British American School vs Escuela Tomás Alva Edison
British American School and Escuela Tomás Alva Edison are both in Mexico City, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer IB and Bespoke programmes, and Escuela Tomás Alva Edison also offers EYFS, Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary). Published annual fees are MX$118,320 - 208,100 at British American School and MX$101,634 - 171,930 at Escuela Tomás Alva Edison, which puts British American School roughly 19% higher. British American School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Escuela Tomás Alva Edison from 1 to 18. Escuela Tomás Alva Edison is the larger school, with around 1,991 pupils to British American School's 114.
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
114
Pupils
1,991
Typical class size
Typical class size
8
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
Spanish, English
Instruction language
English, Spanish, French
Opened
Opened
1976
Opened
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Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Fuente del Niño 16, Lomas de Tecamachalco, Naucalpan, Estado de México. Naucalpan is part of the Mexico City metropolitan area. The campus sits in the Lomas de Tecamachalco neighborhood and is accessible by local bus routes.
Location
Escuela Tomás Alva Edison is located in Colonia Del Valle, Mexico City. The campus address is Calle San Borja 909, Colonia del Valle Centro, Benito Juárez, MX. The school serves ages 18 months to 19 years.
Stages
Stages
Preschool, Elementary school, Middle school, High school
Stages
Early Years (Ages 18 months - 7 years); Primary School (Ages 7 - 12); Middle School (Ages 12 - 15); High School (Ages 15 - 19). In High School, students may choose UNAM Bachillerato or the IB Diploma Programme.
School type
School type
Bilingual program with the IB framework from the early years, integrating SEP and UNAM curricular subjects.
School type
International school and day school; member of the International Schools Partnership network.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Usually 12–18 different nationalities represented.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Inclusive Education; management coordinates with teachers and relevant specialists to commit to inclusion.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Mexico
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
School hours are 8:00 am to 2:30 pm; extended schedule runs 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Preschool and elementary have half-day English and half-day Spanish.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Transportation is available but not mandatory; there are 12 routes in a limited area.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Initial Fees New students are subject to a one-time Admission Test fee of MXN 1,200. Upon acceptance, new arrival registration fees are paid in two installments (February and May) totaling MXN 33,432 for Pre-Kinder through Kinder 2; MXN 38,054 for Kinder 3; MXN 40,320 for Elementary; MXN 40,553 for Junior High; and MXN 41,842 for High School. Returning students pay a reduced re-enrollment fee ranging from MXN 25,461 to MXN 34,522 depending on the level. An annual Parent Association (P.T.A.) fee of MXN 1,000 is required per family.
Tuition Fees by Year Group
Tuition is billed monthly. For Preschool through Junior High, there are 12 payments (August to July). High School consists of 10 payments (August to May).
Pre-Kinder and Kinder 1: MXN 8,874 monthly / MXN 106,488 annually.
Kinder 2: MXN 9,766 monthly / MXN 117,192 annually.
Kinder 3: MXN 12,121 monthly / MXN 145,452 annually.
High School: MXN 18,729 monthly / MXN 187,290 annually.
Additional CostsHigh School students incur UNAM incorporation fees of MXN 10,150, an ID fee of MXN 500, and an anti-doping fee of MXN 1,500. Optional school transportation is MXN 2,565 monthly. Parents are also responsible for uniforms, digital platforms, books, and school supplies.
