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Instituto Thomas Jefferson Guadalajara

Mexico, Guadalajara

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 1 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2002
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Malaysian Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French, German, Italian, Mandarin
Strengths STEM, Languages, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Instituto Thomas Jefferson Guadalajara operates two campuses, Palomar and Valle Real, serving ages from 1.6 months to 19 years, with Nursery taught in English. The school is private, co‑educational, and bilingual, offering about 80% English and 20% Spanish instruction in Elementary and a third language option of French, Italian or German. Palomar emphasizes 80% English immersion and a project‑based STEAM program, with Gifted and Talented offerings. Valle Real provides a bilingual program aligned to international standards, awarding both the International High School Diploma and the Mexican Bachillerato, supported by STEAM projects and Gifted and Talented programs. Valle Real is LEED‑certified, NEASC‑accredited, and part of the ITJ network since 1978, with ISP exchanges. Facilities include robotics, science and computer labs, performing and visual arts spaces, a library, an auditorium, and extensive sport and outdoor areas. The curriculum blends SEP guidelines with international standards and emphasizes multilingual learning and life skills.

The Essentials

Instituto Thomas Jefferson Guadalajara has instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Ramal de La Tijera 1850-1753, La Tijera, Jal., MX. The ITJ Palomar campus is located in La Tijera, a well-connected area in the Guadalajara region. It is accessible by major roads from nearby neighborhoods including El Palomar, El Cielo Country Club, Bugambilias, and Club de Golf Santa Anita.

Stages
Ages 1 to 18; Preschool (18 months–6 years); Elementary School (7–11); Middle School (12–14); High School (15–18).

Type
Private, co-educational day school; bilingual and multicultural, with 80% of instruction in English and 20% in Spanish; Nursery with total English immersion; third language options include French, German, or Italian.

Additional learning support
Gifted & Talented Program; Inclusion Programs with MAP tracking and consistent feedback.

Country affiliation
ASOMEX affiliation (Association of American Schools in Mexico).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform; uniforms are provided through Altus Uniformes.

Governance and Ownership
Part of the Instituto Thomas Jefferson network; affiliated with the International Schools Partnership (ISP) network. Accreditations include NEASC, ASOMEX, and Tri-Association.
Fees
Application / registration fees
- New-student registration (inscripción) is charged per level. Typical figures reported for ITJ campuses (Guadalajara/Palomar) are: Maternal: MXN 10,065; Pre‑school: MXN 13,000–16,670; Primary: MXN 10,500–12,375; Middle School (Secundaria): MXN 26,430; High School (Preparatoria): MXN 26,950.

Tuition by school year / level (monthly and annual)
- Maternal (Nursery level): Monthly ≈ MXN 7,405; Annual (reported) ≈ MXN 74,050.
- Pre‑school / Kinder: Monthly ≈ MXN 8,250–10,130; Annual (reported) ≈ MXN 130,000–166,700.
- Primary (Elementary): Monthly ≈ MXN 9,975–11,756; Annual (reported) ≈ MXN 99,750–117,560.
- Middle School (Secundaria): Monthly ≈ MXN 14,235; Annual (reported) ≈ MXN 260,430.
- High School (Preparatoria): Monthly ≈ MXN 15,860; Annual (reported) ≈ MXN 260,950.

Note: those monthly figures are the commonly published monthly amounts (the site and parent documents present monthly and annual equivalents). Where a range is shown above, the range reflects variation by specific grade within that level or by campus offering.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual tuition is commonly split into monthly instalments for the school year. For ITJ Palomar (Guadalajara) an earlier explicit schedule split the annual tuition into 11 monthly payments (August through June).
- Current contract language used by ITJ campuses for the 2025–2026 cycle requires monthly payment of colegiatura and establishes timing-based adjustments: a small early‑payment benefit for paying in advance, and a late fee for payments after the stated due date (the 2025–2026 contract specifies a 3% anticipado benefit for payment during the last 5 days of the prior month and a 10% extemporaneous charge for payments made after the 10th natural day of the month). Families are required to provide payment confirmation and include the student reference in transfers.
- The school may operate specific early‑re‑enrolment or discount programs (examples in past schedules included a discount for early payment of the previous month's instalment); precise discount windows and percentages can vary by cycle.

Billing schedule — practical points
- Typical instalment months reported: either 10 or 11 monthly payments across the academic year (examples include Aug–June split into 11 payments or other school-year instalment breakdowns). Parents should expect the school to issue the instalment calendar and payment deadlines at enrolment.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not offered at ITJ Palomar/Valle Real — ITJ campuses operate as day schools (no boarding/residential programme and therefore no boarding fees).

