Two Militarized Schools Operate in Quintana Roo Despite Legal Prohibition, Group Says

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — At least two private militarized schools are operating in Quintana Roo even though that educational model is not recognized under Mexico’s Constitution or the General Education Law, according to a local parents’ advocacy group.

The group, Allied Parents for Education of Quintana Roo, said it welcomes Mexico’s Education Department (SEP) decision to review schools that offer services described as “militarized,” “military,” “castrense” or similar, with the aim of preventing such institutions from continuing to operate outside the national education framework.

The measure came after the death of a girl during a summer course at a militarized academy in Tamaulipas, a case that raised concerns about oversight of these schools.

In a phone interview, Héctor Santín Gómez, a representative of the advocacy group, said the two militarized private schools the organization is aware of are located in Chetumal. One offers basic education and the other upper secondary education.

Santín Gómez said the group has not received complaints against either campus, but stressed the importance of authorities reviewing the legal status of all schools operating under this model in Quintana Roo.

He added that many institutions that present themselves as “militarized” operate without permits or official recognition of studies (RVOE). He said the Quintana Roo Education Department (SEQ) is already following up on the federal instruction, and results are expected to be announced soon.

Last week, SEP director Mario Delgado Carrillo ordered local authorities to conduct an exhaustive review of all schools using military-style denominations, following the death of Dafne Zapata Quintos Martínez, a student who died during a camp organized by a private militarized academy.

According to the SEP, military education corresponds exclusively to institutions that train the Armed Forces and the National Guard. The agency ordered state authorities to suspend the activities of any establishment that presents itself as “military” or “militarized” and to begin administrative proceedings for its definitive closure.

Schools under review must immediately hand over all academic documentation for their students, including partial or full certificates, to guarantee continuity of their education at other institutions. They must also refund families for fees paid for services not provided, such as re-enrollment, uniforms, school supplies and other charges.

The SEP said the measure is consistent with the principles of the New Mexican School model, which it said places the comprehensive development of children and adolescents, respect for human rights and the building of a culture of peace at the center of education.