Antigua is a popular landing spot for expat families because of its climate, walkability, and strong community of international residents. The trade-off is that it has fewer school options than Guatemala City. Still, Antigua has 4-5 solid choices ranging from full-immersion international schools to bilingual Guatemalan private schools. This guide compares them.
The Antigua School Landscape
Unlike Guatemala City, Antigua does not have a full American-style K-12 international school. The flagship option is Antigua International School (AIS), which follows a US-style curriculum in English. Beyond AIS, the main options are Guatemalan private schools with strong bilingual programs — much cheaper and integrated with the Guatemalan university system.
Top Schools in and Around Antigua
| School | Type | Tuition (USD/year) | Size | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua International School (AIS) | American (K-12) | $4,700-$7,150 | ~200 students | English primary, Spanish support |
| Colegio Boston | Bilingual (pre-K through diversificado) | $2,500-$4,000 | ~400 students | Spanish primary, English strong |
| Escuela Santiago | Bilingual Christian | $1,800-$3,200 | ~350 students | Bilingual |
| Casa Montessori Antigua | Montessori (pre-K through 6th) | $3,000-$5,500 | ~80 students | Bilingual |
| Colegio el Roble | Bilingual Catholic | $2,000-$3,500 | ~300 students | Bilingual |
Estimates for 2026 — confirm with each school.
Antigua International School (AIS)
The most popular choice for short-term expats and digital nomad families. Follows a US-style K-12 curriculum, English-first instruction, small class sizes (~15 students per grade), and a strong international community.
Who it fits:
- Families in Antigua for 1-3 years (sabbatical, remote work, cultural immersion)
- Families whose children will return to US or other English-speaking schools
- Parents who want their children in an English-first environment
Downsides:
- Relatively small — fewer peer options than Guatemala City international schools
- Higher tuition than the bilingual Guatemalan options
- Limited advanced/specialized tracks compared to CAG or Colegio Maya
Tuition: $4,700-$7,150/year depending on grade, plus enrollment fees ($500-1,500) and extras.
Colegio Boston
A popular Guatemalan bilingual private school with a strong academic reputation. Serves mostly Guatemalan families but accepts expats. Follows the Guatemalan MINEDUC curriculum with reinforced English instruction.
Who it fits:
- Long-term expats whose children will enter Guatemalan universities
- Families who want children fully fluent in Spanish
- Budget-conscious families wanting a private school experience
Tuition: $2,500-$4,000/year — significantly cheaper than AIS.
Casa Montessori Antigua
Small Montessori school serving pre-K through elementary. Ideal for younger children where the Montessori philosophy matters more than curriculum credentials.
Who it fits:
- Families with preschool and elementary-age children committed to Montessori
- Short-term expats where immediate US transferability matters less
- Parents prioritizing child-led learning
Tuition: $3,000-$5,500/year.
Escuela Santiago and Colegio el Roble
Both are solid Guatemalan bilingual private schools serving local families with some expat participation. Lowest tuition options ($1,800-$3,500/year), strong academic records, and good integration with Antigua’s Guatemalan community.
Who they fit:
- Guatemalan-returning diaspora families
- Expats prioritizing Spanish fluency and local integration
- Budget families
Enrollment Realities in Antigua
- AIS fills up fast for fall enrollment. Contact admissions in February-April for the following August start.
- Guatemalan-calendar schools (Colegio Boston, Escuela Santiago, El Roble) have their main enrollment period in October-December for a January start.
- Mid-year entry is possible at most schools but harder — test placement and availability vary.
- Waitlists exist at AIS and Montessori for specific grade levels. Ask about the waitlist when you first inquire.
Commuting from La Antigua Municipality
Most schools are within Antigua proper or in nearby Jocotenango and San Pedro Las Huertas. Commuting is easy because Antigua is small — 15 minutes maximum across town. School buses serve some surrounding villages (Alotenango, San Miguel Escobar) for families who live further out.
Other Considerations for Antigua Expat Families
- Homeschool co-ops — some expat families homeschool and join informal co-ops for socialization. Check the Antigua Expat Facebook groups.
- Limited AP/IB options — if your high schooler needs AP or IB courses, AIS offers limited selection. Families with older high schoolers sometimes live in Guatemala City and commute, or travel abroad for schooling.
- University prep — if the goal is US university admission, AIS has a track record. For Guatemalan universities, the bilingual schools feed directly into URL, UVG, UFM, and others.
Related Guides
- International Schools Guatemala City — Full comparison for the capital
- Education Hub — Guatemala education system overview
- Sacatepequez Department Guide — Antigua area information
- Cost of Living Antigua — Budget for expat families
- Moving to Guatemala — Complete relocation guide
Information verified April 2026. Tuition and enrollment details change — confirm with each school directly.