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International American School of Cancun

Mexico, Cancún

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees MX$8,900 - 13,900
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 636
Type Co-educational
Opened 1990
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

The International American School of Cancun offers an American-style, bilingual, bicultural university-preparatory education for students from preschool through high school. The school operates as a private, non-profit, non-sectarian, co-educational institution with United States affiliation through Cognia SACS/AdvancED and SAIS accreditation, and it is additionally accredited by Mexico's SEP and UNAM. All classes are taught in English, with dedicated Spanish and Mexican Studies programs; 1st–6th Grades offer Spanish, English, and Technology, and the school supports a transitional English–Spanish pathway. Students graduate with the U.S. High School diploma, and the Class of 2024 saw 91% also earn the Mexican Bachillerato. The campus has two sites: Kinder-Primary and Middle-High, with extensive facilities including classrooms, libraries, laboratories, an auditorium, a cafeteria, and sports fields; each campus has a psychologist. Extracurriculars include Model United Nations, National Honor Society, Student Council, PAS, and CES Spirit; AP courses are offered in Spanish Literature and English Literature. Opportunities.

AV. Colegios SuperManzana 309, Manzana 17 Lote 36, 77560 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

The Essentials

International American School of Cancun has 636 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Two campuses in Cancún, Quintana Roo: a Kinder-Primary campus and a Middle-High School campus, separated by a shared parking lot. Administrative offices are located between the two campuses. The address is Av. Colegios SM 309 Mza. 17 Lt. 36, Blvd. Colosio Km 9, Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Stages
Preschool through high school. Grade levels include Kindergarten/Elementary and Middle/High School, operating across two campuses (Kinder-Primary and Middle-High School).

Type
Private, non-profit, non-sectarian, co-educational.

Pupil Nationality Mix
84% Mexican; 5% United States; 11% Other.

Additional learning support
Each campus has a psychologist who supports student academic and emotional education.

Country affiliation
United States affiliation through Cognia (SACS/AdvancED) and SAIS accreditation.

Religious affiliation
Non-sectarian.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school uniform should be worn at all times and can be bought at the central office. It consists of a polo shirt with the school logo, beige shorts or a skirt with the school logo, and a navy blue physical education t-shirt with shorts or pants for PE. Students must have two shirts and change after class if they are very sweaty; tennis shoes are required; dress-down options on Fridays are allowed under the policy described (Dress-Down Friday).

Food Options
Cafeteria/Food: Students may buy food during recess periods and before and after school. Students are not permitted to eat in classrooms, laboratories, or the auditorium. Water is permitted in the classrooms and should be kept in plastic bottles or thermoses.

House System
The middle/upper school is divided into four houses called Eagle Houses; each student is allocated to one house at enrollment. The four houses are named after different kinds of eagles, and students participate in activities to earn points for their house to foster leadership and community.

Governance and Ownership
The International American School of Cancun is private, non-profit, non-sectarian, and co-educational.
Fees

Annual tuition at International American School of Cancun ranges from MXN 8,900 to MXN 13,900 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration fees
- Family Quota (one-time, new families): MXN 8,000.
- Registration (amount charged at time of enrollment):
- Kindergarten: MXN 12,450.
- Transition (Early Primary): MXN 13,150.
- Primary (Elementary): MXN 22,600.
- Middle & High — Transition-level registration: MXN 18,900.
- Middle & High — Upper-level registration (labelled “Primary” on the published schedule): MXN 22,900.

Tuition fees by year group (published amounts)
- Kindergarten: Tuition MXN 8,900.
- Transition / Early Primary: Tuition MXN 9,600.
- Primary (Elementary): Tuition MXN 10,900.
- Middle & High — Transition-level tuition: MXN 13,300.
- Middle & High — Upper-level tuition (labelled “Primary” on the published schedule): MXN 13,900.

Academic-platform / technology fee
- Amounts shown separately under each level as an "Academic Website" fee (charged in USD):
- Kindergarten: USD 25–35.
- Transition (Early Primary): USD 40–60.
- Primary (Elementary): USD 50–85.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The published fee listing presents the registration, family quota and tuition amounts as the school's standard charges for the academic cycle. Specific billing frequency (monthly/term/annual instalments), due dates, late‑payment penalties and installment discounts are not detailed alongside the amounts in the published fee schedule. For contact regarding payment timetables use admissions phone (998) 882‑2269 or email admissions@ciac.edu.mx.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school with published school hours; no boarding fees are listed.

