When we moved to Merida, we brought along our 16-year-old daughter. We arrived in January and she had five more months before graduating from the 11th grade in California. At the time, we were not very impressed with the public school system in California and were not unhappy to take her out of that environment. In Merida, we looked around for a school and came up empty-handed. Finally, we located a correspondence high-school on the Internet and she completed 11th grade sitting at our desk at home. Though she was able to spend time traveling around the Yucatan and Chiapas - for which she will be forever grateful - she missed her friends terribly and eventually convinced us to send her back to California to finish out her senior year.
Our attempt at home-schooling was probably too little and at the wrong time in our daughter’s life to work for her. But we have heard that some parents choose to bring their children to Merida and home-school them for the first year while they learn to speak Spanish. Learning a new language is much easier at a young age and it’s debatable whether fluency will be achieved faster in a school with other children or at home with a tutor. There are plenty of English-speaking Spanish language tutors here in Merida. A quick perusal of the bulletin board at the Merida English Library will result in a list of at least five or six people.
Putting the debate about home-schooling on hold for the moment, we have decided to respond to requests we’ve received recently for information about schools in Merida for English-speaking children. Based on our experience, we weren’t too hopeful, but we are happy to discover that things have changed in the past five years. (Or maybe we know how to cast a wider net now, because the schools we looked at five years ago do not seem to have changed.)
First, an explanation of terms is probably in order. In the U.S., we have kindergarten, primary school (usually grades 1-6), junior high school (grades 7-8 or 7-9) and high school (grades 9-12 or 10-12). In Merida (and we believe throughout Mexico), the divisions are very similar but the names have changed. Kindergarten is called Jardin de Niños (literally ‘garden of children’) or just Kinder. Primary school is Primaria and Junior High School is Secundaria. High School is Preparatoria in Mexico.
There are quite a few primaria and secundaria schools that welcome English-speaking children and who have English-speaking teachers or programs to help them in their transition. There are still few if any Preparatorias, however, that make any allowances for English language students. Here is a list of schools that we investigated.
American School
Phone: +52-999-941-9371
Location: North Merida just off the road to Progreso
Address: Calle 3B #244 x 20 y 18, Colonia Xcumpich C.P. 97204
Principal: Luz Adriana López
English Speaking Contact: According to Sra. López, there is always someone around who speaks English who can come to the phone. There is also someone who speaks some French and German.
Levels: Kinder and Primaria
Teachers: 8
Students: approximately 50
Cost: $3000 pesos enrollment, $1300 pesos per month for ten months per year. There will be occasional additional expenses.
School year: Late August through mid June.
The American School welcomes English-speaking children. All the children are taught in English half of the time and in Spanish half of the time. The curriculum is totally bilingual and value-focused, based on a methodology called CAMCO, that was developed in San Diego.
Escuela Modelo
Phone: +52-927-9833 and 927-9944
Location: Centro
Address: Calle 56A #444, Paseo de Montejo
Principal: Carlos Sauri Duch
English Speaking Contact: Marisol Bolio Perez, Director of English 927-9944 after 3 pm
Levels: Primaria, Secundaria and Preparatoria
Teachers: unknown
Students: 400 Primaria, 400 Secundaria, 500 Preparatoria
Cost: $3500-4250 pesos enrollment, $1600 pesos per month Kinder, $1875 pesos per month Primaria, $2050 pesos per month Secundaria, $2300 pesos per month Prepatoria for ten months per year. There will be occasional additional expenses.
School year: Late August through mid July.
Modelo does not have any bilingual programs. Children receive 3 hours of English instruction per week at all levels. If you shop at WalMart in Merida, you’ve seen the children who attend this school out on the sidewalk when class is not in session. The school grounds are enormous, beautiful and conveniently located. They will admit children who do not speak Spanish, and Marisol is available to counsel and assist them but they have no programs for English-speaking students. They have had children from the US, Ukraine, China, Germany and Korea. They welcome all students who are hard-working and want to learn the culture here. All entrance interviews and exams are given in Spanish, but Marisol is available to assist and translate. They have one of the better websites of all the schools we have looked at.
Website: www.modelo.edu.mx
Centro Educativo Renacimiento (CER)
Phone: +52-944-4808
Location: North Merida
Address: Calle 33 #468 x 10 y 14, Fraccionamiento Montebello
Principal: Lic. Celina Ruiz
English Speaking Contact: Rosalinda Gonzales is the secretary, and she does NOT speak English. María Teresa García is the English coordinator and can come to the phone to speak with you.
Levels: Primaria, Secundaria and Preparatoria
Teachers: 12 for each level
Students: 500 in the entire school
Cost: $5790 pesos enrollment, $2200 pesos per month for ten months per year.
School year: Late August through mid July.
Centro Educativo Renacimiento (The Renaissance Center for Education) has bilingual classes in all levels. In elementary school, they teach grammar and spelling in English. In middle school and high school, classes are conducted in English half of the time. The school welcomes English-speaking students, and currently has a number of English speakers in both elementary and high school. They are a religious (Catholic) school, but it is not necessary to be a part of the Catholic religion to attend. The website is comprehensive, although entirely in Spanish. It does discuss their bilingual program, from the point of view of a Spanish-speaking student.
Website: www.cerenacimiento.edu.mx
Colegio Iberoamericano de Merida, A.C.
Phone: +52-925-2712 and 925-3112
Location: García Gineres
Address: Avenida Colón #196-A x 12 y 14, Merida
Principal: Maria Dolores Rivas Gutierrez
English Speaking Contact: None
Levels: Kinder, Primaria
Teachers: 18
Students: 300 in the entire school
Cost: $3000 pesos enrollment, $1600 pesos per month (primaria) for ten months per year.
School year: Late August through mid July.
Iberoamericano welcomes English-speaking students. They teach half of their classes in English, but the main subjects are taught in Spanish. They have associated secundaria and preparatoria schools (see below), which are located outside of Merida on the Periferico. They proudly gave us their website address which supposedly had an English side. It doesn’t. The website hasn’t been updatedin over a year and many of the links don’t work. (sigh.)