Other costs and mandatory add‑ons
- Uniforms: purchased separately through the school's approved uniform supplier; uniform costs are not included in inscription or monthly tuition.
- Books, learning-platform licences, technology devices and specialised software: charged separately (school materials and platform licences are not included in the tuition figure).
- School insurance / tutor insurance: schools in the ITJ network have charged a guardian/insurance premium in past cycles (example: MXN 1,250 in the 2021 Palomar schedule); schools also maintain an accident insurance policy for students (details and premiums vary by cycle).
- Association of Parents fee (APF) and similar community fees: examples in prior schedules include a parent association fee (example: MXN 600 in the 2021 Palomar document). Extracurricular activities, field trips, special projects, and graduation events are typically billed separately.
- After‑school clubs / extracurriculars: additional registration and monthly or per‑term fees may apply for after‑school programmes. Some campuses require card payment for extracurricular registrations and list card types accepted for those payments.

Refund information
- Refunds are limited and governed by the contract terms and by the Acuerdo que Establece las Bases Mínimas de Información para la Comercialización de los Servicios Educativos (published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación on 10 March 1992). ITJ's standard contract (2025–2026 wording used across campuses) states that reinscription refunds and any refunds are handled under those legal terms and the school's contract conditions; refund entitlement or limits depend on the specific program and timing and must follow the formal written procedures stated in the contract.

Fee payment options
- Online payment portal: the Palomar campus publishes a parent/payment portal link (payment portal domain: itjgdl.servoescolar.mx) for electronic payments.
- Bank transfer / interbank transfer: the campus contract references transfer as an accepted method (families must include student reference in transfer).
- In‑person payments at the school cashier (Caja): accepted forms include debit or credit card and cheque in some cases (specific accepted card brands and cheque payee names vary by grade and campus).
- School payment platform (SESWEB) and card payments: the contract and campus pages reference online payment tools and card payments (Visa/Mastercard commonly accepted for extracurricular payments).

Summary of availability and currency of figures
- Published, grade‑by‑grade numeric tuition schedules for the 2026/27 academic year were not publicly available at the time of this review. The figures given above use the most recent publicly posted level summaries and campus fee schedules found for ITJ Palomar/Guadalajara and ITJ network documents (examples include a 2021 Palomar fee schedule and 2024/2025 published level ranges), together with the ITJ standard contract language used for the 2025–2026 cycle that defines payment terms, discounts and late fees. Where specific amounts vary by grade or by campus the entry shows a range or an explicit earlier‑cycle figure.
Academics

Instituto Thomas Jefferson Guadalajara teaches Malaysian Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
Two Guadalajara campuses—Palomar and Valle Real—offer bilingual schooling with strong English immersion and internationally accredited programs. Palomar provides 80% English immersion and a dynamic STEAMS curriculum in a project-based environment, developing the confidence, critical thinking, empathy, and global perspective needed to thrive. Gifted and Talented programs are available at Palomar. Valle Real delivers a bilingual, internationally accredited program where students earn both an International High School Diploma and the Mexican Bachillerato, supported by STEAM projects, a Gifted and Talented program, and global opportunities. Preschool through High School covers ages from 1.6 months to 19 years (Preschool: 1.6 months–6 years; Elementary: 7–11; Middle: 12–14; High School: 15–19).

Exam Results
The network states outstanding results and access to top universities, with Valle Real explicitly noting that graduates can pursue higher education at top universities worldwide.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates pursue higher education at top universities worldwide, including through the International High School Diploma and the Mexican Bachillerato pathways.

Gifted and Talented
Gifted and Talented programs exist at both Palomar and Valle Real, complemented by STEAM projects and global opportunities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Life skills are integrated across the curriculum through a Life Skills framework backed by Camtree, part of Cambridge University (Hughes Hall). The school develops communication, digital fluency, leadership, and resilience within this framework to support a growth mindset. Personalized support is available through the Gifted and Talented Program and the Inclusion Program to strengthen confidence and meet individual needs.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides personalized support through a Gifted and Talented Program and an Inclusion Program to strengthen confidence and meet the needs of diverse learners.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school uses a bilingual curriculum with instruction in English and Spanish. Multilingualism is developed through English immersion and SEP-compliant Spanish certification.

Mental Wellbeing
The school maintains a safe, supportive community where wellbeing is prioritized. A team of school psychologists supports students across Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary levels, reinforcing mental health and social-emotional growth.

Safeguarding
The school has a formal safeguarding policy and a dedicated safeguarding team committed to creating a space where all children feel safe, respected, and supported. Safeguarding measures include on-site medical staff, mandatory ID badges for staff and parents, background checks for new employees, first aid training for staff, security personnel at entrances, and CCTV surveillance across the campus.
Parent Experience

History
ITJ Valle Real is part of the Instituto Thomas Jefferson network, which has provided safe and happy learning since 1978. Valle Real opened in 2013 to meet strong parental demand and extend the ITJ tradition of project-based international education. The campus holds NEASC accreditation and belongs to ISP, connecting students to international opportunities and standards. The curriculum blends the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) framework with American and international standards, preparing future-ready leaders. Multilingual learning and a focus on life skills are core features of the program.