Other costs and typical additional charges
- Family Quota (one‑time) and Registration fees appear in addition to Tuition as noted above.
- The Academic Website/technology fee (USD ranges by level) is listed separately and is an additional cost.
- No separate uniform, textbook, transport, cafeteria or extracurricular fee schedule is published with these fee figures on the same fee page; such items may be billed separately. The published fee listing does not provide line‑item prices for uniforms, textbooks, transport or optional activities.

Refund information
- No refund policy for registration, family quota or tuition is published alongside the fee amounts on the school's published fee listing. Refund terms and conditions are not specified in the published fee section.

Fee payment options
- The fee listing does not specify accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, cash) within the published fee amounts. For payment arrangements and accepted methods contact admissions at (998) 882‑2269 or admissions@ciac.edu.mx.

(Amounts above are those shown in the school's published 2025–2026 fee listings.)
Academics

International American School of Cancun teaches American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Transitional: English–Spanish. 1st–6th Grades offer Spanish, English, and Technology.

Exam Results
AP courses include Spanish Literature (11th grade) and Calculus and English Literature (12th). AP exams are taken in May; AP exam scores range from 1 to 5. Most universities award college credit for qualifying AP scores. An additional 1.06% is added to the GPA for students who have at least a 7.2 GPA and take the AP exam in May. AP designation appears on the transcript.

Higher Education Progression
High school students have the opportunity to enroll in a full dual program, receiving both a U.S. diploma and a Mexican preparatory certificate.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
A Values Program called The 6 Pillars of Character runs from Kindergarten through high school, with the value changing every two months and activities such as storytelling, songs, theatrical representations, games, and special assignments. Its objective is to create a harmonious school environment, prevent antisocial behaviors, and encourage positive attitudes, responsible decision making, and autonomy. Activities connected to each value include beach cleanups and friendly sport activities with students from other schools. A psychologist department provides prevention and intervention techniques for behavior, using an interdisciplinary approach with teachers, coordinators, parents and external therapists; it offers academic, personal and career guidance, crisis support and counseling. The school champions diversity, equity and inclusion, with nondiscrimination in admissions and educational programs and a commitment to equal opportunity.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the major language of instruction: English literature, science, social studies, math, and some electives and extracurricular activities are taught in English. The school provides a bilingual, bicultural education with bilingual instruction across grades. Daily class time is conducted in English or Spanish, reflecting a bilingual delivery model. The primary curriculum lists English–Spanish bilingual pathways (Transitorio English and English–Español) across grade levels. High school offers English-language coursework including AP English Language and AP English Literature as part of the program.

Mental Wellbeing
The Health program provides medical attention during the school day for emergencies and illnesses; for kinder and primary students, parents are advised if further attention is needed and the doctor does not administer medication from home. A psychologist is available for Kinder/Lower School and another for Middle/High School, supporting prevention and intervention with an interdisciplinary approach between teachers, coordinators, parents and external therapists. Prevention and intervention programs include the Values program, Educational Orientation, Positive Discipline, and Red Ribbon Week. The department provides personal guidance, career guidance, crisis support and counseling, and acts as mediator in solving problems between parents, students and staff. An interdisciplinary collaboration among teachers, coordinators, parents and external therapists supports students' social, academic, and emotional development.

Safeguarding
The International American School of Cancun is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of all students. All staff undergo rigorous vetting, including reference verification and background checks, before employment. Teachers and staff receive ongoing training in child protection and safeguarding practices. The school maintains clear communication with local government authorities and fulfills mandated reporting requirements when necessary. Parents are offered regular workshops and resources to strengthen safeguarding awareness; there is 24-hour security and limited access points and entrance protocols during the school day. Contact: primary@ciac.edu.mx or highschool@ciac.edu.mx; Phone: (998) 882-2269.
Parent Experience

History
The International American School of Cancun was founded in 1990 as a private, non-profit, non-sectarian, co-educational institution providing a bilingual, bicultural university preparatory education for students from preschool through high school. It is dedicated to an American-style education, characterized by high academic standards and the nurturing, supportive environment of a small school setting. The school is accredited by Cognia (SACS/AdvancED) in the United States and by Mexico's Ministry of Education (SEP) and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). All classes are taught in English, except for Spanish classes and Mexican Studies. All students graduate with the U.S. High School diploma, and the Class of 2024 saw 91% also earn the Mexican Bachillerato.

