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Primary and Secondary Schools in Spain

Academia Dante

Alicante , Spain
Academia Dante is a center, located in Alicante, Spain, specializing in the provision of private lessons in all subjects and levels. This kind of educational support is provided to students of all levels – primary, college, and access modules. The class sizes are small, and the center prides itself with the good achievements of its students. Subjects currently offered are Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Language, Technical Drawing, Literature, Geography, Art, English, Valencian, French, Latin, and Greek.

Almuñecar International School

Almuñecar, Spain
Almuñecar International School is an institution established in 1989 - currently owned by a consortium of parents. It is an independent, co-educational school, which was created with the aim to serve both native Spanish and expatriate European families, who would like their children to pursue an English-style education. The education offered at A.I.S. is based on UK curriculum, but Spanish and Spanish Social studies are also included. Both primary and secondary education options are available, whist in the latter students sit GCSEs and A levels in their final years of studies. They also... See full description.

Aloha College

Marbella, Spain
Aloha College was established in 1982, and is situated on the outskirts of Marbella in Spain's Costa del Sol. It offers British style education to students from ages from three to eighteen years old. The institution is separated into Junior School (3-10) and Senior School (11-18). Aloha College has also developed a combined curriculum through which students study both English and Spanish, making it possible for them to gain qualifications in both the British and Spanish examination systems. Pupils at 11 take the SATS tests, whilst these at 16+ pursue IGCSEs and the International... See full description.

Altaviana

Valencia, Spain
Altaviana is a female concerted institution, teaching secondary school and vocational training, in the areas of tourism and hospitality and located in the city of Valencia. The Centre has taken agreements with other public and private institutions for the teaching of continuing and occupational education, which means a contribution to the hospitality and services sector.

American School of Bilbao

Berango, Spain
The American School of Bilbao is an international school, established in 1967 by the American and British expatriate community in the Bilbao area. It is a private, non-profit institution, accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (N.E.A.S.C.) and the Council of International Schools (C.I.S) since 1985. The American School of Bilbao offers students an American-style educational program, taught in English. The curriculum has an international focus and results in the gaining of the American High School Diploma.

American School of Madrid

Madrid, Spain
The American School of Madrid is an institution established in 1961. It is situated on a 10-acre campus in Pozuelo de Alarcón, a suburban residential area, about twelve kilometers outside of Madrid, Spain. Its primary aim was to respond to the needs of international executives and their families by providing a curriculum in English that would prepare graduates for entrance into American, Spanish and other universities around the world. Today students come from nearly 50 countries and are offered the opportunity to follow the US College Preparatory Curriculum, the IB Program, and the... See full description.

American School of Valencia

Puzol, Spain
The American School of Valencia was established in 1974, since when it has grown from 27 to 750 students. It is an international, private, bilingual, university- preparatory school, receiving students from nursery to grade 12. ASV aims to offer a broad and well-balanced curriculum in a positive learning environment that provokes students to look for challenges. Students receive an American college-preparatory curriculum that later combines with the Spanish curriculum to prepare students for the Spanish universities admission exams. English is the main language of instruction. High School... See full description.

Artxandape Ikastola

Bilbao, Spain
Artxandape Ikastola is a school, providing Christian education in Basque (D Model). The institution accepts students from the ages of 2 to 16, and is divided into three departments: Infants (2-6 yrs.), Primary (6-12 yrs.), and Compulsory Secondary Education (12-16 yrs.). All classes except Spanish Language are taught in Basque (D Model).English is taught from Primary School and French is available as an elective subject in Secondary School. The overall purpose of the school is to promote Christian values and provide students with a deep awareness of Basque culture.

Baleares International School

Palma de Mallorca, Spain
The Baleares International College is a school based in Mallorca, Spain. Since its founding in 1957, it has been serving the foreign community there. Pupils are accepted from the age of 3 and usually remain at the school until they have completed their advance level examinations. The school follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, and in addition includes Spanish Language (from Nursery), German language (from age 6 for native speakers and age 9 for non-native) and French language (from 14). The academic program prepares pupils for international IGCSE and A-Level... See full description.

