In a significant turnaround, the Mexican government has decided to maintain the original schedule for the 2025/2026 academic year, following widespread criticism from parents, educational organizations, and the general public.
The Ministry of Public Education (SEP) announced yesterday that the school calendar would remain unchanged after consultations with the National Council of Educational Authorities and discussions led by President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The clarification comes just days after officials revealed plans to conclude the school year on June 5 instead of July 15, citing concerns about extreme heat and Mexico’s role as a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.
However, SEP later confirmed that all schools across the nation would continue their academic programs until July 15 as initially planned.
Mexico’s Secretary of Public Education, Mario Delgado, emphasized that the decision was made to ensure students receive complete academic instruction while providing stability for millions of families.
He noted that adhering to the official school calendar is crucial for parents and students who depend on consistent academic schedules for their daily lives.
The government had previously argued that the proposed early closure was necessary due to an anticipated severe heatwave during the summer months.
Data from NASA indicated that multiple temperature records have already been shattered in Mexico this year. In Hermosillo, a northwestern city, temperatures reportedly soared to a record 107°F (42°C) in March.
Meteorologists have also warned of more intense heatwaves expected in June and July, with temperatures projected to surpass normal seasonal averages.
As Mexico prepares to host 13 matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including games in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, the iconic Estadio Azteca is set to feature several matches, including a Round of 16 fixture on July 5.
The national team will kick off the tournament against South Africa on June 11 at Estadio Azteca, followed by matches against South Korea and the Czech Republic in the group stage.
The initial announcement sparked outrage on social media and drew criticism from Mexico’s National Union of Parents, which accused officials of diminishing instructional time for students.
The organization labeled the use of the World Cup as a rationale for shortening the school year as “unacceptable.”
President Sheinbaum later indicated that the proposal had not been finalized, stating that authorities would await a definitive resolution before implementing any changes.
With the confirmation of this reversal, Mexico’s academic calendar will now coincide with most of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to conclude on July 19.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong