Schools In Puerto Vallarta

 In Articles, Vallarta for Families

Mary Stehley

By Mary Stehley

Making the decision to move to Mexico is a big one. Once you’re here you’ll have more decisions to make regarding housing, health services and education. There are many educational options available in the Puerto Vallarta area. Whether you choose a public or private school, the decision should not be taken lightly.

When I was in Peace Corps training in Ecuador, the Cultural Trainer told us to remember one thing during our stay in Ecuador: Ecuadorians do not have the choices that you, as Americans, have. That simple statement stuck with me during my two years in Ecuador and I still reflect on it here in Mexico. You, as an expat, will not have the choices that you had in the States or Canada. When it comes to choosing a school for your children that is very important. The schools simply are not the same here. Don’t expect to find a school that is like a school back home. If you do that you will be disappointed.

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The Secretaria de Education Publica (SEP) has made a lot of progress in the last few years. They have improved text books which incorporate the latest teaching techniques. They have added computer classes in most schools and they are in the process of adding English classes.

All teachers in the public schools in Mexico must now have at least a Bachelor’s degree in education and attend regular training courses. Class sizes are large, as many as 60 students per class. Parents are expected to help with the maintenance of the school and also to provide supplies such as toilet paper and paint.

The school day at a public is short, about 4 hours. Most schools have two shifts, morning and afternoon.

A public school would be a good option if you want your child to be immersed in the language and culture.

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There are many private schools in Puerto Vallarta. Some are bilingual, Spanish-English and some are not. A few schools offer a third language, French or Mandarin Chinese. The prices vary greatly, from $200 USD to $800 USD a month. There are additional fees also, such as enrollment, services and materials, English books, uniforms and after-school programs. Some private schools offer a bus service at an additional cost.

One of the main differences between public and private schools is the class size. In a private school the groups are usually under 20 students and can be as low as 12. In some private schools they may reach 30.

Since Puerto Vallarta is a tourist town it is very important for children to learn English. You will find some private bilingual schools that have excellent English programs. They have native speaking teachers from the States or Canada, text books from the States, they even offer the students the opportunity to travel to the States or Canada during their vacations.

Of course, the quality of English programs varies also. In some of the less expensive schools the teachers are probably not native speakers and they might not offer all the subjects in English.

Private schools usually have more extra-curricular activities than public schools, like sports, music, art, drama, and martial arts.

All students wear uniforms and all schools, public and private, use the same SEP-issued Spanish books.

Mary Stehley has lived in Puerto Vallarta for 21 years. She has a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont. She has a ten-year old daughter, Reyna Isabel.

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Showing 7 comments
  • Thelma

    Mary,

    If you have a spare moment, could you please tell me the difference between the “British American School” and the “Anglo American School”, as their websites do not have enough information for a reader to make an educated decision about whether or not either of these schools is “better” than the American School.

    Thanks,

    Thelma

    • Alison

      They are actually very similar. One big difference is that the British has 2 classes per grade and the Anglo has one. I have twins at the British and I wanted them in different classrooms and my children are happy there. I have friends who also like the Anglo.

  • Danielle

    We are a family from Canada and we’re looking for a school in Puerto Vallarta for our 9th grade daughter. The American school looks very expensive. We’ve done several searches but are unable to find a functioning website for the British school or the Anglo school. It seems that Camp Verde only goes up to 6th grade?

    Do you know anything about these schools? Any advice you can offer would be most appreciated!

  • Brittany

    I was having some trouble finding the website for the British American School. I was wondering if anyone has a link. Thanks!

  • Lucy

    I have an 11 yr old going into the 6th grade. What is the monthly fee for each of these schools?

  • Crystal

    I am from oklahmoma. I do nott have a lot of money. How much would it cost for my daufghrt to go to private school, she’s ion kindergarten , and myysonis a freshman.
    Private costs and
    British?

  • Mauricio

    Hi,

    Mw nd my wife are thinking on moving to puesto vallarta. She is a French teacher (native speacker) and has a lot of experience in private schools in europe and in Mexico City. ¿which of the private schools should she apply in as a French teacher?

    Thanks for ypur help!