Having just arrived in Spain, the top priority has been finding a school for my child. After looking into public, semi-private (concertado), and private schools, we decided to prioritize private and international schools, considering the language transition and future university pathways. However, I quickly discovered that the information is overwhelming and scattered, and many school websites aren’t very user-friendly.
I spent some time tracking down the official websites of private/international schools that are frequently discussed in the expat community or have a good reputation. I’ve compiled their basic information along with this list of private schools in Spain. I’m sharing it with other parents on this forum who might have the same need, hoping to save you some time. You can click directly on the school names to visit their official websites, which is very convenient.
Madrid Area
As the capital, Madrid offers a wide selection of excellent private schools, especially in the affluent northern suburbs like La Moraleja and Pozuelo de Alarcón. Competition can be fierce, and some Spanish private schools have long waiting lists, requiring applications well in advance.
- King’s College, The British School of Madrid: A prime example of a pure British education system. It’s very well-known and considered a top-tier school. Academics are rigorous, and the tuition fees are on the higher side. Their official website is comprehensive, with detailed information on the curriculum from nursery to high school, fees, and the application process.
- The American School of Madrid: This is a key option for those interested in an American-style education. The school has a long history, excellent facilities, and offers both the IB and AP programs. Many children of diplomats and corporate executives attend this school.
- International College of Spain: Another highly renowned IB World School, offering the complete IB curriculum for students aged 3 to 18. It has a great campus environment and a very high degree of internationalism.
Barcelona and Surrounding Areas
Barcelona’s international schools are also outstanding, with many located in scenic areas. Besides English, Catalan is another language factor to consider.
| School Name | Main Curriculum | Website Features |
|---|
| Benjamin Franklin International School | American, IB | The website has a modern design, clear information, and offers a virtual campus tour. |
| The British School of Barcelona | British, IB | The website is rich in content and covers multiple campuses; you need to carefully check the age groups for each campus. |
| American School of Barcelona | American, IB | A long-established school with a website full of information about student life and extracurricular activities. |
This is just a partial list from my personal research; there are many more excellent private schools in Spain. My advice is: after carefully studying the curriculum, school philosophy, and fees on the official website, be sure to schedule a campus tour. Experiencing the school’s atmosphere in person and talking with the admissions officers is more effective than just browsing websites. I hope this list can be a good starting point for your school search, and I welcome other parents to add to it and join the discussion!