Website: www.iberomerida.com
Colegio El Huerto Montessori
Phone: +52-925-1715
Location: García Gineres
Address: Calle 30 #199C x 19 y 17, Merida
Principal: Tania Vidales
English Speaking Contact: Tania Vidales
Levels: Kinder
Teachers: 1 per group, plus teachers for extra activities
Students: 20 per group
Cost: $3750 pesos enrollment, $1480 pesos per month.
School year: September through July.
While they don’t have a bilingual program, they do welcome english speaking students and teach english as an extra signature. They’ve had children from the USA, Russia and Germany attending class there. They have plans to teach Primaria starting next year. They also teach music, dance, stage acting and art. The enrollement fee includes medical insurance, didactic materials and SEP fee.
Colegio Iberoamericano de Merida, A.C.
Phone: +52-999-911-0101
Location: Periferico
Address: Avenida Colón #196-A x 12 y 14, Merida
Principal: Beatriz Rosado
English Speaking Contact: None
Levels: Secundaria, Preparatoria
Teachers: 22
Students: 72 in Secundaria, 55 in Preparatoria
Cost: $4000 pesos enrollment +$1900 pesos per month (secundaria) for eleven months per year, plus $440 additional expenses. $4300 pesos enrollment + $2350 pesos per month (preparatoria) for eleven months per year, plus $1375 additional expenses.
School year: Late August through mid July.
English is taught two hours per day and students are divided according to their knowledge of English. English-speaking students are welcomed. They currently have foreign students in the school.
Website: www.iberomerida.com
Instituto Gardner
Phone: +52-999-944-1881
Location: North Merida
Address: Avenida Villas La Hacienda #348 x Prolong. Montejo
Principal: Dr. Carlos Nuñez Armesto
English Speaking Contact: Dr. Carlos Nuñez Armesto speaks English, and all the teachers speak English as well.
Levels: Kinder
Teachers: 10
Students: 60
Cost: $1470 pesos enrollment + $1470 pesos per month for ten months per year
School year: Late August through mid July.
English-speaking students are welcome at Instituto Gardner. They are a 100% English-speaking kindergarden. Teachers speak in English at all times, except when the children are being taught to read and write in Spanish.
Saint Patrick’s
Phone: +52-999-948-0985
Location: Colonia Mexico
Address: Calle 31 #144
Principal: Margarita Pesqueira Pino
English Speaking Contact: Cindy Rey, English coordinator. Also, Emmy Dennis speaks some English as well.
Levels: Kinder
Teachers: 50
Students: 1 per classroom
Cost: $1320 pesos per month for ten months per year
School year: Late August through mid July.
English-speaking students are welcome. Teachers speak in English all day. There are Spanish books, but instructions are given in English. They do not have a foreign student currently, but did last year. The school is 100% bilingual.
Colegio Peninsular Roger’s Hall
Phone: +52-999-944-5364
Location: Colonia Buenavista
Address: Calle 21 #131 (just down the street from Office Depot)
Principal: Lilia Fuente Moreno
English-speaking Contact: Pilar Gutierrez phone 944-5434 x 107
Levels: Secundaria, Preparatoria
Teachers: 350 Secundaria, 300 Preparatoria
Students: 40 Secundaria, 40 Preparatoria
Cost: $5750 pesos enrollment, $2550 pesos per month (secundaria) or $3175 pesos per month (preparatoria) for ten months per year
School year: Late August through mid July.
English-speaking students are welcome at Rogers Hall, as this school is known. There are foreign students attending the school, and some of the teachers speak English. There are no formal classes taught in English and no special arrangements made for English-speaking students. The school encourages students to attend a year of school without credit to learn Spanish, and then repeat the grade the next year. There are religion classes but students can choose to take a class in Human Formation in place of the religion classes. There are some English-speaking extracurricular activities in the afternoons. We have friends who send their bilingual children to Rogers Hall and who have been pleased with their experiences there. However, when we investigated this school five years ago, we found the "spend a year learning Spanish and then repeat the grade" option NOT to our liking, either socially or financially.
MJ - International
Phone: +52-999-984-3939
Location: La Ermita in Centro
Address: Calle 66 #618-C x 77 y 79
Principal: Maria Eugenia Limon
English Speaking Contact: Maria Eugenia Limon (speaks English)
Levels: Kinder, Primaria
Teachers: 4 Kinder, 8 Primeria
Students: 41 Kinder, 113 Primeria
Cost: $620 pesos per month (Kinder) or $680 pesos per month (Primeria) for twelve months per year. You can also pay $820 pesos per month for ten months.
School year: Late August through mid July.
MJ-International has native English-speaking teachers and welcomes English-speaking students. Their program is bilingual: half Spanish, half English. Well, 3.5 hours per day in Spanish and 2.5 hours per day in English (close enough). They have children from the U.S. attending who speak Spanish.
Instituto Godwin
Phone: +52-999-948-0096
Location: Fraccionamiento Montecristo (North Merida)
Address: Calle 5 x 18 S/N ("S/N" means "without a number") Glorieta Cumbres
Principal: Berta del Toro
English Speaking Contact: None
Levels: Primaria, Secundaria, Preparatoria
Teachers: 50
Students: 511
Cost: $2655 pesos monthly for ten months (5 years ago. We were not able to get prices over the phone recently).
School year: Late August through mid July.
Godwin is where we tried to enroll our daughter when we first moved here. We liked that it was a girl’s school and that half the classes were taught in English. Math, biology and science are all taught in English. English-speaking students are welcome. They have several English speaking students currently, and their students all speak English at a good level. What we found was that very few of the administrators speak English and as we spoke practically no Spanish at that point, we had a very difficult time communicating with them. In addition, this is a Catholic school. If you are not Catholic, you must accept that your daughter will be learning the Catholic religion, taking her first communion and going to mass when requested. The enrollment application had many questions about the church you attend, and when we told them that we would be living in the Centro, they were visibly displeased. After that, we were never able to get them on the phone again. Perhaps now that the Centro is going through the throes of urban renewal, their attitudes have changed. Or maybe not.
Instituto Cumbres
Phone: +52-999-944-4090
Location: Fraccionamiento Montecristo (North Merida)
Address: Calle 5 x 18 S/N ("S/N" means "without a number") Glorieta Cumbres
Principal: ?
English Speaking Contact: None
Levels: Primaria, Secundaria, Preparatoria
Teachers: 60
Students: 800
Cost: $2655 pesos monthly for ten months (5 years ago. We were not able to get prices over the phone recently).
