My kid is starting high school soon, and to give them more university application options in the future—even considering options like [acquiring a school in Spain]—we’ve been researching private high schools here. The process has been quite a hassle, and the amount of information is overwhelming. So, I decided to organize the research I’ve done and share it with other parents on the forum who might be in the same boat. I also welcome everyone to add their own insights and experiences.
Why Choose a Private High School?
This is probably the first question many parents consider. Public schools are free and their quality isn’t bad, so why spend the money on a private one? In our case, our child might not necessarily attend university only in Spain; they might consider options in the UK or the US. The curriculum offered by private schools in Spain, especially international ones, is more widely recognized globally, which is a direct advantage when applying to top overseas universities. Additionally, private schools generally offer better teaching staff, facilities, smaller class sizes, and more individual attention for students. The variety of extracurricular activities is also much richer, which I feel is more beneficial for a child’s holistic development.
Which Curriculum to Choose?
This part is crucial. Private high schools in Spain mainly offer three types of curricula, each with its pros and cons. You can choose based on your child’s future plans:
- Spanish National Bachillerato: This is the native high school curriculum for Spanish private schools, designed for students aiming to take the Spanish university entrance exam (EBAU/Selectividad). If your child is certain about attending university in Spain, this is the most direct and seamless option.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Program: This program is highly recognized worldwide but is also the most challenging. It demands strong all-around abilities from students, making it suitable for high-achievers. Completing the IB provides a significant advantage not only for applying to Spanish universities but also for top universities in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere.
- British A-Levels: This is essentially the UK’s high school curriculum. Students can choose 3-4 subjects to study in-depth based on their strengths and interests. If the primary goal is to apply to universities in the UK or other Commonwealth countries, similar to how one might pursue a private PhD in Spain, A-Levels are the top choice.
| Curriculum | Target Universities | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|
| National Bachillerato | Mainly Spanish universities | Medium | Students with clear goals to study in Spain |
| IB Program | Top universities worldwide | High | Well-rounded, high-achieving students |
| A-Levels | UK & Commonwealth universities | High | Students with clear subject strengths, aiming for the UK |
Fees and Application
In terms of cost, the tuition fees for private schools can vary significantly. A standard private school might cost €7,000-€8,000 per year, while it’s common for top-tier international schools to exceed €20,000 annually. This doesn’t include other miscellaneous costs like registration fees, lunch, school bus, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Therefore, make sure you budget accordingly! As for applications, they usually require an entrance exam and an interview. Popular schools have limited spots, so it’s best to start contacting them and preparing at least a year in advance. We’ve been busy attending school open days recently, and I highly recommend visiting in person. It gives you a much better feel for the school’s atmosphere and allows you to talk with teachers and current students, which is far more insightful than just browsing their website. I hope these experiences are helpful, and I welcome any advice from experienced members here!