Payment Terms and RefundsA 10% discount applies to monthly tuition if paid within the first 10 days of the month. An 8% discount is available for full annual tuition paid by September 10th. Late payments after the 10th incur a 3% cumulative monthly interest charge. Payments can be made via bank transfer, check, or the CRI online system (Visa/Mastercard). Registration fees are only refundable if requested before May 30th; no refunds are provided once classes have commenced
Tuition (Colegiatura) — monthly and annual (school-year) by level - Preschool (Preescolar): MXN 8,478 per month. Annual tuition (11 monthly payments, August–June): MXN 93,258. When combined with the registration fee the first-year cost for tuition + inscription = MXN 110,960 (registration + 11 months of tuition). - Primary (Primaria): MXN 10,871 per month. Annual tuition (11 monthly payments, August–June): MXN 119,581. Registration + 11 months of tuition = MXN 142,510. Additional listed “other fees” for Primary: MXN 2,950 (applies in addition to inscription and monthly tuition). - Middle School (Secundaria): MXN 13,252 per month. Annual tuition (11 monthly payments, August–June): MXN 145,772. Registration + 11 months of tuition = MXN 171,930. - High School / Preparatoria (Preparatoria / Bachillerato): MXN 14,035 per month. Annual tuition (11 monthly payments, August–June): MXN 154,385. Registration + 11 months of tuition = MXN 181,267.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in 11 monthly payments for the school year (payments run August through June). Payments are due within the first ten days of each month; payments made after that date incur interest for late payment. Re-enrollment is conditioned on timely payment of tuition. Failure to pay three or more monthly tuitions authorizes the school to suspend educational services for the student. Other (non-inscription/colegiatura) payments are made at the school's payment office. Requests for refunds must be submitted at the campus that issued the invoice.
Boarding fees - Boarding: Not applicable. Escuela Tomás Alva Edison is a day school and does not provide boarding services. Transport is provided as a separate, paid service.
Other costs and recurring extras - Transport (servicio de transporte escolar): charged separately for the school-owned transport service; routes and fees vary by route and are billed in addition to colegiatura. Payments for transport are handled through the school's payment channels. - After‑school / extended‑hours program (TAE Plus): after‑school workshops and extended-care services have separate fees and enrollment; program details and schedules are published for each academic year and are charged in addition to tuition. - Uniforms, school supplies, extracurricular activity fees, field trips, exam/certification fees (Cambridge, IB external examination costs where applicable), meal plans and similar items are additional and billed separately. Other one-off or occasional charges are processed at the school's cash office.
Refund information and cancellation - Written notice of a student withdrawal delivered at least 60 calendar days before the start of the school year entitles the family to a 100% refund of the inscription (registration/re‑registration) fee. If the written notice is provided after that 60‑day period, families are eligible only for a refund of any tuition payments they have paid in advance but not for inscription/re‑registration payments. Refund requests must be submitted at the campus where the invoice was issued. Tuition amounts will not vary during the corresponding school year.
Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods include credit and debit card payments at the school's payment terminals and bank transfers. The school operates an online payments portal for family payments and issues invoices through the campus; any changes to payment channels are communicated by the school.
Discounts and concessions - The school runs a referral benefit that grants a tuition discount (example: a 10% tuition discount for the 2026–2027 school year under the referral programme); other discounts, sibling concessions or financial aid may be available under the school's policies and are applied according to the school's terms.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The school is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP) network.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Combines the International Baccalaureate (IB) program from the early years with the SEP and UNAM curricula across preschool through high school. The school uses a constructivist and humanist methodology with inquiry-based, transdisciplinary units of learning that integrate critical thinking, art, technology, and world exploration. The environment is bilingual and learning is delivered through project-based experiences across levels. The high school pathway includes an IB-endorsed entrepreneurship program and international certifications such as TOEFL and DELF, supported by digital tools. The school maintains university partnerships and scholarships for academic excellence with Universidad Anáhuac and UPAEP.
Curriculum details
Early Years Ages 18 months - 7 years: Begin early learning with the Early Years Foundation Stage and Cambridge curriculum. Primary School Ages 7 - 12: Build a strong trilingual foundation in Spanish, English and French while following the Cambridge Pathway curriculum. Middle School Ages 12 - 15: Strengthen academic excellence with personalised support on the Cambridge Pathway, studying key subjects in English and French to deepen understanding and develop a global outlook. High School Ages 15 - 19: Step into the final stage of essential education and your first step toward future careers; choose UNAM Bachillerato or the internationally prestigious IB Diploma Programme, both preparing you for university and beyond.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
MAP results show over 50% of students scoring above the 80th percentile in Mathematics, with English and Science above international averages (English 66, Science 63).
