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Q: We are thinking of moving here full time and have two school aged children. What are the points of comparison and range of costs? Holly W. Oregon

A: Most of the foreign community takes advantage of the wide range of private bilingual schools throughout the bay. The largest concentration of these schools is found inland from the hotel zone. One school in this area is fully-bilingual and bicultural with classes one-half day in Spanish and the other half-day in English. Most of the English teachers have English as their first language and are from the United States and Canada. Many US holidays are celebrated so the children will still celebrate Thanksgiving, Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day. The curriculum is challenging, however the English level is probably the equivalent of one grade lower than in the US. There are two campuses, one for grades pre-kinder to grade 6 and the other for grades 7-12. The cost is approximately $5,000 USD per child/year and bus service is available to most outlying areas at an extra fee. In this same area there is a bilingual Catholic school. The cost is approximately $4,500 USD per child/year.
Nearby is also a smaller school with a charming grassy campus and Montessori theme. Homework is posted online, a bonus for busy parents. Cost is approximately $4,000 USD per child/year.
Near the airport is one of the newer bilingual schools. The large campus features an Olympic size swimming pool and optional swimming classes. This is one of the most affordable options and there are numerous scholarships available. Cost is approximately $3,500 USD per child/year. Also in this area is one of the most highly regarded schools. The majority of the teachers have their degrees from the US, the campus is spacious and well cared for, there is an active PTA and many of the children receive scholarships to universities in the US and abroad. There is a plethora or after school activities. This does not come cheap with tuitions starting at about $8,000 USD per child/year and there is also a waiting list. Near Nuevo Vallarta is another newer secular school with a lovely campus, large gymnasium and classes in gymnastics. Small class sizes with the emphasis on Spanish. English teachers are predominately native Spanish speakers. Cost is around $4,800 USD per child/year.
Many of these schools start at 8AM for primary and 7:30 for junior and high school, so you may want to consider a school near where you live. Some other things to consider are: teaching methods and systems, curriculum, teachers and principals credentials and test grades. Class sizes, care and appearance of the campus and even air conditioning capacity are other items to consider. And of course, nothing beats word of mouth and a strong “thumbs-up” from parents and children themselves, so ask around and see what your neighbors are saying!
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Active in local and national Real Estate boards; published author and acknowledged expert on Puerto Vallarta Real Estate, Michael Green moved here in 1997 to take advantage of the unsurpassed lifestyle PV offers. Mike can be reached at: pvgetaways@hotmail.com