History of the School

The story of The Peterson Schools is the story of a dream and an idea. Dr. Marvin Peterson and his wife Leni wanted to offer children the opportunity to live happier and more productive lives and to create the atmosphere where children could develop into successful adults.

The Petersons believed that school is a child's second home and that they should feel wanted, respected and loved there.

        

One of their main goals was to create an atmosphere at the school that would stimulate children's curiosity and intellect, teach them how to get along with one another and learn and practice the values that would help them lead productive and happy lives.

The first Peterson campus opened in Lomas de Chapultepec in 1965, offering Montessori preschool. It was the first of its kind in Mexico. The school was so successful that the parents helped the Petersons open a second Montessori preschool in the south of the city.

Over the years, the success of the Peterson's idea permitted them to open other campuses in Mexico City and expand the Peterson educational philosophy to other levels.

The Cuajimalpa campus opened in 1990 offering grades K-12. In 1994, The Peterson Schools joined Paty and Klaus Bethke as co-founders to open the Tlalpan campus. Beginning with Middle School and High School, the campus now offers grades K-12.

  

In 1993 the Peterson family decided to transform the school into a non-profit institution to ensure its indefinite continuity. The institution, buildings and equipment were donated by the Peterson family and a Board of Directors was created to ensure that The Peterson Schools' educational philosophy would continue.

Timeline

1965-The Peterson Schools' first campus opens on Montes Himalaya in Lomas de Chapultepec with a single Montessori kindergarten group.

1966-After one year in operation, the school boased a total of four kindergarten groups an a Grade 1 group.

1967-The Peterson Schools inaugurates the first training course for Montessori guides in Mexico.

1971-At the request of parents, a new kindergarten is opened in the south of Mexico City.

1972-The Peterson Schools opens a middle school. The first generation of Peterson primary school students graduates.

1976-The school in the south moves to its permanent location in Pedregal.

1980-The first generation of primary students graduates from the Pedregal campus.

1982-The Peterson family acquires the Lomas High School and integrates it into The Peterson Schools system.

1983-The first generation of students graduates from Lomas High School.

1990-The primary, middle school and high school move from Lomas de Chapultepec to a new, purpose-built campus in Cuajimalpa.

Apple Computer selects The Peterson Schools as one of its Model Schools.

1993-The Peterson Schools becomes a non-profit institution.

1994-A new campus is opened in Tlalpan offering middle school and high school.

1996-The Peterson Schools are accepted as a member of the Independent School Association of the Southwest. Computer Curriculum Corporation names The Peterson Schools one of its Model Schools.

1997-The first generation of high school students graduates at the Tlalpan campus.

1999-A kindergarten is opened at the Tlalpan campus.

2001-The first primary school group is opened at the Tlalpan campus.

2002-A science and library building is opened at the Tlalpan campus.

2004-A multi-purpose building is opened at the Cuajimalpa campus featuring a gymnasium, auditorium, special events room, cafeteria and rooms for special classes.

2005-A new upper school building is opened at the Tlalpan campus.

The upper school building at the Cuajimalpa campus is expanded.

2006-A new upper school building housing classrooms, a computer lab and offices is opened at the Tlalpan campus.

2007-The Tlalpan campus is expanded through the acquisition of adjoining property. The building on the site is remodeled to house the Primary school.

2008-The Pedregal campus is expanded. The building on the site is remodeled to house Prefirst classrooms and offices.

A new cafeteria is opened in the Cuajimalpa Upper School building.

The gymnastics area at the Cuajiimalpa campus is expanded.

The Peterson Schools has grown thanks to the combined efforts of the Peterson family and the Peterson community - parents, grandparents, students, alumni, teachers and benefactors. This union has created a prestigious educational institution that will benefit thousands of students for many more years to come.