Expat’s Guide to Schools in Mexico
While the education standards at rural public schools in Mexico tend to be relatively poor, urban public schools generally provide a higher standard. However, private and international schools typically offer a higher standard of education that is better suited to the needs of expatriate families.
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Major cities in Mexico have several international schools catering to students of various nationalities. Thus, most expats in Mexico opt to send their children to one of the country’s many excellent international schools rather due to the public schools’ lower standards and language barriers.
Are you looking to move to Mexico with your children? Are you seeking more information on the best schools Mexico has to offer? Are you looking to secure health insurance in Mexico?
This Pacific Prime article will give you a comprehensive overview of the education system in Mexico, the different school systems, and where to go if you need to learn Spanish.
The Education System in Mexico for Expats
The education system in Mexico offers both public and private schools, with quality and comprehensive curriculums offered in international schools.
Mexico’s education system is divided into three main stages:
- Primary school (for ages 6 to 12 years).
- Lower secondary school (for ages 12 to 15 years – also called junior high).
- Upper secondary school (for ages 15 to 18 years – also called high school).
Before entering primary school, there are two earlier stages: pre-primary education for children aged 3 to 5 years, and early childhood education for those aged 0 to 2 years.
Both public and private schools in Mexico follow a standardized curriculum for primary education, which is determined and regulated by the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP), the government body responsible for overseeing the country’s education system.
In the sections below, we’ll provide you with a concise overview of the Mexican education system’s structure and other essential details, such as the academic calendar, grading scale, and school holidays.
Education Facts in Mexico
The Mexican education system may be more familiar than you’d expect, as it follows UNESCO’s International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED). This is a global standard that allows benchmarking and comparisons of educational systems, standards, and statistics across different nations.
Below are some key points about Mexico’s education system:
- The language taught is Spanish in public schools.
- Education is compulsory until Grade 12 (18 years old).
- Public education in Mexico is secular (non-religious), free, and mandatory.
- Private schools have the option to provide religious education or classes taught in languages other than Spanish.
Required Documents for Admission
For admissions, there are required documents that vary depending on the school. Below is a list of the required documents for admission:
- Admission application
- Birth certificate
- Identification documents such as ID cards, passports, or FM documents (Multiple Immigration Forms) for foreign residents for both the child and the parents
- CURP (Unique Population Registry), found on the FM document
- Proof of address
- Vaccination records and health evaluation certificate
- Academic transcripts or grade reports from former schools
- Letters of good conduct.
School Schedule and Holidays in Mexico
The school year in Mexico commences in late August and ends at the beginning of July. School hours can vary between private and public schools, but they typically begin at 7:30-8:00 a.m. until around 1:30-2:30 p.m. Some schools also offer afternoon sessions which approximately run from 1:00-6:00 p.m.
The major school holidays in Mexico include:
- Summer holidays: From the end of August to the beginning of July.
- Winter holidays: Two weeks and a half, starting from Christmas week onwards.
- Spring holidays: Two weeks off in April.
Public vs Private Schools in Mexico: Which is a Better Choice for Expats?
Expats looking for more security and quality in education should choose private schools. Besides the fact that public schools are free of charge, and private schools require tuition fees, other key differences include:
- The language used for instruction
- The overall school environment and culture
- Class sizes
- Availability of resources and facilities
Furthermore, there are other additional factors to consider, such as school security measures, teacher qualifications, and the quality of extracurricular activities provided.
Typically, private schools in Mexico have better security measures and more qualified teaching staff compared to public schools. They also tend to have more resources to offer breakfast/after-school programs, organize field trips, and host events for special occasions or national celebrations.
Simply put, while public education is free, private schools can provide a more resourceful environment, albeit at a higher cost through tuition fees.
With all of the above information in mind, let’s take a closer look at both school systems in Mexico, and what you, as an expat, can expect from each system.
Public Schools in Mexico
Public schools in Mexico are free, non-religious, and attended by the majority of children. Regulated by the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP), they can be easily found across rural and urban areas of the country, with many offering half-day schooling, with schedules split into morning or afternoon shifts.
However, the quality of education provided by public schools can be somewhat inconsistent. Urban public schools tend to be better resourced than their rural counterparts, but class sizes are generally large, and resources may be limited.
Additionally, public school teachers may not have the same level of qualifications as private school teachers. Due to these potential drawbacks, many expat families choose to either homeschool their children or enroll them in private or international schools instead.
Nonetheless, expat children who are fluent in Spanish, or those who are young enough to quickly grasp the language may benefit from attending public school for half the day, with additional homeschool sessions in the afternoon.
Private Schools in Mexico
Private schools in Mexico prove to be a popular choice for many expat families relocating to the country. Several advantages include smaller class sizes, better facilities, and more focused teaching compared to public schools in Mexico.
Tuition fees for private schooling in Mexico vary greatly due to factors like location. For example, private school fees in major cities like Mexico City, Tijuana, Ecatepec, León, and Puebla are significantly higher compared to states with a lower cost of living, such as Oaxaca or Chiapas.
Thus, we advise you to visit your shortlisted schools in person to get a sense of the school’s atmosphere and culture. Asking for recommendations from other parents in your community is also helpful to gain valuable insights that may not be found in promotional materials.
