Modern American School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$8K - US$14K
Curriculum: American · Bilingual
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~1,500
Location: Other Mexico City, Mexico City
Updated April 2026
In Brief
One of the highest-ranked private schools in Mexico City by independent measure, and considerably cheaper than the British or IB-focused schools. A strong choice for families who want a bilingual American education with deep local roots and are based in the south or centre of the city.
MAS came 2nd out of 90+ private schools in Mexico City in the 2026 Reforma high school rankings - the most widely cited independent ranking in Mexican education. Founded in 1952, it sits in Coyoacán and draws around 1,500 students from a predominantly local Mexican demographic. The alumni network includes a former Mexican Ambassador to the United States and the director of the US National Institutes of Health, which tells you something about the calibre of families who have passed through. It is not an international school in the conventional sense - fees are not published, there is no IB, and the student body is almost entirely Mexican - but the academic standard and English proficiency are genuinely strong.
The curriculum is bilingual (English and Spanish) with dual SEP/UNAM accreditation, giving students a recognised Mexican leaving certificate alongside SAT, TOEFL and Cambridge language certifications. School hours run from 7:50am for KG through 7:00am-2:30pm for Grades 6-12 - one of the earlier starts in the city, which affects logistics for families arriving from further out. French is offered as a third language. After-school options include basketball, robotics, chess, photography, music ensemble, choir, theatre and journalism.
For families already established in Coyoacán, Roma or Condesa, this is a realistic and significantly cheaper alternative to ASF or the British schools - fee estimates from ISD put annual tuition at MXN 138,000-240,500 (roughly US$8K-US$14K), though the school does not publish fees publicly and you must contact admissions for current figures. From Polanco, Lomas or Santa Fe, the commute across town is a genuine deterrent. The school is competitive on entry and academically demanding; it suits families committed to a Mexican-focused social environment alongside strong bilingual outcomes.
What parents value
- –Ranked 2nd of 90+ Mexico City private schools in 2026 Reforma rankings. Strong bilingual academic programme with SAT, TOEFL and Cambridge certifications. Fee estimates considerably lower than IB and British schools.
- –Deep Coyoacán roots with an extensive alumni network. Extracurricular breadth across sport, robotics, arts and journalism. School bus service available.
Points of consideration
- –No IB or internationally portable curriculum - university pathway is primarily Mexico and US via SAT/College Board. Families targeting UK or European universities should ask how the school supports international applications.
- –Fees not published; contact admissions for current rates. The Coyoacán location is a long commute from Polanco, Lomas, Santa Fe or Naucalpan - the school makes most sense if you are living in the south or centre of the city.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Kinder (Preschool) | 3 | NaN |
| Elementary (Primaria) | 6 | NaN |
| Middle School (Secundaria) | 12 | NaN |
| High School (Preparatoria) | 15 | NaN |
Fees converted from MXN. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Photos
Academic Results
MAS follows a bilingual American curriculum with dual SEP/UNAM accreditation throughout, preparing students for both the Mexican leaving certificate and international university entry. SAT, TOEFL and Cambridge language certifications are offered. The school does not offer the IB Diploma.
Ranked 2nd of 90+ private schools in Mexico City in the 2026 Reforma rankings, which assess academic outcomes across the city's private school sector. French is offered as a third language from secondary level.
From Reforma 2026 Mexico City high school rankings and school website., 2026
Extra Curriculars
Facilities: Sports courts · Library · Science labs · Music rooms · Theatre
School hours run from 7:50am for KG and 7:00am to 2:30pm for Grades 6-12 - among the earlier starts in the city. After-school activities include basketball, athletics, robotics, chess, photography, music ensemble, choir, theatre and journalism. A school bus service is available.
Uniform is required. The MAS Community platform handles academic and administrative communication for families. Extracurricular programmes are available through the Stay & Play after-school care offering for younger students.
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 1,500 students across preschool through preparatoria. The student body is predominantly Mexican with a multigenerational community in Coyoacán - alumni include prominent figures in Mexican public life and US institutions. The social environment is local and Spanish-dominant outside the classroom.
The bilingual model means students develop strong English proficiency alongside Spanish. Families arriving from abroad without Spanish should ask about language support provision, as the peer group is overwhelmingly Mexican-Spanish-speaking.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for current head of school details.