Military-Oriented High Schools in Guanajuato Face Closure Following SEP Order
Created in 2019, the Military-Oriented Dual High Schools (Bachilleratos Bivalentes Militarizados) in Guanajuato do not operate as institutions designed to train students for the Armed Forces. Instead, according to the Guanajuato Ministry of Education (SEG), they emphasize discipline, civic education, and values. Approximately 3,400 students are currently enrolled. However, Mexico’s Ministry of Public Education (SEP) has ordered their closure, while many social media users have voiced support for keeping the schools open.
The Military-Oriented Dual High Schools are one of several options available for students pursuing upper secondary education. Graduates earn a technical career certification along with a micro-credential that validates their technical skills. These schools are not considered terminal education institutions, as students may continue their studies at universities.
According to the Government of Guanajuato, the Military-Oriented Dual High Schools were created “as a joint education and security strategy aimed at strengthening discipline, values, and the reconstruction of the social fabric.”
There are currently six campuses in Guanajuato: two in León, one in Celaya, one in Irapuato, one in Acámbaro, and one in Dolores Hidalgo. Plans were also underway to build another campus in León.
On July 30, Mario Delgado Carrillo, head of the SEP, instructed educational authorities in all 32 Mexican states to review all authorizations and Official Recognition of Studies (RVOE) granted to institutions identified as “military,” “militarized,” or “military-style.” If such institutions exist, authorities were instructed to immediately suspend their operations and begin administrative procedures for their permanent closure.
The SEP also established that no educational institution may begin the 2026–2027 school year using the terms “militarized,” “military,” “military-style,” or any designation referring to a military educational model.
“These types of institutions have no place in our educational system,” the head of the SEP stated.
As a result, the six military-oriented high schools operated by the Government of Guanajuato are now subject to the SEP’s review. The federal agency established August 31, 2026, as the deadline for ensuring that no educational institution in the country operates under a military-related name or educational model.
The SEP’s directive followed the death of a 13-year-old student at a military-style school in the state of Tamaulipas.
SEG Reviews the Status of Guanajuato’s Military-Oriented Schools
Following the SEP’s order, the Guanajuato Ministry of Education (SEG) announced that it will conduct a legal and administrative review of the six Military-Oriented Dual High Schools.
SEG stated that the results of its evaluation regarding the impact of the SEP’s directive will be announced after the current vacation period, as the 2026–2027 school year begins on August 31.
Public Support for the Schools
Following the SEP’s announcement, many users on social media expressed support for maintaining the Military-Oriented Dual High Schools in Guanajuato, arguing that the institutions provide students with discipline, values, and character development.
Source: lasillarota
