In 1997, Christel DeHaan visited an orphanage in Texcoco, Mexico, where she was deeply moved by the children’s hardships. Determined to open new pathways for them, she founded Christel House International in 1998, launching the first center in Mexico. Initially offering supplemental classes, Christel House Mexico soon evolved into a full-time school recognized by the Secretariat of Public Education, pairing quality academics with meals, healthcare, and family support.
Over the years, we have expanded grade levels, relocated to a larger campus in Tacubaya, and strengthened programs in arts, technology, and life skills. Now celebrating over 25 years, Christel House Mexico remains a beacon of hope, empowering students to shape their futures with confidence and purpose.
We are thrilled to share a new chapter in our story, driven by the urgent need for educational equity. We will soon launch a new campus in the Mexico City metropolitan area, serving 900 additional students from kindergarten through high school.
This expansion addresses the critical need for quality education in underserved neighborhoods, offering a supportive, holistic environment for students to thrive. This is only the beginning.
Our strategic vision for the future remains committed to bringing the Christel House model to even more students throughout Mexico.
Achieving our ambitious expansion goals requires collaboration with like-minded partners. By joining us in this journey, you can help create lasting change for thousands of children and their communities.
For more information on how you can contribute or get involved, please contact: desarrollo@es.christelhouse.org
Christel House Mexico’s Technology Program readies students for a rapidly evolving world where STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) drives innovation and opportunity. By intertwining logical, computational, and creative thinking, we equip students with the digital tools to tackle complex challenges and stand out in today’s tech-driven society.
Beginning in the early grades, our students move from foundational coding concepts to more advanced skills in sought-after languages like C, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Through hands-on lessons and project-based learning, they see firsthand how these technologies can be applied to real-world scenarios.
But our focus extends beyond programming. Students also explore 3D printing and pens, graphic design, and robotics (Arduino, LEGO), turning abstract ideas into tangible creations. This fosters design thinking and an inventive spirit that will serve them in any career path. We also emphasize collaboration and healthy competition, encouraging students to push their own limits while supporting one another’s growth.
Finally, our program underscores ethical and responsible technology use, guiding students to consider issues of privacy, security, and the social impacts of their work. By merging technical expertise with creativity and integrity, the Technology Program at Christel House Mexico empowers students to thrive in both academic and professional arenas—and to shape a better, more equitable world.
At Christel House Mexico, we employ three specialized math programs—EMAT in elementary, ONMAT in middle school, and ALEKS in high school—to ensure contextualized, engaging learning at every level.
All students have a weekly math lab where hands-on activities reinforce key concepts.
Each year, a mental math competition promotes focus, confidence, and a love of learning.
Our School for Parents program is a robust and comprehensive initiative tailored to meet the needs and interests of parents. It not only strengthens their parenting skills but also helps them achieve personal and economic goals. The program covers seven core topics: Health & Nutrition, Parenting, Socio-Emotional Development, Drug Prevention, Sex Education, Job Skills, and Life Planning.
Each year, we offer more than 100 workshop sessions, with over 90% of parents attending. More than 95% of parents report that the sessions are valuable and impactful in their daily lives.
The Distintivo H is a prestigious certification issued by Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR) and the Ministry of Health. It verifies that establishments uphold strict standards in food handling, storage, preparation, and sanitation—ensuring top-tier safety and hygiene practices.
Christel House Mexico’s dining hall is the only school cafeteria in the entire country to hold this certification. This remarkable achievement reinforces our promise to offer students a secure, nutritious, and hygienic dining environment, reflecting our unwavering commitment to their overall health and well-being.
