A friend of mine was recently worried about their child’s art education, looking for an international art high school or pre-university program in Spain, and asked me for some insights. I spent some time researching and found that the international art schools here are quite unique and not as rigid as the public schools. I’ve put together some of my findings as a reference for other parents on this forum who are also navigating the path for their ‘young artists’. All contributions are welcome!
For Art Schools, an International Focus is Key
Why choose an international school? I believe the main reasons are the curriculum and the language environment. Most good international schools, like these Spanish art schools, offer the IB program. The Visual Arts course within it is particularly beneficial for applying to top art universities in the UK and the US. With full English or bilingual (English/Spanish) instruction, students can seamlessly transition to further studies in any country. This is unlike the local Spanish Bachillerato de Artes, which has a more traditional system and offers a more limited path.
A Roundup of Schools in Major Cities
Spain’s educational resources are mainly concentrated in Madrid and Barcelona, but Valencia, as the third-largest city, also has some excellent options. I’ve focused on a few schools in these three cities, each with its own emphasis.
Madrid:
- King’s College School, La Moraleja: A long-established and prestigious school with very strong academics. Art is just one of its streams, but the facilities and faculty are top-notch. It’s suitable for well-rounded students who don’t want to exclusively focus on art.
- International School of Madrid: A smaller school with a strong artistic atmosphere and a high level of teacher attention for each student. They offer excellent guidance on student portfolios, and their graduates are admitted to great art colleges every year.
Barcelona:
- Benjamin Franklin International School: This school follows an American educational system with a free and open atmosphere that strongly encourages student creativity. Its art department is quite well-known in Barcelona.
- Barcelona High School: This is a relatively new school, listed among other Spanish art schools, that specializes in art, design, and technology, functioning somewhat like a pre-college art program. The curriculum is highly focused, making it ideal for students with clear goals who are determined to pursue a career in the arts.
Here is a simple comparison table I made for a clearer overview:
| School Name | City | Curriculum Highlights | Suitable For |
|---|
| King’s College School | Madrid | A-Level/IB, strong academic focus | Academically-strong students, art as a hobby or one of several interests |
| International School of Madrid | Madrid | British curriculum, excellent portfolio guidance | Students focused on art, needing personalized mentoring |
| BFIS | Barcelona | AP/IB, American system, liberal atmosphere | Creative types who enjoy exploration and self-expression |
| Barcelona High School | Barcelona | Customized art curriculum | Students with clear goals, specializing in art and design |
Choosing a school is a very personal decision. Some children thrive in a broad academic environment, while others need a more focused and liberal artistic atmosphere. I highly recommend taking your child to a school’s Open Day to experience it firsthand. Also, the tuition fees are not cheap, so be prepared to open your wallet. I hope this information is helpful. Experienced parents are welcome to add more, or perhaps share insights about schools in Valencia, Málaga, and other areas!
