I’ve just gone through the process of enrolling my kid in middle school, and my head is spinning. I’ve seen many on the forums also struggling with the choice between public, private, and semi-private schools, so I decided to write down what I’ve learned about semi-private schools to help others who are on the same path.
What is a Semi-Private School (Concertado)?
Simply put, a semi-private school (colegio concertado) is a ‘government-subsidized private school’. The school’s facilities and teacher recruitment initially operate on a private model, but they later sign an agreement with the government to receive public funding. In exchange, they must waive tuition fees for core educational stages and adhere to the same admission standards and curriculum as public schools, a model distinct from that of many Spanish private schools.
Application and Fees
The application process and timeline are synchronized with public schools, with applications typically submitted between March and April each year. Admission is based on a points system. Proximity to the school, having siblings already enrolled, or a parent working at the school can all earn you extra points. Although core courses are theoretically free, there are always ‘miscellaneous fees.’ Schools will charge for ‘supplementary activities,’ ‘materials,’ ‘lunch services,’ etc., which constitute their main source of income. Per month, excluding lunch and the school bus, these fees can range from €100-€300, varying greatly by region and school.
Public vs. Semi-Private vs. Private: How to Choose?
There’s no absolute ‘best’ or ‘worst’ among these three types of schools; it’s all about finding the right fit. I’ve created a simple comparison table for your reference:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Public | Completely free; diverse student body | Facilities are generally average; high teacher turnover in some areas |
| Semi-Private | Better facilities; stable teaching staff; offers extra courses | Has mandatory miscellaneous fees; some have a religious background; admission spots are highly competitive |
| Private | Top-tier facilities; small class sizes; international curriculum | Expensive tuition; less diverse student social circles |
If you find that public schools don’t meet your standards for facilities or management, but feel the tuition of fully [Spanish private schools] is too burdensome, then a semi-private school—which often has amenities comparable to what you’d find in Spanish private school cafeterias—is a very worthwhile compromise. Our family ultimately chose a semi-private Catholic school near our home, mainly for its stable teaching staff and positive school culture. I hope this provides some inspiration for parents currently in the school selection process. Feel free to discuss any questions you have here!
