My family has recently been discussing our child’s future educational path. Due to our family background and future plans, we’ve set our sights on the Japanese international schools in Spain. After some research, I found the information to be quite scattered, so I decided to compile it myself. I’m sharing it here for other parents on the forum who might be interested in the Japanese international school fees and have similar needs. Let’s discuss it together!
There are essentially two main Japanese international schools in Spain: one in Barcelona and one in Madrid. Both schools are accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and their curriculum is synchronized with that of schools in Japan. This ensures a seamless transition for families planning to return to Japan in the future. Below, I’ll compare them based on a few aspects that most parents are concerned about.
Basic School Information Comparison
Japanese School of Barcelona
Established in 1986, it is located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, in the province of Barcelona, which is a quiet, international, and affluent area. The school offers a complete education from elementary to junior high school. The curriculum strictly follows the Japanese education system, emphasizing core subjects and group activities. Many graduates choose to return to Japan to continue their high school education.
Japanese School in Madrid
The school in Madrid has a slightly longer history, founded in 1981. It is located in the Moncloa-Aravaca district in the northwest of Madrid, offering relatively convenient transportation. Like the Barcelona school, it also provides elementary and junior high school programs and strictly adheres to the MEXT curriculum. The school places a strong emphasis on fostering students’ Japanese cultural identity.
A Brief Analysis of Curriculum and Fees
The most significant feature of both schools is that their curriculum is fully synchronized with that in Japan, using the same textbooks. This makes them a top choice for families where Japanese is the native language or for those who want their children to receive an authentic Japanese education. However, this also means that admission can be quite challenging for children with no prior Japanese language skills. Regarding tuition, I’ve created a rough table, but please note that fees may change. It’s always best to contact the school’s admissions office directly for the most accurate information.
| Item | Japanese School of Barcelona | Japanese School in Madrid |
|---|
| Admission Fee | Approx. €2,000 - €3,000 | Approx. €2,500 - €3,500 |
| Monthly Tuition | Approx. €500 - €650 | Approx. €550 - €700 |
| Other Fees | School bus, lunch, textbooks, etc., are extra | School bus, lunch, textbooks, etc., are extra |
There are no fundamental differences in teaching quality or model between the two schools; they are more like ‘branches’ in different cities. The choice largely depends on whether your family’s life and work are centered in Barcelona or Madrid. Other factors to consider include the community environment and transportation convenience. I hope this simple summary can get the conversation started. I also welcome parents with more inside information to add details about things like extracurricular activities, faculty quality, or their real-life experiences at the schools! Let’s share information and help each other choose a great school for our kids
!
