Hugo Hernandez Lara

Gabriel Hernandez and Eve Holody walk into school to start their days.

High school is a key stage in a student’s life no matter where in the world they live and serves as a bridge between the student’s childhood and adulthood. It plays a crucial role in shaping the student into the person they will eventually become. During these years, students are also given the chance to participate in activities such as sports and clubs. But what are the differences between a high school in Mexico and here? Read on to find out. Gabriel Hernandez is a first-year high school student in Guanajuato, Mexico, while Genevieve Hodoly is a junior at South.

Reporter Hugo Hernandez Lara is best friends with Gabriel Hernandez. They met when they both served as chamberlains at a Quinceanera several years ago. Since then, they hang out together whenever Hugo Hernandez visits Mexico.

What is your school called?

Hernandez: I go to Escuela Preparatoria Regional del Rincon.

Hodoly: I go to South High School.

Do you attend a private or public school?

Hernandez:  I go to a public school.

Hodoly: South High is a public school.

How many students attend your school?

Hernandez: Around 1,600 students go to my school.

Hodoly: Around 2,500 students go to South.

How many years of classes are offered in your high school?

Hernandez: Three years are offered at my school.

Hodoly: My school offers four years.

How do you get to school?

Hernandez: I take the bus from my village to school, and I must pay 25 pesos every day.

Hodoly: My brother brings me every day around 7:30 a.m.

How long is your school day?

Hernandez: My school day starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 2:50 p.m.

Hodoly: School runs from 7:40 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

What’s the first thing you do when you enter school?

Hernandez: The first thing I do is go to my software class.

Hodoly: The first thing I do is go to the locker room and put some of my stuff away.

What type of security do you have at your school?

Hernandez: We have three policeman and two military men.

Hodoly: We have around seven security guards all around school.

What does a student do if they are late to school?

Hernandez: If someone is late to school, they must wait till the next class starts and cannot enter a class late while it’s in session.

Hodoly: If someone is late to school, they must check in through attendance, then go to class.

Is there any consequence for having too many tardies or absences?

Hernandez: You can get kicked out of school if you miss too much class.

Hodoly: You could get lunch detention.

How many classes do you take?

Hernandez: I take eight classes during a regular school day.

Hodoly: I take eight classes during the day.

Does your school offer honors classes?

Hernandez: No, my school does not offer any type of honors classes.

Hodoly: Yes, my school offers honors classes and AP classes for different subjects.

Does your school offer sports?

Hernandez: Yes, my school has sports like basketball, volleyball and soccer. We compete against other schools toward the end of the year.

Hodoly: Yes, my school offers sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, football, swimming and other sports. We also compete against other schools during the designated sports seasons.

What is the school rule with phones?

Hernandez: The teachers don’t really care if you have your phone out because it will only affect your own grade.

Hodoly: Phones are prohibited from being used during class.

How does lunch work during the school day?

Hernandez: You can have lunch during one of your two recess breaks during the day.

Hodoly: There are four lunches throughout the day. Seniors also eat in a different area of the school.

Do you need to pay any school fees?

Hernandez: We need to pay for stuff like enrollment, books and uniforms.

Hodoly: We need to pay for iPad insurance. There is other stuff that you can choose to get, too, like a parking pass and school photos.

What is the grading system like?

Hernandez: The grading system is from zero to 10

Hodoly: The grading system is from zero to four.

Are the families involved in your school?

Hernandez: No, the families are not involved in the school; they leave all the work for the teachers and staff.

Hodoly: Yes, the families are involved. For example, they can help volunteer for events and other stuff.