Lately, I’ve seen many newcomers discussing school choices for their children, with high expectations for the language environment in private schools. My kid has been attending a private school here in Barcelona for almost two years, so I can share some real experiences to help you get a better picture and avoid potential pitfalls.
# The Language Environment: Reality vs. Expectation
Many people choose private schools for their ‘international’ character and supposed ‘immersive English environment.’ Brochures often make grand claims, like 50% of classes taught in English by native-speaking teachers. In reality, this is often quite exaggerated. Firstly, teacher turnover can be very high, leading to inconsistent teaching quality. Secondly, ‘English instruction’ is often limited to specific subjects like science or art, and the teachers’ accents and vocabulary can be… less than ideal. Outside of class, kids mostly communicate with their friends in Spanish. So, when it comes to private school languages, don’t over-idealize the English environment in private schools. While it’s certainly better than in public schools, it’s still a far cry from a truly ‘immersive’ experience.
# Curriculum: More Than Just English and Spanish
In regions with their own official languages, like Catalonia or the Basque Country, the language learning challenge becomes even more complex. At our school, for example, the weekly language schedule looks something like this:
| Subject | Hours per Week | Language of Instruction |
|---|
| Spanish | 4-5 classes | Spanish |
| English | 4-5 classes | English |
| Catalan | 3-4 classes | Catalan |
| Fourth Foreign Language | 2 classes | Respective language |
As you can see, children need to juggle three or four languages simultaneously, which is a significant amount of pressure. Catalan, in particular, is a major challenge for families like ours starting from scratch, and helping with homework can be very tough initially. While the school offers some language support for new international students, it’s usually temporary. In the long run, you’re on your own. I used to think my child could easily master multiple languages, but now I believe that becoming truly proficient in just two of them would be a great achievement.
# My Personal Advice
Therefore, when choosing a private school, don’t just rely on the brochures. It’s crucial to attend open days and experience the school firsthand. Talk to parents of current students to get their honest feedback. Key questions to ask are: 1. The nationality mix and stability of the foreign teaching staff; 2. The actual language of instruction for each subject; 3. The specific support policies for students from non-local language backgrounds. Don’t be swayed by the ‘international school’ label—the best school is the one that’s the right fit for your child. I’m curious to hear what everyone else thinks about this. Feel free to join the discussion!
