"The International American School of Cancun (IAS) was established in 1990 to provide the small but growing community of immigrants with an American-style education, characterized by high academic standards and a caring, supportive environment."
School Timeline
June 1990
July 1992
January 1998
Comunidad Educativa del Sol (CES) was founded by teachers Andrea Terry, Nancy Perkins, and a colleague, beginning operations in rented facilities in downtown Cancún, Quintana Roo.
Andy and Nancy purchased land to establish CES facilities, including the kindergarten and elementary school.
Andrea and Nancy decided to expand by establishing an international middle and high school, which became the International American School of Cancún. Operations began in a rented facility in Ejido Alfredo V. Bonfil, on the outskirts of downtown Cancún.
August 2001
Construction of the middle-high school began on the school land next to CES, which would become the actual IAS campus.
January 2002
The International American School of Cancún was established as an independent bilingual international school accredited by SACS/AdvanCED. Its inaugural graduating class comprised four students in 2002.
October 2005
IAS and CES survived Hurricane Wilma, and despite the challenges and difficulties that followed this historic event, both schools remained standing.
April 2014
The construction of the third floor of the IAS commenced, along with renovations and expansions to the basketball courts, soccer fields, and the auditorium, among other facilities.
August 2016
Comunidad Educativa del Sol (CES) and The International American School of Cancún (IAS) began a process of unification and standardization at all levels. After this period, the motto "We are IAS" emerged.
January 2023
A new phase in the school’s history commenced, during which Andrea and Nancy transitioned from their positions as Heads of School to their strategic advisory roles as IAS Board Members.
September 2025
This year IAS celebrates its 35th anniversary. Starting August 2025, Dr. Martin Thomas took on the responsibility of General Director of the International American School of Cancún.
Brief history of Cancún
Cancún (pronounced Can-COON because of the location of the accent) is world-renowned as an ideal destination for sun, sand, and relaxation. Yet beyond its stunning beaches, the region holds a rich cultural history that stretches back centuries. Remarkably, the modern city of Cancún, as we know it today, was only established within the last 50 years.
Now the largest city in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, Cancún sits on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Its location makes it one of Mexico’s easternmost points—and one of the country’s most important gateways to both tourism and cultural discovery.
Cancún is a premier destination for both Mexican and international travelers. Just north of the Riviera Maya, the city offers easy access to ecological parks, cenotes, and the region’s renowned beaches. Its convenient location near Cancún International Airport makes it an ideal starting point for exploring southeastern Mexico.
​
Cancún International Airport (CUN) is among the busiest and most modern in Latin America, welcoming more than 30 million passengers each year. The airport serves as a vital hub, connecting visitors from around the world to luxury resorts, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders across the Riviera Maya and beyond.
Long before Cancún became an international tourism hub, the region was home to the ancient Maya civilization. The Maya left behind a remarkable cultural and architectural legacy, much of which can still be experienced today.
​
Within easy reach of Cancún, visitors can explore breathtaking archaeological sites that offer a window into this rich history. Among the most famous is Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, known for its iconic pyramid, El Castillo. Just to the south lies the ancient walled city of Tulum, dramatically perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Beyond these well-known landmarks, countless smaller ruins and ceremonial sites are scattered throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, each telling a story of the Maya’s ingenuity, spirituality, and connection to nature. Together, they make Cancún not only a place for relaxation, but also a gateway to one of the world’s most fascinating ancient cultures.