Having recently moved to Spain, I’ve been getting a major headache over choosing a school for my kid. I’m sure many of you share the same dilemma: should we opt for a local private school that Spanish families attend, or go straight for an international school? I’d like to share what I’ve learned from my research so far, and I welcome any advice or insights from those with more experience!
Private vs. International Schools: What’s the Real Difference?
At first, many people might be a bit confused—aren’t both private and international schools just… private? Well, the differences are quite significant. To put it simply, local Spanish private schools follow the Spanish national curriculum, with Spanish as the language of instruction, and the student body is predominantly Spanish. On the other hand, international schools adopt foreign educational systems, such as the British, American, or IB curriculum, with English typically being the main language of instruction and a much more diverse student population.
A Breakdown of Pros and Cons
I’ve put together a simple table to summarize the pros and cons of each for your reference:
| Feature | Spanish Private School | International School |
|---|
| Language of Instruction | Primarily Spanish | Primarily English, some are bilingual or multilingual |
| Educational System | Spanish national system | British, American, IB, or other international systems |
| Student Body | Predominantly local Spanish students | Highly diverse, with students from many nationalities |
| University Pathways | Mainly prepares for Spanish universities | Global universities, especially in the UK and US |
| Tuition Fees | Relatively lower, approx. €6,000-€15,000 per year | Generally higher, approx. €10,000-€25,000+ per year |
| Integration | Easier for children to integrate into local culture and social circles | Forms an international social circle, but may create a disconnect from local society |
If you plan to live in Spain long-term and want your child to fully integrate into the local society, with an eye on Spanish or European universities, then Spanish private schools are a great, more cost-effective option. However, if you see Spain as a stepping stone and plan for your child to attend university in the UK or US, or if you prefer a more Westernized, international education, then investing in an international school might align better with your goals. For example, I have friends whose child transferred from a private school to an international one specifically to prepare for UK universities, as the curriculum transition is said to be much smoother.
So, there’s really no right or wrong answer here; it all depends on each family’s budget specific plans and expectations for their child’s future. What are your thoughts? Are there any parents with children currently enrolled who can share their firsthand experience? Things like school facilities, teacher quality, and extracurricular activities… relying solely on official websites feels a bit superficial. Looking for some real feedback!
