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How English curriculum works in Mexico City

All schools operating in Mexico must register with the federal Secretariat of Public Education (Secretaria de Educacion Publica, SEP), which means every Mexico City school technically operates within the SEP framework. Established international schools layer a foreign curriculum, the American common curriculum, the English National Curriculum or the IB Diploma, on top of SEP requirements. The result is that children attending the leading English-language international schools graduate with both the Mexican baccalaureate and a recognised foreign qualification, which broadens university options in Mexico, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

The choice between the American, British and IB routes typically follows three considerations. First, the family's likely next move and the resulting university pathway. Second, the language balance the family wants (a fully English-medium environment with Spanish as a second language, or a more balanced bilingual programme). Third, the practical fit with neighbourhood and the school commute. See our American curriculum guide and British curriculum overview for the curriculum-level detail.

The American curriculum option

The American School Foundation (ASF) in Tacubaya is the historical anchor of American education in Mexico, founded in 1888. Pre-K through Grade 12, with AP and IB Diploma options in upper school, strong US university pipeline (around 60 to 70 per cent of graduates to US universities) and a large purpose-built campus. ASF is the default first call for families on US payrolls or planning US university entry, and it remains the largest single English-curriculum school in the city. The cohort is approximately one third American passport holders, one third Mexican families seeking an American pathway and one third broader international.

Beyond ASF, several other Mexico City schools follow American-style curriculum frameworks. Westhill Institute in Cuajimalpa runs an American programme alongside the SEP curriculum and AP courses. Greengates School (covered below in the British section) and Edron Academy are commonly considered alongside ASF by families weighing the broader English-curriculum shortlist. Lincoln School and several smaller schools serve specific neighbourhoods with American-style programmes.

Compare three Mexico City schools side by side

The cleanest way to test an English-curriculum shortlist in Mexico City is to put two or three schools on the school compare tool and look at fees, curriculum and university destinations next to each other. Pair this with our best international schools in Mexico City ranking, and send the shortlist through the contact form if you would like a free editorial review.

The British curriculum options

Three British curriculum schools anchor the Mexico City market and are the default choice for UK families and for those planning university applications in the United Kingdom.

Greengates School in Lomas de Sotelo was founded in 1951 and follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through IGCSE, with the IB Diploma in upper school. Strong UK and US university destinations, established faculty bench, and a multi-national cohort that runs across English, Mexican, Canadian, American and European families. A long-standing first-call school for UK families relocating to Mexico City.

The Edron Academy in Calzada Desierto de los Leones (San Angel and Pedregal corridor) was founded in 1963 by the British academic Eric Anson and is a sister to Greengates in the British curriculum sector. English National Curriculum through IGCSE, IB Diploma in upper school, strong academic outcomes and a deep co-curricular programme. Often the cleanest fit for families based in the southern part of the city.

Eton School in Tecamachalco was founded in 1980 and runs the English National Curriculum through IGCSE alongside the SEP curriculum, with the IB Diploma in upper school. Strong bilingual provision (English and Spanish balanced through primary years), a meaningful Mexican family cohort alongside the international intake, and an established record on US, UK and Latin American university applications.

IB Diploma in Mexico City

The IB Diploma is widely available across Mexico City's English-language international schools. ASF, Greengates, Edron and Eton all offer the IB Diploma in upper school, with cohort sizes varying year to year. For families anticipating international university applications, particularly outside the United States, the IB is often the preferred upper-school route. The Mexican baccalaureate runs alongside the IB at most schools, which preserves the option of Mexican university entry without additional bridging requirements. See our best IB schools in Mexico City piece for the comparative IB outcomes.

Fees and the true year one cost

Annual tuition at the leading English-curriculum Mexico City schools for 2026 to 2027:

  • American School Foundation: MXN 420,000 to MXN 580,000 depending on year group.
  • Greengates School: MXN 380,000 to MXN 520,000.
  • Edron Academy: MXN 360,000 to MXN 500,000.
  • Eton School: MXN 320,000 to MXN 460,000.
  • Westhill Institute: MXN 280,000 to MXN 400,000.

Headline tuition understates the all-in family cost. School bus (MXN 30,000 to MXN 55,000 per year), lunch, books, uniform, capital levies and enrolment deposits add typically twenty to thirty per cent. The true 2026 to 2027 all-in cost at an English-curriculum Mexico City school typically lands between MXN 350,000 and MXN 700,000 per child per year, equivalent to USD 18,000 to USD 35,000. Run a year one budget through the cost calculator and read our Mexico City school fees piece for the structural cost picture.

Neighbourhoods and the school commute

Mexico City's expat housing map clusters around the school catchments. Polanco, Lomas de Chapultepec and Bosques de las Lomas are the principal expat residential corridor in the north west, with strong access to ASF, Greengates and Eton via the dedicated school bus network. San Angel, Pedregal and the south west serve Edron Academy directly, with stronger family villa stock and a slightly more residential rhythm. Condesa and Roma provide a denser urban living option for families with younger children or for those willing to accept a longer commute. Traffic in Mexico City is the binding constraint on the school commute; a fifteen kilometre journey at 7am can be twenty minutes, at 8.30am can be ninety minutes. See the Mexico City city guide for the full housing picture and our moving to Mexico City with children guide for the relocation logistics.

Admissions timing and how to apply

Mexico City English-curriculum schools accept applications through the year, with the principal entry window between November and February for the following August or September entry. Most schools run an interview plus assessment for older applicants. Sibling priority applies at most schools and absorbs a meaningful share of capacity at the principal entry points (Pre-K, Grade 1 and the first year of secondary). Plan to apply between November and January to keep the full shortlist open, and budget two to three months for the apostille and translation of academic transcripts from the previous school. See admissions timing by city for the comparative timetable.

FAQ

Which Mexico City schools follow the American curriculum?
The American School Foundation (ASF) in Tacubaya is the principal American curriculum school in Mexico City, with Pre-K through Grade 12, AP and IB Diploma options. Westhill Institute and several smaller schools also follow US-style frameworks.

Which Mexico City schools follow the British curriculum?
Greengates School, the Edron Academy and Eton School run the English National Curriculum through IGCSE and either A-Levels or the IB Diploma. All three are long-established Mexico City institutions.

How much do international schools in Mexico City cost in 2026?
Annual tuition ranges from MXN 280,000 to MXN 580,000 per child per year for 2026 to 2027, with the all-in family cost twenty to thirty per cent higher than headline tuition.

Are international schools in Mexico City fully English-medium?
The leading schools operate primarily in English for academic subjects, with Spanish taught as a second language and the SEP curriculum requirements covered alongside. Eton runs the most balanced bilingual programme; ASF, Greengates and Edron run primarily English-medium environments.

Are there waitlists at the leading Mexico City schools?
Yes at the principal entry points and for older year groups in tight cohorts. Sibling priority and Mexican family demand at established schools absorb capacity quickly. Apply between November and January for the following academic year to keep the shortlist open.