British School of Alicante

Alicante, Spain
The British School of Alicante is an international school, based in Alicante, Spain, strictly dedicated to the provision of high quality bilingual education. BSA teachers are committed to not only setting high educational standards, but also developing the children’s behavior and social skills. The cultural mix at the school is truly diverse, whilst the institution itself is divided into primary and secondary sections. All ages follow the requirements of the British National Curriculum, and these subjects are taught by English teachers. Spanish professionals deliver the subjects in... See full description.

C.E.S Santa María de los Ángeles

Malaga, Spain
C.E.S Santa María de los Ángeles, was created and managed (still is) by a cooperative of teachers and is committed to the creation of job opportunities through a quality and comprehensive education. The center is located in Malaga and has been leading in education for more than 50 years. The center’s ideologies are based on conveying teachings and education aimed at developing people, and on increasing performance by ensuring competency. To achieve this, the center uses an innovative technique of training that is founded on classroom discussions, business simulations and cooperative... See full description.

Cambridge House Community College

Rocafort, Spain
Cambridge House Community College is a school in Valencia, Spain with over twenty-five years of experience in providing high-quality education to both Spanish and international students. The school follows the mission to see the best in every student and help them realize their full potential. Therefore, they strive to create a welcoming environment that would at the same time present students with enough challenges. The school follows the English educational system, and once they graduate, students can choose between UK, Spanish, or other universities. Cambridge House prides itself with... See full description.

Caxton College

Puzol, Spain
Caxton College is an independent British co-educational school with accreditation by both the English and Spanish authorities. Its location on Spain’s East Coast (in Puçol, a village 20 km north of Valencia) offers the advantages of both the mountainside and the seaside. Founded in 1987 by a Valencian family (the Gil-Marqués family), Caxton College offers a multicultural environment for pupils aged 1 to 18 and prides itself in its tolerant and understanding atmosphere for pupils from around the world. The college offers boarding facilities with host families and manages to attract... See full description.

Centro Huerta del Rey

Valladolid, Spain
The Centro Huerta del Rey, or "Huerta del Rey" Center, is a prestigious center of Psychology and Education in the international arena, specializing in the care of intellectually gifted students and students who have disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), visual, auditory, and spatial learning disabilities, Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and more. The center was created in 1989 and is currently formed by a team of professionals in the field of Psychology and Education. The courses at the Centro Huerta del Rey are taught by a... See full description.

Chester College International School

Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Chester College International School is a private coeducational day and boarding school, established in 1985. The school is situated 3 km outside Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It offers a full bilingual program, in English and Spanish, for primary, middle, and high school students of various nationalities. The institution’s courses are validated both in Spain and in the USA. Furthermore, intensive Spanish and English courses are provided for all, who need additional language support. Chester College International School is accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science... See full description.

Colegio Irabia

Pamplona, Spain
Located in Pamplona, Spain, the Colegio Irabia, also known as the Colegio Irabia-Izaga, is an educational institution that offers programs for students at many different stages of their education, including preschool, kindergarten, primary school, secondary school and baccalaureate. In Spain, the Baccalaureate (Bachillerato) is the post-16 stage of education, comparable to the A Levels/Higher (Scottish) in the UK, the French Baccalaureate in France, the junior and senior years of high school in the United States, or the International Baccalaureate. There are two parts involved in this... See full description.

Colegio Logos

Las Rozas, Spain
English nursery.English-Spanish private co-educational bilingual school in the primary sections ( 6-12 Heras old). Spanish programme for Middle and high school with a great emphasis on the English Language, sports, technologies and extra-curricular activities.

Colegio los Sauces

Pontevedra, Spain
The Colegio Los Sauces is a nondenominational, apolitical and pluralist institution of education, at which students are enrolled without discrimination of race, sex or religion. The school’s experience of almost 40 years allows it to offer an educational model that promotes human values, creates excellent habits of study and work, teaches coexistence and mutual respect, and takes into account the beliefs of each individual. The Colegio los Sauces first opened its doors in October of 1974 as a school for Early Childhood Education in the community known as Colonia El Viso in Madrid,... See full description.

Colegio Mercedarias

Granada, Spain
We wish to have an exchange experience with any school abroad. We would like to use English as the language for communication. Our students are ages 14 to 16. If we agree we can have an exchange using student home as place to stay.

