Q: Is the Academic Diagnostic Admissions Test a necessary part of the admissions process?

A: Yes.  Applicants for Grades 1 though 9 are required to take the Academic Diagnostic Admissions Test. This test is commonly held to be the best predictor of success in an independent secondary school in Mexico.  It is not a test for which a curriculum must be studied, but is a measure of innate cognitive abilities. While the admissions test is a useful assessment tool, at Colegio Americano de San Carlos it is no more important to the success of the application than are school grades, the student’s character and their presentation in the interview. Because we take a holistic approach to each applicant’s portfolio, we do not establish a “passing grade” or minimum admissions test score as a screening or cut-off mechanism.

Q: My 6 year old child does not speak English very well.  How will they be able to adapt in a bilingual school?

A: Experience has shown that children adapt very quickly to our bilingual school environment, and they are able to communicate easily with others, regardless of language differences.  The younger a child is, the easier it is for them to learn a new language.  To date, no student has left the school because of the bilingual culture, and the transition has been very smooth.  Also, teachers recognize the need and spend additional time with those children who do not speak English.    

In addition to developing a lifelong ability to communicate with more people, children may derive other benefits from early bilingual language instruction, including improved overall school performance and superior problem-solving skills. Knowing a second language ultimately provides a competitive advantage in the work force by opening up additional job opportunities.  Attending a bilingual school also allows students to interact with people from other backgrounds and opens their eyes to a variety of cultures and experiences.

Q: What are the unique strengths of a Colegio Americano de San Carlos education?

A: Colegio Americano offers the best academic and extra-curricular programs in the city.  From its state-of-the-art computer lab to its multi-purpose gymnasium, the school promotes the academic, athletic, and artistic abilities of all of its students.  What also sets Colegio Americano apart is the diverse, intelligent and generous faculty, a timetable that allows for downtime as well as time to study, many different clubs, team and individual sports, and numerous volunteers - all these work together to give every student the grounding, guidance and inspiration they must have during their formative years.

Come and see these unique strengths for yourself by visiting the school and taking a tour.

Q: How do parents help at the school?

A: Parents help at the school in a myriad of ways, as they are able. Parents may donate time, particularly in the Pre-school/ Kindergarten and Elementary grades, as class helpers, library volunteers, events organizers and “experts” where their professional knowledge is useful.  Every class has a designated "class mother" whose purpose is to help organize events over the course of the year.  These events aim to bring the whole community together, educate parents and raise money for the benefit of our students.

Parents are also among our most generous donors. Among the most significant ways in which parents help is through their communication with the school. We see parents as our true partners in the education of their sons and daughters and know that the sharing of insights and information raises the chance of their children’s academic success and happiness at school.