School year: Late August through mid July.
Cumbres is the all-boys school that is the partner to Godwin. They also teach in English half the day and welcome English-speaking students. The schools are next to each other physically, but boys and girls take separate classes. Read the above paragraph for Godwin regarding religion and attitude. These are probably the premiere private schools in Merida.
Educrea
Phone: +52-999-925-7931
Location: Garcia Gineres
Address: Calle 23 #209 x 30 y Avenida Itzaes
Principal: Zulma Avilez
English Speaking Contact: Carlos Monforte was our contact for this article. He speaks some English. Better to ask for Rebecca Góngora who is the English coordinator.
Levels: Kinder, Primaria, Secundaria, Preparatoria
Teachers: 80
Students: 650
Cost: $1548 pesos per month for Primaria, $1890 per month for Secundaria and $1800 per month for Preparatoria for ten months.
School year: Late August through mid July.
This school teaches English for one hour each day in all levels. They have Russian children currently studying in the elementary school, and last year had they also had children from the U.S. The high school is newly built and located outside of town on the road between Merida and Caucel. Their website is the most recently updated of all that we have seen, though none of it is in English.
Website: www.educrea.com.mx
Centro Educativo Palmerston
Phone: +52-999-944-5457
Location: Buenavista (across from Rogers Hall - see above)
Address: Calle 21 #144
Principal: Pilar Castillo
English Speaking Contact: Victor Avila (administrator and Sra. Castillo’s husband)
Levels: Kinder, Primaria up to 3rd grade this year. 4th grade next year. 6 grades eventually.
Teachers: 30
Students: 70 in Nursery school, 90 in Kinder and Primaria
Cost: $3800 pesos enrollment and $1700 pesos/month for Primeria, $2800 pesos enrollment and $1650 per month for Kinder. Nursery is only for locals through Seguro Social (a government program).
School year: September through June
Palmerston welcomes English-speaking students and has a completely bilingual program. Teachers speak English half the day and Spanish the other half. Primary students also have French class two hours per week from a native French speaking teacher.
Instituto Moderno American (IMA)
Phone: +52-999-943-0511, 943-5629
Location: San Pedro Cholul
Address: Calle 28 #202A x 23B y 25
Principal: Lucero Cabrales García Conde
English Speaking Contact: Sandra Padilla
Levels: Preschool thru Secundaria, (Preparatoria & Universidad is CELA)
Teachers: 55
Students: 380-400
Cost: $4800 pesos enrollment and $1750 pesos/month for Kinder, $4800 pesos enrollment and $1930 per month for Primaria, $5400 pesos enrollment and $2230 pesos per month for Secundaria.
School year: September through June
50% of all teaching time in Kinder and Primaria is in English, 50% in Spanish. In Secundaria, about 8 hours per week is taught in English. Literature, writing, grammar and spelling is taught in both languages. They are a part of CELA, which is the Preparatoria and Universidad. CELA is located right next door and information on both can be found on their website.
Website: www.ima.cela.edu.mx
In looking through our records from five years ago, we came across the Requirements for Enrollment in Godwin, the Catholic school. As an example for planning purposes, here is the list of documents that they required:
- Typewritten application (in Spanish)
- Six 2.5 inch square recent photo of the student
- A family photo
- Introductory letter, preferably from someone already in the school
- Original birth certificate and copy of certificate of baptism
- Letter of Conduct from preceeding school
- Copy of the student’s latest report card
- Parents attendance at a parent meeting on an assigned date
- Psychological and academic level assessment report
- Personal interview with the Principal
- Development and conduct questionnaire
- Clinical history (by which we think they mean Medical History)
- Entrance Exam results
You will notice that all the schools listed above are private schools. There are public schools in Merida, but from what we could learn, they do not make any allowances for English-speaking students. A 7-year-old friend of ours who is bilingual attends Gonzalez Guerrero public school in Santiago and she assured us that she is the only one who speaks English that she knows of, and that, in fact, she speaks it better than the maestro who is teaching English to the children.
We welcome any comments from those of you already living in Merida who might have experience with any of these schools, or with schools that we have not mentioned. If you know of any schools that should be added to the list, please email us at blog@yucatanliving.com and supply a contact name. We will do our best to keep this list current and your comments and participation are certainly appreciated.
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You do such a great job on your blog of presenting thorough, well-researched, and clearly written information. It is a great resource for us, and a daily read for me.
Thanks,
Paul
hello
i hope you could have an answer for this question could we find a school for “french” for a 13 years old child in Merida?
thanks
alexandrine from france
WOW!!!!!!! For someone like myself, researching schools for my kids, the article is great!!! WG’s you did a very good job,thanks so much. With the information, you have saved me so much time. Once again thank you so much, you do a great job with your magazine, keep it up !!!!!!!!!
Wow! Good job. We had pretty much the same experience with Cumbres and Rodgers Hall, though Cumbres seemed more receptive, the application forms and requirements just overwhelmed us. When we came I had asked everyone I met about schools, and no one even mentioned CER or the American School, both of which seem like good options. This last year I learned about both of them and have heard good stuff and certainly would have considered them.
Our solution ended up being homeschooling, supplimented by various tutors in different subjects. We also did an internet school but found that particular school not achedemically demanding enough. Our son was a high school sophmore when we came here (15 years old). He just started taking French this year too, as a foreign language.
Also people need to know that at High School level, all your child’s records need to be evaluated by SEP (Secretaria de Educacion Publico) and in order to do that they must be offical apostiled copies that have been translated from English into Spanish.
Theresa
Does anyone know a good place to purchase Spanish children’s books?
We are a bilingual family livinging in the States and find that the selection of Spanish books is lacking. Thanks.
Alejandro
Alexandrine,
We would suggest starting with either the American School or Centro Educativo Palmerston. Both places have French speaking teachers and teach French to their students. Please let us know what you find out.
“Primary school is Primeria”
Unless things have changed drastically since I went to school in Merida (over 30 years ago), I am sorry to say but “Primeria” is not the right word to use for Primary School, the right word is “Primaria”.
I don’t believe this was a typo since the same word “primeria” was used in two different paragraphs, so in the interest of those of you “learning Spanish” I have provided the “correct” spelling to the word.
