Choosing a School for Your Child in Spain

Relocating to Spain with your family brings about a myriad of exciting new experiences, but it also presents the crucial task of finding a suitable school for your child. The Spanish education system, while renowned for its quality, can initially appear intricate, requiring careful consideration of various factors and your child’s well-being. Whether you’re seeking a preschool, elementary, or secondary school, expat parents face a range of important decisions.

Fortunately, you are not alone in this journey. With a wealth of successful experiences from previous expat communities, robust support systems for expat children have been established. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the process of selecting schools in Spain, explore the education system, discuss school life in the post-Covid era, bridge the gap between digital and traditional learning, and much more.

The Spanish Education System

Spain’s education system prides itself on commendable quality, consistently placing students above the OECD average in math, reading, and science. The Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (Ministerio de Educacion y Formacion Profesional) oversees schools in Spain, working closely with local autonomous communities (Comunidades Autonomas). These communities play a significant role in funding, advising on curriculum, and ensuring educational standards are maintained.

Types of Schools in Spain

Schools in Spain can be divided into three main categories: state-funded schools (Colegios Públicos), state-subsidized private schools (Colegios Concertados), and purely private schools (Colegios Privados), which include international schools.

School Age in Spain

Compulsory education in Spain is mandatory from the ages of 6 to 16 (Educación Primaria and ESO). The Spanish education system is divided into four stages: Early childhood education (from 0 to 6 years old), primary school (from 6 to 12 years old), secondary school (from 12 to 16 years old), and pre-university or vocational training (from 15 to 18 years old).

Factors to Consider When Choosing a School for Your Child in Spain

When choosing a school for your child in Spain, there are a few important factors to consider. One crucial aspect to assess is your family’s financial situation. Each type of school, public, private, or semi-private (concertado), has a different fee structure. Determining your budget will help you narrow down your choices to schools that are affordable for you.

Your child’s age plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. Understanding the specific education stages in Spain, such as preschool, primary school, and secondary school, will ensure you choose a school that is age-appropriate and aligns with your child’s developmental needs.

Another important factor is language adaptability. If your child is already proficient in Spanish or you want them to become fluent, a Spanish school can provide an excellent language immersion environment. On the other hand, international schools offer a curriculum taught in multiple languages, including English, French, and more.

Carefully consider the curriculum and teaching methodology of each school, as well as the school’s location and accessibility to your home or workplace. Examining these factors will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your child’s learning needs and individual preferences.

International School or Spanish School?

When deciding between an international school and a Spanish school, you need to consider the language of instruction and the curriculum. International schools are designed for the foreign community and typically follow the curriculum of the corresponding country’s education system.

For example, in Spain, there are international schools that teach according to the American or British curriculum. You can also find Norwegian and French schools. These schools provide education in the students’ native language and have an appropriate education program. If you want your child to continue their education in their native language and follow a curriculum that is appropriate for their home country, then an international school may be the right choice.

On the other hand, Spanish schools use Spanish as the language of instruction and follow the national Spanish education curriculum. Studying at a Spanish school can provide your child with a deep immersion experience into the local culture and language. This allows them to integrate more fully into the Spanish community.

However, it is important to assess your child’s Spanish language proficiency and ability to adapt to a new language of instruction.

Choosing a Public, Private, or Concertado School?

The decision to choose a public, private, or concertado school often depends on financial factors. Public schools in Spain are state-funded and tuition-free. These schools follow the national education curriculum and are open to all residents, including foreigners. Public schools are a popular choice due to their affordability, but class sizes can be larger and resources may be more limited compared to private schools.

Private schools in Spain charge tuition fees and offer a variety of teaching methods and educational programs. Classes typically have smaller sizes, more specialized programs, and a wider range of extracurricular activities. Private schools can provide more personalized attention and abundant resources for students, but tuition fees vary greatly depending on the individual school.

Concertado schools are a unique type of school in Spain. These are private schools that receive partial funding from the state, allowing them to offer education at a reduced tuition rate. These schools are often religious in nature, such as Catholic schools, and still follow the national education curriculum. In terms of cost and resources, concertado schools provide a middle ground between public and private schools.

When making your decision, consider your financial situation, educational goals, and the specific programs of each type of school to determine which option is the best fit for your child’s interests and needs.

Location and Transportation

Location and transportation options play a crucial role in your decision-making process. Typically, you would enroll your child in a school within your town. However, if nearby schools have available spaces, you might be allowed to enroll there, although local children are usually prioritized.

If the school is far from home, consider your child’s transportation options. Some areas in Spain lack public transportation, and not all schools provide it. The commute time to and from school can significantly impact your child’s daily schedule.

School Hours and Lunch Arrangements

School hours in Spain can vary between different institutions. Classes typically start between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM and end between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Schools that end earlier may only have a short snack break, while children have their main meal at home. Schools that end later usually include a lunch break.

Some schools offer extended lunch breaks, allowing students to leave for up to two hours and return for additional classes.

It’s important to consider the length of the school day, how your child will manage it, and whether it fits your work schedule when choosing a school.

Regarding lunch options and food, different schools have different arrangements. Some provide lunch with a dedicated dining hall (Comedor), while others require students to bring packed lunches from home. If the school offers a cafeteria service, inquire about the food options available, as they may differ from what is served in schools in Vietnam or the US.

Seeking Advice from Other Expats

Talking to other expats who have enrolled their children in schools in Spain can provide valuable insights. Joining online expat groups and social media communities allows you to connect with expat families who have relocated to Spain. Conversations with experienced individuals who have faced similar challenges can offer honest and helpful advice, providing you with more firsthand information.