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Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction
The American School of Durango is a bilingual, multicultural learning community for ages 3 to 18, offering an American curriculum with a bespoke program. English instruction aligns with the Common Core in mathematics, English, and science, while Spanish follows SEP guidelines. The Early Childhood Center uses play-based learning with English immersion and alignment to Cognia and SEP. The Elementary program emphasizes English-language proficiency and aligns math and science with Common Core and NGSS; Spanish is taught under SEP, Makerspace, Art, PE, Music, Dance with assessment. The Middle and High School programs feature United Nations simulations (CADMUN), the Ivy Global Citizen Program, leadership opportunities, plus a Diploma of Unique Accreditation recognized by Cognia and SEP. Technology integration supports students; a Socioemotional Learning program assists daily challenges. The campus includes Early Childhood Center, Elementary, Middle, and High School facilities. In 2019, enrollment was 637, with 100% college acceptance and projected 900 students.
X8HG+CX, Tec Milenio #201, El Nayar, 34194 Durango, Dgo., Mexico
The Essentials
American School of Durango has 637 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English, Spanish.
Location
The American School of Durango is located in Durango, Durango, Mexico. The campus address is Av. Tec. Milenio
201, El Nayar, Durango, Dgo. It is described as being in the heart of Durango.
Stages
Early Childhood Center; Elementary School; Middle School; High School.
Type
The school is a bilingual and multicultural school.
Additional learning support
A psychologist and a speech therapist provide specialized support; ELL specialists, human communication therapists, and a staff doctor support students.
Country affiliation
United States
Fees
Application / one-time enrollment (registration) fees (academic year 2024–2025) - Maternal (early childhood): MXN 2,605. - Preschool: MXN 8,401. - Elementary School: MXN 9,037. - Middle School (Secundaria): MXN 10,722. - High School (Preparatoria): MXN 11,573.
Tuition (recurring) — amounts and billing schedule - The school's published fee page lists tuition on a monthly basis and states that tuition is billed monthly. For the published billing rule: payment of tuition after the 10th of each month is subject to a 3.5% monthly surcharge; parents should schedule monthly payments to be received by the 10th to avoid the surcharge. - For the 2025–2026 academic year the site's tuition fields are not populated (monthly tuition amounts are not published on the public fee page). The school does show the format as “total monthly” by level but does not list numeric monthly tuition amounts for that year.
One-time fees for new entrants / re-enrollment - The public fee table lists a category for one-time fees for new entrants but the numeric values for those one-time entrance fees are not published for the 2025–2026 entries on the fee page. The registration (one-time enrollment) amounts shown above are the explicit one-time figures listed for 2024–2025.
Family discounts - Discounts applied to one-time enrollment/registration payments: one child = 10% discount; two children = 15%; three children = 20%; the fourth child enrolled is free. These discounts apply to single-payment registration charges.
Boarding / residential provision and fees - No boarding or residential program fees are published. The school operates on a day-school schedule with standard daily arrival and dismissal times set by division (the Parent–Student Handbook includes daily schedules and drop-off/pick-up procedures), so boarding is not applicable.
Other costs and routine additional charges - Uniforms: A mandatory uniform policy is in place (formal uniform, sports uniform, winter uniform rules and specific requirements by division are described). The handbook defines required uniform types (formal, sports, winter) and dressing rules; no uniform price list is published in the handbook. Parents should plan an upfront uniform purchase cost as part of enrollment. - Study trips and extracurricular payments: Payments for study trips and many external activities are charged to parents; the handbook states that payments made for trips are non‑refundable. - Official document fees: Requests for official documents (enrollment verification letters, copies of report cards, letters for passports/visas, etc.) incur a fee. When a student withdraws, all outstanding fees must be settled before documents are released. - Other potential charges: the school lists extended-learning and athletics programs that may require additional payments for participation, materials, or tournament travel; specific activity fees are set per activity and are charged separately.