Gracias Mario. In honor of Mexican Revolution Day (November 20th), our editor has been shot.
Thanks so much for your article. We arrived in Merida about a week ago and are here for the long run.We have two children 2+3 and they are begging me to go to school. I found a beautiful school near Costco called Happy Face. It is a billingual school and they take kids from prematernal, 11 month, to kinder 3, about 6 years.The costs are about the same as the other Primarias. for anybody interested here is their phone# 999 944 56 66. The principle’s name is Kasha and she speaks perfect english and is originally from poland, but lived on the Yucatan since 18 years.
Dear Working Gringos:
Thank you for your quick response and for correcting the information about Modelo School.
We will be glad to serve anyone interested in attending our school.
Lic. Marisol Bolio
Director of English.
Hey there Jim & Ellen, how are you guys? Just wanted to wish you guys a very happy thanksgiving and to thank you so much for the great service you provide. Thank you so much for all the info, with the struggles and first hand experiences you have gone through and shared with your readers you have made it easier for a lot of us. Once again thank you very much, keep it up!!!!!! David Zamudio Jr.
[…] There will be occasional additional expenses. School year: Late August through mid June. … $4300 pesos enrollment + $2350 pesos per month (preparatoria) for eleven months per year, plus $1375 additional expenses. …Read more: here […]
Hi!
I read your blog quite by accident and I want to congratulate you for the good job you are doing in advising the English speaking community regarding schools in Merida. For this reason, I want to update your information about Instituto Moderno Americano. This is a bilingual school that opened 16 years ago, we currently have 450 students enrolled in kindergarten through middle school and 80 students in high school, making a total of 530. We have had this many students for the last five years, because the school population is controlled. We want to know each child on a first name basis. Keeping the school small provides more opportunities to give the child a better education. Our school is non-confessional and co-educational. We have a non-violence curriculum that is supported by eight core values.
We have had many English speaking families in the past and welcome any new families that wish to visit our beautiful city. Our classrooms from 5th grade to 12th grade have air conditioning. We have 4 intelligent classrooms (5th and 6th grades) where we teach using the latest technology. Next school year (2007-2008) we will have two more (intelligent) rooms that will be used by 8th grade students. If you should need more information do not hesitate in contacting us.
Cordially yours,
Lucero Cabrales, M.A.
School Principal
Hello. Enjoyed your research. Was wondering if you know of any Waldorf or Waldorf based schools in Merida?
Thanks!
We have not yet heard of any… but perhaps our readers have? Readers??
This looks like a great list of many types of schools in Merida. One area that appears left out is information on Montessori schools. I know of at least one: “Bambini Montessori”. Does any one know of additional Montessori schools in Merida? Please reply if so to scarpulla@gmail.com
Hola, Francis. We have also heard of a Montessori school in Progreso, but were unable to get them to respond to our phone calls.
[…] If you are looking for schools for your children in Merida, read our article on Schools. […]
Thank you so much for compiling such a great list. I’m not looking for schools to send my children to, but I am looking for an English teaching job in Merida, and this was a great start!
Thanks for all your work on the school options! We are Canadians planning on moving to Mexico with our 5 and 2 year olds and it is so hard to find out about options for them. I’ve been to Merida many moons ago and remember its beauty. I’m concerned I won’t be able to deal with the hottest months though. Can anyone get used to it or do you have to be a sun worshiper at heart???? Love reading through your site. Great photos too!
Hi Cathie… we’re glad our research is paying off for you. That’s the whole reason we do it! Strangely, we find that most people here are NOT ’sun worshippers’. It’s often too hot to lie in the sun, so those of us who live here spend a lot of time in the shade in the hottest months, doing the things we do to beat the heat. It does get hot, but you definitely get used to it. A few years of living here, and you’ll be wearing sweaters when the temperature dips down to 60 degrees, just like a real Yucateca!
Thanks! We are really considering Merida. It seems like a wonderful spot for our kids to go to school and us to learn Spanish. Are there many gringo families with wee ones there?
Cathie
Thanks, wow! Great information! Another school to consider would be Piaget. I visited the primary campus (I think there are two campuses, one for primary and one for secondary but I am not sure) and I was impressed. I believe the instruction is all in Spanish but there is an English class. I found at this school, however, a first grader must be 6.5 years to enter which would hold my daughter back a year.
do you know what is the website of the colegio peninsular roger’s hall? and cunbres/godwin ?
If the websites are not listed above, it is because we could not find them or they do not have a website.
You don´t say about Colegio Americano, A.C. in Merida, this school have 10 hours of english a week in primaria and 8 hours in secundaria, this is a Presbiteran school, but it is not necessary to be a part of the Presbiteran religion to attend. The web site for more information is www.americanomerida.edu.mx
Hello to all,
My partner and I are interested in relocating to Merida and would like to know if there is a school that has an open and accepting community? Our son has two moms and we don’t want it to be too much of an issue for him. This is a great resource and we thank you all for sharing the information.
Good day!
Maria
Hola Maria,
In our experience, nearly every child here has many caregivers: mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends, and maybe even a paid nanny or two. We’ve found life here to be accepting and open. We doubt you’ll need to shop schools for that reason.
Bienvenidos!
Hola Working Gringos and the Community of Merida!
Thank you for sharing with us. In general I guess I would like to know if it is an issue at all for a lesbian couple with a child to become part of the community there? We have heard mixed things, and we are hoping that it truly does not matter. I am latina and was born in the States, currently living in Seattle and have longed for feeling a true sense of community and warmth that is found usually in latin communities. We have not made a move only because we do not want our son to feel isolated or shamed for having two moms. Please we would love to hear more about the community in Merida.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts and your love for your community.
Buen Dia!
Maria
I am looking for a school for my daughters 9 and 12 years old. We are french and we’ll arive in Merida in July. My children don’t speak very well english and spanish. Which school is appropriate for them? Thanks so much, Caroline
Caroline, there is an Academie Francaise here in Merida. We will investigate and find out more about it for you. Stay tuned!
