The American School Foundation of Monterrey

Monterrey, Mexico

About The American School Foundation of Monterrey: Also known as ASFM, the American School Foundation of Monterrey is a well known international school based in Monterrey, Mexico. With a long established history, this large American school is predominantly made up of local students.


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

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Yes – depending on the age of your kids and their adaptability. While the package is generous, with annual flights and tuition for dependents, the school is predominantly made up of local students which could make it challenging for older kids (without Spanish).

Overall compensation package rating

The school has a reputation for offering some of the best packages in Mexico, with the ability to save (depending on your lifestyle choices).

Tuition benefits

The school offers places for staff children. Based on our research there were no limits in terms of the number of kids.

Housing

The school provides a housing benefit for staff which it states is enough to also cover utilities. The school also provides complete furnishings.

Flights

The package for teaching families includes annual flights.

Healthcare

International health coverage is included as part of the package (METLIFE). The package includes major medical, emergency evacuation and life insurance – but there is no dental.

Adjustment for kids

The school is large (almost 2,400 students across all age groups) and while the website states students come from 17 countries, other research states that it is predominantly local students. With a tight-knit community it could be challenging for children to integrate (even if they speak Spanish).

Average class sizes

For such a large school the class sizes are still relatively small – 22 in primary and 24 in high school.

Teaching experience required

To teach at the American School Foundation of Monterrey, teachers are required to have at least two years teaching experience and hold a relevant teaching qualification or certification.

Curriculum

American (AP offered).

Retirement/pension benefits

A private pension scheme is offered by the school and teachers are required to pay into the scheme (which is matched by the school).

School history & stability

The school is well established, having opened in 1928.

American School Foundation of Monterrey – Additional Benefits

  • Relocation allowance
  • Settling in allowance
  • PD allowance
  • Personal leave days
  • Bereavement leave

What Teachers are Saying Online About American School Foundation of Monterrey

Most of the students are highly motivated locals. You don’t see very many international students at this school.

EX TEACHER, ASFM

The HR department handled everything from setting up my visa to getting me into housing and ensuring I was paid on time. They were quick to respond and addressed any concerns quickly and effectively.

EX TEACHER, ASFM

This is without a doubt the best paid school in Mexico. It’s basically double the package of most other schools in the country.

INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, MEXICO
  • Aerial view of Monterrey's skyline at sunset - what you may see if you choose to work at the American School Foundation of Monterrey
  • Beautiful sunset over the mountains near Monterrey, Mexico

If your kids are older than seven it will be challenging, as it’s mostly very wealthy local children. While they may not get bullied, they’ll likely be ignored or left out. It’s a small community and the kids don’t really mix with foreigners.

CURRENT TEACHER, ASFM

I can’t imagine there’s a better school anywhere in Mexico – but just be aware that it isn’t a truly international school.

CURRENT TEACHER AT ASFM

ASFM could be a good option for a new teacher starting out, but the place is very disorganised and the HR don’t seem to care.

EX TEACHER, ASFM

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Fair – Monterrey is considered safe for expat families, especially in neighborhoods like San Pedro Garza García, Valle Oriente, and parts of Cumbres. Like many large cities, you can expect to hear about pickpocketing, bag snatching, and car break-ins. So always take common-sense precautions.
  • Adaptability: Moderate – Spanish is the main language in Monterrey, which means for daily interactions understanding some of the language definitely helps. Locals are friendly, but expect the traffic to be busy and the speed of services can be frustrating.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate – Everyday goods, local services, and dining out are reasonabe, and Monterrey has plenty of affordable food options. But if you’re after imported goods it can get expensive. Housing in popular expat areas can also be costly, especially if you’re looking for a large apartment to suit a big family.

General Overview for Teaching Families

American School Foundation of Monterrey (ASFM) dates back to 1928, making it one of the longest-standing international schools in Mexico. With over 2,400 students from preschool through Grade 12, ASFM offers an American-style education for its students.

The school follows a U.S. curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school, and instruction is primarily in English with Spanish also taught. ASFM is a non-profit, non-religious school.

There appears to be a strong emphasis on academic excellence, leadership, and holistic development. Students can join a wide range of extracurricular programs including athletics, performing arts, academic competitions, and community service. The school has modern facilities, including sports fields, science and technology labs, performance spaces, and dedicated learning centres, supporting both academic and co-curricular life.

There are around 120 teaching staff and teachers come from around the world, bringing a mix of perspectives and experience to the classroom.

ASFM offers a competitive package for its teachers. Teacher benefits typically include a salary that’s in line with your experience and qualifications, international health insurance, housing allowance, annual flights, tuition benefits for kids and a relocation/settling-in allowance. Based on our research it offers one of the best compensation packages in Mexico.

The school is located in Monterrey, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains. The city offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and a vibrant expat community. Do you currently teach at ASFM? If so, we’d love to hear from you to find out about your experience. Contact us to share your story.

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