Bilingual Schools in Playa del Carmen for Expat Families
Relocating to the stunning Riviera Maya, with its turquoise waters, white sandy shores, and sunny lifestyle, is a dream for many expat families.
However, one important consideration for families making the move is ensuring their children have access to quality education. While some families choose to homeschool, and others are grasping the newer concept of world schooling, there are, of course, traditional schools in Playa del Carmen that will help your little ones blossom in both terms of their academic and social progress.
Living and studying in the Riviera Maya offers children a unique opportunity to grow in a multicultural environment. Not to mention, helping them pick up the language! Children are like sponges and you’d be amazed how quickly they will learn Spanish if they attend a local school, setting them up for future success in an increasingly globalized world.
Here’s an overview to help you understand how schools in Playa del Carmen work, so you can make the best choices for your children’s education.
Types of Schools in Mexico
1. Public Schools
Mexican public schools are an option for families seeking a deep immersion in local culture and language. These schools are tuition-free and follow a standardized national curriculum.
These schools are usually conducted entirely in Spanish, which might be challenging for non-Spanish-speaking children. Expat families would usually go with a private option, as they are bilingual, and usually located closer to expat neighborhoods.
2. Private Schools
For most expat families, private schools are the preferred choice. Most operate on a split, bilingual curriculum, with classes taught in both English and Spanish. Many have an extensive program of extracurricular activities too.
In Playa del Carmen, private schools frequently cater to an international community, as there are many new arrivals. They are well adept at supporting children in adapting to a new culture and language.
3. International Schools
International schools are ideal for families who want their children to follow a curriculum similar to what they had in their home country.
These schools often offer International, British, or American curriculums, which helps to ensure a seamless transition for families who may relocate again in the future.
4. HOMESCHOOLING
Homeschooling is an increasingly popular option for families in Mexico, especially expats who want more flexibility in their children's education. Parents can choose from a variety of international online programs or design their own curriculum tailored to their child's needs.
Homeschooling offers the advantage of one-on-one learning and the ability to integrate travel and cultural experiences into the curriculum. However, it requires a significant commitment from parents to plan lessons, track progress, and ensure compliance with educational standards if they intend to reintegrate their children into formal schooling later.
In Mexico, homeschooling is legal, though regulations vary by state. Many expat families also connect with local homeschooling groups or cooperatives for social activities, group classes, and support.
Top Bilingual and International Playa del Carmen Schools
There are many schools around Playa del Carmen to choose from, but here are a few that many expats consider to be the best. As with any big decisions, such as where to school your child, be sure to visit a few campuses first, to get a feel for the school to see if it is a good fit for your child.
1. Colegio Inglés
Location: Km. 292.5 Carretera Federal Cancún, Playa del Carmen
Contact: 984 267 2897 | www.colegioingles-qroo.com.mx
Education Levels: Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Preparatoria
Located just off the highway on the north side of town, Colegio Inglés is a well-regarded bilingual school that combines the Mexican national curriculum with English language. It emphasizes holistic education with a large campus which features facilities such as a swimming pool, sports field, and outdoor auditorium, and offers extracurricular activities.
2. El Papalote
Location: Ave 25 between Calles 30 and 32, Col. Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen
Contact: 984 879 3052 | www.colegioelpapalote.edu.mx
Education Levels: Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Preparatoria
Known for its innovative teaching methods, El Papalote offers a bilingual program based on the Waldorf educational approach. The school emphasizes creativity and critical thinking, providing various after-school activities in arts and sports.
3. Yits’Atil
Location: Between Ave 20 and 25 and Calles 24 and 26, Playa del Carmen
Contact: 984 873 3874 | www.yitsatil.edu.mx
Education Levels: Maternal, Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Preparatoria
Located in the heart of Centro, Yits’Atil provides bilingual education to students of all ages. The school integrates extracurricular activities such as yoga, music, dance, and sports into its day.
4. EKILIBRIO
Location: Calle Diagonal 85 Sur, Playa del Carmen
Contact: www.ekilibrioschool.com
Education Levels: Preschool, Primary
EKILIBRIO offers a bilingual curriculum with a focus on personalized education, aiming to balance academic learning with emotional and social development.