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The school has university agreements and scholarships for academic excellence with Universidad Anáhuac and UPAEP.
Higher education progression
Future Pathways provides personalised guidance for university and careers, including mentoring, internships and global university fairs; 98% of graduates secure a place at a first-choice university.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
Socioemotional Program accompanies students from preschool through high school, promoting emotional and social well-being. It fosters recognition and management of emotions, empathy, and healthy relationships. It develops social skills such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. It promotes self-esteem and resilience to help students adapt to challenges. It teaches respect for others and understanding of different cultures, beliefs, and opinions. It includes prevention campaigns and programs such as PESI (Comprehensive Sexual Education Program), Escudo de la Dignidad (Prevention Program against child abuse and mistreatment) and the School Coexistence Program created by the Ministry of Public Education.
Social & emotional learning
Wellbeing is central to learning at TAE. Emotional wellbeing is strengthened through the KiVa anti-bullying programme, dedicated development classes, and personalised guidance to help students regulate emotions and build positive relationships in a safe environment. In Early Years, emotional growth is nurtured within a Cambridge-based framework that supports social-emotional development. The TAE learner profile and life-skills emphasis foster curiosity, reflection and strong values that support social and emotional growth.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
Gain multilingual skills in English, Spanish and French, with 70% reaching B2 or higher in Cambridge and 30% in DELF. Multilingual learning is supported in home or first languages, aligning with a strong emphasis on developing proficiency across languages. In Primary School, learners build a strong trilingual foundation in Spanish, English and French.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school provides a Socioemotional Program that accompanies students from preschool through high school to support their emotional and social well-being. It aims to help students recognize and manage their emotions, develop empathy, and build healthy relationships. It fosters social skills such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. It supports self-esteem and resilience to help students adapt to adverse situations. It promotes respect for others and understanding of diverse cultures, beliefs, and opinions. It includes prevention campaigns and programs such as PESI, Escudo de la Dignidad, and the School Coexistence Program.
Mental wellbeing
KiVa anti-bullying programme supports mental wellbeing. Dedicated development classes and personalised guidance help students regulate emotions and build positive relationships in a safe environment.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school emphasizes safeguarding and a safe, respectful learning environment oriented toward the integral development of each student. It describes prevention campaigns that help students identify risks, establish limits, and recognize values such as honesty and respect. It includes Escudo de la Dignidad (Prevention Program against child abuse and mistreatment), PESI (Comprehensive Sexual Education Program), and the School Coexistence Program established by the Ministry of Public Education.
Safeguarding
Wellbeing and safeguarding are addressed through KiVa anti-bullying, targeted development classes, and personalised guidance to keep students safe and supported in a secure environment.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
National and international curriculum offered: UNAM Bachillerato or IB Diploma in High School. MAP results show over 50% scoring above the 80th percentile in math and exceeding international averages in English and science. Multilingual learning in English, Spanish and French, with 70% reaching B2 or higher in Cambridge and 30% in DELF. Learning.First provides visible progress; wellbeing support includes KiVa anti-bullying programme, dedicated development classes and personalised guidance. TAE learner profile, Cambridge- and IB-inspired, builds curiosity, reflection and leadership. Skills for life are developed through Cambridge and IB learning, with Future Pathways guidance and global university fairs; 98% of graduates secure a place at a first-choice university. International learning opportunities include ISP-linked programs and projects such as the I am Scientist initiative.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
After-school programs include Chess, Football, Lima lama, Art, Cooking, Flag football, Homework, Robotic, Mathematics Lessons, and Spanish lessons. Basmun provides diplomacy and leadership development, Entrepreneurship invites students to explore entrepreneurship, and Technology focuses on coding in programming languages and solving complex problems.
Extra curricular facilities
International learning opportunities include participation in Model United Nations debates, international chess tournaments and collaborative creative projects. Through ISP, students access global skill-building programs; exclusive scholarships offer opportunities to study with renowned institutions and gain skills for emerging careers.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Founded in 1976. The British American School operates two campuses: Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta. It has earned four international certifications. It has a diverse student body with more than a dozen nationalities represented, and 2,349 graduates have completed the program since 1976.
