend, or conversely, pick a school among those in the area of the city where they live.
The choice of good schools narrows with the more advanced grades. Finding an adequate kindergarten or primary school is easier than finding a suitable secondary school or high school.
Most of the bicultural schools offer a combination of foreign systems (American, British, or others) with Mexican education. At higher school levels, several include the internationally recognized International Baccalaureate course. This is useful for foreign students who live temporarily in Mexico, or Mexican students who wish to pursue further education abroad.
School Fees in Mexico
Fees vary from school to school (some publish their fees online).
The foreign, bilingual, and bicultural schools tend to be expensive, certainly by Mexican standards.
Aside from monthly tuition, most schools will charge a fairly hefty first-time admission fee, as well as annual re-inscription fees for students returning for the next school year, plus additional charges for school transportation (which is mandatory in some cases) after-school, and other student activities.
Books policies also vary Some schools loan students textbooks against a returnable deposit; others require students to purchase the books they’ll need each school year.
Universities in Mexico
Mexico’s National Autonomous University (UNAM) has a special school for foreign students who wish to improve their Spanish and knowledge of Mexican culture and history.
Universities and campuses in Mexico offer a series of intensive language and culture study courses. It also offers diploma courses – on-site and open learning – in art, literature, and other subjects.
Admission and tuition fees are more expensive for foreigners than Mexican students but are still very reasonable.
Learning Spanish
If you are moving to Mexico and want to learn or improve your Spanish, you may choose from a large number of language schools in Mexico.
Useful Mexico School Links
Here are a number of links you may find useful as you research the options to have your children schooled in Mexico:
Your country’s local consulate will keep a list of local private schools or you can contact us we will be happy to send it to you.
It may not be exhaustive and you may want to contact two or three consulates to compare lists.
US Embassy (Mexico) The U.S. Embassy has compiled a non-exhaustive list of schools frequently attended by children of U.S. citizens in Mexico City.
The Association of American Schools in Mexico: The Association of American Schools in Mexico, or Asomex, also has member schools in other cities around the country.
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