Recently, posts on the forum asking about choosing schools for children have become more and more frequent, especially regarding international schools in Barcelona. My own child is going through this process right now, so I’ve compiled my research and findings to hopefully help other parents who are feeling anxious about school selection. Barcelona has a rich selection of international schools, with the main options being American, British, German, French, etc., each with its own unique characteristics and system.
A Look at Some Popular International Schools
Let’s start with a few schools that are frequently discussed. Spots at these schools are highly sought-after, especially in the lower grades, so you absolutely must start preparing and get on the waiting list well in advance
! Otherwise, you’ll just have to wait and hope for the best.
The American School of Barcelona : A well-established American school located in Esplugues de Llobregat. The facilities are excellent, and its IB results are consistently impressive. It’s a top choice for many families of American expats, so the English-speaking environment is very authentic. While on the topic of schools, [SEK International School]
is another to consider. The downsides are the high tuition fees, and its location can be a bit far for families living in the city center, unlike the BSB in Barcelona, so commuting requires careful planning.
Benjamin Franklin International School : Another top-tier American school, located in the affluent Sarrià district. It is academically rigorous and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. I have friends whose children attend, and they report that while the academic pressure is significant, the kids’ overall skills develop rapidly. Tuition is also hefty, and admission is extremely competitive.
St. Peter’s School: This school is quite unique. It’s one of the few IB schools within Barcelona city that specializes in science and technology. Although the campus isn’t large, its facilities are very modern. It’s said that the school places a strong emphasis on fostering students’ inquiry and innovation skills. If, when searching for [international schools in Barcelona], you want your child to pursue a future in STEM fields, this one is definitely worth a closer look.
Curriculum and Tuition Fee Overview
When choosing a school, curriculum and budget are two key factors you can’t ignore. British schools typically follow the IGCSE + A-Level pathway, while American schools offer a US High School Diploma along with AP or IB courses. Most top international schools ultimately offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), which facilitates applications to universities worldwide. I’ve put together a simple table for a quick comparison.
| School Name | Main Curriculum | Approx. Annual Tuition |
|---|
| The American School of Barcelona | American, IBDP | €12,000 - €22,000 |
| Benjamin Franklin Int’l School | American, IBDP | €11,000 - €21,000 |
| St. Peter’s School | IB | €13,000 - €18,000 |
| The British School of Barcelona | British, IBDP | €10,000 - €16,000 |
Besides the ones mentioned above, Barcelona also has excellent German and French schools, which are great options if your family has the relevant language background. All in all, choosing a school is a major undertaking. I highly recommend you attend as many school Open Days as possible to experience the campus atmosphere and educational philosophy firsthand. If you have any first-hand information or pitfalls you’ve encountered, please feel free to share them in the comments below!
