Lately, many newcomers on the forum have been asking about their children’s schooling, especially regarding languages, which is understandably a top priority. Besides Spanish, how are foreign language classes actually structured in public schools? Can you really count on the school to get your child’s English up to scratch? Today, based on my own kids’ and friends’ experiences, I’m going to break down the language curriculum in Spanish public schools to help those of you choosing a school or feeling unsure.
First, let’s talk about English, which is what most people are concerned about. It’s legally required to be taught starting from the first year of primary school, with about 2-3 classes per week. But honestly, the quality of English teaching in public schools is really a matter of luck. With a good teacher, your child can build a solid foundation; with one who just reads from the textbook, those two weekly classes are basically a wash. Many so-called “bilingual schools” only use English to teach non-core subjects like art or P.E., which does little to improve language proficiency. Don’t expect your child to become fluent in English just by attending a public school. Its main role is to build a good foundation in grammar and vocabulary and develop a feel for the language.
Second Foreign Language: More of an Introduction
Once they enter secondary school, around age 12, students are usually required to choose a second foreign language. The most common choice is French, given that it’s a neighboring country, followed by German. Some larger schools might offer Italian or Portuguese as an option for their [instructional languages in Spain], but it’s quite rare. This class is also just a couple of hours a week, and the teacher’s goal is mainly to introduce students to the language, teaching basic greetings and vocabulary. It’s by no means enough for in-depth learning of these [instructional languages in Spain]. If your child is genuinely interested, extra-curricular effort is essential.
Regional Official Languages: The Unavoidable Compulsory Subject
This is a point that many newly arrived families, or even those moving from other regions within Spain, often overlook! If you live in Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia, the Balearic Islands, or Valencia, the regional language is not an elective—it’s a mandatory, core subject, and often the primary language of instruction! This means that besides the language class itself, subjects like math, history, and science may be taught in the regional language.
Here’s a table to give you a clearer picture:
Language Models in Major Autonomous Communities
| Region | Regional Language | Level of Immersion |
|---|
| Catalonia | Catalan | Very high, primary language of instruction |
| Basque Country | Basque | High, different language models offered |
| Galicia | Galician | Medium, ratio of Spanish to Galician is approx. 50/50 |
| Valencian Community | Valencian | Medium, varies by area and school |
The core principle of language education in public schools is ‘universal access,’ ensuring every child masters Spanish and basic English, and gets exposure to a second foreign language where available. If you hope for your child to achieve fluency in a foreign language, relying solely on school is unrealistic. For newcomers, there are also [language support classes in public schools] to help them adapt. After-school language academies, summer camps, or private tutors are very common ways to supplement their learning. What second foreign languages are your children studying? If you have kids in school in Catalonia or the Basque Country, please share your experiences with their language adaptation!
