The curriculum is demanding, but fun!
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THE REASON FOR CMA'S SUCCESS IS BASIC
In Mexico, especially in Puerto Vallarta, none of the public schools have in their programs or plans teaching English as a second language. Learning English at a level that reaches fluency is a privilege offered only in a handful of expensive private schools. This void in education is an economic obstacle for many whose tasks will require being language-capable in an international tourist center such as Puerto Vallarta. The other bilingual private schools cater to those with a high family income and have tuition rates up to three times higher than Colegio Mexico Americano. Tuition at Colegio Mexico Americano is not only affordable but open to all children regardless of race, religion, nationality or family income.
But other than being “bi-literate” and charging reasonable tuition rates, the school distinguishes itself in significant ways. At each grade level it provides instruction adapted from a curriculum used in public schools in the U.S. called "Character First." With character instruction adapted for each age, students learn values through examples in nature, history, ecology, song and art. Character training is supplemental and enriches the plans and the required programs of the SEP (Secretariat of Public Education). The school educates its students in reading, composition, math, social and physical science, and history – in two languages.
COMPUTER TRAINING ESSENTIAL
Computer Science is another critical subject taught for the academic development of the students beginning with 5-year-olds in Kinder 3. By the time students reach Secundaria, all students have laptop computers and are taught interactively in classes designed on a technological platform. The classrooms become technology centers, and the dynamics of the classroom is changed from being lecture-driven to a student-internet-discovery orientation with the teacher acting as coach.
Once a month parents attend a parenting course held on campus. The courses help to improve parental attitudes and behaviors that will enhance the education of their children. CMA firmly believes that education begins in the home, and the proper motivation must extend from the parents to their children in order to enable them to reach a high level of achievement. A Language and Technology Learning center is open after school hours for parents, students and public in general to improve their level in studies and offer technological and language courses for all of Puerto Vallarta.
Class sizes at the school range from 22 to 26 children, evenly divided between boys and girls. The talented faculty members are all certified. In addition each instructor has been trained in the use of classroom technology as primaria classrooms grades 4 through 6 contain electronic blackboards, computers and video devices. Additional gifted instructors teach music, art, and physical education. CMA has a highly accredited staff with degrees including Masters Degrees and PhD’s. The Dean of Academics has a doctorate in Cognitive Learning and Curricular Design.
A SCHOOL FOR SPORTS AS WELL
Colegio Mexico Americano is distinguished by having a first-rate Aquatic Center that has become a Mecca for swimmers. The facility features both a full Olympic Pool and a smaller kinder training pool. All students attending the school are given swimming lessons twice a week. Before and after school hours, the pool is open for students and parents to train, take lessons, and become more proficient in swimming. The Aquatic Center has become widely recognized for its superb coaching staff. In fact, one of our students is on the Mexican Olympic Swimming Team and trains daily at the Aquatic Center.
Equally important the school recently announced a new soccer program with a coaching staff headed by by former Chivas professionals and a similar basketball program. The intention is to lay the foundation in Puerto Vallarta for future professional players. They are starting with the students at CMA.
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