Founded in 1990 by three educators from Brazil, the UK, and the USA, the International American School of Cancun (IAS) takes pride in offering a bilingual and bicultural education. Its tight-knit community encourages the pursuit of excellence and provides an amazing overseas teaching opportunity.
The school is situated in Quintana Roo, about 9 km from Cancun, the most popular tourist destination in Mexico. Those teaching abroad can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, visiting archaeological sites, experiencing the culture found in local Mexican towns, or just hanging out at the beach! Cancun is an easy travel destination with an international airport providing direct flights to many cities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Daily transportation is provided by the school from various key points in Cancun.
Within the housing developments of Quintana Roo, IAS prizes its many green areas on campus, two basketball courts, two soccer 7 fields—one with artificial turf—and shaded rest spots. The school comprises 35 classrooms, an auditorium, two libraries, science and computer laboratories, a music room, and two art rooms as well as a cafeteria, infirmary, and administrative offices.
IAS is accredited by both COGNIA (SACS/AdvancED) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools. While the preschool, primary, and middle school are administered by the SEQ (Secretary of Education in Quintana Roo), the high school is overseen by UNAM, the national university of Mexico. IAS’s bilingual curriculum follows U.S. and Mexican standards, and high school students have a choice of Advanced Placement courses. Currently enrolled are 680 pre-K-12 students representing 32 nationalities, and over 75% of the teaching staff is from Mexico. Graduates receive both Mexican and U.S. diplomas.
The curriculum for preschool through Grade 6 is 50% English and 50% Spanish. Primary school uses Knotion, a program that incorporates technology, academic subjects, and challenging cross-curricular projects. Grades 7-12 learn in 80% English and 20% Spanish. All IAS teachers are Google-certified, a rigorous process ensuring proficiency in Google tools. The school is also Apple-certified, reflecting a high standard of technological integration that is no easy task to achieve.
While students of all ages are encouraged to participate in community service activities, by high school it is a graduation requirement. Students are given the opportunity to be involved in a variety of service projects to support animal shelters, beach cleanups, orphanages, senior citizen homes, and more.
IAS offers a rich after-school life for its students. They are encouraged to participate in athletic programs such as basketball, soccer, touch football, volleyball, and tennis. Students also have opportunities to participate in dance, music, chess, among others. High school students may join the National Honor and Junior Honor Society, Student Council, PAS (Peace at School). Primary and secondary students may also choose from a diverse menu of electives, for example, cooking, carpentry, Model United Nations (MUN) Secretariat, Italian, guitar or music, handcrafts.
IAS boasts a strong Model UN program, hosting annual conferences each November, with students participating from schools in Cancun, the surrounding areas, and other parts of the world. Furthermore, IAS students can participate in conferences in other parts of Mexico, the US, and Europe each year.
IAS hires certified singles and couples of diverse profiles wishing to teach abroad, including couples with a non-teaching partner and newly certified teachers. Candidates must hold an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. There is no age limit to obtain a work visa.
The overseas teaching benefits package includes a moving allowance, a housing stipend, re-hire bonus, and annual airfare. Tuition for dependents is free but does not cover school supplies or the registration fee. Mexican national health insurance is covered once teachers receive their work visas.
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Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
