How to choose a school for your children in Querétaro: a guide for international families
By Transcültural Team8 min read
Beyond the word "bilingual": the educational systems you'll find in Querétaro, key dates in the school calendar, places and waiting lists, school transportation and what to ask during your visit.
For many families, choosing a school is the most important decision of the move. It shapes your daily routine, your children's friendships and often even the neighborhood you'll live in.
Querétaro has a wide range of private schools, and almost all of them describe themselves as "bilingual". But the label says little. In this guide we suggest looking at what really defines a school: its educational system, its calendar, available places, transportation and what to ask during your visit.
Many schools that advertise themselves as bilingual teach only a few subjects in English, and the level can vary a lot from one teacher to another. That's why it's better not to choose based on the language a school promises, but on its educational system. If it matters to your family that your children keep studying in their own language, look for schools where that language is built into the structure of the program, such as schools linked to another country, not just a few classes.
The educational systems you'll find
In Mexico, every private school must be officially recognized by the SEP (Secretaría de Educación Pública, the Ministry of Public Education) for its studies to be valid. On top of that, each school can add other programs. These are the most common in Querétaro:
| System | What it is | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP official program | Mexico's national curriculum. All schools, public and private, follow it, although private schools can add subjects and activities. | Families planning to stay several years who want their children to fully integrate. | Classes are in Spanish; the first months can be demanding for children who don't speak it. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | An international program in three stages: Primary Years (PYP, ages 3–12), Middle Years (MYP, ages 11–16) and the Diploma (ages 16–19). | Families who might move again: it's the same framework in IB schools around the world. | Not every school offers all three stages. Check that the school is authorized on the official IB website. |
| American system | Schools that follow the U.S. educational model and hold U.S. accreditations, such as Cognia. | Families coming from the United States, or whose children will attend university there. | Ask which accreditation they hold and whether they also issue the SEP certificate. |
| Schools linked to another country | Schools with ties to a country such as Austria, Switzerland or Germany, where that country's language and culture are part of the program. | Families from that country or language, or who will return there. | They usually have few places and their own admissions processes; contact them well in advance. |
Querétaro has examples of each type: John F. Kennedy, The American School of Querétaro combines the American system with the International Baccalaureate; the Colegio Austriaco Mexicano and the Colegio Suizo de México Querétaro campus have ties to Austria and Switzerland respectively. They aren't the only options: the key is to identify which system fits your family's plans, then compare the schools that offer it.
Before visiting schools, decide how long you plan to stay in Mexico and where you might go next. That answer immediately rules out several options and helps you choose the right system.
Key dates in the school calendar
The school year in Mexico runs from late August to early July. These are the dates in the SEP's official calendar for basic education in the 2026–2027 school year:
| What | When |
|---|---|
| First day of classes | August 31, 2026 |
| Winter break | December 21, 2026 to January 5, 2027 |
| Pre-registration at public schools for the next year | February (in the 2026–2027 calendar: February 2 to 15, 2027) |
| Easter break (Semana Santa) | March 22 to April 2, 2027 |
| Last day of classes | July 9, 2027 |
| Days without classes | Official holidays, plus one Friday a month for the Consejo Técnico Escolar (teachers' council meeting) |
Some private and international schools adjust their start dates or holidays, so always ask for the calendar of the school you're interested in. For public schools in Querétaro, pre-registration is done online through USEBEQ, the state's basic education authority.
You can enroll your children during the year, but it depends on whether there's a place in their grade. Contact schools before you arrive and keep their report cards and school records handy, because studies completed in another country may need to go through a validation process (revalidación) with the education authorities.
Places and waiting lists
Querétaro's most sought-after schools often fill their places early, especially in entry grades and in schools with few classes per grade. Many open admissions months before the school year starts. To avoid running out of options:
- Start early: once you know your moving date, contact schools as soon as you can, even if it's months away.
- Ask about the whole process: admission test or assessment, parent interview, documents and deadlines.
- If there's a waiting list, ask where you'd be on it, when they'd let you know and whether you need to pay anything to hold a place.
- Have a plan B: apply to more than one school, especially if you have several children who need places in different grades.
- Siblings: ask whether siblings get priority and whether they can guarantee places for all of them.
School transportation and commutes
In Querétaro, school start time coincides with peak traffic. That's why the distance between home and school matters so much in daily life. Ask:
- Whether the school offers a school bus, which neighborhoods it covers, what time it comes and how much it costs.
- How the drop-off and pick-up lines work and how long they take.
- What happens with afternoon activities: whether there's a ride home or you'll need to make a second trip.
If you haven't chosen where to live yet, our guide to the best areas to live in Querétaro with your family helps you think about the home–work–school triangle. And if you'll stay in a short-term rental while you decide, see which housing option suits your first months.
What to ask during your visit
Visiting the school is your best chance to see what everyday life is like there. Bring a list and, if you can, visit during class hours.
About the program
- Which system do you follow, and what certificates will my children receive at the end of each level?
- How many students are in each class?
- If the school teaches in another language, which subjects are taught in that language and who teaches them?
About welcoming international students
- How many international students do you have, and from which countries?
- Do you offer Spanish support for students who don't speak it?
- How do you support a new student during their first weeks?
About costs and daily life
- What does tuition include, and what's paid separately: enrollment, annual fees, uniforms, books, transportation, meals?
- What are the school hours, and which after-school activities do you offer?
- How do you communicate with parents, and in which language?
Many everyday customs in Mexico also show up at school, from greetings to celebrations. To know what to expect, see our article on 8 things about everyday life in Mexico that surprise newcomers.
In short
When choosing a school in Querétaro, don't go by the word "bilingual" alone. First decide which educational system fits your family's plans, check the calendar and admission dates, secure a place in good time and think about daily commutes. A school visit with the right questions will do the rest.
Frequently asked questions
When does the school year start in Mexico?
The SEP's official calendar starts in late August and ends in early July. In the 2026–2027 school year, classes start on August 31, 2026 and end on July 9, 2027. Some private schools adjust their dates, so confirm each school's calendar.
What does it mean for a school to be IB?
It's authorized to teach one or more International Baccalaureate programs: Primary Years (ages 3–12), Middle Years (ages 11–16) and the Diploma (ages 16–19). You can check which schools are authorized on the official IB website.
Can I enroll my children in the middle of the school year?
Yes, if the school has a place in their grade. Contact schools before you arrive and bring report cards and school records, because studies completed in another country may need to be validated (revalidación).
How far in advance should I look for a school?
As early as possible. Many private schools open admissions months before the school year starts, and the most sought-after ones may have waiting lists. For public schools, pre-registration is in February for the year starting in August.
