In addition to being university educated and native Spanish speakers, all of the teachers at Instituto Chac-Mool
have been specially trained in
Stephen Krashen's Theory of
Language Acquisition. Stephen Krashen* is an expert in the field of
linguistics, specializing in theories of language acquisition and development. Much of his recent research has
involved the study of non-English and bilingual language acquisition.
Teachers are also taught Seven Intelligences
enabling the instructor to identify each ones learning ability so that
instruction may be tailored specifically to the individual.
The school's facilities are excellent, offering indoor and outdoor classrooms, a student lounge, a large grassy
area surrounding a refreshing swimming pool, free WiFi for your laptop, and a cafeteria so students can
purchase food and drinks. The property is securely gated and monitored by cameras, only admitting staff and students who have their
Instituto Chac-Mool credentials.
In 1996 Instituto Chac-Mool began offering students an innovative program for
learning Spanish in Mexico. Cuernavaca was lacking in Spanish schools that were progressive in the art
of teaching second languages, and ICM quickly became one of the top choices of students who
were interested in an interactive approach to learning Spanish.
In 2001 Instituto Chac-Mool began offering classes all year long, with a Monday start date, to students
of all levels from beginning to highly advanced. Plus the very popular workshops for teachers were expanded.
In 2003 specialized semi-private courses for professionals were developed.
Additional instructors began the 5-6 month training process so more students could be admitted to ICM.
In 2004 the number of children's instructors was increased,
as the separate children's program began filling to capacity in the summer months.
In 2005 Instituto Chac-Mool proudly became accredited
as a higher education institution offering students college transcripts.
The special teen summer program was introduced, becoming an annual event.
In 2006 Instituto Chac-Mool celebrated their 10 year anniversary with a huge party in July
for students and host families. Also a relationship was formed with California Lutheran University
so that Professional Development Credits for teachers and Continuing Education Units for professionals
could be earned while studying Spanish.
In 2007 Instituto Chac-Mool began offering a separate new Junior Spanish program developed
for children who have had previous exposure to Spanish at home or in bilingual schools. The free workshops
for teachers and educators continued to be a big success with summer participation better than ever.
This year we welcomed more home school families than ever before.
In 2008 we revamped and improved programs for families with children, and the feedback rating from these students during the summer
was the highest we've ever received.
A larger number of students are requesting a college transcript for their Spanish studies at Instituto Chac-Mool.
"Young at heart" students have been registering in greater numbers than years before.
In 2009 the number of travelers to Mexico is down in numbers
and many schools are scaling back their programs and some are closing their doors. But not Instituto Chac-Mool!
We are happy to say we have many students of all age groups, and our programs are not scaled back at all this year.
2010 is already starting out to be a busy year with early summer registrations and students signed up for the
warm Cuernavaca winter months in order to escape their own cold and snowy winters.
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Instituto Chac-Mool Spanish Schools
Privada de la Pradera #108 Colonia Pradera
Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico 62170
(do not send payments to Mexico address, please ask for U.S. address)
