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Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, French, German, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 15
Strengths Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction
Founded in 1917, The American School of Tampico is a bilingual and bicultural international school in Tampico, Mexico. The academic program runs from Early Childhood through High School, with AP courses available in high school (eight AP options). Students graduate with a Diploma once they meet the graduation requirements, including full-time enrollment for three of the last four years and full-time status in 12th grade. The Language Division offers English courses and certifications (TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, SIELE) and is authorized by the Mexican Ministry of Education to grant the Technical Certificate in English. Admissions use MAP and SAT tests. The 15-hectare campus blends villa-style classrooms with outdoor spaces, a man-made reservoir for field science, archeological mounds, butterfly garden, and abundant greenery. About 900 students from seven nationalities share a learning community that emphasizes character, leadership, and global citizenship. Distinctive programs include Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and a broad athletics offering.
Hidalgo, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla #100, Tancol, 89320 Tampico, Tamps., Mexico
The Essentials
American School of Tampico has 900 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English, Spanish.
Location
Located at Hidalgo
100, Tancol, C.P. 89320, Tampico, Mexico. The school sits in the Tancol neighborhood of Tampico, Tamaulipas, accessible via local roads. The postal code is 89320.
Stages
Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Type
bilingual and bicultural international school
Country affiliation
Mexico
Fees
Application fees - Admission exam fee: MXN 800 per candidate, payable at the Administrative Office cashier before the admission exam.
Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year) - The school does not publish a public tuition schedule on open pages for the 2026/2027 academic year. The school requires completion of Step 1 of the admissions process (submission of the application form) in order to receive a detailed tuition schedule for specific year groups and payment options. Parents must submit the application form to obtain exact tuition figures by grade and the available term structures. - Registration / enrollment fee amounts and detailed per-grade tuition schedules are not accessible on the publicly viewable registration pages (the registration/parent payment sections are protected and require user login).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard due date: monthly tuition is due on the 1st day of each month; a ten-day grace period applies. If payment is made after the 10th day, a monthly late charge of MXN 450 is applied starting on the 11th day and is charged monthly thereafter. For 11-month and 10-month payment plans the first tuition payment is due on August 10 (11-month plan: August to June; 10-month plan: August to May), with subsequent payments due on the 10th of each month. Suspension for overdue payments: if tuition is overdue for three months, the school will suspend the student beginning the 11th day of the third overdue month. Report cards and enrollment for the next cycle require accounts to be current.
Boarding fees (if applicable) - The American School of Tampico operates as an early childhood through high school day school; boarding services are not offered. No boarding fees apply.
Other costs and fees - Admission-related: in addition to the admission exam fee, there may be enrollment/registration fees and other one-time charges that are distributed to accepted families as part of the registration package; these amounts are not published on publicly accessible pages and are provided to applicants during the admissions/registration process. - Uniforms and school clothing: the school operates a Marlin Shop / official Marlins team uniforms and maintains uniform requirements; uniform purchase costs are charged separately and are not listed publicly. - Cafeteria and meal costs, extracurricular activity fees, field trips, standardized testing fees (e.g., MAP, SAT where applicable), consumables, and optional program fees are charged in addition to tuition when applicable; specific amounts are not posted on public pages and are communicated directly to families or via secure parent portals.
Refund information - No public, detailed refund policy for tuition or fees is posted on the publicly accessible payment and registration pages. Refunds, adjustments, and clarifications are managed through the Business Office; the Business Office contact for billing questions is C.P. Gloria Argüelles (garguelles@ats.edu.mx).
Fee payment options and procedures - Accepted payment methods: payment at Banorte bank branches (use printed payment voucher), online payments via the school's payment portal, payment at the school cashier by debit/credit card only (the school does not accept cash or checks for security reasons), and bank transfer. - Bank transfer instructions (pesos): Account name: ESCUELA AMERICANA DE TAMPICO AC; RFC: EAT890712V26; Bank: BANORTE; Branch: 0180 TAMPICO LOMAS; CLABE: 072813001800117061; Account: 0180011706; Reference: student matrícula; Concept: Pago Alumno...; email proof of transfer to garguelles@ats.edu.mx. - Online and branch payments: parents generate a payment voucher through the Parents > Business Office > Payment Vouchers area (requires student matrícula and password), then pay at Banorte or via the online portal; online payments are routed to the school cashier and applied within 48 hours of notification. Late payments must be recorded on the payment voucher in the “RECARGO” box when applicable.
