I’ve noticed more and more posts on forums discussing children’s education lately, and it seems many people are quite anxious. As it happens, my work has given me some insight into several of the main international schools here in the Basque Country. I’ve decided to organize what I know and share it as a reference for those who might find it useful. Please note that this is purely from my personal perspective, and the information might not be 100% accurate. I welcome any additions or corrections.
The selection of international schools in the Basque Country isn’t particularly wide, with most concentrated around Bilbao and San Sebastián. It’s not like Madrid or Barcelona where they are everywhere, but the quality of the few established schools is well-assured.
A Quick Overview of the Main Schools
American School of Bilbao
This is arguably the most famous and oldest international school in the Basque region, founded in 1967. The school is located in Berango, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Bilbao. ASB offers a complete American education from kindergarten to high school, where students can earn a US High School Diploma and the IB Diploma. I have friends whose children attend the school, and their feedback is that the academics are rigorous and there are plenty of activities, resulting in children who are generally outgoing and confident. However, it’s said that the admission standards are quite high, especially for transferring into the upper grades, requiring a strong command of English.
St. George’s English School
This is another very popular school, located in Leioa, and it follows the British educational system. It’s the top choice for families who want their children to follow the British path and eventually take A-Levels. The school environment is excellent, and the facilities are new. I personally appreciate their small-class teaching model. Compared to ASB, St. George’s may have a slightly lower proportion of Chinese students, and the language environment might be a bit more immersive, perhaps more like the American School of Barcelona. However, this is just an impression and not supported by concrete data.
Lycée Français de Bilbao
If a family has a French-speaking background or plans to move to France, Quebec (Canada), or other French-speaking regions in the future, the French school is an excellent option. Its curriculum is fully synchronized with the system in France, and it’s renowned for its academic rigor. The downside? It has a high requirement for French proficiency. It can be quite challenging for a child with no prior knowledge of the language to integrate. I’ve heard the tuition is relatively cheaper, but I haven’t verified this specifically.
Here is a simple comparison I’ve put together based on public information and some inquiries. Please use it as a reference:
| School Name | Primary Language of Instruction | Curriculum | Approx. Tuition Range |
|---|
| American School of Bilbao | English | American + IB | €10,000 - €18,000 |
| St. George’s English School | English | British | €9,000 - €16,000 |
| Lycée Français de Bilbao | French | French National Curriculum | €7,000 - €12,000 |
Choosing a school for your child is a huge undertaking. Beyond looking at the curriculum and tuition fees, the most important thing is to find the right fit for your child. If possible, I highly recommend scheduling a school visit to speak with the admissions officer and get a real feel for the school’s atmosphere. I hope this information is helpful, and I welcome anyone else with knowledge on the topic to join the discussion below!
