Pre-school and Primary Education
Information about pre-school and primary education for children in the schooling system in Mexico...
Pre-school
Pre-school education (Educación Preescolar) is available for children up to the age of six and is not compulsory. In Mexico pre-schools (Jardín de Niños) are divided into three levels, the first beginning at age three and the third at age five.
- Find listings of preschools, kindergardens and nursery schools in Mexico City in the Business Directory
Primary School
Primary school (Educación Primaria) starts at the age of six and lasts for six years. After successful completion of primary education a certificate is issued which allows the child to progress to the next educational level.
- Find a list of international primary schools in Mexico City in the Business Directory
A core curriculum is set by the General Department of Curriculum Development (Dirección General de Desarrollo Curricular, DGDC). It incorporates Spanish, English, mathematics, natural sciences, geography, history, art, physical education, ethics and citizenship. The school day includes six to eight hours of lessons.
- Find out more about the subjects studied in each grade (website in Spanish)
- Find out about Mexico's basic education system (website in Spanish)
Enrolment
Enrolment for the following academic year of pre-school and the first years of primary and lower secondary school takes place in the first two weeks of February. Enrolment takes place at the school itself.
For entry into primary education in public institutions, the following is required:
- National identity document or a photocopy of the birth certificate
- Health booklet (Cartilla Nacional de Salud) containing all necessary up to date vaccinations. Find out about the recommended immunization calendar in Mexico (website in Spanish)
- Proof of address, for example a utility bill
- Any additional documentation requested by the school (note that documents or transcripts from schools outside of Mexico may need to be translated into Spanish and apostilled or legalized). Read more about using foreign documents in Mexico
- Each following year, documentation is necessary stating that the previous school year has been successfully completed
Collection from School and After School Care
Arrangements for collecting children from schools may vary. Private schools usually ask parents to make a formal arrangement with them, detailing who will be authorized to collect the child or children.