If specific numeric tuition amounts by grade, per-term schedules, registration fees, uniform prices, or refund details are required for database entry, those tuition and fee figures are issued directly to families after the application/registration step and via the school's secure parent payment/registration area.
Academics
American School of Tampico teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.
Curriculum
ATS offers programs from Early Childhood to High School. The school grants a Technical Certificate in English with multiple schedules, including two 1.5-hour sessions, 3-hour sessions, and Saturday options. Kids and Teens language courses are available with specialized materials and teaching staff. Eight AP courses are offered for high school students. Graduation is marked by a Diploma when students meet the graduation requirements—enrollment as a full-time student for three of the last four years and full-time in the 12th grade. MAP and SAT are used in admissions, and the Language Division provides English-language certifications such as TOEFL iBT, SIELE, and TOEIC.
Exam Results
ATS reports impressive college placement records. MAP and SAT are standardized tests used in admissions for 1st through 12th grades. The school offers a Diploma upon graduation after meeting graduation requirements. Eight AP courses are offered as part of the college-prep program.
Higher Education Progression
ATS maintains strong college placement records. Eight AP courses prepare students for higher education. MAP and SAT are used in admissions to evaluate applicants for 1st through 12th grades. Language certifications such as TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, and SIELE support students pursuing higher education and opportunities abroad.
Wellbeing
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Languages Division offers English courses for all levels. The courses are authorized by the Mexican Ministry of Education to grant the Technical Certificate in English. Morning, afternoon, and Saturday schedules are available. Programs include Kids and Teens with specialized materials and teaching staff for young learners, and an Executive Plan with flexible scheduling. The school regularly surveys students to understand their experiences and improve the programs.
Safeguarding
School Conduct Manual 2025-2026 exists. Parents' Child Safeguarding Handbook is provided for parents. A Privacy Notice explains how personal data is collected, used, and protected, including purposes such as identification, operation, and administration for providing academic services; data may include identification, employment, family, health, and biometric data. If a data subject disagrees with the use of their information, they should not provide personal data.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions for the 2026–2027 school year will open soon. To begin, fill the Admissions Application Form. To take the admission exam, submit the required documents (Toddler to Kinder, Elementary, and Middle School) and, after documentation is received and an exam date is set, pay the 800-peso admission exam fee at the Administrative Office and present the receipt at the section office. Each candidate may have up to two application attempts. Standardized tests (MAP, SAT) may be required for 1st–12th grades, and all subjects must be passed with a minimum grade of 8 (as applicable to Elementary and Middle levels). The Admissions Committee and the administrator review applications and exams and make the final decision based on established criteria. Admissions informs the academic section of the decision, and notices to students and parents are issued by Admissions. If admitted on probation or lacking documents, a signed next steps letter is issued. There is a Reintegration/Re-Admission process: submit a Re-Application Form, review academic history, an interview and possibly an admission exam if out 6+ months, a final decision by Admissions, reintegration orientation and plan, and follow-up. Application Period 26–27; 2026–2027.
FAQs
What curriculum does ATS follow?
ATS offers a bilingual English-Spanish curriculum with 8 AP courses for high school students. The school is accredited by Cognia, ASOMEX, SEP, Tri-Association, and CAF.
What age range does the school serve?
ATS serves students from age 2 to 18 across Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and High School divisions.
How many students attend?
Approximately 900 students from 7 nationalities attend ATS on its 15-hectare campus overlooking freshwater lagoons in Tampico, Tamaulipas.
What are the admission fees?
The admission exam fee is MXN 800 per candidate, payable before the test. Full tuition schedules are provided after completing the first admissions step.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Fifteen extracurricular activities are offered through 4 student organisations. Students average over 130 hours of community service annually.
What languages are taught?
English is the primary language with courses at multiple levels. A Technical Certificate in English is SEP-authorised. French, German, and Italian are available through the Languages Division.
What language certifications are available?
TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, and SIELE certifications are available, supporting university applications and professional opportunities internationally.
What are the campus facilities like?
The 15-hectare campus features villa-style classrooms opening to gardens, a man-made reservoir used as an outdoor lab, archaeological mounds, and air-conditioned spaces.
Is there a uniform?
Yes, official uniforms are available through the Marlin Shop on campus.
What is the school's history?
Founded in 1917, ATS is one of Mexico's longest-standing bilingual institutions, emphasising academic rigour, character development, and global citizenship.
How do I apply?
Fill the Admissions Application Form, submit required documents, and pay the MXN 800 exam fee. Admission assessments use MAP and SAT for grades 1-12.
