This is information I ferreted out from my friends and coworkers over the many years I have lived here. These are all private schools, with monthly fees, uniform and book costs as well as a cost for bus transportation if needed. There may also be other associated costs such as field trips in the more expensive schools and in the less expensive middle class schools there may be expenses such as providing toilet paper and soap. (These are costs known to public schools as they charge for tuition, etc) All books and uniforms generally must be purchased from the school itself.
There is generally high security at the more expensive schools and some children are picked up by bodyguards. Discipline is usually strict, lot of homework is assigned, parental participation is mandatory, and expectations are high. Rote learning and memorization is emphasized over critical thinking. Cheating is rampant and appears to be tolerated, unfortunately. The more influential the parent, the more lenient the rules, as in most places.
There are few native English speaking teachers, instead qualified Mexican nationals. This is mainly because of the transient foreign population who don’t want to work for the wages offered and the schools desire to retain teachers long term.
Pre-kinder is preschool, from 4 years to 6 years, primaria is grade 1 through 6, and secundaria is grades 7 through 9, with prepatoria being grades 10 – 12. The curriculum and school year doesn’t vary much from school to school as it is mandated by SEPy C . All schools must meet the specified criteria and guidelines.
These are some of the most popular schools although there are many more to consider. It seems every neighborhood has it’s own private school.
Instituto Británico, located at Blvd del Marlin 34, Sábalo Country, 913-5919. This school promotes small class size as well as 100% bilingual education with a great physical education program (very rare in Mazatlán). One of the newer, more popular schools amongst the upper middle class and foreign population, and is non-denominational. The registration fee is $3600 pesos. If you live in Sabalo Country it is 50% off of that. The monthly fee is $1950 pesos.
Anglo Moderno, currently the biggest and most popular and more expensive private schools is located in Lomas de Mazatlàn at Avenida de Lomas 222, 916-5090 offering non-denominational pre-K to high school with a limited sports program, plus a computer lab. This seems to be the upper middle class’s choice. The downside to this school is very large class sizes. Tuition is approximately $2,100.00 pesos a month.
ICO (Instituto Cultural de Occidente) an Italian priest run Catholic school located on Ejercito Mexicano near Rafael Buelna, 986-1466. This used to be THE school for the wealthy and powerful families of Mazatlán and outlying areas. It is very difficult for a foreigner to get into and it helps if you have connections. Class sizes are fairly large, with a decent phys ed program.
Colegio Andes, located near Sam's Club, Avenida de la Universidad 205 Fracc Alameda, 986-2488 is in my opinion the best school in Mazatlán. It has small class size, excellent bilingual education, incorporates morals into its curriculum and some of the richest, most influential people send their children there. Downside, it is a catholic school. It has strict enforcement of rules and offers a smaller social circle than larger schools.
Colegio Begsu, located on Insurgentes, 984-5621 and is solidly middle class, non-denominational and the popular choice of many small business owners, hotel workers, etc.
Colegio Remington, Rio San Lorenzo 223, behind Ley 1, a school run by Catholic nuns. 981-3347. This school generally has more girls than boys since it used to be an all girl school, one of the most respectable schools in Mazatlan, a tradition of many important families to send their children to this school, one of the best sports programs in the city, especially basketball.
Colegio Vallodolid, has two locations, one downtown on Belisario Dominguez and the other out near El Conchi. This school is inexpensive and popular with the working class. It is non-denominational, with discipline and security not being the same as in the more expensive schools. Connections are not needed to be accepted here. 985-6333.
Colegio el Pacífico, Calle Cruz 2, Cerro del Vigía is a great choice for those in el centro. (Great ocean view!) 981-2215. This school is a solidly middle class school. My bilingual co-workers who are themselves alumni are now sending their children there and believe that the English program is excellent.
Lani Wooll
Fighting bad Spanish and bad food since 1992
(Sorry folks, it’s taking longer than I thought)
