| Schools and Educational Options in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya |
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By Sara Moen Educational options for foreigners with children in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. One of the most frequent e-mails we receive are from families from all parts of the globe who are looking to relocate to Playa del Carmen, or other parts of the Riviera Maya, with their children. Of course prior to making the move they want to research educational options in our area. As a former teacher who has taught both in the United States, as well as here in Playa del Carmen, I thought I would give you all an updated list of options and local area schools. First and foremost the majority of schools in Mexico are private with a a handful of public schools that are also available. From my experience, the public schools tend to be over crowded, and in general do not have a true bi-lingual program so I have only included private schools in this directory. All schools, both public and private, require uniforms, registration (inscription) and book fees, and the parents and families of the student are required to supply all school materials i.e. glue, pencils, paper etc. The average monthly tuition usually runs about $300.00 USD (as of March 2007) for smaller children, but increases as the child goes into higher grades. An inscription, or registration fee, is a non-refundable annual fee that is more or less equivalent to a month’s tuition. This fee is collected at the time of registration to ensure your child will have a reserved spot in a classroom. Registration can start as early as March for the following school year, and it is best to register as early as possible to guarantee space, and classroom placement. In order for a school to be accredited they must be licensed through SEP, Secretaria Educacion Publica , and follow their curriculum. Almost all of the schools follow the holiday and school year calendar of SEP as well so click here for the school calendar. If you are going to come to the area for either one full school year, or less, make sure you bring your child to a SEP certified program so they will be able to receive proper accreditation at your school of origin. In additon there is the Secretaria de Educacion y Cultura which is the Secretary of Education and Culture fo the State of Quintana Roo which has further information on our state's educational system. Schools in Mexico are very different from what I was used to in the United States. They tend to be more strict then US based programs, and often give very heavy workloads to children from kindergarten on up through high school. Due to the fact that Playa del Carmen is an international destination, and has a varied community there are new programs coming into our community that are a bit less traditional then the “old school” style of teaching. When I was a child I would have thrived in any school atmosphere, public, private, old school, or not, but my sister was the exact opposite, she was not a “traditional” student and did better in art based programs. Either way you are the parent and know what is best for your individual child. So all this in mind I have compiled a list of schools in the area with a bit of information on each one. When available I have included web addresses, and phone numbers. Ak Lu’um International School Community Waldorf based education, and they will be SEP certified for the 2007/2008 school year. Currently only up to Grade 2, and is the only non-profit school in the area. Student body is made up of both a foreign and national population. Opened in fall of 2006 in a private residence located in the Campestre just south of Playa del Carmen. With a recent land purchase a new facility is in the works for the 2007/2088 school year. Co-founder/teacher Siobhan Bowers is a former teacher from Papalote. Look for this program to develop into something amazing. Map English- 984-105-3102 Espanol- 984-807-0834 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Read Playa Maya News Article here. Colegio Ingles SEP certified preschool through high school. Has large foreign student population, fairly traditional curriculum, and it has a very impressive campus and grounds boasting a large pool, soccer field, and large outdoor auditorium. Located at: km. 291.5 on the freeway between Cancún and Playa del Carmen. Map Telephone: 984-803-3253 English Coordinator: Karin Wrege This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view itColegio Mayaland SEP certified daycare, preschool through junior high/middle school. Located in El Ejido this school is currently under construction and is slated to open for the 2007/2008 school year. They are planning on having an open house by the 30th of June, 2007. The campus looks impressive with soccer fields, a swimming pool, baseball diamond, library, and cafeteria. With such an impressive campus it will be interesting to see what type of curriculum they develop. Current office located on Juarez Avenue Mza. 41 Lot 13 in El Ejido Telephone: (984) 803 - 9376 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view itColegio Puerto Aventuras SEP certified preschool through high school. Large foreign population, perfect for Puerto Aventuras residence, but a bit of a commute for Playa del Carmen families. Located at Mza. 24 lot 7 Km 269.5 on Chetumal/ Puerto Aventuras highway. Director’s e-mail; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Telephone/Fax: 984-873-5141 Instituto Playa del Carmen de la Salle SEP certified preschool through junior high/middle school. Traditional private Mexican school with a prominent Mexican student body. I actually do not know much about this school, but it is one of our area private schools so I wanted to at least include the information. Located on 30th Avenue on the corner of 12th Street in Playa del Carmen. Telephone: (984) 803 2975 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Manuel Acosta SEP certified preschool through junior high/middle school. Largely a Mexican student body. Their website says they have high school, but when I called they said they now only go through junior high/middle school. I have heard mixed reviews from parents in regards to teaching style. It is a very traditional private Mexican school. Facilities include large pool, and extensive after school activities such as: dance, karate, theater, and soccer. Conveniently located in Playacar; Paseo Tikal Mz. 29, Fracc. Playa Car, Playa del Carmen. Telephone: 984-873-0652, 984-873-2378 Director’s e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Read Playa Maya News Article here. Yits’Atil SEP certified preschool through high school. Traditional private Mexican school with a mixed student body of foreign and national students. Daycare also available for young children 1 to 2 years old. Convenient downtown location on the block between 20th and 25th Avenues and 24th and 26th Streets.Map Phone: 984-873-3874 Home Schooling - Contact your local association and bring the material from home or check out your options with Internet Schooling * Please note that all of the above schools located in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya are advertised as being bi-lingual. Keep in mind that some have stronger English programs then others so it is up to individual families to determine which fit is best for their child.
