What are the schools in Puerto Vallarta like?
When we asked about the schools in Puerto Vallarta, they said...
"There are several excellent international schools and bilingual schools located in Puerto Vallarta, including: The American School of Puerto Vallarta (ASPV), which offers a bilingual and bicultural educational program for students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade; Vista Vallarta, an international school with cutting-edge curriculum and technology; and Lyceum International School Puerto Vallarta, which provides a comprehensive, international and innovative education. Additionally, Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior, a higher education facility with international accreditation, offers its students linguistic, scientific and technological training. All of these institutions are committed to helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in the modern world," commented one expat when asked about in Puerto Vallarta.
"We had a very mixed experience. We wanted our daughter to experience another culture and learn Spanish. In this respect, we were very successful. Our daughter speaks Spanish fluently and with a Mexican accent. And, exposure to a new and different culture has left her a more mature person. Further, Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful place to live. On the down side, this success did not come without a cost. Mexican children are very class oriented, they are good at treating people (and often teachers) as 2nd class citizens. New students are treated as 2nd class. Our daughter reacted to this with righteous indignation. This brought down a tidal wave of pressure and isolation. Other new students seem to be better at figuring our the power hierarchy and moving with it, instead of against it - and they seem to have a somewhat easier time. But this is not an easy school to be "new" at. Finally, the school is behind the USA academically. The school tests their students against MAP scores. MAP scores seem to use the USA public school students as a base. Our daughter scores in the 90th percentile in MAP. However, when we tested her in ISEE (Independent Schools Entrance Exams) comparing her against U.S.A. private school students, she scored in the 40th percentile. So, the school would count as a very good U.S.A. public school, but significantly below average as a U.S.A. private school. However, in fairness, most of the children in the school are not native English speakers, so you must make some allowances when comparing them against NYC private schools," remarked one expat living in Puerto Vallarta with children attending American School of Puerto Vallarta.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Puerto Vallarta?
- What do I need to know before moving to Puerto Vallarta?
- How do I find a place to live in Puerto Vallarta?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Puerto Vallarta?
- What is the average cost of housing in Puerto Vallarta?
- How do I meet people in Puerto Vallarta?
- What should I pack when moving to Puerto Vallarta?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Puerto Vallarta?
- Will I be able to find a job in Puerto Vallarta?
- What is life like in Puerto Vallarta?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Puerto Vallarta?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Puerto Vallarta?
- What is the social scene like in Puerto Vallarta?
- What advice to expats in Puerto Vallarta have about housing?
- What are medical services in Puerto Vallarta like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Puerto Vallarta?
- Is the cost of living in Puerto Vallarta high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Puerto Vallarta?
- Why do people move to Puerto Vallarta?
What are the schools in Puerto Vallarta like?
If you live in Puerto Vallarta, newcomers to Puerto Vallarta would love to hear your answer to this question.