Lately, I’ve been looking into schools for my child and have been exploring the vast array of international schools in Spain, from British and American to German and French systems, which can be quite overwhelming. By chance, I came across a less common but very interesting option: the Japanese International Schools, with campuses in Madrid and Barcelona. Since there isn’t much discussion about them in online forums, I’ve compiled the information I gathered to share with other parents who are also in the process of choosing a school.
General School Information
The Japanese International Schools in Spain primarily serve the children of Japanese families living in the country. As such, their entire educational system follows the guidelines of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). This means that the curriculum, textbooks, and academic pace are almost identical to those in Japan, allowing for a seamless transition if a student returns to Japan in the future. The schools have elementary and junior high school divisions, covering ages 6 to 15.
Curriculum and Unique Features
In terms of curriculum, besides core subjects like Japanese language arts, math, science, and social studies, the schools also place a strong emphasis on teaching Spanish and English—after all, they are in Spain. This means students often become trilingual, which is a fantastic advantage! Additionally, unique aspects of Japanese education, such as moral education, group activities, and various clubs, are major features. I looked at photos of school events, from sports days to cultural festivals, and it seems the students have a very rich and engaging campus life. Moreover, the Japanese International School fosters teamwork and a sense of collective pride from a young age. However, there’s a clear downside: the curriculum is quite different from Western (American/British) systems. If the plan is for the child to attend a university in the UK or the US, significant extra preparation may be required.
Comparison of the Two Schools
I’ve created a simple table to compare some key details of the Madrid and Barcelona campuses for your reference. Tuition is a major concern for everyone, but it’s not usually listed on the official websites; you typically need to inquire via email or phone. The figures here are based on information shared by other parents and my own estimations, so they may not be exact. It’s crucial to contact the schools directly for confirmation.
| Feature | Colegio Japonés de Madrid | Colegio Japonés de Barcelona |
|---|
| Location | Located in northwest Madrid, near Aravaca | Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, north of Barcelona |
| Student Body | Mainly children of corporate expatriates and embassy staff | Also primarily expatriate families, but with a slightly more diverse student body |
| Estimated Monthly Tuition | Approx. €600 - €800 | Approx. €550 - €750 |
| Admission Requirements | Requires at least one parent to be a Japanese national or have long-term residency experience in Japan | Similar requirements, but policies for non-Japanese students are said to be more flexible when spots are available |
Who is it a Good Fit For?
I think the Japanese International School is an excellent fit for the following types of families:
- Families with a Japanese background who plan to return to Japan in the future.
- Families who strongly identify with Japanese educational philosophies and want their children to grow up in a disciplined environment that emphasizes community and etiquette.
- Families who want their children to master Japanese, Spanish, and English and gain a unique skill set.
For families like mine without a Japanese background, the admission requirements can be the biggest hurdle. I previously emailed the Madrid campus, and their response confirmed that the criteria are quite strict. However, if you are genuinely interested in Japanese education, it’s worth contacting the school directly to inquire. Policies can change, and special admission tracks might occasionally be available. I wonder if any experienced members on this forum have sent their children there? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
