Today, Aug. 20th, marked the first day back to school for thousands of children across Mexico. Following nearly two months of vacation, students are heading back to class – which also means a bit more early morning traffic around certain parts of town. According to the 2012-13 School Calendar of the Secretary of Education and Culture, the school year runs through July 5, 2013 with Winter Break scheduled from Dec. 20 – Jan. 6 and Semana Santa (Holy Week) from March 24 – April 7th. In addition to the traditional holidays* of Mexican Independence Day (Sept. 16), Day of the Dead (Nov. 2), Revolution Day (Nov. 20), Constitution Day (Feb. 5), Benito Juarez’s birthday (March 21), Labor Day (May 1), Battle of Puebla (May 5), and Teacher’s Day (May 15) [*most school/bank holidays moved to Mondays], this year December 1st will also be observed as the day the new Mexican President is sworn in.
School Hours
Preschool: Morning session: 8:30 A.M to 12:00 P.M
Afternoon session: 1.30 P.M to 5:00 P.M
Elementary schools: Morning session: 7:30 A.M to 12.30 P.M
Afternoon session: 1:30 P.M to 6:30 P.M
Secondary schools: Morning session: 7:00 A.M to 1:30 P.M
Afternoon session: 1:30 P.M to 8:00 P.M