After nearly three years of living in Madrid, choosing the right school for my child was quite a challenge. We ultimately decided on the American International School, and now that my child has been enrolled for two years, I’d like to share our actual experience to help parents who are currently weighing their options.
About the School
The American International School is located in Pozuelo de Alarcón, northwest of Madrid, approximately 20 minutes from the city center. The campus is quite spacious, featuring dedicated sports fields, a library, and science laboratories. Established in 1961, it’s one of Madrid’s longest-standing international schools. With students from over 60 different countries, I find this multicultural environment particularly beneficial for children’s development.
Curriculum and Teaching Philosophy
The school follows an American curriculum system, from kindergarten through high school. Elementary school focuses primarily on foundational skills development, with solid instruction in mathematics, English, and science. Middle school introduces AP courses, while the high school also offers the IB Diploma Programme. My child is currently in elementary school, with classes ending at 3 PM daily and a manageable homework load—not overwhelming like some other schools.
Notably, their Spanish language program is excellent. After all, living in Madrid makes learning Spanish essential. The school offers 4-5 Spanish classes per week with level-appropriate instruction. When my child first arrived with zero Spanish knowledge, the school placed them in a beginner’s class.
| Grade Level | Tuition | Class Size |
|---|
| Kindergarten | €12,000-14,000 | 15-18 students |
| Elementary | €14,000-16,000 | 18-20 students |
| Middle School | €16,000-18,000 | 20-22 students |
| High School | €18,000-20,000 | 18-20 students |
Tuition and Additional Costs
Honestly, the tuition isn’t cheap. We paid €15,200 annually for elementary school, which doesn’t include bus service, lunch, or extracurricular activities. The school bus costs approximately €2,500 per year, and if you need information about U.S. visa processing in Madrid and daily lunch at school runs about €1,800 annually. There’s also a one-time registration fee of €3,000, paid only in the first year.
However, compared to other international schools, this pricing is mid-range. Moreover, the school’s facilities and faculty truly justify the cost. Each class has a dedicated teacher and teaching assistant, with a teacher-student ratio of approximately 1:10, allowing teachers to attend to each student’s learning progress.
Application Process and Important Notes
The application process isn’t as complicated as you might think, unlike tracking Atletico Madrid vs. USA match scores. First, complete an application form on the school’s website, then submit your child’s previous transcripts and recommendation letters. The school will then arrange an interview and entrance assessment, primarily evaluating English proficiency and mathematical ability. The entire process takes approximately 2-3 months, so it’s advisable to start preparing at least six months in advance.
A helpful tip: If your child’s English foundation isn’t particularly strong, consider acclimating them to an all-English environment a few months beforehand. While the school does offer ESL support courses, children with very weak foundations may struggle to adapt. We enrolled our child in an intensive English program three months before school started, which made the actual transition much smoother.
Overall, we’re quite satisfied with this school. The teaching quality is reliable, and my child has made friends from different countries, significantly broadening their horizons. If you’re considering international schools in Madrid, the American International School is definitely a solid choice. Of course, every family’s situation is different—it’s best to visit the school personally, speak with the admissions office, and experience the atmosphere before making your decision.
