My family has recently been thinking about our child’s schooling, and since we’re based in Barcelona, I’ve researched several of the main international schools here. I’ve noticed that forums often discuss Benjamin Franklin and the British School of Barcelona, so today I’d like to share some information about another popular choice—the American School of Barcelona (ASB). I hope this can be a helpful reference for other parents who are also in the process of choosing a school.
ASB is one of the most well-known international schools in Barcelona, priding itself on providing an authentic American education. The school is located in Esplugues de Llobregat, just outside Barcelona, making it relatively accessible from the city. Its most distinctive feature is its curriculum, which, from early childhood to high school, is fully aligned with American educational standards. In the final two years of high school, it offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. This is a significant advantage for students aiming to apply to top universities in the United States or around the world. I’ve spoken with friends whose children attend ASB, and the general consensus is that the school has a rather liberal academic atmosphere, strongly encouraging independent thinking and project-based learning over rote memorization. This aligns perfectly with my perception of American education.
One of the biggest concerns for everyone is, of course, the tuition fees. International schools are not cheap, and ASB is no exception. I’ve compiled a rough breakdown of the annual fees from the official website for your reference. It’s important to note that these figures only cover tuition and do not include other miscellaneous costs like registration fees, lunch, school bus services, or extracurricular activities, so you’ll need to budget for a higher total amount.
| Grade Level | Approximate Annual Tuition |
|---|
| Early Childhood | 12,000 - 13,000 |
| Elementary School | 14,000 - 17,000 |
| Middle School | 18,000 - 21,000 |
| High School | 22,000+ |
Note: The figures above are estimates. Please refer to the school’s official website for the most up-to-date information.
Regarding admissions, the entry requirements for ASB are quite high. In addition to submitting various documents, children must undergo an assessment, which varies by age group and primarily evaluates their English proficiency and overall abilities. As English is the main language of instruction, the school requires a certain level of English proficiency, a factor that parents also consider when looking at other options like the Basque International School. However, Spanish and Catalan are also compulsory subjects, so there’s no need to worry about your child being completely disconnected from the local language environment. The school culture is very diverse, with students reportedly from over 50 different countries, which is excellent for developing a child’s global perspective.
If you align with the American educational philosophy, have a sufficient budget, and want a more diverse range of university pathways for your child’s future, then the American School of Barcelona is a choice well worth considering. However, if you place more value on the rigorous academic style of a British education or have a more limited budget, you might want to look at other schools. Are there any parents on the forum whose children are currently enrolled at ASB? Feel free to join the conversation and share your real-life experiences! For example, are the school lunches really as good as they say?
