If you are relocating to Guatemala with school-age children, the international school question usually comes first. Guatemala City has 8-10 schools that serve expat families with English-medium or bilingual curricula, and they vary dramatically in cost, curriculum style, and size. This guide compares the main options.
The Landscape
Guatemala City’s international schools fall into three groups:
- American-curriculum schools — follow a US-style K-12 curriculum, often with AP courses and US diploma equivalency (Colegio Americano de Guatemala, Colegio Maya, Inter-American School)
- Bilingual Guatemalan schools — Guatemalan national curriculum (MINEDUC) in Spanish with strong English programs. Cheaper. Used by both Guatemalan families and expats who want their children fluent in Spanish (Colegio Monte Maria, CEP, Village School)
- International Baccalaureate (IB) schools — follow the IB curriculum, recognized by universities worldwide (Colegio Maya offers IB Diploma, some others offer Primary Years)
Top 8 International Schools Compared
| School | Curriculum | Tuition (USD/year) | Size | Location | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colegio Americano de Guatemala (CAG) | American (US accreditation) | $12,600-$13,600 | ~1,200 students | Zona 16 | English primary |
| Colegio Maya (American School) | American + IB Diploma | $12,000-$18,300 | ~500 students | Zona 16 | English primary |
| Colegio Metropolitano | American / Bilingual | $8,000-$10,000 | ~600 students | Zona 16 | Bilingual |
| Village School | Bilingual | $3,500-$5,500 | ~400 students | Carretera a El Salvador | Bilingual |
| Colegio Montenegro | Bilingual | $3,000-$4,500 | ~500 students | Zona 15 | Bilingual |
| CEP (Colegio Evangelico Protestante) | Bilingual Christian | $2,500-$4,000 | ~700 students | Zona 14 | Bilingual |
| Inter-American School | American | $4,500-$7,000 | ~300 students | Zona 14 | English primary |
| Colegio Monte Maria | Bilingual Catholic (girls K-12) | $3,500-$5,500 | ~800 students | Zona 14 | Bilingual |
Tuition figures are 2026 estimates — confirm current pricing with each school directly. Does not include enrollment fees, uniforms, transportation, or extras.
Which School Fits Which Expat Profile?
US corporate transfers with plans to return to the US → Colegio Americano (CAG) or Colegio Maya. US accreditation, English-first, AP or IB track, easy transition back to US schools. Tuition is the main decision factor between them.
Long-term expats who want children fluent in Spanish → Village School, Colegio Monte Maria, or CEP. Bilingual curriculum keeps Spanish strong, integrates with Guatemalan university pipeline, and costs much less.
European or international expats who want IB → Colegio Maya is the only school with the full IB Diploma. If you want IB Primary Years, some other schools offer it — confirm with each directly.
Budget-conscious expat families → Colegio Metropolitano, Inter-American School, or Village School offer solid bilingual/English education at a fraction of CAG or Maya tuition.
Families staying 6-12 months (temporary) → Village School or Inter-American — easier enrollment for short-term families than the more selective CAG/Maya.
Enrollment Process
Most international schools follow a similar enrollment process:
- Contact admissions 3-6 months before enrollment (some schools have waitlists, especially for popular grades)
- Tour the school — most offer campus visits
- Submit application — includes child’s academic records, recommendation letters, and parent interview
- Assessment — most schools test incoming students for grade placement (math, reading, English/Spanish level)
- Acceptance and enrollment fee — typically Q5,000-20,000 non-refundable
- First tuition payment — usually monthly or quarterly
School Year Calendars
Schools following US calendar (CAG, Maya, Inter-American): August start, June end, with a 1-2 week break in December/January Schools following Guatemalan calendar (most bilingual schools): January start, October/November end, with a 2-week break in July and Semana Santa
If you are moving mid-year, the US-calendar schools are easier to enter in August. The Guatemalan-calendar schools have a January cohort that is easier than mid-year entry.
What to Check Before Enrolling
- Accreditation — CAG and Maya have US accreditation (SACS); check what other schools have. This matters if your child will apply to US universities.
- University placement record — ask what percentage of graduates go to US, European, or Guatemalan universities, and which ones. Strong records = strong curriculum.
- Transportation — most schools offer bus routes with additional fees ($100-300/month). Guatemala City traffic is terrible; plan for 1-hour commutes if you live across town.
- Extra fees — enrollment, uniforms, technology, field trips, extracurriculars. Budget Q5,000-30,000/year on top of tuition.
- Language exit level — if you want your child truly bilingual, ensure the school has enough Spanish hours per week. “Bilingual” varies widely in practice.
Neighborhoods and Schools
Most international schools are in Zona 14, 15, or 16, which are the affluent neighborhoods where most expat families also live. If you live elsewhere in the city, factor in the commute. Schools in Carretera a El Salvador (Village School area) are good for families living south of the city.
Our Guatemala City neighborhood guide covers the best areas for expat families with kids, including safety data and proximity to schools.
Related Guides
- Education Hub — Guatemala education system overview
- Cost of Living in Guatemala — Full expat budget including school costs
- Guatemala City Neighborhoods — Where expat families live
- Safety Guide — Safety data by zone
- Moving to Guatemala — Complete relocation guide
Information verified April 2026. Tuition, curriculum, and enrollment requirements change — confirm directly with each school.