Community
The Parent Association organizes events and activities throughout the year; representatives and officers are elected at the Parent / Teacher Meeting held in September. Some important events organized by the Parents Association are the Halloween Party in October and the Posada in December. Model UN simulations are a key part of IAS life, with conferences such as CancunMUN, PAMUN, and an International Conference. IAS is a member of ASOMEX, the Association of American Schools in Mexico, which offers opportunities to travel, participate in Model UN simulations, and attend workshops and festivals with other American schools in Mexico.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Association supports the school through the organization of events and activities at different times of the year. Representatives and officers are elected at the September Parent / Teacher Meeting. Some important events organized by the Parents Association are the Halloween Party in October and the Posada in December.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The International American School of Cancun has two campuses: Kinder-Primary and Middle-High School, separated by a parking lot with administration between them. The school plant includes fifteen classrooms on the middle-high campus, plus an auditorium, a full library, science and computer laboratories, a cafeteria, and administrative offices. The Kinder-Primary campus contains sixteen classrooms, a computer lab, a library, a music room, and a kitchen used for activities and cooking classes. The grounds include a basketball court, a soccer field, and two playgrounds. Each campus has a psychologist to support student academic and emotional education.

Sports Facilities
The grounds include a basketball court and a soccer field.

Academic Facilities
Middle-High School has fifteen classrooms, a full library, science and computer laboratories, a cafeteria, and administrative offices. The Kinder-Primary campus has sixteen classrooms, a computer lab, a library, a music room, and a kitchen used for activities and cooking classes. Each campus includes restrooms, storerooms, and other spaces to support daily learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Programs include student council, National Honor Society, Model United Nations, and PAS (Peace at School), with CES Spirit and community service projects. An after-school sports program offers soccer, basketball, tennis, hockey, and volleyball in the upper school. The lower school offers chess, traditional games, cooking, robotics, drama, yoga, and modern dance. The school participates in ASOMEX (American Schools of Mexico) events, including sports events, teacher workshops, and Model UN simulations.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Extracurricular offerings include student council, National Honor Society, and Model United Nations, along with Peace at School and CES Spirit. The school participates in ASOMEX events and Model UN simulations. English is the major language of instruction, with core subjects and many electives taught in English. Advanced Placement courses are offered in 11th grade Spanish Literature and Culture and in 12th grade English Literature.

Arts & Creative
Chess, traditional games, cooking, robotics, drama, yoga, and modern dance are offered in the lower school. The kinder-primary campus includes a music room to support performing arts. Drama and modern dance provide ongoing opportunities for artistic expression.

Cultural & Language
Model United Nations is part of the extracurricular program, with opportunities to participate in simulations. The school participates in ASOMEX events, including Model UN simulations. English remains the primary language of instruction.

Social & Hobbies
Student council offers leadership and social engagement opportunities. Chess, traditional games, and cooking provide recreational and hobby activities for students. Drama, yoga, and modern dance contribute to social and creative experiences.

Community & Service
Community service projects are part of the extracurricular program. PAS (Peace at School) promotes a peaceful school culture. CES Spirit supports school spirit and service initiatives.

Leadership & Professional
The school provides leadership opportunities through student council and National Honor Society. Model United Nations experiences foster diplomacy, public speaking, and collaboration. These programs help students develop professional and civic leadership skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Participation in sports is an integral part of student life. Physical education is required from kindergarten through ninth grade, with a sports elective available in grades 9-12. Extracurricular sports include soccer, basketball, volleyball, and field hockey, and students have competed nationally in rowing, tennis, swimming, and windsurf. Yoga and other wellness activities are available as part of the extracurricular program.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for all classes. Spanish language classes are offered, and Mexican Studies are taught in Spanish. The program serves students from preschool through high school as a bilingual, bicultural education.

Bilingual Teaching
The school provides bilingual, bicultural university preparatory education for students from preschool through high school. All classes are taught in English, except for Spanish classes and Mexican Studies.
Reputation

Accreditations
The school is private, non-profit, non-sectarian, and co‑educational, offering a bilingual, bicultural university‑preparatory education for students from preschool through high school. It is accredited by Cognia (SACS/AdvancED) in the United States and by Mexico's SEP and UNAM, with additional associations including SAIS, Quintana Roo accreditation, ASOMEX, the Tri Association, AAIE, NHS, AP, and it is a TOEFL testing site.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Submit required documents. Birth certificate, Passport, and Latest report cards (minimum academic average of 8.6). Submission initiates the admissions evaluation. 2. Take the admission exam and/or visit the school. All applicants must complete the designated admissions exam(s). 3. Attend your results meeting. Save your place! Once you have received the acceptance email, follow the steps for registration. 4. Submit additional documents and pay registration fees. This step occurs after acceptance and links to Tuition & Fees. 5. Fill the online application form. We will contact you to schedule an appointment.
School Events
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