Sheinbaum Doubles the Education Goal: Announces 400,000 New Public High School Places

August 9, 2026 - 06:23

Just a few months after first announcing a goal of 200,000 new public high school openings, President Claudia Sheinbaum has now doubled that commitment. Speaking from a newly inaugurated campus in Texcoco, she laid out a broader plan to add 400,000 places for students across the country.

The announcement came during the opening of a new school facility, where Sheinbaum framed the expansion as a direct response to demand from families and local communities. She noted that the initial target, set back in April, was already being met faster than expected, which pushed her administration to raise the bar. The new places will be distributed through a mix of newly built campuses, expanded existing schools, and upgraded afternoon shifts.

Sheinbaum stressed that education remains a top priority for her government, especially for students in underserved areas. She said the goal is not just to add seats but to ensure quality learning environments with proper staffing and materials. Local officials in Texcoco welcomed the news, saying the new campus there is already enrolling students for the upcoming term.

The president did not give a specific timeline for when all 400,000 places will be available, but she indicated that construction and hiring are underway. She also hinted at further announcements in the coming months, as the government tracks progress against the new target. For now, the expanded promise signals a stronger push to close the gap in upper secondary education access.