Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties
Are there good schools for expat families in San José del Cabo? Yes. San José del Cabo and the nearby Corridor have private bilingual schools that U.S. families use every year. The best known is Picacho McGregor School, a bilingual school for ages 2 to 18, founded in 1991, next to Palmilla. Other options in town include Colegio Misión, Colegio Alebrije and Montessori Regina. This guide is for families moving from California, Texas and Arizona. It compares the options, explains how school choice affects where you live (Palmilla, Club Campestre, Querencia or Puerto Los Cabos) and covers what you need to enroll.
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| School | Location | Style | Good Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picacho McGregor School | Cerro Colorado, Tourist Corridor, next to Palmilla | Preschool to high school, bilingual, since 1991 | Families who want one school from kindergarten to graduation |
| Colegio Misión | San José del Cabo | Private, comprehensive academic program | Families who want school life in town |
| Colegio Alebrije | San José del Cabo | Bilingual, blends traditional and modern teaching | Families looking for a bilingual alternative |
| Montessori Regina | San José del Cabo | Montessori | Younger children and Montessori families |
Picacho McGregor is the school most U.S. families shortlist first. It’s a private school from preschool to high school at Km 24.8, Boulevard Cerro Colorado, on the Tourist Corridor right next to Palmilla. It was founded in 1991 by a group of parents, has families from 33+ nationalities, and teaches in English and Spanish with a model that combines Minds-On Hands-On (MOHO), Challenge Based Learning (CBL) and Learning Experience Design (LXD).
For a full profile, read Why Families Choose Picacho McGregor School.
Programs, grade levels and tuition change from year to year, so schedule a visit and ask each school for its current information.
In Los Cabos, the school run shapes daily life. Here’s how San José’s golf communities line up:
| Community | Closest Fit | Why Families Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Palmilla | Picacho McGregor, right next door | Gated, swimmable beach, hospital H+ nearby |
| Club Campestre | Schools in San José del Cabo | Family homes, condos and lots, public golf |
| Querencia | Picacho McGregor or schools in town | Private club, golf and a new beach club |
| Puerto Los Cabos | Schools in San José del Cabo | Large family homes, marina and golf |
Living in Cabo San Lucas instead? See Top Best Schools in Cabo San Lucas for Expat Families. Comparing every area? Read Best Neighborhoods to Live in Los Cabos.
| Item | Tip |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Bring an apostilled copy; schools may ask for a Spanish translation |
| School records | Recent report cards and transcripts, apostilled when possible |
| Immigration status | Ask the school which visa or residency documents it needs for your child |
| Grade placement | Mexico’s SEP may require a revalidation of foreign studies; the school will guide you |
| Timing | The school year starts in late August; apply early, as popular grades fill up |
Yes. Foreign children can enroll in private schools in Mexico. Schools help families with the documents and the SEP revalidation process.
Picacho McGregor is the most popular with U.S. families: it covers preschool to high school, is bilingual and sits next to Palmilla. Colegio Misión, Colegio Alebrije and Montessori Regina are options in town.
Palmilla is right next door, and Querencia and the Corridor communities are close by.
Tuition varies by school and grade and changes each year. Ask each school for its current fees.
Usually in late August. Apply several months ahead.
We help families from California, Texas and Arizona find homes close to the right school, so the daily commute fits your life.
Sources: Picacho McGregor School official website; MexHome, “Essential Guide to Schools in Los Cabos”. Information verified October 2026.
Disclaimer: School programs, grade levels, tuition and enrollment requirements change. Confirm directly with each school. Karla & Erick are MLS members with Century 21 Paradise Properties and are not affiliated with any school mentioned.
Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties
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