Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in San Ignacio
Summary: If you''re moving to San Ignacio with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you''ll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in San Ignacio
San Ignacio, is a charming town known for its rich cultural heritage and proximity to ancient Mayan ruins. While it is not a large urban center like some of the world's major cities, it does offer a selection of international and bilingual schools catering to expat families and digital nomads. Among the most popular are the Cayo High School for its bilingual program and the Sacred Heart College, which is known for its diverse student body and quality education. Here are some of the schools within a 40-minute drive from San Ignacio that provide international or bilingual education for expat children.
Cayo High School
Grades: Form 1 to Form 4 (equivalent to Grades 8-11)
Location(s): San Ignacio, Cayo District
Cayo High School is a well-established institution in the Cayo District, offering a bilingual curriculum that caters to both local and expatriate students. The school focuses on providing a balanced education that includes extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs. With a commitment to fostering a multicultural environment, Cayo High School is an excellent option for families seeking a local educational experience with an international perspective.
Sacred Heart College
Grades: Infant I to Form 6 (equivalent to Kindergarten to Grade 12)
Location(s): San Ignacio, Cayo District
Sacred Heart College is a prominent educational institution in San Ignacio, offering a comprehensive curriculum from primary to junior college levels. The school is known for its high academic standards and a diverse student body that includes children from various cultural backgrounds. With a range of extracurricular activities and a focus on holistic development, Sacred Heart College is a popular choice for expat families seeking a well-rounded education for their children.
Howard Smith Nazarene School
Grades: Preschool to Grade 8
Location(s): San Ignacio, Cayo District
Howard Smith Nazarene School provides a bilingual education with a Christian foundation. Catering to younger students, the school emphasizes both academic excellence and moral development. The nurturing environment and dedicated staff make it an attractive option for expat families with primary and middle school-aged children.
Armenia Government School
Grades: Infant I to Standard 6 (equivalent to Kindergarten to Grade 8)
Location(s): Armenia Village, Cayo District
Located a short drive from San Ignacio, Armenia Government School offers a bilingual curriculum in a more rural setting. The school serves a mix of local and expatriate students and is known for its community-oriented approach. It provides a unique opportunity for expat children to integrate with Belizean culture while receiving an education that accommodates English-speaking students.
Mount Carmel Primary School
Grades: Infant I to Standard 6 (equivalent to Kindergarten to Grade 8)
Location(s): Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo District
Mount Carmel Primary School is situated in Benque Viejo del Carmen, close to the Guatemalan border. The school offers a bilingual education and is known for its strong community spirit and emphasis on cultural integration. With a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, Mount Carmel Primary School is an excellent choice for expat families living near San Ignacio.
St. Andrew's Anglican Primary School
Grades: Infant I to Standard 6 (equivalent to Kindergarten to Grade 8)
Location(s): San Ignacio, Cayo District
St. Andrew's Anglican Primary School is a well-respected institution in San Ignacio, offering a bilingual education with an Anglican ethos. The school is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where students can excel academically and develop their personal skills. With a strong focus on community involvement, St. Andrew's is a great option for expat families seeking an inclusive educational experience.
Victory Nazarene School
Grades: Preschool to Grade 8
Location(s): San Ignacio, Cayo District
Victory Nazarene School is another excellent choice for expat families, offering a bilingual curriculum with a Christian foundation. The school prides itself on its small class sizes and personalized attention to students. With a range of academic and extracurricular activities, Victory Nazarene School aims to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of high school and beyond.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- 7 Tips for Living in San Ignacio
- Pros & Cons of Living in San Ignacio
- Cost of Living in San Ignacio
- Health Care in San Ignacio
- The Insider's Guide to San Ignacio
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Belize
- Best Places to Live in Belize
- Real Estate in Belize
- Getting a Driver's License in Belize
- Pros and Cons of Living in Belize 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Belize