Colegio Villa de Griñón

Griñón, Spain
We are a bilingual school(English and Spanish) also teaching a third language (French or German) wishing to arrange exchanges with schools in the United Kingdom, the USA, France and Germany.

El Limonar International School

El Palmar, Spain
El Limonar International School is a primary, secondary and baccalaureate school situated in Murcia, Spain. It was established in 1990 and currently boasts excellent facilities and a huge open-air amphitheatre with a capacity of 600 people. As far as curriculum is concerned, a bilingual opportunity is offered to all students – until the end of 11th grade all subjects are taught both in Spanish and English. At the end of Secondary 4, students choose from a curriculum mainly in Spanish, based on the Spanish Baccalaureate or an A level curriculum, studying mainly in English. The school has... See full description.

El Plantío International School Of Valencia

Paterna, Spain
El Plantío International School of Valencia is a school, established in 1982, since when it has been offering high quality British Education for students aged 2-18. The school is located in the residential area of El Plantío in la Cañada (Paterna), 12 km from the city of Valencia. The National Curriculum for England and Wales is followed in the primary and secondary years of education there, and is later combined with the International Baccalaureate, leading to University Studies. El Plantío International School is a member of NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain)... See full description.

English School Los Olivos

Godella, Spain
English School Los Olivos is a British school, established in 1976. It offers primary and secondary education to students of the age range 3-18. In the first years of education, the program follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, whilst afterwards students follow the internationally recognized IGCSE, AS, and A levels. All compulsory subjects from the Spanish system are taught, too – Spanish Language, History, Geography, and Valencian. The school is a member of the National Association of British Schools in Spain, and is recognized as a British school by the Ministry of... See full description.

Escuela Waldorf de Tenerife Valle de Güímar-Canarias

ARAFO
The school is an accredited Waldorf center in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and member of the Association of Spanish and Portuguese Waldorf Centers and holds a license according to local guidelines. We offer mainly kindergarten activities for children under six years of age as well as artistic and handicraft activities for primary school children,plus school for families and seasonal festivals, as well as bimonthly eurythmy and annual visit of the school doctor and the biographer. Individualized tutoring. Moreover, we offer Waldorf accredited training through our Santa Cruz de Tenerife Waldorf... See full description.

Hastings School

Madrid, Spain
Hastings School is an independent international school in Spain, following the British National Curriculum. It has a history of thirty years, during which it has been preparing students both academically and culturally. All subjects are taught in English, with two compulsory subjects taught in Spanish. The choice of subjects is very wide, for which reason students complete their education fully prepared to enter any university in Spain, UK, or anywhere else in the world. Students are also provided with strong individual learning support with great emphasis on discipline and good... See full description.

I.E.S. Ausias March

Gandía, Spain
Hello, we're a secondary public school looking for a partner from UK, Ireland or Malta to do an exchange with students 15-16.

I.E.S. Las Viñas

Mollina, Spain
I.E.S. Las Viñas is a school in Mollina (north of the province of Malaga), educating primary and secondary level students. Languages of instruction are English and French, whilst the school is also highly committed to integrating information technology and communications in its classes. The school aims to promote equal rights and opportunities for all, including students with special needs.

IES Albenzaide

Luque, Spain
We want an Exchange with an English Center of similar characteristics to ours, with students from 15 to 16 years.

IES Angel de Saavedra

Cordoba, Spain
IES Angel de Saavedra is a school, located in Valdeolleros district, bordering Asomadilla Park, in northern Córdoba. It was established in February 1989, since when it has grown to achieve many accomplishments. The school is especially proud with its Information and Technology Center, the federally-certified Center for Quality Control, and the new English/Spanish Bilingual Program. The groups taught at IES Angel de Saavedra include 1st-year ESO (obligatory secondary education); 2nd-year ESO; 3rd-year ESO; 4th-year ESO; 1st-year Bachillerato (college preparatory); 2nd-year Bachillerato;... See full description.

