Public schools
Public schools are by law free and secular. They teach in Spanish, so they will not be an easy option if your child does not speak Spanish. They might have English classes - to learn the language - but all other subjects are taught in Spanish. The school year is from August to June in most of the country. The PISA assessment used by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development compares the 70 member countries, and Mexico tends to score poorly overall. However, depending on grades and socioeconomic status, Mexican students can go and study almost anywhere.
Private schools
Private schools are another option for the international community. If your child speaks Spanish, there are many Mexican private schools to choose from, but keep in mind that the quality of foreign language lessons may be considerably lower than that of international schools, as it is not a primary focus of their curriculum. This is especially the case with English. Therefore, you should always visit the school before deciding, since the standards vary greatly in the sector. Expats should make sure that any school they choose is accredited by the Ministry of Public Education and internationally. This is important because it will allow to accredit your child’s studies anywhere around the world.
International schools
International schools provide the easiest adaptation for expat children because of the vast international community they have and their efforts to include and integrate foreign students. Most international schools are in big cities, but any city with a sizable international community will have its choice of schools. The Association of American Schools in Mexico, ASOMEX , has a vast network of schools in the country. There are also German, French, and Japanese schools to choose from.
Tuition costs are considerably higher in international schools than they are in other private schools, and it varies greatly between them. For example, the American School Foundation in Mexico City has a one-time admission fee of $7,000 USD, or the Mexican peso equivalent. Tuition then costs around $25,000MXN per month, reaching almost $70,000 MXN per month with extra charges. These costs can add up to $35,000 USD in high school, which can be more than that of a private school in New York City. Other international schools have more affordable tuition fees. For example, the Liceo Franco Mexicano has a monthly quota of at most $15,000MXN, a huge difference from the American School. You can find a full list of international schools in Mexico City here .
How to choose a school
Regardless of whether you choose a public, private, or international school, there are some things you need to consider before making your decision.
- Location is everything: in Mexico City, for example, some commutes can take up to two hours, so make sure your home and your school aren’t at opposite ends of the city.
- If you plan on making Mexico your home for a long time, take into account that many schools are only available up to a certain grade, so you might need to think ahead and plan out long-term schooling options.
- Bicultural schools mix the Mexican system with a foreign system. Decide which one fits best with your needs and future plans. For example, if you’re French and want your children to return to France, your best option is probably a French school. It is mandatory to combine this with the Mexican system, which is why you have to choose a combination.
- Your choices will always be greater in bigger cities. If you’re going to a small town or city, make sure you will have options that will meet your desired educational standards.
Extra expenses
Private and international schools can be come with unexpected expenses. Some will make you buy textbooks (but the vast majority loan them out for the duration of the school year). You will have to consider the extra expenses that uniforms, school supplies, transport, and field trips entail, as they vary from one school to another. Again, this depends on what school you choose and how many of their services you will use.