4. Colegio San Gabriel Campus Playacar
Location: Mza. 29 Lote 02, Avenida Paseo Tikal, Playacar, Playa del Carmen
Contact: 984 130 2394 | admisiones@colegiosangabriel.mx | www.colegiosangabrielplayacar.com
Education Levels: Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Preparatoria
Colegio San Gabriel offers a bicultural education system, with 90% of instruction in English and 10% in Spanish, preparing students for a globalized world. The school provides a range of extracurricular activities, including swimming, soccer, karate, yoga, painting, dance, and music.
5. Britt Academy Playa del Carmen
Location: Prolongación 115 Avenida Sur, Manzana 1 Lote 1, La Joya Linda, 77710 Playa del Carmen
Contact: Main Line: +52 984 122 7385 | WhatsApp Admissions: +52 984 185 1551 | info.playa@brittacademy.com | www.brittacademy.com
Education Levels: Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Preparatoria
Britt Academy is the only school in the area following the bilingual and STEM-focused Knotion Education Platform, offering education for students aged 3 to 18. The curriculum includes core subjects and integrated, technology-based learning to develop key life skills.
6. El Arbol Azomali
Location: P.º Tulum Supermanzana Fase 2, Playacar, 77717 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.
Contact: www.elarbolazomali.edu.mx
Education Levels: Preschool, Primary
El Árbol Azomali School focuses on integral education and socio-emotional development, offering a bilingual program with Montessori methods in early education and a constructivist approach in higher grades.
7. Ak Lu’um
Location: Calle tuunich s/n lote 005 mz 061 predio Sac-Uacax, 77727 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.
Contact: 984 115 4367 | info@akluum.com | www.akluum.com
Education Levels: Preschool, Primary
Ak Lu’um is the only non-profit school in the area, offering a bilingual program based on the Waldorf method. The eco-friendly jungle campus provides a unique learning environment.
8. Escuela Viva
Location: Calle 20 Nte entre Avd. 45Nte. y Avd. 40Nte, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.
Contact: www.escuelaviva.edu.mx
Education Levels: Preschool, Primary
Escuela Viva offers a bilingual curriculum with a focus on experiential learning, aiming to develop critical thinking and creativity in students.
9. Instituto Tepeyac Campus Xcaret
Location: Carretera Federal 307, Km. 282, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, C.P. 77710
Contact: 984 877 2500 | cap.itxcaret@itc.edu.mx
Education Levels: Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Preparatoria
Instituto Tepeyac Campus Xcaret offers a bilingual education with a focus on holistic development, integrating academic excellence with sports and cultural activities. The school emphasizes sustainable education and provides a supportive environment for both national and international students.
10. Colegio Puerto Aventuras
Location: Calle Bahía Yalten s/n, Condominio Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Aventuras, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, C.P. 77734
Contact: 984 873 5141 | cpa@pa.com.mx
Education Levels: Preschool, Primary, Secondary, Preparatoria
Situated within the gated community of Puerto Aventuras, Colegio Puerto Aventuras is a certified SEP bilingual institution known for its strong academic reputation and multicultural environment. The school offers the opportunity to learn a third language, French, and is equipped with facilities such as a library, language center, IT center, sports fields, and cafeteria.
11. Colegio Montessori
Location: Residencial Selvamar, Carretera Federal Chetumal KM 295 + 400, Playa del Carmen
Contact: 984 118 5866 | mplaya@infinitum.com.mx | www.selvamar.com.mx/colegio-montesori.html
Education Levels: Preschool, Primary, Secondary
A SEP certified school, Colegio Montessori bases its curriculum on the Montessori principles and offers a bilingual program for a mix of national and foreign students. The school is located just north of Playa del Carmen, on the premises of Residential Complex Selvamar.
12. Colegio Weston
Location: Carretera Federal Cancún-Chetumal, Km. 298 Lt. 26, Mz. 02 Smz. 69 Esq. Calle 80 North, Playa del Carmen
Contact: 984 109 2216 | colegiowestonmx@hotmail.com | www.colegioweston.com
Education Levels: Maternal, Pre-School, Primary, Secondary
This SEP certified educational institution is a traditional Mexican private school that offers a trilingual scholar program. It has a student body of both national and foreign students. The school also offers access to a variety of extra-curricular activities such as swimming, ballet, jazz, yoga and Tae Kwon Do. The school is equipped with sports fields for soccer, volleyball and tennis, a semi-olympic pool, a science and IT laboratory, a library, halls equipped with projectors, auditoriums, air-conditioned halls for events, and green areas.
