The Best International Schools in the Riviera Maya for Expat Families

In short: The Riviera Maya has more than 25 private bilingual or English-language schools across Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, offering IB, American, French, British (Cambridge) and Montessori curricula. Annual tuition ranges from roughly MXN 55,000 to 220,000 depending on the school and program. Cancún has the widest choice; Playa del Carmen is growing fast and Tulum stands out for alternative education.

For families considering a move to the Riviera Maya, their children's education is a top priority. This guide brings together the main options by city, their approximate costs and how to choose. If you are still weighing the outlook for expats in Mexico, start there.

What international education systems are available in the Riviera Maya?

You can find five major curricula in the region, plus bilingual schools recognized by Mexico's Ministry of Education (SEP). The offer has grown considerably over the last decade with the arrival of thousands of international families.

• International Baccalaureate (IB): recognized in more than 150 countries, with its PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme (DP) stages. The DP, for grades 11 and 12, is the most valued for global university admission.
• American curriculum: based on Common Core, with SAT/ACT preparation and, in some cases, Advanced Placement (AP), which lets students earn college credits in high school.
• French system: accredited by the French Ministry of Education, with the option of sitting the Baccalauréat.
• British system: Cambridge International, with IGCSE and A-Levels, widely recognized in the UK, the Commonwealth and Latin American universities.
• Montessori and alternative education: Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia and outdoor learning, popular in preschool and primary.

Which international schools are there in Cancún?

Cancún has the largest educational offer in the region, with long-established schools and IB, American and French programs.

• Colegio Inglés de Cancún: founded in 1983, Spanish-English bilingual program from preschool to high school, recognized by the SEP. In the north of Cancún, near Puerto Cancún. Approx. MXN 120,000-180,000 per year.
• Colegio Americano de Cancún: founded in 1985, bilingual American curriculum from preschool to high school, AdvancED accredited, with optional French. Approx. MXN 85,000-130,000 per year, plus enrollment of MXN 25,000-40,000.
• Lycée Français de Cancún (Liceo Franco-Mexicano): part of the AEFE network, official French curriculum from Maternelle to Terminale. Approx. MXN 95,000-150,000 per year.
• The International School Cancún: full IB (PYP, MYP and DP) from Pre-K to grade 12, with students of more than 30 nationalities. Approx. MXN 120,000-195,000 per year.
• Instituto Educativo del Noreste (IENM): bilingual, focused on technology and entrepreneurship, with AP programs. Approx. MXN 100,000-150,000 per year.
• Tec de Monterrey Campus Cancún: bilingual high school connected to the Tec university network, with an emphasis on science, technology and leadership. Approx. MXN 150,000-200,000 per year.

Which international schools are there in Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen has a fast-growing offer, with IB, bilingual and Montessori options. If you are moving with children, also read our guide to Playa del Carmen for families with children.

• Colegio Highlands: one of the fastest-growing schools in the city, with IB from PYP to DP and modern facilities. Approx. MXN 160,000-220,000 per year.
• Ak Lu'um International School: combines the IB (PYP and MYP) with a sustainability focus, in partly open-air facilities. Teaches in English, Spanish and Mayan. Approx. MXN 110,000-160,000 per year.
• Montessori del Carmen: AMI-certified Montessori method, mixed-age groups, ages 2 to 12. Very popular with European families. Approx. MXN 65,000-95,000 per year.
• Colegio Bilingüe El Pedregal: bilingual from preschool to high school, with small groups and good integration between Mexican and international students. Approx. MXN 90,000-130,000 per year.
• Instituto Cultural Tampico (Playa campus): bilingual with an emphasis on values and well-rounded education, a more affordable alternative. Approx. MXN 80,000-120,000 per year.

What education options are there in Tulum and nearby?

Tulum and its surroundings stand out for alternative teaching approaches and small groups, an offer driven by international families and digital nomads.

• Jungle School Tulum: nature as the main classroom, project-based curriculum influenced by Reggio Emilia, from preschool to primary, with families of more than 15 nationalities. Approx. MXN 80,000-120,000 per year.
• Ekbe School: bilingual with a humanistic and artistic focus, art, music and Mayan culture workshops, from preschool to middle school (SEP plus an international program). Approx. MXN 55,000-85,000 per year.
• Colegio Puerto Aventuras (international section): in Puerto Aventuras, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, with an American curriculum plus SEP and small classes. Approx. MXN 70,000-110,000 per year.

