I’ve been running myself ragged lately looking for schools for my kid, and I’ve toured most of the major international schools in Valencia. Today, I want to talk about the well-known American School of Valencia (ASV). I’m sharing some information for other parents who might need it and would love to hear your thoughts too.
General School Information
ASV is located in Puzol, about a 20-minute drive from Valencia’s city center, making it quite convenient for families living in the northern part of the city or surrounding towns. The school offers a complete K-12 education, from preschool to 12th grade. Its main features are its American educational system and the IB Diploma Programme. Most teachers are native English speakers, creating a fully immersive English environment on campus. This is a major draw for parents who want their children to master the language, especially those also considering [international boarding schools in Valencia].
Curriculum and Teaching
The school’s core is the American curriculum, with students undertaking the IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) in their final two years of high school. The benefit of this combination is that students get to experience the flexible, hands-on, and critical-thinking-focused American style of education while also earning a globally recognized IB Diploma, which is great for both university admissions and personal development. The admissions officer mentioned that their graduates have excellent university placements, attending top universities in the UK, US, and Spain. However, I’ve also heard from current parents that the IB program is quite demanding, and students need to be strong independent learners.
Tuition and Other Fees
When it comes to international schools, one of the biggest concerns is always the cost. ASV is on the higher end of the price scale in Valencia. Tuition increases with grade level. I’ve put together the approximate fees for the 2023-2024 academic year that I inquired about, just to give you an idea:
| Grade Level | Approx. Annual Tuition (€) |
|---|
| Preschool / Early Years | 7,000 - 9,000 |
| Elementary School | 10,000 - 12,000 |
| Middle School | 13,000 - 15,000 |
| High School | 16,000 - 20,000 |
In addition to tuition, there are one-time registration fees, bus fees, lunch fees, and various other expenses, so you’ll need to prepare a substantial total budget—a factor to consider for any top private school in the area, including SEK International School. Whether it’s worth it depends on your personal investment and expectations for education. In my opinion, if your family has the budget and—like others looking at [IB schools in Valencia]—you highly value an authentic English environment and a strong pathway to university, ASV is a very strong contender. However, if the goal is simply for your child to grow up happy and healthy in Spain, you don’t necessarily have to go down this highly competitive route, as Valencia offers many other great options. Are there any parents with children currently at ASV on this forum? I’d love to hear about your real-life experiences.
