When we first moved to Spain, the biggest headache was finding a school for our child. I spent ages sifting through scattered information online. Figuring many other families might be in the same boat, I decided to compile the list of international school websites I’ve gathered. I hope it helps! This list mainly focuses on Madrid and Barcelona, but I’ve included a few from other major cities as well. It’s not exhaustive, so feel free to add more in the comments!
Why Choose an International School?
Many of my friends debated whether to choose a public, private, or international school. I think it really depends on your family’s long-term plans. For us, the main consideration was that our child might attend university in another country later, so we wanted a curriculum that would transition seamlessly, like the IB or A-Level programmes. Also, international schools offer a more multilingual environment; English is the main language of instruction, while Spanish is mandatory, helping children master two important languages, an approach you can see at schools like the United International School. Of course, the downside is that the tuition fees aren’t exactly cheap, haha.
A Roundup of International School Websites in Major Cities
Below are some of the school websites I’ve gathered, listed in no particular order. You can visit the official sites to learn more based on your city and preferred curriculum. I highly recommend checking these international school official websites directly, as they have the most accurate information and allow you to schedule a school visit.
Madrid
Barcelona & Surrounding Areas
I’ve also put together a simple comparison of the most common curricula to help you quickly understand the differences:
| Curriculum | Key Features | Best Suited For |
|---|
| IB | Highly recognized globally, focuses on comprehensive skills and inquiry-based learning | Students planning to attend universities worldwide |
| British (e.g., A-Levels) | In-depth curriculum, allowing students to specialize in their strongest subjects | Students with clear goals, aiming for universities in the UK or Commonwealth countries |
| American (e.g., AP) | Flexible system, emphasizing well-rounded development and extracurricular activities | Students planning to attend university in the United States |
That’s all I’ve compiled for now, and it already feels like a huge project. The application procedures, tuition fees, and admission requirements for these schools are all detailed on their official websites. I recommend starting your preparation at least a year in advance, as spots at the more popular schools are highly competitive. I hope this helps all the parents who are anxiously navigating the school selection process! If you know of any other excellent international schools in other cities, please share them in the comments below!
