Lately, I’ve seen many people on the forum asking about their children’s schooling, especially how to choose an international school. I recently went through the process of researching all the major international schools in Barcelona for my own child, so I’m starting this thread to share what I’ve learned. I hope it can help other parents who are currently struggling with this decision.
An Overview of Major International Schools
Barcelona has a well-established international school system, primarily divided into British, American, and IB (International Baccalaureate) curricula. The system you choose largely determines your child’s future university pathway. The British system tends to focus on academic rigor, while the American system emphasizes holistic development and creativity. Of course, tuition fees are also a major factor to consider, and they are generally not cheap.
Specific School Details
Here are the schools I focused on. The information may not be completely accurate, and I welcome any additions or corrections. For another perspective, you can read a review about SEK International School.
The American School of Barcelona (ASB): A long-established American school, well-known within the expat community. It has a strong IB program, and many graduates go on to top universities in the US. The campus is large with excellent facilities and a very strong sports program. The downsides are the high tuition fees and its location in Esplugues de Llobregat, which can be a difficult commute if you live in the city center.
Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS): Another well-known American school, located in the affluent Sarrià district. It’s known for being academically rigorous with a positive learning environment. Compared to ASB, it’s smaller and has a more close-knit community feel. Admission is also very difficult, and spots are extremely limited.
The British School of Barcelona (BSB): This is a top choice if you want your child to follow the British curriculum. For an in-depth look, see this review of BSB Barcelona. The school offers the complete English National Curriculum from early years to secondary school. It is located in Castelldefels, in a beautiful environment close to the beach. However, it also presents a potential commute issue.
St. Peter’s School: This school is located in the city, in the Pedralbes area, and is known for its focus on technology and innovation. It’s not a large school, but it has an excellent reputation, especially in the sciences. It is one of the few schools in Barcelona to offer the full IB continuum: PYP, MYP, and DP.
Below is a simple comparison table I’ve put together for a quick overview:
| School Name | Main Curriculum | Location | Key Features |
|---|
| ASB | American / IB | Esplugues | Good facilities, strong sports, excellent university placements |
| BFIS | American / IB | Sarrià | Strong academic focus, close-knit community |
| BSB | British | Castelldefels | Pure British education, beautiful environment |
| St. Peter’s | IB | Pedralbes | City location, focus on tech and innovation |
Choosing a school for your child is a huge undertaking. There’s no single ‘best’ school, only the one that’s the ‘best fit’ for your family. I highly recommend considering your family’s long-term plans, your child’s personality, and your budget. If possible, schedule a school visit or attend an open day to experience the campus atmosphere firsthand with your child. I hope this information is helpful! I also encourage parents who know more about Barcelona international schools to join the conversation and share their insights!