If you’re considering enrolling your children in a private school in Mexico, make sure that it is accredited by the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP). This accreditation ensures that any qualifications your child obtains will be recognized internationally.
International Schools in Mexico: Are They the Best Choice For Expat Children?
For most expat families, enrolling their children in international schools is the preferred solution. International schools in Mexico follow foreign curricula and teach in English. This makes the academic transition easier for children while providing a familiar cultural environment.
Most international schools in Mexico are located in major cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Curricula options include British, American, German, French, and Japanese.
However, it’s important to note that international schools typically come with high tuition fees. Annual costs can range from MXN 170,000 (USD 9,800) to MXN 785,000 (USD 45,260), depending on the school’s reputation and exclusivity.
Besides the cost of tuition, expat parents must consider the school’s location and transportation costs for their children’s daily commute. These extra expenses can significantly increase the overall cost of an international school education.
Therefore, expats relocating for work should consider these costs when negotiating their compensation package before relocating.
List of International Schools in Mexico
For expat families relocating to Mexico, finding the right international school for their children is one of the top priorities. To help you get started, here is a list that includes some of the leading international schools in Mexico:
American and Canadian Schools
- The American School Foundation (Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey)
- Puebla American School Foundation
- Maple Bear Canadian School
- Westhill Institute
British Schools
- The Edron Academy
- Greengates School
- Instituto Bilingüe Victoria
- The Winpenny School
- The Wingate school
- The Churchill School
French Schools
- Lycée Franco-Mexicain
Japanese Schools
- The Japanese School of Mexico
German and Swiss Schools
- Colegio Suizo de México
- Colegio Alemán Alexander Von Humboldt
- Colegio Humboldt
- Colegio Alemán de Guadalajara
Montessori Schools
- Peterson School
- The Montessori American School
Religious Schools (Catholic, Jewish)
- Colegio Junipero
- Colegio Hebreo Sefardí
- Colegio hebreo Monte Sinai
Daycare and Kindergarten in Mexico for Expats
If you are moving to Mexico and have children that are around preschool and kindergarten age, there are several childcare options like a nursery or daycare. A nursery (guarderia) helps infants develop, gain necessary skills, and start socializing while parents continue working their respective jobs.
Daycares are also relatively easy to find in big cities. Some of them also provide Montessori-based holistic approaches, and others operate under international schools.
Homeschooling in Mexico for Expats
An ideal option for those who are staying for a short term, homeschooling is popular among expat families in Mexico. Some expats fully homeschool their children, while others combine homeschooling with part-time attendance at a local school.
The part-time school approach helps children learn the local lingua and socialize. Moreover, homeschooling also gives parents the autonomy on which curriculum to use, and how in-depth they are covered.
Spanish Language Schools in Mexico for Expats
If you are relocating to Mexico and want your children to learn Spanish, there’s a plethora of choices of language schools to choose from across the country, such as CEPE, UNAM, and IMAC Spanish Language Programs.
A good idea is to enroll both you and your children in Spanish language schools. Not only will it help you socialize, shop, understand bills, make new friends, and understand Mexican culture, but it will help you and your family integrate smoothly within Mexican society.
Here is a list of curated Spanish language schools in each city to get you started.
- Spanish Center (Mérida)
- Spanish Experience Center (Puerto Vallarta)
- Plateros Spanish School (Guanajuato)
- Olé (Queretaro)
- Don Quijote (Playa del Carmen)
- IMAC Spanish Language Programs (Guadalajara)
- CEPE, UNAM (Mexico City)
Let Pacific Prime Help You Settle in Mexico
Choosing the right school for their children is crucial for any expat family moving to Mexico. The diverse options available cater to the unique needs and preferences of each family, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks
With careful planning and an open mind, expat families can navigate Mexico’s educational landscape and provide their children with an enriching and well-rounded learning experience. Thus, it is crucial for parents to research thoroughly and visit prospective schools for better decision-making.
So if you’re looking to move to Mexico with your family, it’s wise to ensure you have health insurance secured in Mexico to cover any unforeseen costs incurred while you’re in the country.
With over 20 years of reputation as a world-renowned international insurance brokerage, the team at Pacific Prime are experts when it comes to helping you compare and choose the most suitable health plans for your unique needs and providing support throughout your expatriate journey in Mexico.
So compare quotes or contact us today to get started!
Planning to move to Mexico? it’s worth reading more about Dental Work in Mexico: Affordable and Quality Care and Top 5 Jobs for Americans in Mexico. These resources will help you get up to speed on what you’ll need to live a hassle-free expat life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students in Mexico wear uniforms?
Uniforms are very common, especially in many urban schools. There may even be a dress uniform for special occasions. It is customary for students in small towns to wear uniforms, which they also may use for participation in community parades and other civic events.
What do kids in Mexico do after school?
Some schools offer extracurricular activities such as sports, chess, language, and cooking clubs. After school, students typically spend a couple of hours studying and doing homework.
How is school life in Mexico?
Students usually take 5 or 6 classes a day with two short breaks mid-morning and afternoon. You could have the opportunity to study Mexican history, Spanish literature, or Mexican law.
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