I just wanted to share a great school that I found in Colinia Garcia Gineres for children ages 1-6. My son has been attending for a couple of months (in the States he had gone to a Waldorf School), and we couldn’t be happier. All of the teachers and children are very sweet, and there should be someone available who can speak English to the parents. Feel free to email me with questions aubry_stephanie@yahoo.com
And what a cute website they have! We will call them too, and add them to our list after we talk with them.
Thank you. I love the school so much, so I thought I’d post to help get the word out.
does anyone know of a possible Waldorf school initiative in Merida or surrounding? The only one I’ve seen is in Playa Del Carmen and Cancun.
Hello,
I would like to ask you if i could find in Merida a French educational school for my son, how has 14 years old.But he speaks also English and little Spanish.
Thank you in advance,
Best regards,
Carla
Hola, Carla!
There are at least two places in Merida that we know of where your son can learn French. On this page
you will find a number of language schools. Both CIS and Alianza Francesa teach French.
Saludos and thank you for asking!
Hi
Any thoughts or experiences on Agora school?
http://www.agora.edu.mx/
I was originally thinking of sending my children there but now I’m wondering whether to send them to a more ‘traditional’ Mexican bilingual private school.
They are completely bilingual.
I have information about Bambini Montessori. Enrollment 4,800 and 1,925 pesos per month for kinder. My son is going to be there this coming year. They have 3 hours of English per week. The library is beatifull.
I hope this is an appropriate place to ask this question. Does anyone know of a bilingual kinder or primaria that is looking to hire an English-speaking teacher (from the US)? I would be able to teach in English or assist in Spanish. (I would rate my Spanish-speaking abilities as somewhere between “advanced conversational” and “proficient.”)
I studied abroad in Mérida last year, fell in love with the city, and would like to go back. I have a degree in psychology and Kindergarten-6th grade teaching. I am student teaching at a bilingual school in the US from August through December.
I’m sorry if I should not have posted this question here - The wonderful list of bilingual schools you have collected made it seem like a logical place to ask. I can be contacted at: rebeccaster@gmail.com
yo soy de merida y estudio en el rogers.es lindo con amor cookie
Great site! Thank you for opening this site.
We have 3 boys age 7, 9 and 12. We are considering moving from Australia to Merida (no worries with the sun, mate!).
Our concern is with the requisites to enroll kids to schools, especially the “cartilla nacional de vacunacion” - vaccination shots card. It seems to be a paramount requisite and we are a bit slack with vaccines.
Also it will be great to know if there are some among the expat community that are tutoring English speaking kids. We are considering home schooling as a second option.
Hi…
I am a Yucatecan and I can give you some information about the schools in Merida. For example, Agora was named one of the best schools in México, not only Merida. It is kind of new because I have lived here all my life and only recently have heard of it. Some schools may tell you they have English classes and all, but their English level is not very good; I studied in private schools all of my life and I think most of the students leave school knowing very little.. I know the Rogers school has very good English classes but Modelo and CUM, not so good… CUMBRES and GODWIN have half courses in English and half in Spanish, but I would put them at the bottom of the list. I have heard of this workshop (www.workshop.edu.mx) with a working English section in their website. It has kindergarten and elementary school. It might be a good option. I am happy to help anyone with information about schools and universities, from the point of view of a former student.
Hola! We are thinking of moving to Merida - I have two children ages 8 and 11. They only speak English. Is the transition to a spanish speaking school very difficult?? Are there any extra-curricular activities available i.e. football, soccer, dancing classes, etc.? I also do not speak spanish and am wondering how difficult it will be to make friends for myself as well as my children. My fear is for all of us to feel very isolated. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Gina,
We’re sorry we took so long to reply to your question, but sometimes our day jobs distract us and we miss things.
It is true that if you don’t speak Spanish in Mexico, you can feel isolated. But it is also true that in Yucatan, Spanish is a second language for the majority of people. The first language is Mayan! This means that many here struggle every day to understand each other and are constantly learning how to do so.
It is our observation that most children learn to communicate faster than adults for various reasons, but it will still be a challenge for them. You can count on a tolerant social setting, however, where most will work with you to achieve understanding. And there are many resources in Merida to help you learn.
The most important lesson we’ve learned is to immerse yourself. Don’t speak or think in English unless you have to! This is the fastest way to learn Spanish, and the rewards can be wonderful.
Hi, I studied in the Instituto Moderno Americano 11 years and the only thing I can say is that is a great school!!! All the teachers are nice with you and it is better when you are in a small school. That way you can know everyone and enjoy your classes more. I learned a lot there and my english was getting better every year. Right now I’m studying in Ohio to improve it but the teachers and the principal really helped me to understand it, speak it and write it. I had a speech class with the principal and now, here in Ohio, I’m one of the best students, and that’s great for me because English is not my native language. My teacher is really proud of me and the education I recieved back in Merida (IMA). I really learned more than I could imagined. I recomend it.
Thank you Teacher Lucero!!!
Thanks for the great article! We are from Canada and are moving to Telchac Puerto in January 2008. We have 3 small kids ages 5,3 and 18 months. We are excited about moving down and immersing ourselves- the language will be new to us, but we think immersion and friendliness will go a long way! Any other expat families in the Progreso/Telchac area? Anyone else homeschooling in these areas? We plan to put the kids into kindergarten / primaria initially, so they can socialize and learn the language, but also supplement with homeschooling materials so that they can return to Canada fairly seamlessly if needed (plus we think our kids are really smart:)
Can anyone tell me if the Instituto Moderno Americano is also a boarding school? Or if there is a boarding school in Merida? (For 6th and 7th)
Dear Sandy,
Here is the website for the school you are referring to
Instituto Moderno Americano but it does not appear to be a boarding school. None of the local Yucatecans that we have spoken to have ever heard of any boarding school here in Merida.
Hi:
thanks for all the great information. My family will be spending 4 weeks in Merida and I would love for my 3.5 year old son to attend a kindergarten/pre-school so he has some contact with kids and gets to use his Spanish. He is as fluent as a 3.5 year old can be in Spanish so I don’t necessarily need a bilingual school - just a good school were he’ll have some fun but will also keep improving his reading, writing and math skills.
Any suggestions are highly appreciated.
Hi there,
We will probably be moving to Merida by the end of February. I have 4 kids. One in grade 7, one in grade 2, a preschooler and a baby. Are the schools open to midterm registration? Also, I have heard, that one would not want to live there permanently… If anything happens to the country, you have a target on your back. Americans are wealthy and someone could kidnap your kids. I thought I would go directly to a source rather than getting myself all worked up.