How much does an international school cost in the Riviera Maya?

A mid-range bilingual school costs approximately MXN 80,000-130,000 per year, and top-tier schools (IB, Tec de Monterrey) MXN 150,000-220,000. These are approximate ranges that change every school year: always confirm them with each school.

School	City	Curriculum	Approx. annual tuition (MXN)
Colegio Highlands	Playa del Carmen	IB (PYP to DP)	160,000-220,000
Tec de Monterrey Campus Cancún	Cancún	Bilingual high school	150,000-200,000
The International School Cancún	Cancún	IB	120,000-195,000
Colegio Inglés de Cancún	Cancún	Bilingual SEP	120,000-180,000
Ak Lu'um International School	Playa del Carmen	IB + sustainability	110,000-160,000
Lycée Français de Cancún	Cancún	French (AEFE)	95,000-150,000
Colegio Americano de Cancún	Cancún	American	85,000-130,000
Jungle School Tulum	Tulum	Project-based / Reggio Emilia	80,000-120,000
Montessori del Carmen	Playa del Carmen	Montessori AMI	65,000-95,000
Ekbe School	Tulum	SEP + international	55,000-85,000

Most do not include school transportation or extracurricular activities. As a rough reference, an international school in Miami costs between USD 20,000 and 40,000 per year, in Paris between EUR 8,000 and 25,000, and in Toronto between CAD 15,000 and 35,000.

IB, Cambridge or AP: which curriculum suits you?

If your family moves often between countries, the IB is the most portable option; if the goal is a university in the United States, AP or the American curriculum; if you are aiming for the UK or the Commonwealth, Cambridge.

The IB takes a holistic approach, with an emphasis on critical thinking and an extended project. Cambridge, whose IGCSEs are equivalent to British GCSEs, is a good standard in Playa del Carmen and Tulum. AP lets students reach university with credits already earned.

Bilingual schools recognized by the SEP are valid for continuing studies in Mexico and in many Latin American countries. To check a school's official accreditation, you can contact the state education authority through the Quintana Roo state government.

How do you choose the best school for your children?

Start with curriculum continuity and language, then check the distance from your home: commutes in the Riviera Maya can be long.

• Curriculum continuity: if you plan to change countries, the IB makes the transition easier.
• Main language: choose according to the language spoken at home and your children's university plans.
• Proximity to your home: a school in Playacar is not practical if you live in Tulum. Choose area and school together; we can help with the best areas to live in Playa del Carmen.
• Class size: smaller schools offer more personalized attention.
• Extracurriculars: water sports, sustainability and Mayan culture are distinctive features of the region.
• Accreditations: check IBO, AdvancED, AEFE or AMI depending on the system.

Visit at least three schools before deciding. Many offer "shadow days," when your child attends classes for a day to get a feel for the environment.

What new schools were expected in the region?

Demand from the expat community has driven new education models. For 2025-2027, the projects mentioned included a campus of the Colegio Americano de Mérida with a possible extension to Playa del Carmen, Acton Academy-style personalized micro-schools in Tulum and full bilingual immersion schools for children aged 0 to 6 in Puerto Morelos. Confirm their current status before counting on them.

Frequently asked questions

Are there International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in the Riviera Maya?

Yes. Among them are The International School Cancún (PYP, MYP and DP), Colegio Highlands in Playa del Carmen (PYP to DP) and Ak Lu'um International School (PYP and MYP).

Are there schools with a French curriculum?

Yes. The Lycée Français de Cancún is part of the AEFE network and offers the official French curriculum from Maternelle to Terminale, with the option of sitting the Baccalauréat.

Do your children need to speak Spanish to attend an international school?

Not necessarily. International schools usually have Spanish as a second language programs, and children who arrive without Spanish typically reach conversational fluency in 6 to 12 months. The best schools teach 60% to 80% of their classes in English.

How far in advance should you enroll them?

At the most sought-after schools, such as Colegio Inglés de Cancún or Colegio Highlands, it is best to start the process 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for the school year starting in August. Some accept mid-year enrollment depending on availability. Also have your family's immigration documents ready: check whether temporary or permanent residency suits you and the procedures of the National Migration Institute (INM).

Want to find a home near the school you chose? Contact us and we will help you find it.

You may also be interested in: Launch of International Flights at Tulum Airport and The Riviera Maya as a Retirement Destination for Canadians and Americans: 2026 Guide.