What languages are taught in Mexican schools?
Rachel Newton
Updated on February 20, 2026
What languages are taught in Mexican schools?
Where learning a second language is mandatory, half of the school day is taught in Spanish while half is taught in a second language of choice (often English, French, or native Mexican languages Tzotzil or Tzeltal).
Why is Mexico education so bad?
Key issues in Mexican education have to do with insufficient enrollments and high dropout rates beyond the primary level, insufficient supply of upper secondary schools (particularly in rural areas), and low student achievement levels.
How bad is education in Mexico?
Mexico ranks last in education among the 35 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. Mexican children leave school with the worst literacy, maths and science skills, with around half failing to meet the most basic standards.
What subjects do Spanish schools study?
School subjects
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| la física | physics |
| la biología | biology |
| la geografía | geography |
| la historia | history |
What is 7th grade in Mexico?
In Mexico, basic education is normally divided in three steps: primary school (primaria), comprising grades 1–6; junior high school (secundaria), comprising grades 7–9; and high school (preparatoria), comprising grades 10–12.
Is school in Mexico free?
Public schools in Mexico are free of charge and secular. Unfortunately, the schools are often underfunded and lacking in resources. This is especially true in rural areas, with urban centres being only somewhat better. Because of these disadvantages, public schools aren’t really a viable option for expat children.
Is Mexico’s education better than us?
Literacy in the education system is more of an issue in Mexico than in the United States. The literacy rate in Mexico was slightly less than 96 percent in 2000 while in the United States it was about 98 percent for those over the age of 15. Mexico has created strong literacy campaigns to increase these levels.
Which country is #1 in education?
Canada
Which Country is #1 in Education? Canada is the most educated country in the world, with 56.27 percent of its residents having earned a higher education.
What are schools in Mexico like?
In Mexico, basic education is normally divided into three levels: primary school (ages six to 12), junior high school (ages 12 to 15) and high school (ages 15 to 18). Public schools in Mexico are free of charge and secular. Unfortunately, the schools are often underfunded and lacking in resources.
Is English taught in Spanish schools?
Spaniards begin learning English as one of two additional languages as a compulsory subject in elementary school, at age 6. Spain is among the European countries in which English is taught earliest in their education.
Is college free in Mexico?
Tuition at public universities and technological universities and institutes is free to Mexican citizens; however, there may be fees which can be as high as $US 150 per semester. Tuition at private universities varies widely and can be very expensive, with some charging $US 20,000 or more per year.
Do Mexican schools have uniforms?
In Mexico, students from all public schools are required to wear uniform as well as many private school children. They are not all the same colour and many have a school crest on their sweaters or shirts.