Having been in Spain for just a few years, my child is now old enough for school, and choosing the right one has been a real headache. Public schools, with their enrollment based on catchment areas, are straightforward. However, seeing everyone discussing private and semi-private (concertado) schools, I decided to look into them as well. I quickly discovered that the ‘curriculum system’ alone is quite complex. Today, I’m sharing my research to get the ball rolling and would love to hear advice from more experienced parents!
International Curriculums vs. the Spanish National Curriculum
Simply put, private schools in Spain mainly offer two types of curriculums: one is internationally recognized programs, like the well-known IB (International Baccalaureate) and the British A-Level system; the other is the native Spanish Bachillerato. The main differences between these systems lie in the language of instruction, course content, assessment methods, and future university application pathways for Spanish private schools. To offer the best of both worlds, many international schools provide a dual-track system, allowing students to study an international curriculum while also earning a Spanish high school diploma, thus broadening their options.
Comparison of Mainstream Curriculum Systems
To make it clearer, I’ve created a simple table comparing the features of the main curriculums. Of course, this is just my personal understanding and is by no means exhaustive. Please feel free to add your insights.
| Curriculum System | Language of Instruction | Core Features | Best Suited For |
|---|
| IB | Mainly English, Spanish also available | Comprehensive, balanced between arts and sciences, emphasizes inquiry and critical thinking | Well-rounded students with no strong subject bias, aiming for top global universities |
| A-Level | English | Specialized and in-depth. Students select 3-4 subjects to study deeply, a key feature of this type of Spanish private school curriculum. | Students with clear goals and strong subjects, aiming for universities in the UK and Commonwealth |
| Bachillerato | Spanish | Seamlessly integrated with Spanish public education, prepares for the Spanish university entrance exam (EBAU/Selectividad) | Students who plan to attend university in Spain and have a strong command of Spanish |
Choosing the right curriculum really depends on your child’s future plans. If they want to study in the US or UK, the IB or A-Level programs are more widely recognized and offer an advantage in applications. However, if the plan is to stay in Spain, diligently completing the Bachillerato to aim for top local universities is a very practical choice. A friend’s child is doing the IB, and it’s brutal—a constant stream of projects, essays, and social activities. It demands exceptional time management and all-around skills, but the child is undeniably getting comprehensive development.
So, choosing a school isn’t just about the facilities and tuition fees; the curriculum is the soul of the school. It directly shapes what and how your child will learn for the next few years. I’m still on the fence. On one hand, I feel the IB can broaden my child’s horizons, but on the other, I worry about the immense pressure and, of course, the tuition fees are… well, you know. How did you all choose for your kids? Are there any students or alumni who have gone through these programs and can share their firsthand experiences? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
