International Schools

International Schools in Playa del Carmen: 
A Guide for Expat Families


Are you planning to move to Playa del Carmen and looking for quality education options for your children? Playa del Carmen offers a plethora of educational institutions catering to the needs of expatriate families. From bilingual to eco-friendly schools, there is something for everyone. Let's dive into the top international schools in Playa del Carmen, ensuring you find the perfect match for your child's educational journey.

Relocating to a new country is a big step, especially when it involves finding the right school for your children. Playa del Carmen is not just a beautiful beach town; it's a hub for diverse and high-quality educational opportunities. This guide will walk you through some of the best international schools in Playa del Carmen, highlighting their unique features, curriculums, and important enrollment details.

international school class learning with technology


Why Choose Private Schools in Playa del Carmen?


In Mexico, most expatriate families opt for private schools due to their superior educational standards compared to public schools, which often face challenges like overcrowding and limited bilingual programs. Here are some key points about private schools in Playa del Carmen:

Uniforms and Fees:

 Both public and private schools require uniforms. Private schools charge registration fees and monthly tuition ranging from $300 to $450 USD, increasing at higher education levels.

Accreditation: 

Ensure the school is accredited by the Secretary of Public Education (SEP) for valid diplomas, crucial for continuity in education.

Registration: 

Non-refundable registration fees secure your child's place. Early registration is recommended due to high demand.

International private School in Playa del Carmen

Top International Schools in Playa del Carmen



 1. El Papalote


Grade: Pre-K to 6th Grade
Curriculum: Bilingual (English and Spanish)
Unique Features:
- Focuses on a multicultural environment.
- Emphasizes environmental consciousness and community involvement.
- Small class sizes for personalized attention.

Website: http://www.elpapalote.org


2. The American School of Playa del Carmen


Grades: Pre-K to 12th Grade
Curriculum: American, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Unique Features:
- Offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
- Extensive extracurricular activities including sports and arts.
- Modern facilities including science labs and sports fields.

Website: https://www.americanschoolplaya.com


3. Ak Lu’um International School


Grades: Pre-K to 9th Grade (expanding)
Curriculum: Waldorf-inspired, eco-friendly
Unique Features:
- Emphasis on sustainable practices and outdoor learning.
- Multilingual instruction (English, Spanish, German).
- Community-oriented projects.

Website: http://www.akluum.com


 4. Colegio Ingles


Grades: Pre-K to 9th Grade
Curriculum: Bilingual (English and Spanish)
Unique Features:
- Focus on moral and ethical values.
- Variety of extracurricular activities including sports and arts.

Website: http://www.colegioinglesplaya.com


5. Instituto Tepeyac


Grades: Pre-K to 12th Grade
Curriculum: Bilingual, includes International Baccalaureate (IB)
Unique Features:
- Extensive extracurricular programs including robotics and arts.
- State-of-the-art facilities.

Website: http://www.tepeyac.edu.mx


6. Playacar Academy


Grades: Pre-K to 12th Grade
Curriculum: American-based
Unique Features:
- Individualized learning plans.
- Small class sizes.
- Technology integration in classrooms.

Website: http://www.playacaracademy.com


7. Colegio Montessori


Grades: Pre-K to Elementary
Curriculum: Montessori-based
Unique Features:
- Small class sizes.
- Located within the Selvamar development.

Website: https://www.selvamar.com.mx


8. Instituto Playa del Carmen de la Salle


Grades: Pre-K to Middle School
Curriculum: Spanish-only 
Unique Features:
- Traditional private Mexican school with a focus on traditional values.

Website: http://www.ipclasalle.edu.mx


 9. Weston Academy


Grades: Pre-K to Elementary
Curriculum: Bilingual
Unique Features:
- Small class sizes.
- Modern facilities.

Website: http://www.colegioweston.edu.mx


10. Britt Academy


Grades: Pre-K to 12th Grade
Curriculum: STEM-based, bilingual, following the Knotion Education Platform
Unique Features:
- Extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music, and robotics.
- Modern facilities including a dance studio and robotics space.

Website: https://brittacademy.com




Important Information


When is the best time to register my child in an international school in Playa del Carmen?
We recommend early registration, typically starting in March for the school year beginning in August, due to high demand.

Are private schools in Playa del Carmen expensive?
Private schools generally charge monthly fees ranging from $300 to $450 USD, with additional costs for registration, books, and materials.

Do these schools offer extracurricular activities?
Yes, most international schools in Playa del Carmen offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service.



Finding the right school in Playa del Carmen can significantly ease your transition to a new country and ensure your children receive a quality education. From bilingual curriculums to eco-friendly practices, the international schools in Playa del Carmen offer diverse options to suit the needs of expatriate families. Explore these schools further to find the perfect fit for your child's academic and personal growth.

Discover the top schools in Playa del Carmen today and secure a bright future for your children!

Get In Touch

Ines Gehrcken

Engel&Völkers Riviera Maya

Avenida 10 con Calle 14, Local 01  Playa del Carmen,  77710 

Mobile: +52 998 189 8897

Phone: +52 998 189 8897

Ines.Gehrcken@engelvoelkers.com

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