IES Broch I Llop

Villarreal, Spain
IES Broch I Llop is a high school in Vila-Real, Spain. It was established in 2004 with the purpose to create a vibrant international environment for its students. The school has a strong concentration on exchange programs (both in Europe and USA), and the purpose to offer a wide variety of choices to its high school students – Natural Sciences, Health, Humanities options, etc. It also offers a program of high intellectual skills.

IES Faro de Maspalomas

Maspalomas, Spain
IES Faro of Maspalomas is a public center, located in Maspalomas, in the South of the island of Gran Canaria. It provides teachings of ESO, Secondary Education, Vocational Training and others.

IES La Jarcia

Puerto Real, Spain
IES La jarcia is an institution, concentrated in the provision of secondary education in the south of Puerto Real, a town in the Cadiz province, bordering the promenade. Its teaching departments include Biology and Geology + Physics and Chemistry, Physical Education, Plastic and Visual Education, French, Geography and History, English, Spanish Language and Literature, Mathematics, Music, Orientation, Catholic Religion, Technology, and Extracurricular activities. IES La Jarcia used to be a public school, now educating students of the last four levels of the Spanish curriculum.

IES Massamagrell

Massamagrell, Spain
IES Massamagrell teaches secondary, high school and vocational training, middle grades and higher education. < /p >

IES Puerto de la Cruz – Telesforo Bravo

Puerto de la Cruz, Spain
IES Puerto de la Cruz - Telesforo Bravo is a public Center, located in the Puerto de la Cruz, on the island of Tenerife. The Institute has received the label of European excellence, for the quality of its management.

International School Of Madrid

Madrid, Spain
The International School of Madrid is an independent co-educational Primary and Secondary school, aiming to promote the academic, spiritual, physical, and cultural development of its students. The school was established in 1971 as the International Primary School. It offers a British curriculum to children from 3 to 18 years of age. It follows the mission to make all of its pupils fluent in both English and Spanish, regardless of their nationality. The school is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education and welcomes students of all origins. They are also a member of the National... See full description.

King's College - The British School of Madrid

Soto de Viñuelas, Spain
King's College is a co-educational day and boarding school founded in 1969. It is located in the countryside between Madrid and the Guadarrama mountains and is well connected to the city centre by road, bus and rail. The institution focuses on the provision of British education for children from the ages 2 to 18 years. All students study in accordance with the English National Curriculum and are prepared for (I)GCSE and GCE "A" Levels, including a wide range of subjects. Besides, there are optional Spanish studies and preparation for Spanish University entrance examinations. King’s... See full description.

King's College Infant School

Madrid, Spain
King’s College Infant School is part of King’s School – an institution, dedicated to providing British education in the area of Madrid. King’s College was founded in 1969 and is known for the high standards it sets for its students. The Infant School is located in the Chamartín area of central Madrid, offering spacious, well-equipped classrooms for children of three to six years of age. King’s College Infant School aims to provide a creative and stimulating environment, having set six areas for development for all children. From the age of seven onwards, pupils are educated at... See full description.

Laude Newton College

Elche, Spain
Newton College is a private, non-confessional, liberal school, established in 1991. Students in Newton College follow the British National Curriculum in the early years and primary school, and at Secondary and Baccalaureate levels, students follow the IB curriculum. The institution pursues excellence in the teaching of both English and Spanish languages, whilst Valencian is taught from the first year of primary education, and German from the last year of primary education.

Laude San Pedro International College

San Pedro de Alcántara
Laude San Pedro International College is a British co-educational school in Spain, established in 2004. It currently offers a warm, welcoming school atmosphere to over 500 students from over 40 countries. Laude San Pedro International College takes special pride in its installations and facilities for learning, sports and arts, which are considered to be the best in any school in this part of Spain. In 2007, the college was accepted into the prestigious LAUDE Group of schools. All teaching faculty is carefully selected, and continually undergoes professional qualifications and... See full description.

Mar Azul Bilingual school

Torrevieja, Spain
Mar Azul Bilingual School is an independent international school on the Costa Blanca – the only one, offering a British National Curriculum based education for children aged 1–18 years. The school follows a strict strategy to keep class sizes small and provide highly individualized approach. Mar Azul International School is comprised of two sections – Primary and Secondary, which include the nursery (from age 1), GCSE level at age 16, and A levels at 18. Both Spanish and English are taught from the age of one. The school is a fully authorized centre for both Edexcel and AQA... See full description.

