Colegio Maya

Guatemala City, Guatemala

About Colegio Maya: Colegio Maya, also known as CM, is a not for profit international school located in Guatemala. With around 325 students (boys and girls), the school offers an American International Curriculum.

Purpose: A school where the whole community works together to foster individual talents.

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

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Yes, if you’re looking at Latin America this school offers a great package (for the region), children’s tuition, healthcare and a generous housing allowance. If you’re coming with a trailing spouse, according to our research the school says they prefer teachers without trailing spouses. If you’re not American it may be more challenging to secure a role at this school.

Overall compensation package rating

Salary is paid in US dollars but is low compared to other destinations (though high for the region). With your housing allowance there is still the ability to save, depending on your lifestyle.

Tuition benefits

Teachers children are offered 100% discount on school fees (no cap).

Housing

All teachers are provided a generous staff accommodation benefit as part of their teaching package.

Flights

Annual flights are included in the teaching package (though North American teachers are prioritised for flight allowance).

Healthcare

Worldwide health (including dental) coverage is provided by the school.

Adjustment for kids

The school is relatively small for an international school with just over 300 students. The largest cohort of students are secondary. It has a reputation of being the most international school in Guatemala with over 28 nationalities represented, so kids should adjust well.

Average class sizes

Given the size of the school it’s not surprising the class sizes are small – topping out at 15 in high school.

Teaching experience required

A minimum of two years teaching experience is required to teach at this school. The school does not hire teachers without certifications or proven experience.

Curriculum

American (AP offered).

Retirement/pension benefits

Teachers pay into a private pension scheme that is matched by the school.

School history & stability

The school is well established, opening in 1958.

Colegio Maya – Additional Benefits

  • Relocation allowance
  • Settling in allowance
  • Utilities allowance
  • Long term disability coverage
  • Bereavement leave

What Teachers are Saying Online About Colegio Maya & Guatemala

It’s known as the highest paying international school in Guatemala, with lots of embassy kids – so it’s super international. 

EX TEACHER, CM

The campus is beautiful, it’s up in the hills.  Travelling around Guatemala is relatively affordable and offers a lot of natural beauty.

CURRENT TEACHER, GUATEMALA

 I LOVED living in Guatemala. If the salary and benefits work for you then I highly recommend it.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, GUATEMALA
Traditional Guatemalan woman selling handmade crafts in Antigua, Guatemala
Sunset over the waves at El Paredon beach in Guatemala - a great place to visit if you're teaching at Colegio Maya.
Black and white image of the National Palace in Guatemala City

At my school the kids are the most amazing part of the job. I teach high school and they’re funny, and super polite. But there is a definite lack of problem solving or critical thinking compared to students in other countries.

CURRENT TEACHER, GUATEMALA

In terms of schools, Guatemala kids are not serious about academics (although they say they are). If you’re relaxed and can go with the constantly changing flow it’s amazing.

CURRENT TEACHER, GUATEMALA

I have a friend who has worked at Colegio Maya for over a decade and absolutely loves it. Living in Guatemala is great. The weather is amazing and people are very kind and warm. But it can be very racist, sexist etc. so it isn’t very everyone.

EX TEACHER, GUATEMALA

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Fair – Guatemala City does has a reputation for crime, but expat families living in areas like Santa Catarina Pinula, Zone 14, and Cayalá generally find them to be secure and family-friendly.
  • Adaptability: Moderate – Spanish is the dominant language for day-to-day tasks like shopping, travel, and dealing with local services. Traffic can be horrendous, and infrastructure sometimes feels inconsistent. But locals are warm and welcoming, and many expat families enjoy living in Guatemala.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate – Guatemala offers a fairly affordable lifestyle compared to many international postings. Fresh produce, local food, and household help are reasonably priced. Like elsewhere, imported goods are expensive, and housing in desirable neighborhoods can come at a premium. But compared to other cities in Latin America, many families find Guatemala to be good value for money.

General Overview for Teaching Families

Colegio Maya (The American International School of Guatemala), established in 1958, is a well-known non-profit, non-sectarian, co-ed day school situated on the outskirts of Guatemala City. Students range from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12, and the school offers an American-style curriculum, with accreditation by Cognia and authorisation from Guatemala’s Ministry of Education. Students can also pursue a Guatemalan Bachillerato alongside an AP International Diploma.

Located up in the hills on a large 3.6-hectare campus, Colegio Maya boasts exceptional facilities. These include a modern Innovation Hub featuring makerspaces and design labs, a Performing Arts Center with a 336-seat theater, separate sports facilities, and a nature playscape for younger learners.

The school is made up of a large mix of internatioNAl students to create an inclusive educational atmosphere. Its mission is grounded in values like hearing every voice, working hard, and acting with integrity, underpins its reputation for fostering thoughtful, driven individuals.

Teacher insights suggest the school actively supports its international faculty – helping with housing to ensure they’re located in safe, well-regarded neighbourhoods. Living in Guatemala City, many find, offers a comfortable lifestyle and easy access to scenic weekend escapes such as Antigua and Lake Atitlán.

Do you currently teach at CM? 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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