Compare International Schools in Cancun, Mexico

Two campuses in Cancún, Quintana Roo: a Kinder-Primary campus and a Middle-High School campus, separated by a shared parking lot. Administrative offices are located between the two campuses. The address is Av. Colegios SM 309 Mza. 17 Lt. 36, Blvd. Colosio Km 9, Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Preschool through high school. Grade levels include Kindergarten/Elementary and Middle/High School, operating across two campuses (Kinder-Primary and Middle-High School).

Private, non-profit, non-sectarian, co-educational.

84% Mexican; 5% United States; 11% Other.

Each campus has a psychologist who supports student academic and emotional education.

United States affiliation through Cognia (SACS/AdvancED) and SAIS accreditation.

Non-sectarian.

The school uniform should be worn at all times and can be bought at the central office. It consists of a polo shirt with the school logo, beige shorts or a skirt with the school logo, and a navy blue physical education t-shirt with shorts or pants for PE. Students must have two shirts and change after class if they are very sweaty; tennis shoes are required; dress-down options on Fridays are allowed under the policy described (Dress-Down Friday).

Cafeteria/Food: Students may buy food during recess periods and before and after school. Students are not permitted to eat in classrooms, laboratories, or the auditorium. Water is permitted in the classrooms and should be kept in plastic bottles or thermoses.

The middle/upper school is divided into four houses called Eagle Houses; each student is allocated to one house at enrollment. The four houses are named after different kinds of eagles, and students participate in activities to earn points for their house to foster leadership and community.

The International American School of Cancun is private, non-profit, non-sectarian, and co-educational.

Transitional: English–Spanish. 1st–6th Grades offer Spanish, English, and Technology.

AP courses include Spanish Literature (11th grade) and Calculus and English Literature (12th). AP exams are taken in May; AP exam scores range from 1 to 5. Most universities award college credit for qualifying AP scores. An additional 1.06% is added to the GPA for students who have at least a 7.2 GPA and take the AP exam in May. AP designation appears on the transcript.

High school students have the opportunity to enroll in a full dual program, receiving both a U.S. diploma and a Mexican preparatory certificate.

A Values Program called The 6 Pillars of Character runs from Kindergarten through high school, with the value changing every two months and activities such as storytelling, songs, theatrical representations, games, and special assignments. Its objective is to create a harmonious school environment, prevent antisocial behaviors, and encourage positive attitudes, responsible decision making, and autonomy. Activities connected to each value include beach cleanups and friendly sport activities with students from other schools. A psychologist department provides prevention and intervention techniques for behavior, using an interdisciplinary approach with teachers, coordinators, parents and external therapists; it offers academic, personal and career guidance, crisis support and counseling. The school champions diversity, equity and inclusion, with nondiscrimination in admissions and educational programs and a commitment to equal opportunity.

English is the major language of instruction: English literature, science, social studies, math, and some electives and extracurricular activities are taught in English. The school provides a bilingual, bicultural education with bilingual instruction across grades. Daily class time is conducted in English or Spanish, reflecting a bilingual delivery model. The primary curriculum lists English–Spanish bilingual pathways (Transitorio English and English–Español) across grade levels. High school offers English-language coursework including AP English Language and AP English Literature as part of the program.

The Health program provides medical attention during the school day for emergencies and illnesses; for kinder and primary students, parents are advised if further attention is needed and the doctor does not administer medication from home. A psychologist is available for Kinder/Lower School and another for Middle/High School, supporting prevention and intervention with an interdisciplinary approach between teachers, coordinators, parents and external therapists. Prevention and intervention programs include the Values program, Educational Orientation, Positive Discipline, and Red Ribbon Week. The department provides personal guidance, career guidance, crisis support and counseling, and acts as mediator in solving problems between parents, students and staff. An interdisciplinary collaboration among teachers, coordinators, parents and external therapists supports students' social, academic, and emotional development.

The International American School of Cancun is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of all students. All staff undergo rigorous vetting, including reference verification and background checks, before employment. Teachers and staff receive ongoing training in child protection and safeguarding practices. The school maintains clear communication with local government authorities and fulfills mandated reporting requirements when necessary. Parents are offered regular workshops and resources to strengthen safeguarding awareness; there is 24-hour security and limited access points and entrance protocols during the school day. Contact: primary@ciac.edu.mx or highschool@ciac.edu.mx; Phone: (998) 882-2269.

1. Submit required documents. Birth certificate, Passport, and Latest report cards (minimum academic average of 8.6). Submission initiates the admissions evaluation. 2. Take the admission exam and/or visit the school. All applicants must complete the designated admissions exam(s). 3. Attend your results meeting. Save your place! Once you have received the acceptance email, follow the steps for registration. 4. Submit additional documents and pay registration fees. This step occurs after acceptance and links to Tuition & Fees. 5. Fill the online application form. We will contact you to schedule an appointment.