Mont-perdut

Terrassa , Spain
We are a state secondary school in Terrassa, close to Barcelona. This is our first year, so we are full of energy! Our students are aged 14-16 (3rd ESO) and will be a group of 15-20. We are looking for a school in the UK, Ireland, Germany or the Netherlands, near a city for a school exchange.

Oak House British School

Barcelona, Spain
Oak House is a trilingual school, established in 1968 in Spain. Its curriculum combines British and Spanish education in the following way – in Primary education, Oak House is a British school, recognized and approved by both the Royal Inspectorate of her Majesty the Queen of England and by the Ministry of Education of the Government of Catalonia. In Secondary education, Oak House (Casa del Roure) is an officially approved centre for teaching the compulsory secondary-education curriculum for the 12 to 16 age group, and the higher secondary education (Bachillerato) curriculum for the 16... See full description.

Oakeley College

Tafira Alta, Spain
Oakeley College was established in 1989 with the aim to put an emphasis on family values and the creation of excellent learning environment. It now serves both Primary and Secondary education learners, continuing to follow its principles of Respect, Responsibility and Resolving problems. GCSE and A levels can be pursued by 16+ year olds, whilst a Saturday school is available for younger pupils. All activities in the Saturday school are carried out in English. Football, basketball, piano, cricket, and tennis are some of the extracurricular activities available to students, and these are... See full description.

Pare Manyanet Reus

Reus, Spain
We are a school in Reus, Spain (100 km far from Barcelona) and this is our first approach to a school exchange experience, We would like to arrange exchanges with schools in the United Kingdom, the USA, France or Germany.

Runnymede College

La Moraleja, Spain
Runnymede College first opened its doors as a private school in September, 1967 in Madrid, Spain. Its purpose was to provide British education for English-speaking students of all nationalities in the age range 3-18. The institution is inspected on a regular basis by British Inspectors whose Report to the British Council and the Spanish Ministry of Education and Culture is the basis of the authorization given to the School. Pupils at Runnymede College take the End of Key Stage Tests at the end of Years 2, 6 and 9, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education at the end of... See full description.

Sage College. The British School of Jerez

Cadiz
Interested in exchanges with other similar colleges (IGCSE and A.AS levels). We have boarding school

Shoreless Lake School

Totana, Spain
Shoreless Lake School (SLS) is an American school, founded in 1991 in Murcia, Spain. It is a private, non-profit organization, governed under the direction of the Society of Jesus Christ the Priest. Furthermore, the institution is an all-boys school for American, Spanish, and foreign students, who follow an American curriculum. Graduates are qualified to attend an American or European university, as they take PSAT, SAT Reasoning, SAT Subject tests and AP. Students applying to a Spanish university take the Selectividad, the general entrance examination for Spanish universities. Students... See full description.

Sierra Bernia School

Alfaz del Pi, Spain
Sierra Bernia School is a private, co-educational school, established in 1973. It is located in a quiet residential area close to the village of Alfaz Del Pi. The mission of the school is to ensure a warm and welcoming environment, where students can reach high academic goals. The National British curriculum is followed, and students are accepted from the age of 3. GCSE and A levels are pursued by students in their final years of education, and the school is very proud with the high results gained at these examinations. Spanish is taught at all levels and so are the obligatory elements of... See full description.

SIES en Arona

Arona, Spain
Our school is situated in the south of Tenerife,Canary Islands. We are looking for a school in Europe interested in exchanging 10-12 students aged 13-14 for a week.

Solynieve CES

Arroyomolinos, Spain
Solynieve CES is a bilingual private school, which provides education from pre-school up to pre-university. The Center is located in Arroyomolinos, town near Madrid. Our facilities are modern, with the technical, material and human resources necessary in order to achieve the quality of education and teaching that we have set ourselves.

Sotogrande International School

Sotogrande, Spain
SIS is an accredited International Baccalaureate school, offering the Primary Years Program (3-11), the Middle Years Program (12-16), and the Diploma (16-18). The students’ education is delivered with care and attention, aiming to unfold the full potential of each individual. By following a rich curriculum, each student is encouraged to gain some extensive cultural awareness and a sense of community service. The school follows a philosophy of child-focused, holistic learning. Sotogrande International School is especially proud with the high academic achievements of its students.