History
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Community
Community
The school emphasizes a close-knit community where each student's potential is nurtured in a supportive environment. It follows a humanistic approach guided by a constructivist methodology. Community engagement is central, and the voice of students and parents is valued to enrich school life. The school offers extended activities and after-school programs, including sports, arts, technology, and robotics clubs.
Community
From first contact, the school offers a warm environment in which you will feel welcome and involved. The school engages with parents on a regular basis to ensure they are part of the planning process that sets the future direction and helps the school remain a top institution in Mexico City. An annual parent satisfaction survey guides improvements, which are revisited each year. As part of the International Schools Partnership, your child will interact with students in other schools in different countries, developing a greater understanding of cultures and issues in other communities.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The Parent Section strengthens family-school partnerships. Open communication and collaboration between families, teachers and staff are central to the school experience. The Parent Section includes a School for Parents designed by UNAM, offering Spanish-language videos for parental support and learning opportunities. Parents can access resources and updates through the section, and there are opportunities to schedule meetings and contact the school for admissions and program inquiries.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Finance class teaches budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding credit. Technology programs teach coding in various programming languages and solving complex problems. Mathematics lessons strengthen problem-solving skills, and a Robotic program introduces practical STEM applications after school.
Academic & intellectual
Follow a rigorous academic pathway with UNAM Bachillerato or the IB Diploma in High School. MAP results show over 50% of students scoring above the 80th percentile in mathematics and above international averages in English and science. The I am Scientist project is led by TAE and earned 2025 awards for Best Scientist, Most Voted Project and Best Final Project. International opportunities include Model United Nations, international chess tournaments, and collaboration on creative projects.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Art classes enable self-expression and imagination. They foster creative exploration through hands-on activities. The program helps students develop their personal artistic voice.
Arts & creative
Students collaborate on creative projects as part of international opportunities. Participation in international events offers chances to express creativity across disciplines. The school fosters creativity through project-based learning within the Cambridge/IB framework. Engagement in creative projects supports communication and presentation skills.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
French is offered as part of the language program, and the school emphasizes multilingualism as essential in today's global society. Spanish lessons are available through after-school workshops to enhance communication. The language offerings support cross-cultural understanding through these activities.
Cultural & language
Gain multilingual skills in English, Spanish and French, with 70% reaching B2 or higher in Cambridge and 30% in DELF. Students have access to international learning opportunities that include Model United Nations and global collaboration. The Cambridge Pathway and IB/UNAM Bachillerato pathways support multilingual and intercultural learning. International collaboration opportunities reinforce language development.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Chess is offered in the after-school program. Football and flag football provide team sports and physical activity. Additional activities include art, cooking, robotics, and mathematics lessons.
Social & hobbies
Students participate in international chess tournaments and Model United Nations as part of school life. Clubs and opportunities foster teamwork and competitive curiosity. Collaboration on creative projects expands cross-cultural interactions. These activities supplement classroom learning with real-world teamwork and communication.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Basmun (Model United Nations) develops leadership skills through diplomacy, debate, and engagement with global issues. Entrepreneurship programs invite students to explore entrepreneurship, with emphasis on risk, decision-making, creativity, and innovation. These programs prepare students for leadership and professional settings.
Leadership & professional
Future Pathways provides personalised guidance for university and career choices. Mentoring, internships and global university fairs help students connect with leading institutions. The Cambridge/IB learning model develops critical thinking, curiosity and leadership skills. Students grow through leadership experiences and professional skill development across the program.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
After-school activities promote physical fitness and teamwork through sports such as football and flag football. The program includes creative and practical activities like art and cooking that support wellbeing and balance. Robotics and mathematics sessions extend learning beyond the classroom and foster focus and resilience.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Wellbeing support is provided through KiVa anti-bullying programme and dedicated development classes. Personalised guidance helps students regulate emotions and build positive relationships. The school offers a safe environment that supports emotional and social growth. A focus on wellbeing complements academic and personal development.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Languages taught include English and Spanish as the core languages of instruction, with a dedicated French language program for students from elementary to high school. Programs run from preschool through high school, spanning preschool, elementary, middle, and high school levels. Spanish language lessons are offered as part of after-school programs, and French is available as a third language from elementary to high school.
