SCHOOL LIFE

ABOUT ASPV

The American School of Puerto Vallarta was founded in 1986 with the purpose of providing an American education in Puerto Vallarta that would prepare students for University abroad. Today, ASPV is a multicultural learning community focused on educating the whole student in a small and private school environment that allows our talented educators to guide them as they become responsible global citizens and lifelong learners.

 

ASPV is a small independent private school offering a bilingual, bicultural education to students from early childhood to high school. Students benefit from a comprehensive dual curriculum taught by our highly qualified, talented, and caring educators who hail from The United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and various other countries. Our student body is made up of over 350 students from various countries.

100% OF OUR EDUCATORS HAVE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

All of our faculty are licensed teachers with a bachelor’s degree in education as a minimum requirement. We encourage and fund professional development and the pursuit of advanced degrees.

 

54% HAVE AT LEAST A MASTER’S DEGREE

ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

The American School of Puerto Vallarta is a nonprofit, nonsectarian educational institution accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools, COGNIA, the Mexican Ministry of Education (SEP), and the National University of Mexico (UNAM).

 

Our school administration is governed by a 7-member board of parents and interested community members who are appointed by a Board of Founders. The school’s operational budget is derived from enrollment and tuition fees. All capital outlay is accomplished through donations.

PROFILE

DUAL ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Our elementary school students (Kinder 1 to 6th grade) receive bilingual instruction in a dual immersion program. Before entering primary school (1st grade) they attend a special pre-1st grade to develop their dual language proficiency. Our high school students are enrolled in a full dual program, receiving both a U.S. diploma and a Mexican bachillerato (high school certificate). All of their classes are taught in English except for one Spanish language arts and one Mexican social studies class per school year (Mexican History, Geography, Law or Civics). Our graduates speak both English and Spanish fluently.

ACCREDITATION

 

The American School of Puerto Vallarta is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), COGNIA, Mexico’s Ministry of Education (SEP) and The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

UNAM ACCREDITATION

 

OUR FACULTY  2024 

OUR TEAM

Langley Elise

LISA LANGLEY

M.S.Ed., General Director

ABOUT LISA

Lisa Langley is a committed and vocal advocate of the American School of Puerto Vallarta’s mission and guiding principles. She is a dedicated cheerleader to all Shark parents and well loved by our families.

 

She first joined the ASPV team as a Middle & High School Science teacher in 1989 and went on to become the Math and Science Department Head. In 2000 she became Advanced Placement Program Coordinator and Academic Advisor where she ensured students had access to college-level courses in their area of interest and supported all students in reaching their academic potential. In 2009 she became ASPV’s College Guidance Counselor, inspiring students to further their education and pursue their dreams. Ms. Langley has also served as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Accreditation Coordinator and later as Director of Admissions before finally becoming Head of School in 2016.


She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Biology from the Texas A & M University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, and a Master’s Degree in Multidisciplinary Education from the University of New York. She also holds a certificate from the AAIE International School of Leadership & Management, from Wilkes University. She has extensive years of experience in education and leadership in many areas of the school.


Ms. Langley is married with three children, all ASPV graduates. She likes chatting with staff and families, her morning coffee, and a midday m&m break. She loves showing off how brilliant her children are and doting on her adorable grandchildren.

Nancy Coates

NANCY COATES

M.Ed., Elementary Principal
ABOUT NANCY

Miss Nancy Coates is well-known and loved for her sharp-witted humor and ornate Spirit Day costumes. She is an avid supporter of teacher initiatives in benefit of our students such as the creation of an SEL committee. She cares deeply for students’ wellbeing and actively promotes inclusion and equality to meet the needs of our diverse student population.

She is also an enthusiastic cheerleader of PTA events and a passionate participant (yup, in costume). 

Our Elementary School Principal can be found every morning greeting families during drop-off, visiting classrooms throughout the day, and walking around campus. She is an active and visible leader. 

Nancy Coates is originally from Toronto, Canada, where she was a student in an immersion school from kindergarten through graduation. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Education from York University, and received a Master’s degree in Education from Framingham University, Boston.

She was a teacher for five years in Toronto before joining the ASPV staff in 2006. She taught 1st and 2nd grade at ASPV for six years before she became the Primary Curriculum Coordinator and later Elementary School Principal.

 

Outside of walking these green halls you can find her rescuing cats, loving on her pets, and visiting all corners of this beautiful country with her partner.

Jennifer Reibitz

JENNIFER REIBITZ

M.Ed., Middle High and High School Principal
ABOUT JENNIFER

Jennifer Reibitz believes that education should encompass far more than academic achievement alone. She is committed to fostering an environment where the social, emotional, and mental well-being of every student is just as important as their grades. With her open-door policy, she has made it clear that students are always welcome to seek her out for help or guidance and she works daily to ensure a positive school environment for all stakeholders, including students, staff, and parents.

Nine years ago, she joined ASPV, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for education. From her initial role as a teacher, she quickly demonstrated her commitment to her students and the school community. Her journey from teacher to Assistant Principal and finally to Principal has provided her with opportunities for personal and professional growth, allowing her to make a broader impact in each role. She values the chance to connect deeply with the students and faculty, and her leadership continues to shape a nurturing and dynamic learning environment.

Her qualifications further solidify her role as a transformative leader. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Western Michigan University and a Masters of Ed with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. With over two decades of classroom experience in the United States and Mexico, she has taught a wide range of subjects, including history, social studies, and English language arts. After spending two years as the MS/HS Assistant Principal, she stepped into the role of Principal, where her vision and dedication continue to guide our school toward excellence.

Ms. Reibitz is a shark mom through and through. She and her husband can be seen cheering on their kids from the sidelines, attending school events, and walking around enjoying the green areas on campus. In her free time, she plays softball and padel ball, enjoys traveling the world with her husband, and reading for pleasure.

TOMAS LOPEZ

Dr., Business Manager

KARELA HERNANDEZ

M.Ed., Admissions Director

ROCIO GOMEZ

MA.Ed., Primary School Technical Director

SILVIA CHAVEZ

MA. Ed., Early Childhood Technical Director