DONNA! I am so excited to have read your post. I am also Canadian and plan to move to the Progreso area within the next few years. My main conern is that my son is going to be 5 in May so I have to feel right about maintaining his education while following my dream of relocating.
I have been wondering what to do when living out of Merida, as far as schooling goes. The perfect thing would be a school in Progreso, because I really want him to feel at home in the community and make friends. It would be great to find an english speaking tutor able to help with some home schooling.
I spent a month in Chicxulub (i prob spelled it wrong again!) and fell in love with the Progreso area. I found the people to be wonderful even though I was struggling with communicating. The ‘walmart’ is great in Progreso because you don’t really have to speak spanish to get through the checkout. The price is on the cash register and they will even accept american funds if you run out of pesos.
I would love to hear from you so we could maybe share experiences and maybe learn something more from each other, especially being mom’s of young Canadian kids.
My email is dep121@yahoo.com
Does anyone have any experiences with what is the best age for relocating your child? Is younger really better all of the time, or maybe around 8 yrs old is good? I have no idea so any help will be so appreciated.
Hey all of you. I am starting an English Academy with my wife in Merida. We are wanting to know what it is you all need/want/desire. We have some private investors and are anxious to hear back.
Tell, us:
1. What is lacking down there right now?
2. What are people looking for?
3. What problems are there that we could solve?
Thanks,
Jeremi
litzzu@byuh.edu
Hey all of you. I am starting an English Academy with my wife in Merida. We are wanting to know what it is you all need/want/desire. We have some private investors and are anxious to hear back.
Tell, us:
1. What is lacking down there right now?
2. What are people looking for?
3. What problems are there that we could solve?
Thanks,
Jeremi
litzzu@byuh.edu
I am a bit puzzled.
You’ve decided to start a school (apparently), but are not aware of the local community?
How did you chose Merida? What are your goals in establishing this school?
Are you planning on Evangelizing or Proselytizing? Or only teaching?
Investors are willing to put their money into a school - or “English Academy” - without knowing anything about where the money goes or why a given location has been selected? I’d love to meet those investors. I’ve got a bridge to sell.
Wow! This has been by far the largest resource of info on education in Merida that I have been able to find. My family, Wife Linda and 2 boys ages 9 & 12 are looking to relocate to Merida within the next 18 months. Finding an accredited school that teaches in English has been a real struggle. None of us speak Spanish so it’s going to be a hell of a learning curve. Trying to plan a move from Canada has also been an experience. Finding the right city,town,neighbourhood etc. (still looking by the way)
If anyone who has been through this experience prior to us could lend a little guidance it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Paul
Casiyucateco,
De hecho sabemos mucho del area. La razon por la cual que puse este mensaje era para averiguar lo que querian los padres que YA SE VAN a MERIDA. Mi esposa y yo conocemos muchisima gente de Merida. Hemos hecho investigaciones por todo lo del sur de Mexico: incluso, Merida, Guerrero, Chiapas, Jalisco, y mas.
Y en cuanto a los inversionistas, no creo que me entendieras muy bien. Mi esposa y yo somos los inversionistas principales, y ademas, tenemos Mexicanos de MERIDA que ya han leido nuestro plan que quieren apoyarnos. A caso has escuchado de los ANGEL INVESTORS? Tal vez si, tal vez no.
Ademas de Mexico, mi esposa y yo hemos viajado a Tokyo, Japan, Beijing, China y varios estados en los EEUU.
No sabemos como reaccionar a sus palabras, pero tal vez sea que eres competencia o tal vez sea alguien frustrado por lo que escribimos. A pesar de todo, tenemos grandes planes de ayudar a la gente. Solo queriamos saber lo que no recibian los padres YA y las expectativas de aquellos que estan por irse a Merida.
Mahalo,
Jeremi Brewer
PD. No conozco inversionistas que queren invertir en un puente, pero si los encuentro, yo les dire de lo que tienes planeado.
Wow, fun and fine ESpanish!
But I still don’t have the answer to my questions. You do not know what services are needed, yet you have decided to open a school, anyway.
Having traveled all over the world, you chose Merida. It’s quite a compliment to the White City, given the other places you either visited or considered or both.
I am not the competition. The last thing in my life I desire is to open or run a school. I am not frustrated nor envious of school investors. I understood what you wrote precisely: You have private investors and you’d like to know what is needed by people in Merida, or presumable all who read Yucatan Living.
I simply cannot make the connection between deciding, “There is the place” and then later “What is it you needed?”
Maybe nothing at all is needed, in which case the investment will be in vain.
Maybe too much is needed, in which case the task will be overwhelming and your customers frustrated.
Maybe the bed will fit juuuust right and the comfort will serve you well.
Yes, yes, yes, perhaps I’m entirely too logical.
People should follow their hearts. And their Angel Investors!
Hi,
What certifications should one look for when shopping for schools ?
Thanks.
Hi Everyone;
I just wanted to mention that for many,especially coming from the USA [and Canada],homeschooling really IS quite easy,and usually more fun for your children. [excepting the working gringo’s 16 yr old daughter-which they explained fully.]
It is quite easy to do via many distance learning websites,or just go your own path-ie, unschooling. With the internet,there is so much support now! forums and websites,and blogs galore for unschooling,or any type of curriculum you may wish to use-ie,montessori,waldorf,etc.
As for ’socialization’,don’t trip. Children love exploring,taking classes in things they love,going to the beach and the park. They get ‘interaction’ with other humans in this regard,and model behaviors taught by the parents/family. As well,regardless of ‘how smart’ your children are,they will learn things they are interested in [which almost always correspond to skills or topics in your state’s/country’s curriculum standards],and what they experience will be first hand,and usually contribute to life skills and future goals,more readily than 6.5 hours or more in a school each day. My gosh-the idea of living with your child in the Yucatan-that IS school!!!! It’s great! Go for it and know that with a little research and confidence,you are certainly capable of ‘teaching’ [or exposing’]your children to all they ‘need’ to know,and then some. And they will get a head start in planning their own future,by learning what they like and are good at,and having more time to pursue it. If in doubt,check out your ’state curriculum’. I’m sure Merida has martial arts,yoga,arts and crafts and other ‘tutors’ or ‘classes’,in addition to water sports,language,cooking,building,etc,etc.,etc. need i say more? Go for it!