St. Anthony's College

Fuengirola, Spain
St. Anthony's College is a co-educational British school, established in 1968; this makes it the oldest British school on the coast! St. Anthony’s makes available to students aged three to eighteen both the British National Curriculum and the Spanish ESO and Bachillerato. All nationalities and cultures are welcome at the college, which strives to ensure a welcoming and friendly environment. The school prides itself with the GCSE results Year 11 students achieve, whilst Year 13 students are accepted at many of the top universities including Durham, King’s College, Loughborough and... See full description.

St. Peter's School

Barcelona, Spain
Private English school in Barcelona city looking for a school in South of England to do student exchanges for this coming school year for children aged 11-14.

Sunland International School

Malaga, Spain
Novaschool Sunland International is an independent, British, co-educational day school, located in the Spanish city of Malaga. It receives students of all nationalities, aged 3-18. The academic program, although offered in an Andalusian setting is based on the British National Curriculum. Sunland International School aims to both encourage the individual talents of each student and develop their cultural awareness and respect towards each other. The IGCSE, AS and A levels taught at the school are based on the University of Cambridge center requirements.

Sunny View School

Malaga, Spain
Sunny View School is a British school, founded in 1971. It was the first school on the Costa del Sol to be unconditionally approved by the National Association of British Schools in Spain, whilst at the same time it is fully authorized by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Students of all nationalities are welcome at Sunny view school, where they will follow the British National Curriculum. All students are prepared for the GCSE examinations with EDEXCEL FOUNDATION (University of London Examinations Board) and the usual range of subjects is offered, including English Language, English... See full description.

Swans International Primary School

Marbella, Spain
Swans International School was established about 40 years ago in Marbella, Spain, which makes it one of the oldest schools in Southern Spain. It currently educates more than 600 students, who come from over 30 different nationalities. The primary school section of the institution offers a broad and well-balanced curriculum, fully taught in English. A combination of subject teaching and topic based study is applied to ensure that the curriculum is both skills and knowledge based. Great emphasis is put on the social and emotional development of the students, too. Special methods are applied... See full description.

The English International College

Marbella, Spain
The English International College in Marbella, Spain is a school, established in 1982. The educational program followed there is based on the English National Curriculum, and is embraced by the 500 students taught at the international institution. Students sit IGCSE and GCSE examinations in Year 11, and those who qualify enter the Sixth Form study for AS levels and A2 (A) level examinations in preparation for university entrance at 18. Teaching groups in the Sixth Form vary from 2 to 15 students, which ensures a personal approach and special attention to each individual.

Wingate School

Tenerife, Spain
Wingate School is a British school in Spain, following the UK National Curriculum. It accepts children from the ages of three to eighteen years. The Infant Department, the Junior Department and the Senior School, each with their own head are the three departments comprising the school. Those students in Years 10 and 11 follow IGCSE syllabuses, whilst successful students go on to pursue various A level subjects. What distinguishes the school is that it is a centre for both Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and London International Examinations (Edexcel). Additionally, Spanish is... See full description.

Workshop R2

Barcelona, Spain
With extensive experience in the creation, management and design in jewelry, Studio R2 organizes WorkshopR2. A study platform that offers courses and seminars related to the management, design, development, marketing, image and communication of jewelry brands. For professionals and students, this is specific workshops, help understand how is the jewelry market, to have strategies to deal with jewelry design and learn the keys to creating brand. In this new edition we offer a new workshop online "Crear una Marca de Joyas" Check our web site.