Refund policy (what is stated) - Study trip payments are explicitly non‑refundable. The handbook also makes clear that outstanding fees must be paid when a student withdraws. There is no separate, detailed public schedule for refunds of tuition or registration published in the fee page or in the Parent–Student Handbook.
Billing schedule and payment terms (summary) - Billing frequency: tuition is shown as a monthly amount per level (the public fee fields use a "total monthly" column). Parents are expected to pay monthly and the due date rule is that payments received after the 10th of each month incur a 3.5% monthly surcharge. - Registration payment timing: the admissions process requires submission of documents and then payment of the registration fee at the school cashier as part of the registration step.
Fee payment options (methods stated by the school) - The admissions process indicates registration and corresponding payments can be made at the school cashier's office. The school's public materials do not publish a detailed list of accepted remote payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, online portal) in the public fee pages or in the Parent–Student Handbook; payment at the cashier is the explicitly mentioned payment location. Parents should plan for in-person cashier payment or confirm available electronic payment methods directly with the school's admissions/finance office.
Notes for planning (practical points for parents) - Use the enrollment (registration) figures above for planning one-time upfront costs (the listed registration amounts are explicit in the public fee table for 2024–2025). - Monthly tuition amounts for 2025–2026 are not published on the public fee page; confirm monthly tuition per grade directly with the school's admissions or finance office when budgeting. The monthly due date to avoid surcharge is the 10th.
(End of fees overview.)
Academics
American School of Durango teaches American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
ASD provides a bilingual, multicultural education that follows the American educational system. English instruction aligns with the Common Core in mathematics, English, and science, while the Spanish program follows SEP guidelines. The Early Childhood Center uses play-based learning with English instruction and alignment to Cognia and SEP. The Elementary program emphasizes English-language proficiency and aligns English-language mathematics and science with Common Core and NGSS standards, while Spanish is taught under SEP; it also offers Makerspace, Art, Physical Education, Music, and Dance, with continuous assessment. The Middle and High School programs include United Nations simulations (CADMUN), the Ivy Global Citizen Program, and leadership opportunities, and they award a Diploma of Unique Accreditation recognized by Cognia and SEP. Technology integration and a focus on English-language development support students across the grades.
Higher Education Progression
ASD maintains Cognia accreditation and UNAM cooperation for the revalidation of studies. It is a member of ASOMEX and lists direct scholarships or admissions pathways to universities in the United States and Mexico, including ITAM, ITESO, ANAHUAC, UDLAP, UAL, UDEM, and Cedim, with scholarship amounts or admission benefits varying by GPA. The recognitions page also notes partnerships with UNAM, UDLAP, UAL, UDEM, ITAM, ITESO, and other institutions, offering direct admissions, scholarships, or program-specific opportunities (e.g., VATEL, Arkansas) to ASD graduates. These pathways illustrate robust higher-education progression for ASD graduates.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ASD emphasizes diversity and inclusion as core beliefs; empathy, kindness, collaboration, and social responsibility are central to its learning environment. The mission promotes a bilingual, multicultural education that nurtures leadership, values, and social awareness for global life. The handbook highlights collaboration and volunteer community service as fundamental to teaching values, with a focus on respect and empathy across the community.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school provides bilingual, multicultural education that combines American and Mexican standards.
Safeguarding
The Parent-Student Handbook includes a privacy notice and safety protocols, and outlines community standards of conduct applicable on- and off-campus; it describes processes for addressing safety concerns and potential disciplinary actions.
