The American School Foundation of Guadalajara A.C

Guadalajara, Mexico

About The American School Foundation of Guadalajara A.C: The American School Foundation of Guadalajara A.C., also known as ASFG, is based in Guadalajara, Mexico.

School Mission: Educating students in a bilingual, bicultural, and secular environment to be purposeful learners, critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, and community contributors, based on a foundation of honour, freedom and commitment.

Vision Statement: Inspire, educate and act to better our world.

Visit the school’s website for more information and current openings.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Highly recommend (especially for American families) – American Foundation Schools have a reputation of being the best in Mexico. This school offers a good package, tuition for two kids, housing assistance and flights.

Overall compensation package rating

Based on our research, the package offered is high for Mexico and offers a good standard of living for a teaching family, though savings benefits depend on your lifestyle choices.

Tuition benefits

Two children per full-time teacher are covered as part of the package. Children need to pass the admissions entrance exam.

Housing

Housing assistance is provided for the first four years of employment.

Flights

The school provides a fixed amount for flights based on your point of origin. Teachers can choose for the school to book flights or they can book direct and seek reimbursement.

Healthcare

The school provides all teachers with group medical insurance (including dental) which, according to our research, covers the teacher only. Dependents can be added to the policy – but expenses need to be covered by the teacher.

Adjustment for kids

The school caters to over 1,500 students who come from over 30 different nationalities. The majority of students (around 75%) are local. And learning Spanish will make adjusting easier for kids.

Average class sizes

Class sizes range are between 20 and 25 from nursery to secondary classes, with post 16 classes averaging 16 students.

Teaching experience required

To teach at this school you’ll need a minimum of two years teaching experience, and a formal teaching qualification or certification.

Curriculum

American, including the AP system.

Retirement/pension benefits

The school pays into a savings fund which is 12.5% of monthly base salary.

School history & stability

The school has a solid history, first established in 1956, with a great reputation in Latin America.

The American School Foundation of Guadalajara A.C – Additional Benefits

  • Food coupons provided
  • Attendance bonus
  • Strong PD program
  • Vacation bonus based on years of service
  • Personal leave days
  • Life insurance

What Teachers are Saying Online About The American School Foundation of Guadalajara A.C

American School Foundation Guadalajara is a very nice school that offers teachers a great working environment.

CURRENT TEACHER, ASFG

You get to live in a great city and pick and choose to do local stuff, and afford to do one or two more luxury things a month. ASF schools are solid, if not groundbreaking schools.

EX TEACHER AT ASFG

ASFG is a great place to work. Management is supportive and the campus is beautiful.

CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, ASFG
View of the illuminated temple expiatory del santismo Sacramento in Guadalajara, Mexico at sunset
Day of the dead altar with traditional decorations and offerings in Guadalajara, Mexico - what you might see if you work at the American School Foundation of Guadalajara AC in Mexico
View of Hospice Cabanas Dome in Guadalajara, Mexico

ASFG offers career development, culture, and great benefits. These schools are the best paid schools in Mexico. While they don’t pay as much as other regions, you’ll be able to live comfortably and save. While you won’t save as much as working in Asia, if you enjoy the culture and feel of Latin America, you’ll be getting a very good deal.

EX TEACHER, ASFG

Like many schools in Latin America, the student body at ASFG is primarily Mexican which is important to consider with a family. That said, it offers an excellent academic program, a great working environment and the work-life balance is very good.

CURRENT TEACHER AT ASFG

ASF are considererd to be the top schools not just in Mexico but in the region. The compensation and benefits are great, as is the school culture. I’d recommend working there.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, ASFG

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Fair – Guadalajara is considered pretty safe for expat families, especially if you choose neighborhoods like Providencia, Chapalita, and Zapopan. Always stay aware of your surroundings and use ride-share apps like Uber or Didi instead of hailing taxis on the street.
  • Adaptability: Moderate – Spanish is the primary language in Guadalajara, so, learning some Spanish will go a long way to help you settle. The locals are welcoming, but navigating bureaucracy, slower-paced services, and occasional infrastructure quirks will require a bit of patience.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate – Guadalajara offers good value for expat families. Local food and transport is affordable. Dining out can be budget-friendly, but imported items can be expensive. Rents in popular expat neighbourhoods can also be high especially if you’re looking for a large space to accommodate a family.

General Overview for Teaching Families

The American School Foundation of (ASFG) is a well-established, bilingual international school offering a dual diploma program that lets graduates access Mexican and international universities. Founded in 1956, the school has around 1,500 students from pre-nursery to Grade 12. The teachers come from around the world, many of whom hold advanced degrees. The students are made up of around 75% Mexican nationals, 13% U.S. citizens and 12% from other nationalities.

ASFG is fully accredited by both U.S. and Mexican authorities. Students graduate with a U.S. high school diploma and a Mexican diploma, and the school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Over 95% of graduates go on to higher education, with many pursuing degrees in Mexico, the U.S., and abroad.

The school sits on a 6.5-acre urban campus and offers state-of-the-art facilitates with a focus on sustainability, open-air learning, and flexible classroom design. There are green spaces and spaces that offer hands-on learning for students. The school has a strong emphasis on leadership, service, and creative expression. And there are programs in robotics, visual and performing arts, and community involvement.

ASFG is widely regarded as one of the best-paying international schools in Mexico. Our research suggests that the school pays a combination of peso- and USD-pegged salaries, annual bonuses, return flights, housing stipends and comprehensive health insurance. Teachers typically enjoy a high standard of living in Guadalajara, with the possibility of good savings, depending on your lifestyle.

From a family perspective, ASFG appears to offer a stable and supportive option for teaching families and trailing spouses.

Do you currently teach at ASFG? If so we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to share your experience with us or complete our teacher survey to provide more info!

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