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 very 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 seperate 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.

Winter 2008: we continue to welcome many professionals and retirees to the Cuernavaca warm climate during the winter months, plus spring break is booking quickly for those preferring a learning vacation. Plans are underway to revamp and improve the programs for families most popular during the summer weeks.

Today, Instituto Chac-Mool continues to offer Spanish students top quality instruction in an intimate and relaxed environment. At ICM, the student is still very special to us and we are dedicated to providing a positive and rewarding Spanish immersion experience.

The owners of Instituto Chac-Mool are Julio and Deana Najera, both have an extensive background as educators in the United States and in Mexico. Now as directors of the Spanish school, the couple remains committed to staying up-to-date on the most effective second language acquisition theories and techniques. Instituto Chac-Mool is much more than a business to Julio and Deana, it is their passion and they are personally proud of the success that each student has.

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 and that of the Seven Intelligences. This enables the instructor to identify each ones learning ability so that instruction may be tailored specifically to the individual.

"Stephen Krashen (University of Southern California) 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. During the past 20 years, he has published well over 100 books and articles and has been invited to deliver over 300 lectures at universities throughout the United States and Canada."
More of the article entitled Stephen Krashen's Theory of Second Language Acquisition by Ricardo Schutz.

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 if you bring your laptop, and a cafeteria so students can purchase food and drinks. The property is securely gated, only admitting staff and students who have their Instituto Chac-Mool credentials.

At Instituto Chac-Mool, we believe:

• ...using Sheltered Instruction and the Natural Approach are the best ways to acquire a language.
• ...a program should be tailored specific to your needs, with the flexibility to maximize and accelerate your learning.
• ...if a student lives and has an understanding of the culture of Mexico, it is much easier to acquire the language.
• ...actively participating students will learn Spanish quickly. (Money Back Guarantee)