I’ve been busy looking at schools for my little one here in Barcelona lately, which has been both a sweet and stressful process. After touring a few, I wanted to talk about Hamelin-Laie International School. It seems there aren’t many discussions about it on the forum, so I’d like to start the conversation and offer some insights for other parents who might need them.
School Overview
The full name of the school is Hamelin-Laie International School. It’s located in Montgat, north of Barcelona, not far from the sea, and the environment is truly lovely. The school covers all stages from kindergarten to high school and offers the IB curriculum. In terms of languages, it provides a trilingual learning environment, primarily in English, Spanish, and Catalan, which is a great advantage for developing a child’s linguistic skills. I personally value this highly, as all three languages are important for life in the Catalonia region.
Curriculum and Facilities
They follow the full IB framework from primary and secondary school all the way through to high school. The hallmark of the IB curriculum is its focus on fostering students’ inquiry skills and overall development, rather than just preparing for exams. During my tour, I noticed the classroom setups were very inspiring and not as rigid as in traditional settings. The school’s facilities are also comprehensive, with science labs, art studios, music rooms, a large indoor gymnasium, and outdoor sports fields. From what I was told, the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports and arts to technology, catering to the diverse interests of different children.
Regarding Tuition Fees
When it comes to international schools, tuition fees are naturally a major concern for everyone. I’ve compiled the information I gathered, but please note that fees vary by grade level and may be adjusted annually. Therefore, this should only be taken as a reference; it’s best to contact the school’s admissions office directly for the latest pricing.
| Grade Level | Approximate Monthly Fee (€) |
|---|
| Early Years / Preschool | 700 - 850 |
| Primary School | 850 - 950 |
| Secondary School | 950 - 1050 |
| High School / Baccalaureate | 1050 - 1200 |
Note: This fee generally does not include additional costs such as registration, lunch, school bus, uniforms, and extracurricular activities.
My impression of Hamelin is that it’s a school with a modern educational philosophy and excellent facilities. Of course, every family’s needs and every child’s situation are different, so the most important part of choosing a school is to visit and get a feel for it in person. If you’re interested, I highly recommend booking a school tour to speak with the admissions officer and also let your child see if they like the Hamelin school uniform. Are there any parents whose children are already enrolled here? I’d love to hear about your actual experiences!
