Moving or relocating to a new country is not necessarily an easy task, as it entails many aspects to be taken into consideration. Amongst them is finding a new school for your children to continue their high-standard education. Thankfully, Mexico offers a variety of schools that live up to the American and Canadian level of education. If you are planning on relocating to Playa del Carmen with your children, you will find plenty of private international schools. Teachers are very well trained and knowledgeable. This means you don’t have to worry about your children getting any less of an education. In fact, given the vast number of expats calling Playa del Carmen home, there is a high offering of foreign teachers. All in all, the school system in Playa del Carmen – and all of Mexico – can definitely meet your standards.
The Education System
The education level in these schools is comparable to those in Canada and the United States. The Secretary of Education (SEP) regulates all of the schools in Mexico – both private and public. All schools receive funding – whether it is public or private – allowing children of all socioeconomic backgrounds access to affordable education. Now, it is fair to say that public schooling is not the best option for expat children. Public schools have no English curriculum. Moreover, teachers are not trained to adapt to children of foreign backgrounds. We highly recommend you focus on private schooling.
In Mexico, the school year runs a little longer than the average school year in Canada and the United States. Classes start towards the end of August and run until the end of June. Sometimes, school authorities extended classes until the first week of July. There are quite a few bank holidays throughout the year, including Easter Week break, Independence Day, Revolution Day, and others. A shorter summer break might be a difficult transition for American and Canadian children.
Choose an English-based Curriculum
In terms of languages offered in the schools, almost all private schools throughout Mexico have an implemented English-speaking program. A fully English curriculum might be better suited for your children. If you plan on moving permanently to Playa del Carmen, a half English, half Spanish curriculum can open doors for their future. Most schools that teach bilingually, rather than fully in English, have plenty of support programs for children who do not speak either one or the other language.
The Secretary of Education regulates the enrolling system. It is the same whether your children attend a private or public school. You must present a copy of your child’s birth certificate, a copy of school records showing completion of the previous school year and a photo identification of both you and your child.
If you want to learn more specifics about the difference between public and private education in Mexico, the education system and its equivalents in the United States and Canada, make sure you download our Best Schools in Playa del Carmen kit below:
Thriving Expat Community
Whichever school you settle on, be sure that Playa del Carmen’s thriving expat community is going to make your children’s education much better. Authorities allow private schools independent control over their curriculum. On the other hand, the government mandates a set system for public schools. This gives private schools the freedom to include much more interesting and forward-thinking classes such as photography, third and fourth languages (usually French or Italian), extra-curricular classes, sports, woodshop, robotics, and much more.
Investors privately fund private schools in Playa del Carmen. This means their campuses have, more often than not, top-notch facilities for your children’s development. Your children will also benefit from greater development by living in a gated community where they can freely make friends of all nationalities and enjoy proximity to all commodities in Playa del Carmen. Check out Arcos Bambu, the perfect family-friendly neighborhood for expats.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!