Irm, Thanks for the many Inspiring words and lots of food for thought. Our greatest obsticule in presuing home schooling is a major lack of discipline. Ours not the kids. Do you know of any support groups for home schooling or maybe an in-home tutoring service that could monitor and teach the kids 2 or 3 times a week? We still would prefer an acutal school setting but haven’t found any schools that teach an accredited curriculum. Once again if anyone knows of such a school please let us know. We would really love to come down for a visit and plan our move but need to find the educational solution.
Thanks for your time,
Paul
I am happy to see our school listed here but i would like to update some information, The school name is Saint Patricks Kindergarten and we accept children from one to five years old for the kindergarten, next year we will start teaching primary levels too. people can contact us for information at phone number (52)999- 9 38 05 55 or through our website www.spkinder.com our teachers are english speakers and we receive international students. groups are small and we have swimming and computer lab classes included in the program. enrollment cost is 2500 and monthly tuition is 1550. thank you for your attention and if possible i would like to send you some pictures too. Margarita Rojina (academic coordinatior)
Currently we live in Canada but would consider the Yucatan if there was English Waldorf available. 2008-09 Waldorf class 3, class 1 and a toddler. If there are any other Waldorf families (homeschool or otherwise) in Yucatan, it would be nice to connect. aly_carmichael@hotmail.com
I am currently an English teacher at Tecnológico de Mérida. Arrived here seven months ago with my 13 year old from Mexico City. I’d like to teach Spanish to foreigners, either expats, English or French speaking kids, teenagers and adults. I am a published writer and an English-Spanish-English/French-Spanish/French-English translator. Also an editor and a small-press poetry publisher.
I’d like to open some creative writing workshops, both in English and Spanish, as well as teaching the language (Spanish and/or English) and literature. Guided reading is my pleasure also. Can teach reading comprehension skills and English and/or Spanish for Specific Purposes.
Used to be a UN officer for WHO/PAHO, ECLAC and UNFPA in Mexico City, plus other editorial, publishing, social communication and public information multicultural endeavors throughout my life.
Would like to get in touch with people who could help me get familiarized with English or French speaking individuals or groups who could benefit from my services.
I just posted a comment about language teaching, offering my services as TSSl and TESOL teacher and professional editor, writer and translator. I would like to be reached either by email (alecramialuz@hotmail.com or phone: Home 52+01 (999) 2121235 or cell phone 044 999246765. I live in Mérida, Yucatán.
Ups! Just noticed a typo on the cell phone digits as I stated in previous message. I REALLY MEANT TO SAY 044 9992 646765.
Also, I enjoyed strife between readers Jeremy Brewer and CasiYucateco. I must say I am totally in favor of CasiYucateco, for his arguments are clear, and I admire his guts in saying what he thinks.
Following his example, I would respond to Mr. Jeremy Brewer the following to his three “specific” questions:
“1. What is lacking here right now”?
Well, Sir, do you mean in the English language field, or in general. As to the first part of my doubt, nothing really is lacking, with such a wide variety of language schools, both, private and official (talking about higher superior levels as the regional UNAM center in Merida and UADY’s language arts faculty), and the huge spectrum of rinky dinky language academies (escuelas patito they call it in Spanish nowadays) to medium level quality and legitimate upper level language centers and institutions, I would doubt there is a real “need” for more improvised so-called academies. Of course free market and laissez faire laws speak for themselves as to the wide array of franchises oriented to practically anything they can actually sell.
Other than that, what else is there lacking? Sir, many, many things: full-scale employment, sanitary, medical and educational services for the vast majority, better governments, justice, equity and an endless list of issues. Does Angel Investors have a clue about such issues? If so, I’d like to meet them.
I think the rest of the questions’ answers are comprised in the above ideas.
Buenas noches.
Realmente hablar de lo que le faltaria no solo a la ciudad de merida si no a todo el estado de yucatan nos dariamos cuenta que faltarian anos luz para estar ala altura de estados unidos por eso que alguien se ponga a hablar en un foro de lacking, problems, and what are people looking for, es como caer en el vacio, pues la solucion esta muy lejana de los que hemos vivido en merida no niego que hay avances en todos los aspectos en merida pero lo que deberiamos alcanzar es la justicia social toda la politiqueria deberia trabajar para coartar la brecha entre los pobres 95% y los ricos 5% y asi esas escuelas privadas de paga que oscilan de 150 us dolar a 250 al mes que solo esta al alcanze del 5 % de la poblacion deberia estar al alcanse de todos porque no niego que hay calidad educacional. me despido deseando que algun dia pueda ver esa justicia social para todo el pueblo de mexico
Anyone interested in starting a Waldorf initiative here?? I will be moving to merida in Summer 2009, and finding a suitable school is tough, although the Agora is the closest to the Waldorf philosophy that I have seen and they have very good english speaking teachers.
If interested email me at sarahcrealtor@roadrunner.com
Casiyucateco and to everyone else:
Wouldn’t a new school, private or public, allow for more jobs?
The reason that I chose Merida is because we have wonderful connections there. The English Academy is the “beginning” of what we hope to make into a full-fledged English high school.
I think that everyone has the right to dream, and dream big. I have lived in Mexico for many years and I understand why there are so many people that live below the poverty level. Some of my best friends make 12.00 a week–twelve dollars, a week!
My only goal is to build the people that I have grown to love. I have come to realize that there are critics no matter what you choose to do in life.
I will be down in Mexico City with my family for another short time (5 months) starting in just a few weeks, and will be meeting with some of the governing officials from all over Mexico trying to remedy the problems that so many people face in Mexico.
Do I do this because I am asked? NO! I do this because of my family. I do this because I have many family members that are Mexican citizens, as well as hundreds of friends, that are Mexican citizens that want to improve their lives.
And to those that frown upon a gringo helping out Merida– why? Why would it be such a horrible thing?
I just want to help. If I have offended you or your friends, by no means was it intentional.
Thanks for your concern.
Jeremi
I don’t see any criticism. I just don’t understand your comments.
