Playa Del Carmen and Tulum Mexico Real Estate | Best schools in Playa del Carmen for expat families

Choosing the right school in Playa del Carmen: options for expat families

Planning a move to the Riviera Maya with kids?

For families relocating to Playa del Carmen, one of the most important decisions — beyond finding the right home — is selecting a school that aligns with their educational values and supports their children’s academic, social, and emotional growth.

Fortunately, Playa del Carmen offers a diverse and growing range of options. From well-established bilingual institutions to progressive alternative models, these schools vary in curriculum structure, teaching philosophy, and levels of official accreditation.

Understanding the Mexican school system and SEP

In Mexico, formal education is overseen by the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), the federal agency responsible for regulating and certifying the national curriculum and issuing official accreditation to schools. SEP recognition is important for ensuring that a school’s academic program meets national standards and that students can transfer seamlessly to other schools in Mexico or abroad.

The typical school levels in Mexico are:

• Preescolar (Preschool): Ages 3–5

• Primaria (Primary): Grades 1–6, Ages 6–12

• Secundaria (Middle School): Grades 7–9, Ages 12–15

• Preparatoria or Bachillerato (High School): Grades 10–12, Ages 15–18

Here’s how these levels generally align internationally:

• U.S. system: Preschool → Elementary → Middle School → High School

• Canadian system: Pre-K → Elementary → Junior High → Senior High

• European systems: Vary by country, but typically align with the 12-grade structure leading to A-levels, Baccalauréat, or equivalent qualifications.

Some schools in Playa del Carmen follow the national curriculum with SEP incorporation, while others use international systems or alternative education models (such as Montessori, project-based learning, or U.S.-style programs).

Laurea World School

Levels: Maternal to secondary (high school in development)

Educational model: Trilingual (Spanish, English, French), global and dynamic approach

Accreditation: SEP officially recognized

Notable for: Premium facilities (sports courts, swimming pool, green areas), strong extracurricular program with arts, athletics, and technology integration.

Colegio Inglés de Playa del Carmen

Levels: Preschool to high school

Educational model: Bilingual (Spanish–English), values-based academic structure

Accreditation: SEP officially recognized

Notable for: Strong academic foundation, active school community, pre-university preparation, and extracurricular activities.

Instituto Tepeyac Playa del Carmen

Levels: Preschool to high school

Educational model: Traditional, Catholic-focused, academic rigor

Accreditation: SEP officially recognized

Notable for: Leadership development, academic competitions, cultural and sports programs.

Instituto Playa del Carmen de La Salle

Levels: Preschool to high school

Educational model: Constructivist approach with Lasallian values

Accreditation: SEP officially recognized

Notable for: National reputation, holistic formation in values, robust sports and cultural offerings.

Instituto Gardner

Levels: Preschool to high school

Educational model: Multiple intelligences approach, digital tools integration

Accreditation: SEP officially recognized

Notable for: Modern educational technology, complementary academic activities, and socioemotional learning.

Colegio Yits’atil

Levels: Preschool to high school

Educational model: Inclusive, artistic and environmental, project-based

Accreditation: SEP officially recognized

Notable for: Ecological focus, cultural and artistic programs, and strong community engagement.

Comunidad Educativa EKBE

Levels: Preschool to middle school

Educational model: Alternative, socioemotional, interdisciplinary

Accreditation: Partial — some levels SEP incorporated, others in accreditation process

Notable for: Experiential learning, collaborative community projects, parent involvement, and progressive philosophy.

Centro Educativo Playa del Carmen (CEPC)

Levels: Preschool to high school

Educational model: Traditional bilingual, values-based approach

Accreditation: SEP officially recognized

Notable for: Academic guidance, strong arts and sports programming, and a nurturing, family-style environment.

Colegio Weston

Levels: Preschool to middle school

Educational model: Bilingual SEP model with active methodologies

Accreditation: SEP officially recognized

Notable for: Educational innovation, classroom technology, critical thinking emphasis, and personalized attention.

Puerto Aventuras International School

Levels: Preschool to high school

Educational model: U.S.-style curriculum, English language instruction

Accreditation: Accredited in the U.S. (not SEP recognized)

Notable for: Multicultural student body, small class sizes, and ideal for expats in Puerto Aventuras and coastal communities.

Britt Academy

Levels: Preschool to high school

Educational model: Bilingual, STEM-based platform using Knotion

Accreditation: Varies by level; some SEP-incorporated grades

Notable for: International outlook, digital curriculum, global competencies, and strong technology integration.

Playa del Carmen offers an expanding landscape of educational possibilities for both local and international families. From structured academic environments to innovative models, each of these schools provides a valid pathway for children to grow and thrive in the Riviera Maya.

This blog post is intended as a local reference guide for families exploring a long-term move to the region. For specific details about tuition, enrollment requirements, schedules, or official program documentation, please contact each school directly.