Time flies, and the long summer vacation is finally coming to an end! Every September is both a sigh of relief for parents as the kids go back to school and the start of a new round of busyness. Seeing the start date on the calendar getting closer brings up mixed feelings. My child is moving up a grade this year, which means another round of shopping and preparation.
Pre-School Preparations
The biggest headache is always the list of books and materials. When I first received the email from the school, my wallet was already hurting just looking at the long list. This year, the textbooks alone cost almost €200, not to mention various workbooks and stationery. We’re lucky in our area; some autonomous communities offer book grants, which can save a lot of money. Where do you usually buy books? El Corte Inglés, Amazon, or local bookshops? I feel like the book-covering service at the small shops is a really nice perk.
Besides books, there’s the backpack, pencil case, and various pens, crayons, and notebooks. I go through the old supplies every year to see what’s still usable, but my child always wants a new style of backpack. As a parent, it’s hard to say no. One great thing about public schools is that they generally don’t have uniforms, which is a relief. Getting into one often just requires a proof of residence. This is unlike some private or semi-private schools, where a full uniform set can be a significant expense.
School Hours and Schedule
In the first week of school, and often for the entire month of September, many Spanish public schools operate on a special short-day schedule (jornada intensiva). This means classes are only in the morning, and the school cafeteria may not be open. This can be a nightmare for dual-income families… The normal full-day schedule usually resumes in October. Here’s a simple comparison:
| Item | September Schedule | Regular Schedule (from Oct) |
|---|
| School Hours | Typically 9:00 - 13:00 | Typically 9:00 - 14:00 or split day |
| Lunch Service | Mostly unavailable | Available |
| Extracurriculars | Usually not scheduled | Normally resume |
Finally, all the back-to-school errands are done. Although my wallet is a bit sore, seeing my child all dressed up with a new backpack, excited to see their teachers and friends, makes it all worthwhile. I hope the new school year goes smoothly for everyone. To all the parents on the forum, I wish you a smooth start to the school season too! Are there any special back-to-school customs or things to watch out for in your area? Let’s chat about it!
