Community Characteristics
Jurica, where the school is located, and Juriquilla, two neighboring suburbs to the north of the city of Querétaro, have become home to many professional people, especially many people who have recently moved from México City. To a large extent, the JFK student population comes from the families of these people. The parents tend to be well-educated, to be economically comfortable, and to place a high value on fluency in the English language.
The current total school enrollment is 1,400 students. 84% of the student body are Mexican with the remaining 16% being from the US and other countries. The percentage of international students enrolling in the school is growing. It is predicted that this percentage will continue to grow as new international businesses locating in the community are informed of our interest in their students’ attendance at our school.
The community is very supportive of the school and appreciates its over 40-year history of tradition and innovation. The school is a revered institution and a focus of community pride and participation. Parental involvement is high with a predicted attendance at most events of both parents. There is a large participation of parents in school sponsored activities, many attending school athletic events.
The nearby city of Querétaro is an old colonial city founded about 1531. It is one of the faster growing cities in the country as more light and medium industry relocate here. The population of the urban area is now more than 600,000 people. The downtown area in general has been zoned to maintain its colonial character while the outskirts are expanding and growing rapidly. The weather is considered to be moderate, with low humidity, and attracts many to move to this area.
As a result of growth, many modern shopping centers and facilities have been built to meet modern needs including Sam’s, Wal-Mart and Costco, for example. The elevation and geography of the region permit the air to remain relatively clear. Many families have also relocated here due to the lack of earthquakes in the area.
These areas do not detract from the very large colonial center which is basically a part of the “hidden Mexico” which has yet to reach the tourist books. The colonial center can be measured in miles rather than blocks, and the citizenry are rightly proud of this gem of colonial architecture.
Querétaro is a transportation hub with people leaving its modern bus terminal for all parts of the nation. There are excellent bus lines to choose from for the two and one half to three hour ride to Mexico City.
One can visit San Miguel de Allende via a 45 minute ride from this same terminal. Transportation to coastal towns is available with an expected six hour ride.
Querétaro is a University city with major universities, colleges and schools of the arts located within its confines. This large population of students creates a lively cultural atmosphere which includes numerous museums, art galleries, coffee houses, theaters and other evening diversions for the city dweller. The streets are safe for the general population with active police bicycle patrols and numerous and varied activities offered on a daily basis with cultural and social activities lasting well into the night.
The city is visited by many to experience the distinct charms of walking through its lovely walkways, and being a part of the free public shows held in local parks on Saturday and Sunday nights. These shows often include dance troupes and other artistic groups from all parts of the nation, hired by the state to perform free for the people. The city band plays in a gazebo in the historic center on a weekly basis, with people often leaving their chairs to dance to a popular tango.
Many events of great historical import have occurred since the cities founding in 1531. Many statues, museums, exhibits and parks attract the history buff. Querétaro is also known for its outdoor athletic activities including biking and hiking, rock hunting and many ecologically interesting locations to visit.