It feels like the summer break is running out! Recently, many parents in our community have been asking about when various international schools start, and it seems there’s a bit of confusion. I’ve taken the time to compile a list of the approximate start date ranges for international schools in Spain in several major cities, hoping to help all the parents gearing up for the back-to-school season.
Unlike having a single, fixed start date, schools here in Spain have quite varied schedules. The main difference depends on the educational system the school follows—whether it’s British, American, IB, or the local Spanish curriculum, the dates can vary significantly.
Overview of International School Start Dates by Region
Madrid Region
As the capital, Madrid has the widest selection of international schools, and their start times are the most competitive. Most British and American schools are concentrated in the first week of September. For example, established British schools like King’s College and Runnymede College typically start between September 4th and 7th. American schools like The American School of Madrid follow a similar schedule. However, there are always minor adjustments each year, so the most reliable method is to check the official School Calendar on the school’s website—that’s the most accurate source!
Barcelona and Catalonia Region
The situation in Barcelona is similar to Madrid’s, though start dates might be a day or two later overall. For instance, The British School of Barcelona and Benjamin Franklin International School usually set their start dates within the September 5th to 8th range. It’s worth noting that the Catalonia region has many local holidays, which can lead to unique vacation schedules during the term, so be sure to check the school calendar for these as well.
Other Regions
In the sunny southern coastal cities like Valencia, Málaga, and Marbella, international schools also generally follow the early September convention. However, I get the feeling that the pace in the southern schools is a bit more relaxed—or maybe it’s just my impression, haha. Below is a simple table I’ve put together to help you compare the approximate time frames for a few typical schools:
| City | School Type | Approx. Start Week |
|---|
| Madrid | British/American Schools | First week of September |
| Barcelona | British/American/IB | First week of September |
| Valencia | Various International Schools | First to early second week of September |
| Málaga | Various International Schools | First to early second week of September |
It’s the end of August, so it’s time to get your children’s school supplies and uniforms ready. Feel free to reply below and share the specific start dates for schools you know to help others out! Wishing all the kids a successful new school year!
