Schooling Children in Mexico: A Guide for Expatriates.
Find out how to choose the best school for your expatriate children in Mexico and the costs involved.
The Different Types Of Schools In Mexico
The Mexican education system offers a variety of schools adapted to the needs of expatriate families. There are three main types of school: international schools, local private schools and public schools.
International schools generally follow Anglo-Saxon curricula, or those of other countries such as France or Germany. Local private schools follow the Mexican curriculum, often with bilingual or trilingual options. Public schools are run by the Mexican Ministry of Education and offer total immersion in the local culture.
School curriculum in Mexico
In Mexico, schooling is compulsory from age 3 to 14.
Unlike in France, this is divided into two distinct cycles: the child first enters kindergarten at the age of three. From the age of 5, they attend “Primaria”, the equivalent of primary school, until they are 12. He then enters the “Secundaria”, junior high school, for three years. Finally, he can continue his studies in “Prepatoria”, high school, and obtain the equivalent of the baccalaureate, also in three years.
MEXIQUE | FRANCE |
Kindergarten (Jardin d’enfants) | Maternelle, moyenne section |
Preescolar (Pré-primaire) | Maternelle, grande section |
Primaria | Primaire |
Primero de primaria | CP |
Segundo de primaria | CE1 |
Tercero de primaria | CE2 |
Cuarto de primaria | CM1 |
Quinto de primaria | CM2 |
Sexto de primaria | Collège |
Secundaria | 6ème |
Primero de secundaria | 5ème |
Segundo de secundaria | 4ème |
Tercero de secundaria | 3ème |
Preparatoria | Lycée |
Primero de preparatoria | 2nde |
Segundo de preparatoria | 1ère |
Tercero de preparatoria | Terminale |
The different exams in Mexico
The equivalent of the brevet :
In Mexico, the equivalent of the French brevet scolaire is called “Certificado de Educación Secundaria” or simply “Certificado de Secundaria”, which means “Certificate of Secondary Studies”. This is the official diploma awarded to students who have completed their secondary education at collège level. It is not compulsory, as only students who wish to take it can do so. It is, however, necessary for students wishing to continue their studies at lycée.
The equivalent of the baccalaureate:
After high school, the final exam is the “Examen Nacional de Ingreso a la Educación Media Superior” (ENEMS). This is the entrance exam to higher education. As in France, the results of this exam can be used as a selection criterion for admission to higher education establishments.
Schooling in Mexico: special features
The Mexican school system isn’t all that different from the French one, with a few peculiarities. Classes start much earlier, at around 7 a.m., and last 50 minutes each, with no breaks in between. This allows students to avoid the hottest hours of the day.
In Mexico, extra-curricular activities are much more extensive than in France. Free afternoons allow students to pursue a variety of passions and activities. The siesta is also deeply rooted in the culture, as it is in Hispanic countries. Mexicans therefore eat quite late (around 2 p.m.) and rest for the most part in the afternoon.
Another notable feature is the wearing of uniforms. This is quite rare in France, but is a regular occurrence in Mexico, even in public schools.
There is also no “canteen” or “refectory” system in Mexican schools. Instead, as in the United States, each child brings his or her own lunch box so that they can eat during their break. Children often have a 30-minute break around 9:30 a.m., followed by a 20-minute break around 11:30 a.m., at which point they can have lunch. Some large schools may have a “snacking” corner where Mexican specialties can be served (tacos, burritos, etc.), as well as pizza, hot dogs, etc. ….
The pros and cons of international schools
International schools offer several advantages: they ease the transition for children who have already followed an international curriculum, enable bilingualism or multilingualism, and offer a multicultural environment that encourages open-mindedness.
On the other hand, these schools also have disadvantages: tuition fees are generally high, and they are mainly located in big cities, limiting their accessibility for some families.
School Costs In Mexico
Tuition costs vary widely, depending on the type of school, location and additional services offered. In international schools and private junior and senior high schools, annual costs can vary from a few thousand to tens of thousands of Mexican pesos. Fees can often exceed 100,000 Mexican pesos per year (around 5,300 euros) per child. Local private schools generally offer lower costs, but these can vary according to the reputation of the establishment.
Public schools, on the other hand, are generally free. However, additional charges may apply for textbooks, uniforms or extracurricular activities.
Considerations When Choosing a School
There are many factors to consider when choosing a school for your children. The school’s pedagogical project is crucial: what kind of education do you want to offer your children? The language of instruction is also a determining factor: what language would you like your children to be taught in?
The school environment is also important: what type of environment is best suited to your child? Finally, the distance between your home and the school can influence your decision, especially if you live outside the big cities.
Practical Tips for a Successful School Transition
For a successful school transition, it’s important to prepare your children for their new environment. Visit the school before school starts, meet the teachers and familiarize yourself with the facilities.
Encourage your children to take part in extracurricular activities to facilitate their integration. Finally, be patient and listen to their needs and concerns to help them adapt to their new school life in Mexico.
⚠️⚠️For all expatriates moving to Mexico, remember to have your children’s report cards for the last 2 school years translated, as they will require them for the
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