Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Guatemala City

Guatemala City, the vibrant capital of Guatemala, offers a variety of international and bilingual schools catering to the needs of expat families and digital nomads. While not as large as cities like London or New York, Guatemala City still boasts a significant number of educational institutions that provide high-quality, international-standard education. Among the most popular are the American School of Guatemala and Colegio Maya - The American International School of Guatemala, both known for their rigorous academic programs and diverse extracurricular activities.

American School of Guatemala (CAG)

Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Guatemala City
Website: www.cag.edu.gt

The American School of Guatemala, commonly referred to as CAG, offers an American-style education with English as the language of instruction. The school follows a U.S. accredited curriculum and also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program for high school students. With state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, art studios, and sports fields, CAG provides a well-rounded education. The school also has a wide range of extracurricular activities, from robotics to performing arts, catering to diverse interests.

Colegio Maya - The American International School of Guatemala

Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Guatemala City
Website: www.colegiomaya.edu.gt

Colegio Maya offers an international education with a U.S. accredited curriculum and the IB Diploma Program. The school is committed to fostering a multicultural environment with a focus on community service and global citizenship. Colegio Maya's facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer labs, and sports areas. The school's extracurricular program is extensive, featuring sports teams, music, drama, and a variety of clubs and organizations.

Deutsche Schule Guatemala (Colegio Alemán)

Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Guatemala City
Website: www.dsguatemala.edu.gt

Deutsche Schule Guatemala, also known as Colegio Alemán, provides a German-Spanish bilingual education and follows the German educational system, while also offering the Guatemalan curriculum. The school is recognized for its academic excellence and emphasis on language learning, with German, Spanish, and English as core languages. Facilities include science labs, sports fields, and a library, and the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including music, art, and sports.

Lycée Français Jules Verne

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Guatemala City
Website: www.lfjulesverne.edu.gt

Lycée Français Jules Verne provides a French curriculum and is part of the global network of French international schools. The school offers a bilingual French-Spanish education and is accredited by the French Ministry of Education. Students have the opportunity to study English as well, making it a trilingual environment. The school boasts excellent facilities, including a media center, science labs, and sports courts. Extracurricular activities range from cultural to athletic, with a strong emphasis on fostering international-mindedness.

Antigua International School

Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Antigua, a short drive from Guatemala City
Website: www.antiguais.org

Antigua International School offers a U.S.-based curriculum with a focus on inquiry-based learning. While located in the historic city of Antigua, it is within commuting distance from Guatemala City. The school emphasizes environmental sustainability and community engagement. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and creative arts spaces. Students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service projects.

Inter-American School (IAS)

Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Quetzaltenango, accessible from Guatemala City
Website: www.ias-xela.org

Inter-American School is a Christian, U.S.-accredited educational institution that offers a bilingual English-Spanish program. Located in Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela, it is a bit further from Guatemala City but still within reach for families living on the outskirts or for those willing to commute. The school provides a comprehensive education with a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students. IAS has excellent facilities, including a computer lab, library, and sports fields, and offers extracurricular activities such as music, drama, and sports.