Student
The worst years of my life. I was at this miserable school for five years.
1. Non-international education: There are no programs that extend to an international level. The IB, IGCSEs, or A levels are critical for admission to an international university. This school doesn't even make the slightest effort to push you to leave Catholic institutions (ANAHUAC), much less Mexico
2- Toxic Environment: Too much elitism, money, and your parents' relationships with the coordinators determined how the teachers treated you. There was a lot of bullying, a social hierarchy, and in my last years there, it escalated to physical violence against one of my classmates. The perpetrators were simply spoken to harshly; there were no suspensions or expulsions. They didn't know how to control the girls, who had been bullying them since they were 7 years old, discriminating against them, and making shy girls victims. They don't know how to handle conflict.
3- Very poor English: When I started, I was only 9 years old, and English was my first language. There were no native teachers, and I had to correct the teachers several times, who had no experience in English-speaking countries (even though they claim to be an "international school"). My English only got worse, and the Spanish they teach has no emphasis on grammar, so I couldn't improve significantly.
4- Little compassion for international students: My teachers grew frustrated with me for not speaking Spanish well. Instead of helping me, putting me in extra classes, and supporting me, the fourth-grade teachers yelled at me every day, and I cried every day. This wouldn't have mattered if the general standard was to inform those with learning disabilities that they needed external help. However, these issues were never communicated to my parents, and the only ones who received extra support classes were those whose parents were friends with the coordinators. Very unprofessional and disappointing for a community that claims to be welcoming and international. I am grateful to be at this institution as it made me a stronger person. Please do not send your children here. I have grown as a person and am now studying to be a lawyer at one of the best universities in the United Kingdom, despite attending this school. Protect your children; there are thousands of times better options than this institution.
5- Excessive Religion: Religion is shoved down your throat, all the time and at all hours. They don't accept people of all sexualities and taught that women should be submissive to men. I was told that my dream of becoming a lawyer and working as a team with my partner would never come true, since a woman's role was to be at home and take care of her children. Very unmotivating for an institution that perpetuates the idea that it's innovative. This caused most of my generation to become atheists, and it took a lot of effort for me to reconnect with God, forgetting the extreme teachings that had been instilled in me since I was 9 years old.
6-Raging sexism: When it was still divided into men and women, men had better facilities, a small store, and higher-caliber teachers. Even on outings to see the Virgin Mary, the girls were left out in the sun while the boys were comfortably sitting down in the shade. The teachings they gave were equally harmful, and when they brought us together, I didn't know how to interact with people of the opposite sex.
At the end of the day, I'm grateful to be at this institution because it made me a stronger person. Please don't send your children here. I've grown as a person and am now studying to be a lawyer at one of the best universities in the UK, despite going through this school. Protect your children; there are a thousand times better options than this institution.
I recognize that one of the only truly good, generous, and passionate people I knew about teaching was Father Agustin. He gave me hope that good people did exist during one of the darkest times of my life.
2 other reviews for Cumbres International School Lomas - (Reviews aren't verified )
Student
Avoid this school:
1.- Toxic atmosphere: The school is very elitist and the overall vibe is one of materialism and appearance-keeping above everything else. Lots of bullying and favoritism toward wealthy kids.
Your wealth will determine your status within the community, and your kid will learn to think this way. I used to feel a lot of pressure to own expensive brands and show off how privileged I was.
2.- No international focus: English is barely used, and poorly taught. An international student would struggle unless they are fluent in Spanish. The institution does not adopt IB or any other international standard. The main selling point of this school is the contacts you will make as part of their community, and these contacts are almost exclusively Mexican so even this won't add much value unless you are Mexican or plan to stay in Mexico for long.
3.- Low Academic standar... read full review
Student
Because the teachers are very bias, they don't treat students they don't like well, meaning there's so much favouritism and only favoured ones succeed. Catholicism is shoved in your face all the time, with extreme doctrines that mislead you, leading me to hate said religion. The hypocrisy is evident as well as there's nothing international abt this school. We speak in spanish all the time, with bad quality english teachers and little to no opportunity of thinking about a university outside of CDMX, let alone Mexico as a whole. The environment is toxic and bullies/ "mean girls" dominate the school, teachers can't control their classes. My years here have been the worst. No talk of international exams, like IB or IGCSE's, meaning no remote connection to the European Syllabus.