Please note that it's advisable to contact the schools directly or visit their campuses to obtain the most current information and determine the best fit for your child's educational needs.
Tips for Choosing the Right School in Playa del Carmen for Expat Families
Understand Your Priorities: When choosing a school, consider your child's language needs, curriculum preferences, and extracurricular interests. Although a school that is more ‘English’ may seem attractive at first, remember that a bilingual school will help your child to become more fluent, and (shockingly) quickly!
Visit Schools: Most schools will allow you to visit before enrolling your child, so that you can see the facilities and meet teachers. This can help you choose whether the environment is a good fit for you
Speak to Other Families: Reach out to expat communities in Playa del Carmen for firsthand insights and recommendations into the schools their children go to. Social media forums are a great place to start asking.
Check Accreditations: Ensure that your chosen school is accredited by relevant educational bodies and can give grades and certification that are internationally recognized. This is particularly important if your child may pursue higher education.
Check Additional Support: The processes and standards for supporting children with additional learning needs may not be as high as in your country of origin. For families where children may have a specific learning need, it may be more difficult to get support for your child.
FAQ: Starting School as an Expat in Playa del Carmen
Moving to new school in Playa del Carmen and enrolling your child can come with many questions. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common concerns expat families have when navigating the education system in the Riviera Maya.
1. Do children need to know Spanish before starting school?
Not necessarily. Many private and bilingual schools in Playa del Carmen cater to international families and offer programs to help non-Spanish-speaking students learn the language.
2. What documents are needed to enroll in a school?
Typically, schools require:
A copy of your child’s birth certificate
Vaccination records
Previous school transcripts or records
A completed application form
Proof of residency or visa documents (in some cases)
It’s best to check with your chosen school for specific requirements as these may vary.
3. How do school curriculums compare to those in other countries?
Many schools in Playa del Carmen follow the Mexican Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) curriculum, which is often blended with international standards. Some schools incorporate American Common Core or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, ensuring compatibility with educational systems abroad.
4. Are there transportation services for students?
Yes, many schools offer bus services for students. This is particularly helpful for families living outside the city center or in gated communities like Playacar or Puerto Aventuras. Be sure to inquire about availability and costs during the enrollment process.
5. What are typical tuition fees, and are there additional costs?
Private schools generally charge monthly fees ranging from $300 to $450 USD, with additional costs for registration, books, and materials.
Some schools also offer discounts for early registration or sibling enrollments.
6. How do schools handle cultural integration for expat children?
Schools in Playa del Carmen pride themselves on fostering a multicultural environment. They celebrate both Mexican traditions and international holidays, giving children the opportunity to embrace diverse cultures. Many schools also have dedicated support systems to help expat children adjust to their new surroundings.
7. Are there extracurricular activities for students?
Yes, most private schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including:
Sports (e.g., soccer, swimming, martial arts, tennis)
Arts (e.g., painting, theater, music, dance)
Unique options like yoga or environmental workshops
8. Are daycare or after-school care options available?
Yes, many schools provide extended hours for working parents. For younger children, some preschools offer daycare services with secure environments and age-appropriate facilities.
9. Is bilingual education effective for children?
Absolutely. Bilingual education not only helps children adapt to their new environment but also equips them with valuable language skills for the future.
10. HOW CAN I CONNECT WITH OTHER FAMILIES?
There are many WhatsApp Groups and Facebook Communities that make it easy for you to connect with other parents and be able to connect your children with other kids their age. One such group in Playa del Carmen is Mommy Mafia.
Ready to Move to the Riviera Maya?
Finding the right school for your child is an essential step in creating a fulfilling expat life in Playa del Carmen. With a variety of options, your family can enjoy the best of Mexico while maintaining educational standards for your little ones.
If you're planning a move to Playa del Carmen and have questions about lifestyle or real estate options, contact us at Paradise Listings. We're here to help you settle into your dream life in the Riviera Maya.