Language provision
English, Spanish and French are core languages taught across the curriculum. Students strengthen their home or first language while learning at least one world language. Primary School builds a strong trilingual foundation in Spanish, English and French under the Cambridge Pathway. 70% reach B2 or higher in Cambridge and 30% reach DELF levels.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
Preschool is provided in a bilingual environment that encourages students to develop an international mindset while nurturing their national identity. Primary education uses a 100% bilingual model that supports English language mastery. The school is IB-accredited and implements the Primary Years Programme in the primary grades. English and Spanish teachers teach all disciplines, reinforcing bilingual, cross-curricular instruction.
Bilingual teaching
The school provides multilingual education in English, Spanish and French across Early Years through High School. Primary School builds a strong trilingual foundation in Spanish, English and French under the Cambridge Pathway. Middle School studies key subjects in English, plus French to deepen language skills. High School offers UNAM Bachillerato or the IB Diploma while language study continues.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
English immersion is a core feature across the school, supporting language development in an English-dominant environment. The bilingual approach means both English- and Spanish-speaking teachers teach all disciplines in the classroom. The school's IB accreditation underpins inquiry-based learning across preschool through high school.
Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
IB Program (Primary Years Programme) plus ISO certifications and Mexican education system alignment
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Begin the admission process by completing and submitting the Student Admission Application Form. The form collects information about the student and the family, including the student's name, contact details, gender, grade of interest, and prior school information. After submission, the admissions team will guide the next steps in the process. The form is part of the initial enrollment process.
Schedule an interview with one of our admissions staff members. The interview allows staff to assess fit and answer questions. Families should use this opportunity to learn about the program and expectations. The interview is a key step in the admission process.
Schedule the admission tests and observation, which consist of two days at our school. The assessments evaluate readiness for the bilingual IB environment and give the staff a sense of student needs. The two-day observation helps staff understand how the student engages in on-site activities. Plan for on-site days as part of the process.
Pay the admission test fee of MXN 1,100.00 with a credit or debit card, or via bank transfer. Payment confirms testing and observation schedules. Keep the payment receipt for your records. Incomplete payments may delay testing.
Once you receive the acceptance letter, submit the required documents. The documents finalize enrollment and update school records. Prompt submission helps avoid delays in enrollment. The acceptance letter indicates readiness to proceed to the next steps.
Pay the registration and monthly fees, fill in the information form to ensure the correct information in our database, register in our institutional mail and follow us on social media. This completes the enrollment records and ensures effective communication. Keeping contact details current helps the school reach families. Following the school on social media provides updates and resources.
Admissions
01 Initial enquiry: Reach out to the Admissions Team or complete the online enquiry form to indicate interest and ask initial questions. The Admissions Team responds promptly with next steps and any required information. They outline the documents needed to proceed with the application. 02 Schedule a school tour: Book a guided tour to explore our learning spaces, meet the admissions team, and experience the TAE learning environment in person. The tour provides an opportunity to see classrooms, facilities and discuss curriculum and student support. You can ask about timelines and next steps during the visit. 03 Comprehensive assessment: After submitting the required documents, applicants take age-appropriate assessments. Parents attend a family interview to share information about their child's interests, strengths and needs. The admissions team uses the assessments and interview to understand fit and determine next steps. 04 Results: The Admissions Committee reviews the application and communicates the decision to the family. If admitted, an enrolment letter outlines the next steps and timelines. This letter confirms acceptance and provides details about enrollment, fees and any further actions. 05 Welcome to Tome1s Alva Edison: After paying the enrolment fee, the child officially joins the TAE community. The school provides welcome information, onboarding details and contact points to begin the school year. The family can look forward to joining the school community.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
SEP scholarships are accessible and there is an opportunity to apply for a UNAM scholarship.