Admissions
Admissions
Admission process 2025-2026: ASD offers bilingual education. For grades 2–11 an admission exam is scheduled by email; the school reserves the right of admission for direct entry to 12th grade (3rd year of high school). The evaluation process uses a psychometric assessment with the area psychologist for K1, K2, K3 and 1st grade; for grades 2–11 it adds an online academic exam in English and Math (MAP). The results interview is conducted with the area principal to disclose the results and the registration steps. The executive director interview occurs before payment to review the contract. Enrollment payments are issued via email with instructions after documents are received. Welcome to ASD is provided by the area coordinator with next steps for new members. Starting classes at ASD occurs three business days after payment is confirmed and all required documents are submitted. Step 2: Admission test (grades 2–11). Step 3: Evaluation process (psychometric assessment plus MAP). Step 4: Outcome interview. Step 5: Registration. Step 6: Payment of the registration fee. Step 7: Enrollment. Step 8: Welcome. Step 9: Start date.
Scholarships
The Recognitions and Accreditations page lists partner scholarships and direct admissions. University of the Americas Puebla (UDLAP) offers an Academic Excellence Scholarship up to 90% for GPA 9.5 or higher, and Academic Scholarships up to 50% for GPA 8.0–9.4. ITAM offers direct admission to students with GPA 90 or higher. ITESO (Jesuit University of Guadalajara) offers direct admission for GPA 8.5 or higher and a Human Excellence Scholarship of 40%. ANAHUAC offers a Scholarship Agreement for GPA 8.5–8.9 with up to 40% and Best Student scholarships up to 90% at CDMX campuses. Autonomous University of La Laguna (UAL) offers a direct grant of 33%, 40% scholarships for outstanding students in arts, culture and sports, and excellence scholarships up to 75%. University of Monterrey (UDEM) offers an Academic Excellence Scholarship up to 90% for GPA 9.5 or higher. ARKANSAS offers 2 scholarships at 50% for GPA 9.0 or higher, 4 scholarships at 35% for GPA 8.5–8.9, and 4 direct annual tuition discounts of 30% for GPA 8.1–8.4. Centro de Estudios Superior de Diseño de Monterrey (CEDIM) offers direct scholarships with early registration at 50% (95–100), 40% (90–94), 35% (85–89), 30% (80–84), and late registration at 40%, 30%, 25%, 20%. VATEL offers direct scholarships at 60% (9.5–10), 50% (9.0–9.4), 40% (8.0–8.9), and 30% (7.0–7.9). ITESO and other partner programs are also noted on the page as providing pathways based on GPA and program conditions.
FAQs
What curriculum does ASD follow?
ASD follows an American curriculum with English instruction aligned to Common Core and NGSS standards. Spanish instruction follows SEP guidelines. The school is bilingual and multicultural.
What age range does the school serve?
ASD serves students from age 3 to 18, covering Early Childhood Center, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.
Is the school accredited?
Yes, ASD holds Cognia international accreditation and UNAM incorporation for revalidation of studies. It is also a member of ASOMEX.
Is there learning support?
Yes, a psychologist and speech therapist provide specialised support. ELL specialists, human communication therapists, and a staff doctor also support students.
What languages are taught?
English and Spanish are the core languages. English follows Common Core standards and Spanish follows SEP guidelines, creating a fully bilingual educational environment.
Is there a uniform?
Yes, uniforms are mandatory. K1-9th grade wear full uniform daily. High School students wear a maroon polo three days per week with sports attire on PE days.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Multidisciplinary clubs cover sports, arts, and academics. Programmes include Model United Nations (CADMUN), Student Council (STUCO), National Honor Society, and Ivy Global Citizen.
Where do graduates go?
ASD has partnerships with ITAM, ITESO, ANAHUAC, UDLAP, UAL, UDEM, and Cedim, offering scholarship pathways. UNAM incorporation supports Mexican university progression.
How many students attend?
Approximately 637 students attend ASD across all four divisions from Early Childhood through High School.
What is the school's history?
Founded in 1954 by Agnes McClain Howard as the first bilingual school in Durango, ASD moved to its current campus in 1960 and has maintained US accreditation throughout.
How do I apply?
Email colegio_americano@cadurango.mx with the child's details and last report card. Grades 2-11 take an admission exam, while younger students undergo an observation assessment.
