I’ve noticed a lot of discussion on online forums recently about choosing schools for kids, especially regarding international schools here in Madrid. Information seems scarce, and many parents feel a bit lost. My eldest child spent two years at the SEK-El Castillo campus before we moved and transferred to the Ciudalcampo campus, so I feel qualified to talk about SEK. I decided to write this post to share some real insights and hope it can help all the moms and dads out there navigating the school selection process.
SEK’s Two Main Campuses: El Castillo vs. Ciudalcampo
When we first arrived in Madrid, many people found it hard to distinguish between SEK’s different campuses. The two main ones are SEK-El Castillo, located in the affluent northwestern neighborhood of Villafranca del Castillo, and SEK-Ciudalcampo in the upscale northern area of Ciudalcampo. Both are excellent schools, but they have slightly different styles and focuses.
SEK-El Castillo: This campus is older and has a very unique, castle-like appearance. The facilities are top-notch, complete with horse riding and a golf course. Academics are quite rigorous here, and it feels like the teachers have higher expectations for the students. We initially chose this campus for its strong academic reputation.
SEK-Ciudalcampo: This campus is relatively newer with a more modern design. My impression is that this campus places more emphasis on developing students’ individuality and creativity, with a wide range of activities. It has strong sports programs, especially in swimming and tennis. When we moved to the north of Madrid, we transferred our child here, and they adapted very quickly.
Curriculum and Tuition Fees
One of SEK’s biggest strengths is its curriculum, offering the full International Baccalaureate (IB) program from kindergarten through to graduation. This is a significant advantage for students planning to apply to American or European universities, much like at ICS International School Madrid. Most of the teachers are Spanish, but their English proficiency is excellent, and there are also many international teachers. The school’s language environment is great. While Spanish and English form the core, as is common for many international schools in Madrid, students can also elect to study French or German.
As for the tuition fees, which everyone is curious about, SEK is certainly not cheap. Depending on the grade level, the annual tuition ranges from approximately 8,000 to 15,000 euros. This does not include the registration fee, lunch, school bus, uniforms, and other miscellaneous costs. Here is a rough breakdown of the fees based on my memory; these figures may not be exact, and you should always check the official school website for the most accurate information.
| Item | Approximate Cost (€) |
|---|
| Tuition | 8,000 - 15,000 |
| Lunch | Approx. 1,800 |
| School Bus | Approx. 1,500 - 2,000 |
| Registration Fee | Paid upon first enrollment |
Application Process and Personal Thoughts
Applying to SEK requires advance preparation. We started by submitting an application on their official website. The school then scheduled an interview and an entrance test. The interview is a conversation with both the parents and the child to understand the family’s educational philosophy and the child’s personality. The child’s test varies by age and primarily assesses their language and logical reasoning skills. For popular grades, such as entry into primary school, spots are highly competitive, so I recommend contacting the school at least a year in advance.
Overall, we are very satisfied with the quality of education at SEK. The school doesn’t just teach academic subjects; it focuses on developing well-rounded abilities like teamwork, public speaking, and critical thinking. The downside? Well, it’s expensive, haha. Another drawback is its distance from the city center. If you live downtown, the daily commute can be quite long, a common issue for many families choosing a Madrid International School. However, for the sake of a good education for our kids, these are not really issues are challenges we just have to overcome. I hope this provides some helpful reference for parents who are currently making this tough decision! Feel free to leave any questions below, and I’ll do my best to answer when I see them.
