If you’re relocating (or planning a long-term stay) in Playa del Carmen with kids, choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll face. Fortunately, Playa has a number of bilingual, international, and alternative‑method schools that are popular among expat families — combining solid academics with multicultural communities. Below are some of the top choices in 2025, along with contact details and map links.
🎯 What Makes a School “Expat-Friendly”?
Before diving into specific schools — here are some of the characteristics many expat families look for:
- Bilingual (English + Spanish) instruction, to ease transition for non-Spanish-speaking families.
- International or alternative‑education models (Montessori, Waldorf, constructivist, etc.), offering flexibility in learning style.
- Accreditation and full grade coverage: preschool through primary, secondary, often up to high school (preparatoria).
- Diverse student bodies (locals + expats), which helps kids integrate socially.
- Extracurriculars, good facilities, and — for expat parents — ease of communication (often English-speaking staff or admissions).
With that in mind, here are some of the best options currently available.
🌟 Recommended Schools for Expats
Colegio Inglés
- What it offers: Bilingual education (English + Spanish) from preschool through high school. Modern campus with sports facilities, auditorium, pool, and extracurriculars like sports, arts, and more.
- Address / Contact: Km. 292.5 Carretera Federal Cancún–Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen. Phone: 984 267 2897
- Why many expats choose it: Solid academic reputation + full bilingual curriculum + a facility that supports a variety of student interests.
El Papalote
- What it offers: Bilingual program (often following a Waldorf-inspired or progressive-education approach), covering preschool through at least lower secondary. Known for creativity, critical thinking, and a holistic learning environment.
- Address / Contact: Avenida 25 (between Calles 30 and 32), Col. Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen. Phone: 984 879 3052
- Why many expats choose it: Great for families seeking a more holistic / alternative education style, smaller class sizes, and a community‑oriented atmosphere.
Colegio San Gabriel (Playacar Campus)
- What it offers: Preschool through high school, with a bicultural curriculum: around 90% of instruction in English plus Spanish as a second language. Offers extracurriculars including sports, arts, and more.
- Reason many expats like it: Especially convenient for families living in or around Playacar — a popular residential area among expats — and provides a familiar English‑based educational structure.
Ak Lu’um Waldorf School
- What it offers: Preschool and primary education using the Waldorf method, bilingual (English + Spanish). The school is non-profit, with a focus on holistic, respectful, nature-connected education.
- Address / Contact: Calle La Selva s/n, Ejido (south of central Playa), Km 285, Solidaridad, Q.Roo. Phone: +52 984 115 4367, email: info@akluum.com
- Why many expats choose it: Its jungle‑campus vibe, bilingual curriculum, and nature‑oriented, Waldorf‑inspired approach are appealing to families who want a different educational style and environment.
Escuela Viva
- What it offers: Bilingual preschool/primary & alternative‑education style (constructivist / progressive), located in central Playa. Known for a warm, artsy, and multicultural community.
- Why many expats like it: Great for families wanting flexibility, bilingual education, and a creative, less conventional learning environment — often easier for kids from abroad to adapt in transitional years.
✅ A Few Helpful Tips for Choosing a School
- Visit first: Most of these schools welcome tours. Visiting in person gives you a feel for campus, student mix, and language — especially important if your child isn’t fluent in Spanish yet.
- Ask about language support: Many expat kids start with limited Spanish. Ask whether the school offers help, bilingual teachers, or transition programs.
- Consider location vs. commute: Playa del Carmen traffic can be busy. Balance school quality against commute time — especially if you live outside central areas.
- Check extracurriculars and culture: Some schools lean more traditional (academics, sports), others more alternative (arts, holistic education). Match to your child’s personality and your family values.
- Get updated contact info and confirm availability: Good schools often have waitlists — reaching out early helps.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.
From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.
Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.
North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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