Lately, many newcomers on the forum have been asking about their children’s schooling, and many are confused about the language of instruction. It’s true that the language situation in Spain is a bit more complex than you might expect, but it’s quite simple once you get the hang of it. I did a lot of research when I first arrived, so today I’m sharing what I’ve learned to help those of you currently struggling with choosing a school for your child.
First, let’s be clear: Castilian, which is what we commonly call Spanish, is the official language of the entire country. According to the constitution, all Spaniards have the right and duty to learn and use Castilian. Therefore, regarding language classes in Spanish public schools, no matter where you are in Spain, all public schools must teach Castilian to ensure students master this nationwide language. If you live in a region where only Castilian is spoken, then it’s straightforward: the school will use Spanish for all instruction, plus a foreign language.
More Than One “Spanish” in Spain
This is where it gets confusing for many people. Besides Castilian (Castellano), Spain has several autonomous communities with co-official languages. In these regions, the local language has the same official status as Castilian. The main ones are:
- Catalonia: Catalan
- Basque Country: Basque
- Galicia: Galician
- Valencian Community: Valencian
In these communities, public schools don’t use a single language of instruction; instead, they employ bilingual or even trilingual education.
To balance instruction in the two official languages, these regions typically offer different linguistic models for parents to choose from. While the specific models and their names may vary slightly by community, they generally fall into the following categories. The table below provides a clearer overview:
| Model | Primary Language of Instruction | Secondary Language |
|---|
| Model A | Castilian | Regional language |
| Model B | Balanced use of both languages (approx. 50% each) | - |
| Model D | Regional language | Castilian |
It’s important to note that in Catalonia, for example, the mainstream approach is Catalan language immersion, similar to Model D above. This aims to ensure all students are proficient in both Catalan and Spanish upon graduation. Therefore, before choosing a school, it’s crucial to check the specific local language policies on your city council’s or the school’s official website to understand the language of instruction in Spain.
In addition to the official languages, English is a mandatory foreign language in all Spanish schools, starting from the early years of primary education, and there are often [language support classes in public schools]. Many schools also run “bilingual programs,” which means that besides English class, some other subjects like science or art are taught in English. Some schools also offer a second foreign language, such as French or German, though this is usually available at the secondary level. In short, when choosing a school for your child in Spain, geographical location is the key factor determining the language of instruction. I hope this post helps clarify things! Please feel free to share the specific situation in your area to help others.
