Education in Mexico - Definition and Overview

Education in Mexico is highly centralized with funding and curriculum decisions taking place mostly at federal level through the Secretaría de Educación Pública or SEP (Secretariat of Public Education) even up to the College level. Educational standards are generally set by this agency. Accreditation of schools is accomplished by a mandatory registrar by this institution.

School grades

Level / Grade, Age (Years old)

• Pre-School, Nursery School
• Primary School / Primaria
  • Kindergarten, 5–6
  • 1st Grade, 6–7
  • 2nd Grade, 7–8
  • 3rd Grade, 8–9
  • 4th Grade, 9–10
  • 5th Grade, 10–11
  • 6th Grade, 11–12

• Secondary School / Secundaria
  • Primero de Secundaria, 12–13
  • Segundo de Secundaria, 13–14
  • Tercero de Secundaria, 14–15

• Preparatory School / Preparatoria
  • Primero de preparatoria, 15–16
  • Segundo de preparatoria, 16–17
  • Tercero de preparatoria, 17–18

• College or University, also known as postsecondary education.
  • Only one major is declared from the start, with a rigid set curriculum approved by the SEP.
  • Postgraduate
    • One to two years leading to a Master's Degree
    • Three or more years after the completion of a Master's degree, leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).