Choosing a school for my child has been quite overwhelming. I’m based in Madrid and have been focusing on the northern areas, specifically around La Moraleja and Alcobendas. A few days ago, I visited the well-known BrainS International School. It was a very informative visit, so I decided to post about it here to share my experience with other parents going through the same process and to keep a personal record.
First Impressions of the Campus
My immediate impression upon entering was that the facilities are very new and the space is well-utilized. Perhaps because the school is relatively new, the campus layout feels modern. Standard features like playgrounds, a swimming pool, and an indoor sports hall are all present, well-maintained, and very clean. The staff member giving the tour mentioned a strong emphasis on sports and the arts, which is evident from the excellent facilities. The students seemed relaxed and were very lively during their breaks, creating a vibrant atmosphere rather than a subdued one.
Curriculum and Languages
The most distinctive feature of BrainS is probably its curriculum. From early childhood (Infantil) through primary school (Primaria), it offers a full English-Spanish bilingual immersion program, with English reportedly accounting for up to 70% of instruction. In secondary school (Secundaria), the focus gradually transitions to the Spanish national education system. For the final two years (Bachillerato), students can choose between the Spanish Bachillerato or the IB Diploma Programme. I find this to be an excellent compromise for families who want their children to become multilingual without completely departing from the Spanish educational framework. However, some parents might worry that this hybrid model could prevent students from achieving deep mastery in either system, which is a valid point for consideration.
I’ve summarized the teaching languages and systems at different stages at BrainS for your reference:
| Stage | Primary Language of Instruction | Final Diploma Options |
|---|
| Infantil & Primaria | English & Spanish | - |
| Secundaria | Mainly Spanish, with English support | - |
| Bachillerato | Spanish / English | Spanish University Entrance Exam / IBDP |
Personal Thoughts
My impression is that BrainS is a vibrant and rather academically demanding school, with a strong focus on sports and technology. Their advocacy for the ‘Theory of Multiple Intelligences’ also sounds interesting, which aims to discover and nurture each child’s unique talents. However, the tuition fees are genuinely high; it’s in the top tier for Madrid. Additionally, since the school is very popular, admissions are said to be quite competitive, especially for the younger grades. Personally, I feel that if your budget allows and you want a well-rounded education for your child with a focus on sports and language skills, BrainS is definitely worth considering. But if you prioritize a purely British or American educational model, or if you’re concerned about the cost-effectiveness, you might want to look at other schools. Are there any parents on this forum whose children attend BrainS? I’d love to hear about your real-life experiences!
