American School Foundation
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$15K - US$19K
Curriculum: American · IB
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~2,900
Location: Álvaro Obregón, Mexico City
Updated April 2026
In Brief
ASF is the default choice for US corporate families in Mexico City and has been for generations. If you live in Roma, Condesa, Polanco or Lomas, the daily commute to Observatorio can be 40-60 minutes each way - factor that in before committing.
ASF is Mexico City's oldest and largest international school, with a student body that runs around 70% Mexican (many third-generation alumni) and 30% international. That demographic shapes the culture: it's a well-established, locally rooted environment rather than a transient expat community, which families find either comforting or challenging depending on where their children are joining.
The American independent curriculum with IB Diploma gives a credible dual exit route. University placements track strongly to US schools; the college counselling is well regarded. Co-curricular breadth is good - families mention sport, arts and debate as particular strengths. Traffic around the Observatorio campus is genuinely bad: two other private schools and Centro Medico ABC are on the same block.
Some facilities in the Lower and Middle School are ageing, with ongoing construction on the Upper School campus. Parents on short postings should ask whether their child's age group will feel the construction disruption. Fees are mid-range for Mexico City - cheaper than Greengates, similar to or lower than Wingate at primary level.
What parents value
- –Strong college counselling and US university placement. Broad co-curricular programme including competitive sport at a Latin America level. Established, trusted institution with deep community roots.
- –Dual exit pathway: American independent curriculum plus IB Diploma. Financial aid available for qualifying families.
Points of consideration
- –Student body is majority Mexican, which can mean a significant social adjustment for newly arrived international children at middle and upper school. Ask how the school supports new international students at transition.
- –Location near Observatorio creates heavy traffic morning and afternoon. If you are based north of Polanco or in the west (Santa Fe, Lomas), the daily drive is worth stress-testing before you enrol.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten 1 | 3 | NaN |
| Kindergarten 2 | 4 | NaN |
| Kindergarten 3 | 5 | NaN |
| Grade 1 | 6 | NaN |
| Grade 2 | 7 | NaN |
| Grade 3 | 8 | NaN |
| Grade 4 | 9 | NaN |
| Grade 5 | 10 | NaN |
| Grade 6 | 11 | NaN |
| Grade 7 | 12 | NaN |
| Grade 8 | 13 | NaN |
| Grade 9 | 14 | NaN |
| Grade 10 | 15 | NaN |
| Grade 11 | 16 | NaN |
| Grade 12 | 17 | NaN |
Fees converted from MXN. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Admission Fee | NaN |
| Registration Fee | NaN |
Photos
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Facilities: Sports fields · Swimming pool · Performing arts · Athletics track
ASF offers a broad co-curricular programme across sport, arts and academic enrichment. Competitive sport runs at a Latin America level - boys basketball in particular has strong regional competition. After-school activities are extensive.
No uniform is required, which some families note as different from British-system schools. The campus is adjacent to Centro Medico ABC Observatorio, which affects traffic but also provides reassurance on proximity to medical facilities.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Around 2,900 students aged 3-18, with approximately 70% Mexican students (many from families with multi-generational ties to the school) and 30% international. The school has been in Mexico City since 1888 and the alumni network is extensive.
The demographic mix means the culture is more locally rooted than at some other international schools. Families new to Mexico City should ask how the school supports international children integrating socially, particularly at middle and upper school level.
Leadership
Kolia O'Connor
Head of School since 2021. Previously Head of Sewickley Academy (2003-2021). Serves on the boards of The 1911 Group and Safe Passage/Camino Seguro in Guatemala.