Shortly after arriving in Spain, the biggest headache was figuring out schooling for my child. Coming from the highly competitive educational environment back home, I wanted my child to have a happy childhood, but I was also worried that a completely ‘hands-off’ approach might leave them behind. After doing a lot of research, I decided to look into private schools. Today, from an ordinary parent’s perspective, I’ll share what I’ve learned to provide some guidance for others, and I welcome everyone to join the discussion.
Types of Private Schools and How to Choose
When many people hear ‘private school,’ they immediately think of elite, English-speaking international schools with astronomical tuition fees. But that’s not the whole picture. Spain’s private education system is quite diverse and can be broadly divided into two main types:
Fully Private Schools (Escuelas Privadas)
These are what we traditionally think of as elite or international schools. They receive no state funding and have complete freedom over their curriculum, often adopting systems like the IB, A-Levels, or American/German curricula. They boast top-notch facilities, highly qualified teachers, and an incredible range of extracurricular activities like horse riding, golf, and sailing. Naturally, they are also the most expensive. The biggest advantage of these schools is their strong international atmosphere and a clear pathway for graduates to apply to top universities worldwide.
Semi-Private/Charter Schools (Escuelas Concertadas)
This is a unique feature of the Spanish system. These schools are privately owned and managed but receive partial government subsidies. In return, they must follow the state curriculum for core subjects, and their fees are regulated by the government. You can think of them as a ‘value for money’ option between public and fully private schools. The tuition is much more affordable, the teaching quality is generally better than in public schools, and they tend to be more strictly managed. However, the drawbacks are that most Concertados teach primarily in Spanish, offering less of an international environment, and spots for choosing a school in Spain are extremely limited, making admission as competitive as for good public schools.
So, What Are the Costs?
This is undoubtedly the question on everyone’s mind. The price differences are significant, so I’ve created a simple table to give you a clear overview:
| School Type | Tuition Fee (€/month) | Lunch Fee (€/month) | School Bus (€/month) | Notes |
|---|
| Fully Private International School | 800 - 2000+ | 150 - 200 | 150 - 250 | Fees exclude registration, books, and materials. |
| Semi-Private (Concertado) | 0 50 - 300 | 120 - 180 | 100 - 180 | Theoretically free, but there are ‘voluntary’ donations or service fees. |
| Public School | 0 | 90 - 130 | / | Generally only lunch fees; no bus service. |
As the table shows, the annual cost for a fully private school can easily reach €10,000-€20,000 or more. Concertados are much more affordable and within reach for many families. However, it’s important to note that while many fees at a Concertado are ‘voluntary,’ it’s an open secret that if you don’t pay, your child might be treated differently, so most parents end up paying. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget. If your family has a generous budget and is seeking the best international education resources, a top-tier Spanish private school is the obvious choice. If you’re simply looking for better management and a more disciplined learning environment than public schools offer, a Concertado is definitely an excellent option to consider. What kind of schools do your children attend? Feel free to leave a comment and share your experiences!