Community
Valle Real hosts a multilingual, multicultural community with students from over 15 nationalities, learning in both English and Spanish and offering third-language study in French, German, or Italian. Students participate in international experiences and cultural events that broaden their perspectives, including the International Pot Luck and cultural trips. Safeguarding and wellbeing are supported through formal policies and staff training. The campus environment is described as safe, happy, and family-friendly, with strong two-way engagement among school, families, and the local community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Valle Real campus in Zapopan, Guadalajara area, is LEED-certified. It supports hands-on learning in robotics, chemistry, and STEAM through cutting-edge labs. Outdoor sports courts, a professional soccer field, and peaceful courtyards promote wellbeing and collaboration.

Sports Facilities
Outdoor sports courts, a professional soccer field (astro-turf), a basketball court, a volleyball court, and a multipurpose sports court.

Academic Facilities
Robotics lab; Computer lab; Chemistry lab; Music classrooms; Art classrooms; Makerspace classroom; Library; Cafeteria; Play areas; High School building; Auditorium; Early stimulation room; Recreational courtyards.

Extra Curricular Facilities
ISP Artists, ISP Changemakers, ISP Chess Masters, ISP Cultural Exchange, ISP Scientists, ISP Filmmakers, ISP Virtual Exchange, ISP Model United Nations. These International School Partnership programs provide global learning experiences, exchanges, and competitions.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school provides hands-on academic and intellectual enrichment beyond the classroom. STEAMS makerspace enables students to design, build and innovate in a creative environment that nurtures problem-solving, collaboration and future-ready skills. The robotics lab gives students hands-on experience programming, testing and refining robots, linking theory to practice.

Arts & Creative
Artistic expression is nurtured through music, theatre and visual arts spaces. Music classrooms let students express themselves through rhythm, melody and performance, building confidence and creativity. Art classrooms give students room to experiment with materials and techniques, transforming imagination into visual expression. The theatre program offers opportunities to perform, create and collaborate on stage, developing communication and creativity.

Cultural & Language
The school operates in a dynamic multilingual environment with English and Spanish instruction, and the option to study a third language in Upper School. Across Preschool to High School, language programs emphasize bilingual proficiency, with instruction around 80% in English and 20% in Spanish in Elementary, and about 70% English with 30% Spanish in Middle and High School. High School offers electives in French, Italian, and German, broadening linguistic horizons. Students benefit from EAL support, native-language assistance and weekly language lessons.

Social & Hobbies
The After-School program offers a rich variety of sports, cultural, artistic and technology-based workshops. Our ISP opportunities connect students with peers worldwide and include programmes such as ISP Artists, ISP Changemakers, ISP Chess Masters, ISP Cultural Exchange, ISP Scientists, ISP Filmmakers and ISP Model United Nations. These activities foster creativity, teamwork, leadership and global engagement.

Community & Service
ISP Changemakers provides tools for developing projects focused on social impact and sustainable change within communities. Through ISP collaborations, students connect with peers worldwide and engage in exchanges that broaden cultural understanding and global citizenship. ISP Cultural Exchange promotes reciprocal exchange across ISP regions, with homestays and attending another ISP school for a month.

Leadership & Professional
ISP Changemakers equips students with methodologies for developing social-impact projects, fostering leadership and project-management skills. ISP Model United Nations offers regional in-person qualifiers and virtual international championships, promoting collaboration and leadership in a global context. International ISP programs connect students with peers worldwide and enable leadership development across diverse settings.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The campus is secure and self-contained with 24-hour surveillance and a strong focus on student well-being. Facilities include a modern gymnasium, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a soccer field, volleyball courts and a multipurpose sports court to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles. The cafeteria provides balanced meals, the nurse's office delivers professional care, and play areas and recreational courtyards support social and emotional well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches English and Spanish as core languages. A third world language—French, German, or Italian—is offered as part of the program. The Multilingualism approach strengthens students' home or first language while they learn at least one additional world language.

Bilingual Teaching
The school has a bilingual curriculum in English and Spanish from the start. Students build fluency in English and Spanish, then master a third language—French, German, or Italian—through a project-based bilingual program. The program begins in Nursery with total English immersion.

Immersion Programs
Nursery begins with total English immersion. Preschool (18 months to 6 years) progresses in a dynamic, play-based bilingual setting. The learning framework emphasizes bilingual instruction across the early years, supporting language development and intercultural understanding.
Admissions

Admissions
The admissions journey is clear, personalized, and fully supportive, with multilingual guidance available for international families. 01 Initial inquiry: Reach out to the Admissions Team or complete the online inquiry form to express interest and ask questions. 02 Schedule a school tour: Book your personalized tour through the website, by phone, or via WhatsApp. 03 Attend your guided visit: Join a guided campus visit and schedule your admission exam at the end. 04 Take the evaluation: Complete the admission evaluation; the acceptance letter is issued within 7 to 10 business days. 05 Pick up your acceptance letter: Receive the official acceptance letter and prepare for enrollment. 06 Complete your enrollment: Submit all necessary documents and finish registration. 07 Welcome to ITJ Palomar: You are welcomed into the community and begin your journey.

Scholarships
SEP scholarships are available at ITJ Palomar Guadalajara and can be requested after having been at ITJ Palomar for one year.
School Events
The school has not added events
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