Having recently moved to Valencia, I’ve been wrestling with the big decision of choosing a school for my child. Friends back home all recommended the IB program, saying it’s highly recognized by universities worldwide and helps with applications to top schools. So I spent some time researching all the international schools in Valencia that offer the IB program, like the American School of Valencia, and I’m sharing my findings with other parents in the same boat. Hopefully, this can help you avoid some of the legwork.
An Overview of IB International Schools in Valencia
There aren’t a huge number of schools in Valencia offering the IB program, but each one has its own unique character. I’ve mainly focused on the American School of Valencia, Caxton College, and The British School of Valencia, as they are the most frequently discussed ones. Of course, there are other good schools, such as Colegio Internacional de Levante, but I don’t know as much about them, so I won’t go into detail about international boarding schools in Valencia here.
Comparison of Mainstream Schools
To make comparison easier, I’ve put together a simple table—and also looked into SEK International School. The information is mainly sourced from the schools’ official websites and parent forums. The tuition fees are estimates and are subject to change annually, so be sure to confirm the exact figures with the admissions office when you apply.
| School Name | Primary Language of Instruction | IB Stages Offered | Estimated Annual Tuition | Key Features |
|---|
| American School of Valencia | English | PYP, MYP, DP | €8,000 - €18,000 | Authentic American education, modern facilities, wide range of activities |
| Caxton College | English | DP | €9,000 - €15,000 | British education system, strong academic focus |
| The British School of Valencia | English | DP | €8,500 - €14,000 | British education, located in the city center, convenient transportation |
My impression of ASV is that it’s a typical American school, with a strong emphasis on the holistic development of students, a vibrant campus life with many activities, and top-notch facilities. If you want your child to learn in a relatively free and creativity-encouraging environment, ASV could be a great fit. However, its tuition is also the highest among these schools. Caxton College, on the other hand, leans more towards a traditional British elite education. It has a strong academic atmosphere and is said to have high academic standards for its students. If the goal is a top university like Oxford or Cambridge, Caxton seems to have a strong reputation.
Finally, let’s talk about BSV. Its biggest advantage is its location right in the city, making drop-offs and pick-ups very convenient for families living in the urban area. While its campus might not be as spacious as those in the suburbs, it’s well-equipped despite its size. It also follows the British curriculum and offers the IBDP. In conclusion, there’s no single ‘best’ school; the right choice really depends on your family’s needs, your child’s personality, and your future plans. I’d recommend attending the Open Days for these schools if you can, to get a firsthand feel for the atmosphere before making a decision. I hope this information is helpful to you all!
