Liceo Mexicano Japonés

In Brief

A genuinely unusual school. Two parallel sections under one roof: the Sección Mexicana (SEP/UNAM curriculum, where most expat and Mexican families end up) and the Sección Japonesa (MEXT curriculum, mostly for Japanese families on temporary postings). Pedregal campus, big grounds, founded 1977. Fees roughly MXN 8,300-12,100 a month, so mid-tier by CDMX private school standards.

What people actually say:

The reputation locally is serious. It consistently ranks at or near the top of Mexico City prep school rankings, and parents who chose it are loyal — a recurring theme is "respect," "discipline," and the trilingual exposure (Spanish, Japanese, English). According to one ex-alumna, "the academic level is very high, the environment is calm and there's good coexistence between students."

The honest caveats your friend should know:

1. The two sections don't really mix. That's the most consistent quiet criticism. Japanese-section and Mexican-section kids share a campus more than a classroom. In September 2024 the primary director was removed after parents and a civil rights group accused her of segregating students by nationality and other safeguarding failures. The school denied wrongdoing but did separate her from the role. One activist group said the school had "fostered discrimination." Worth asking pointed questions at the admissions interview about how integration actually works day-to-day.

2. It's a Japanese-style school, not a "Japanese-flavoured international school." Discipline, uniforms, conformity, lots of homework. Families who love it love that. Families looking for a play-based, child-led environment will find it a poor fit. One former student noted that genuine intellectual curiosity can get squeezed by curriculum coverage.

3. Admissions has teeth. Entrance exam from primary onwards, minimum 8.0 score required. Not a school you walk into.

4. Staff churn and management. Teacher reviews are mixed — the building, the kids and the culture get praise; middle-management and favouritism get criticism. Standard for a big school, but worth noting.

Bottom line for your friend: if they want their child immersed in Japanese language and a structured, high-expectations environment, and they're comfortable with a school that has a strong house style rather than an anglo-international vibe, this is one of the best in the city. If they're looking for an expat-international community feel, ASF, Greengates or Edron will be a more natural fit.