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written by Iris, February 25, 2010
Thank you for this wonderful list. My husband has been a teacher in the US for many years and is currently looking for teaching positions in Mexico. Our hope is to bring our family (we have a 6 and a 9 year old) to Mexico for the 2010-2011 school year. If anyone has any leads on teaching positions available to English speaking (with a fluency in Spanish) US teachers in or around Playa (or else where in the country), please let me know. He's a wonderful teacher with a passion for the arts, technology, and science.
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written by Chandi, December 26, 2009
Do all these schools require their teachers to speak both Spanish and English? Or are any based on the US system, to where all instruction is in English?
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written by Jasper Merivale-Austin, November 12, 2009
It is unfortunate that nowhere in the republic a proper classical education is available for upper form (secondary) students. Families who through necesity must reside in this remote place invariably intern public (private) school students abroad, and most do any child beyond the age of third year infant. Frankly, the best schools here are a waste of time academically.
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written by ANDREA Cutler, February 22, 2009
Great info. My family (kids almost 4 and 9) are also planning on maybe relocating for about a year (for now). I would love to be in touch, if possible, with any of you families with children also moving to Playa. We could easily exchange helpful info about the school, etc. Anyone interested?
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written by Becky, January 14, 2009
My family is considering a job offer there in the Playa del Carmen area and we have 3 school age children 4,6,15. We will need a bilingual school and are looking for a school with a good drama program for my 15 year old son. Is there a school with this that you can recommend?
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written by Sujey, January 03, 2009
Looking to possibly move to the area in a year. Kids would be in 6th grade and 3rd. They currently attend a private catholic prep-school in the states. what school would you recommend that would be bilingual.
THANKS!!
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written by Sonja Modesti, March 14, 2008
Sara,
Thanks for the helpful information. I am an English teacher in Fort Collins, Colorado (USA). I am currently working on my Ph.D. in education and am planning to be in the Playa del Carmen area next week during Spring Break. I would love to be able to visit some local schools to observe and learn more about what teaching is like in foreign countries. Is there a way to arrange a visit sometime between March 17-21 (200  ? Please email me at
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Thanks so much, Sonja
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written by lisa nelson, July 02, 2007
Wow! what a lot of great information in one place! I would be interested to know if there are many homeschoolers or homeschooling groups in the Tulum area.
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written by Mike in Baltimore, April 04, 2007
I agree. Great information! I've posted the link on the forum @ cancunassist.com . It's already on playa.info.
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written by Suzanna, April 04, 2007
Thank you Sara! Great information. You are right, I get this question all the time and now we have this important educational information all in one place.
Suzanne Marie Bandick, Life Coach and Author of: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico. www.SuzanneMarieBandick.com
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I've worked in 2 different schools in Playa teaching English over the past 6 years. Currently I know that Yits'atil is hiring teachers. It is definitely one of the better schools to work at. I worked at Mayaland for a few months but they have a lot of issues paying teachers and I was forced to quit do to lack of payment, as did numerous other teachers. Good luck I'm sure he will find work quickly there is always a lack of English teachers in Playa.