Mexico expands high school places with 156,240 new spots

Mexico's government will invest over 10 billion pesos to open, build, and expand 4,485 high schools across the country, creating 156,240 new student places in 2026, according to the Undersecretary of Upper Secondary Education, Tania Rodríguez Mora Source: excelsiormx. This follows the construction and expansion of 88 schools in 2025, which added 44,000 places Source: infobae. The initiative is part of the Bachillerato Nacional Margarita Maza program, which aims to guarantee access to upper secondary education for all young people, especially in rural and marginalized communities Source: heraldomx.

Enrollment and modalities

The SEP has opened enrollment for the Bachillerato Nacional Margarita Maza, with registration available through the official SEP portal Source: excelsiormx. The program offers flexible modalities, including in-person, semi-presential, and distance learning, as well as new options like Saturday high schools with hybrid tutoring and the conversion of afternoon shifts in saturated schools Source: infobae. Additionally, the CONAFE high school program will serve small rural communities, and the distance education system will be expanded Source: infobae.

Staffing and support

To support the new schools, the SEP has issued a call for guides and promoters, targeting graduates aged 22–29 in fields like communication, culture, science, and pedagogy Source: lajornadamx. These roles include pedagogical guides, accompaniment guides, and cultural and sports promoters, who will provide comprehensive support to students and foster safe, inclusive school environments Source: lajornadamx. The registration deadline for this call is August 21 Source: lajornadamx.

Discrepancy in figures

While most sources report 156,240 new places, Infobae mentions that the original goal of 200,000 places was doubled to 400,000 by presidential instruction, though this larger figure is not corroborated by other outlets Source: infobae. The Herald of Mexico quotes Rodríguez stating that the 2026 expansion, combined with last year's, reaches the 200,000-place goal Source: heraldomx.