What are your goals for education in Spain?
Full or Partial Immersion
Are you someone moving to Spain permanently or short-term? Expats, such as ourselves, who only planned to live in Spain for 3-5 years knew full immersion might not be the best choice for our elementary-aged kids. We wanted them to acclimate quickly while still making friends from all different countries. An international school was the best choice for them.
If your family plans to relocate permanently, you may want to consider placing them in a fully immersive Spanish education. Sure, this might seem scary at first, but there are many benefits to sending them to a state school. They will grasp the local language at rapid speed and become immediately immersed in Spanish culture and tradition.
This is why my husband and I chose for our third child to attend a semi-private Catalan school, and it was also a great decision!
Language Exposure
How important is it for your children to speak a second language? In Spain, regardless of what type of school you choose, students are required to learn both Spanish and the regional language.
In Catalunya, the local language is Catalan. In the Galacia region, the local language is Galacian. In the Basque Country area, they speak none other than – you guessed it, Basque! This is important to research and consider as you choose a school. The regional government will require children speak the regional language in public and semi-private schools and be taught this language in for several hours each week at most private and international schools.
Even though our family lived in Barcelona and the kids were exposed to Catalan at school, they also learned Spanish quickly. How? During social times at school, in the lunchroom and on the playground speaking with local kids. I was so impressed with their ability to speak after only one year.
The fact that they also know some level of Catalan is just a bonus!
Curriculum
Are you open to exposing your children to a new curriculum? Some say no and opt for the equivalent international school, while other such as my husband and I felt very drawn to what our children would experience at a British School. The subjects learned were mostly the same – reading, writing, maths, science – with some extras thrown in such as Current Events and Mindfulness.
In the Spanish schools, curriculum will be similar to core subjects but grouped differently. For example, students study the following subjects throughout Primary education: Spanish language (lengua), Maths, Conocimiento del Medio (a general knowledge subject which includes biology, history, geography, general and local knowledge and social awareness), Physical Education (Educación Física or EP); Arts and Crafts (plástica), and a second language, usually English (inglés).
For more information on the curriculum taught in Spanish schools, see Spain’s Education Ministry website
Cost of education in Spain
The difference in cost between a state school in Spain (virtually cost free) and an international one is dramatic. So, understanding your personal budget for education will determine which options to consider.
The types of schools offered in Spain fall into four categories. Public/state schools are free and fully funded by the government. All children are guaranteed a spot at a public school. Private or religious schools are entirely tuition based with additional fees such as uniforms and meals. Semi-private are partially funded with some tuition and additional fees.
And lastly, international schools which are entirely tuition-based and tend to be quite costly (starting at 7,000 euro per year depending on the grade). These institutions assume the language and curriculum of their country.
As with any school, afternoon activities and sports will incur extra costs as well. We have found these to be very affordable compared to those in the U.S. For example, an after school futbol program twice per week may cost 50-70 euro per month.
When do children start school in Spain?
Children in Spain are required by law to attend school between the ages of six and sixteen years old, although many children begin at age three in Pre-School (educacion infantil). Of course, if both mom and dad work they may choose a guarderia or day care (from birth to three years old).
When we first moved to Barcelona, our children were 5, 4 and 9 months old. So right away, we knew the older two would attend school and the baby would stay home with mom until the age of three.
The education system in Spain is divided into four key stages, two of which are mandatory.
- Preschool (Educacion Infantil) – Ages 3-6: Optional although many schools offer it. Most children begin school at this stage.
- Primary Education (Educación Primaria) – Ages 6-12: Mandatory
- Secondary Education (Educación Secundaría) – Ages 13-16: Mandatory
- Upper Secondary Education (Bachillerato) – Ages 16+: Optional
How Do I Enroll My Child in School in Spain?
The enrollment process will depend entirely on which type of school you choose. The international and private school process is fairly straight-forward, known as open enrollment. As long as there is a place for your child, he or she can be enrolled at any time. This is ideal for expat families who relocate throughout the year.
At the secondary education level, some international/private schools may require entrance exams in core subjects such as Writing, Literacy, and Mathematics.
Typically, a transcript from their previous school, birth certificate, and health/immunization reports are needed for registration. In addition, a one-time matriculation fee is usually associated in order to secure the student’s place.
For public and semi-private schools in Spain, you must enter a lottery program as a first-time student. The lottery takes place in early Spring and school assignments are based on a points system that coincides with one’s mailing address (or catchment area).
Parents are advised to choose two or three schools in their catchment area and visit their Open House days in early Spring. This gives you an opportunity to learn about the school/curriculum and ask any important questions.
The points system I mentioned is based on several factors and families with the highest number of points will be placed higher on the list. Things like proper documentation submitted and siblings at the school will earn points. Public and semi-private school assignments are usually communicated in May/June and in most cases, a family’s first choice can be accommodated.
What Are Some Social Norms at Spanish Schools?
In any foreign country, there will always be a certain level of cultural adaptation. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right? And schools are no exception! Here are a few customary things in Spain I wish we had known ahead of time before sending our kids off on their first day.
School Hours
One of the biggest differences we found with schools in Spain were the hours. A typical day might begin at 8.30 / 9.00 AM and not finish until 4.30/5.00 PM, which is a whole two hours longer than schools in the U.S. It was an adjustment for our children and required some creativity at home with bedtimes, mealtimes, etc.
Meals/Snacks
Speaking of meals, the social norm in Spain is for lunch to be the most important. This goes for school lunches as well and typically children will eat a meal that resembles more of a dinner! Meat or fish, vegetables, bread, salad, and dessert are what our children at the international and semi-private schools ate, which was a mandatory cost.
At the public and semi-private schools, it is not uncommon for Spanish families to pull their children out of school for lunch and enjoy the meal at home together before returning back to school in the afternoon. Hence the term “siesta”.
As far as after school snacks are concerned, Spanish tradition is for children to enjoy a sandwich (bocadillo). I found this really funny at first, but now understand the logic. Lunch is a big meal. Therefore, dinner is served in Spain around 8.30 PM. Which meant a bocadillo is enough to hold children over during after school activities.
School Trips
When I grew up, school trips consisted of an afternoon at the post office or local farm. In Spain, children starting at age 5 benefit from an impressive 3-night trip away from home with teachers and classmates. This came as a real shock to us since restrictions for off campus trips seem to be getting tighter in the United States. However, I trusted that this trip, known as colonias, has been done with success for years. Just another Spanish tradition to adjust to!
At colonias, which takes place every school year in the Spring, kids learn independence, teamwork, and have time in nature doing activities such as archery and ziplining.
Pretty fabulous, if you ask me!
Extracurricular activities
Another Spanish social norm is to keep your children at school for an extra hour to enjoy various sports/activities. As mentioned earlier, this is optional and an additional expense but very convenient for the working parent. Kids can benefit from art classes, language lessons, and multi-sports among many other options varying by school.
In conclusion
Yes the task of selecting a school in Spain, or any foreign city for that matter, can be overwhelming. But if you stay organized, clearly identify your goals, understand the process and stay positive you will inevitably make the very best decision for your children and family!
The education all three of our kids received while living in Barcelona was second to none. They now have friends from all over the world, can speak another language, and they have embraced a new culture, all as a result of attending an international school in Spain.