On one hand you aren’t sure what’s needed, but on the other you are meeting with important government officials for months to improve the whole nation. On one hand you wish to open a school in Merida (as opposed to Japan, China, all over the US…), on the other, you don’t know what Merida is lacking. Somehow, something doesn’t fit. But have at it! You don’t need my approval or permission.
What I will say does disturb me is the number of people coming from many other nations to proselytize their religions. I’ve been in aircraft where nearly the whole capacity is one church or another come to “save the natives.” Some come from as far away as Korea.
Come, teach, be an example. But just don’t go telling the Maya that they are descendants of the lost tribes of Israel. That has been proven factually incorrect through mitochondrial DNA. (See: 1491: New Revelations of America by Charles C. Mann, or numerous news accounts.)
What is objectionable - to me - is the subterfuge of “helping” while the underlying goal is changing people’s religions, which causes all sorts of family, village, social, and economic strife. Chan Kom Revisited by Robert Redfield is a good anthropological accounting of exactly how that plays out in a Yucatec village which is torn in two. My own friends in Merida have had families torn apart when member(s) joined an evangelical group. Certainly people have free will to do as they chose. But those “helping” often do not see the entire impact of their help.
The family is all-important in Mexico. Religious strife tears it apart. That’s all I’m saying: Don’t be about bringin’ the strife. People have the right to proselytize. And I reserve the right to speak out against the hidden damage left behind.
What I would recommend as being the best help — if anyone truly has help as the goal — is supplying construction assistance or operational funding to let Yucatan open and run more of their own schools. Economic help to the poorest families is needed so their children may attend school, rather than families needing childrens’ work to help support their families due to extreme poverty.
Hello, I have been reading the past few comments and would just like to say that my family and I are just looking for an accredtied school that teaches in english. My family and I Do not speak Spanish yet. We are hoping to fit into and experience the local culture. I truly hope anyone coming to the area as a guest would have reverence and respect for the culture.
I don’t want to leave a bad taste in anyone’s mouth,so if expats aren’t welcome and are considered to have a negitive impact please let me know so I can find another place for my family.
Paul
Dear Paul:
I don’t think none of the posts here are meant to scare anybody out of beautiful Merida, which is, by the way, not only a great place to visit and live as a grown up, but an amazing land to discover how to grow old without stop being a child. Is a safe place with lots of things to do and lots of places around to discover history and nature and science…
I don’t know a lot about schools there for i don’t have a child, but I can tell you about the community, and it is a versatile, open and warm one… although it has its other elitist closed square side too.. its all a matter of meeting people and deciding where you fit better, as in every other place in the world… If you are truly looking to live the culture and have a respect for the human race i don’t see why you would have any trouble fitting in, even among the only Spanish speaker you’ll find lots of people willing to try their sometimes very basic English trying to talk to you and include you in their activities and life…
Summing up I wouldn’t worry about not being welcomed there… instead I urge you to enjoy the weather, the landscapes, the people and all the resources the place has to offer…
Love Lilith
Dear Lilith,
Thanks for the words of encouragement. We have researched a lot of cities/towns in Mexico since we retired. Merida seems like the perfect fit for us so your comments are reassuring.
If any could give me info on an accredtied school for my kids it would be the last piece of the puzzle. I know I’ve asked before but I still haven’t received an answer. A Waldorf school would be great but not esential. Ay accredited schoolis good for us as long as it is taught in English!
Thanks again,
Paul
I have a son that goes to Rogers Hall , he´s in high school.. I have these addresses that may help you.. rogers@sureste.com and dyred.sureste.com/rogers. I only have good things to say about this school. I highly recommend it.
Hi I’m looking for English schools in Mérida, for my 14 years old daughter, please let me know as soon as possible, if you have any suggestion. thank you
Lupita,
I tried the site you suggested but couldn’t find an English web site for the school. Do you know if the school is acredited by an USA\Canadian acrediting body? It’s a must if we need to return home and place our 2 boys back in school here. We really want to relocate to Merida so finding a school is a must. We are retired so schools are the only thing holding us back.
Thanks,
Paul
Mr. McDonald,
I´ll find that information for you and I´ll also see if I can give you some other options. We do have great schools here and some call themselves “bilingual” but that is not always the case.. I´ll get back to you..
Here’s what may be easier: Contact the American accrediting agencies you wish to comply with and ask them if they accredit overseas / across the borders. If so, then do they have any accredited in Merida? At least you know they’d speak English. Then you can go from there.
Official documentation in Merida is going to be done in Spanish, unless performed by outside (meaning external to Mexico) agencies and then only within the outside agency, not necessarily on file with the Mexican government or education authorities.
Hello! I’m very interested in coming to Merida in July or August for a house hunting / fact finding expedition. I have a few questions I’m hoping you could answer for me.
1.)When is the best time to come and check out schools for a 7 & 8 yr. old?
2.) Will two weeks be enough time to find a neighborhood and school, or should we plan for longer?
3.) What is the going rate for babysitters ( my husband just got back from another 14 month deployment , and I would like to possibly go to dinner alone without the 5 kids) in Merida, and how would we find a good/safe one ????
4.) Do any of the mentioned schools have programs ( free or low cost ) to help the parents learn conversational Spanish/Mayan along with their children?
Thank you very much for any assistance you can give me. Blessings.
Sarah,
1) I think the best time to check on schools would be the year before you plan on enrolling during the school year. I doubt that you will find anyone in the office during vacation, but then again you wouldn’t in the USA either. Since your kids are young you probably won’t need to have their records apostiled but you might want to get their birth certificates etc done before you go.Also, just like NOB you probably want to audit a class and see how it’s run.
2) That is a personal call isn’t it? If it’s a private school you might not live in the neighborhood where the school is located.
3)Babysitting isn’t exactly a Mexican thing since kids go to their grandparents etc if they need watching. Or the kids just stay home with their nannies. But probably you would find a sitter the same way you would NOB.
4)I would suggest asking about the conversational Spanish at the time you do the rest of your investigation.
This is not one of your questions but you really should start your Spanish learning before you come here. You can begin by doing stuff like labeling objects with their names in Spanish. I think taking a foreign language NOB is probably less expensive than doing it here especially if you do it through adult education or a jr college.
I wish you the best of luck,
Theresa