Primary and Secondary Schools in Spain by City:

Alcala de HenaresAlfaz del PiAlicanteAlmuñecarAronaArroyomolinosBarcelonaBenicarlóBerangoBilbaoBurgosCadizCastellón de la PlanaCordobaEl PalmarEl Puerto de Santa MariaElcheEsteponaFuengirolaGandíaGetafeGodellaGranadaGriñónHuescaHumanes de MadridLa MoralejaLa Roda de AndalucíaLas Palmas de Gran CanariaLas RozasLuqueMadridMalagaMarbellaMaspalomasMassamagrellMedio CudeyoMollinaOrenseOviedoPalma de MallorcaPamplonaPaternaPontevedraPozuelo de AlarcónPuerto de la CruzPuerto RealPuzolReusRevilla de CamargoRocafortSan Miguel de Abona San Pedro de AlcántaraSan SebastianSantiago de CompostelaSevilleSoto de ViñuelasSotograndeTafallaTafira AltaTalavera de la ReinaTenerifeTerrassaTorreviejaTotanaUbriqueValdepeñasValenciaValladolidVillanueva de la SerenaVillarrealVitoriaXubia-Neda

About Primary and Secondary Schools in Spain

As a modern nation with a large economy and a dynamic and free political society, Spain relies heavily on its education system. Education in Spain is taken very seriously, as evidenced by the extremely high youth literacy rate (99.6%), and the enrollment ratio, which at 93.7% is the 6th-highest in the world. Almost 94% of school-age children in Spain are enrolled in an accredited program, and only Japan, Canada, and the Scandinavian countries score higher on this metric.

Primary and secondary education in Spain can roughly be separated into 4 stages: pre-school, primary school, secondary school, and college prep. At all four levels, education is provided free of charge by the state, although there are private schools as well for parents who prefer and can afford them. The middle two stages are obligatory, while the 1st and 4th are optional.

Pre-school, the first level of Spanish education, is for kids ages 3-6. Although it is not mandatory, it is a popular option for parents who are either busy or who do not want their kids to miss out on these important years of socializing and learning. Most children in Spain attend pre-school. The second stage of a Spanish child’s education is primary school, which lasts from age 6-12 and is roughly the equivalent of first grade through sixth grade in the American system. Education at this stage is mandatory.

The mandatory portion of secondary school is known as the ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria), and represents the third step in the four-step process. This stage lasts until age 16, at which point children are no longer required by law to stay in school. In practice, however, many choose to do so anyway. The final step in Spanish secondary education is known as the Bachillerato, and it is typically a college preparatory stage lasting from age 16 to 18. Education at the Bachillerato level includes a set of core courses such as history, Spanish language, science, and philosophy, along with electives that depend upon student interest. These electives could include art, music, advanced math and science, foreign languages, religion, or a number of other areas. This flexibility may contribute to the popularity of Bachillerato-level education in Spain. Like in other countries, teenagers are often fiercely independent, and so they may be more likely to continue with their education if they are given some freedom and ownership over its direction.

Spain, with its long and storied history of intellectual contributions (especially in the areas of geography, science, literature, and politics) is a nation with a healthy respect for the importance of education. Since education always begins in early childhood and is the most important duty for a young child, families, teachers, and government institutions in Spain put significant time and resources into educating their children at the primary and secondary levels.

If you’re moving to Spain with young children, chances are you’ve put a lot of thought into figuring out how to ensure that they get a high-quality education. Fortunately, Spain has one of the best education systems in the world, as evidenced by its extraordinary enrollment ratio of 93.7%. This, along with a high youth literacy rate, places Spain in the top 5 nations of the world when it comes to primary and secondary education. Knowing that a good education can help shape the rest of a child’s life, many parents are rightly concerned about ensuring that they can find good schools wherever they go. In addition, it is important for them to be aware of the relevant laws and regulations that are in effect in the host country.

All children in Spain must complete the same course of mandatory education. Compulsory education in Spain begins at age 6, which is the 1st year of primary school–however, by the time they reach this age, most Spanish children have already completed two to four years of non-mandatory preschool. Primary school last until age 12, and covers a comprehensive range of topics including geography, history, language skills, math, basic science, and of course music and the arts.

At age 12, students in the Spanish system move on to the ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) level, which includes the final 4 years of mandatory education. Many Spanish students stay in school for an additional 2 years after completing their ESO. Called the Spanish Baccalaureate, this additional schooling prepares students for college and enables them to take elective courses in the arts, sciences, or humanities. While not required by law, completion of the Spanish Baccalaureate is common, and is highly advisable whenever possible.

In addition to its numerous public and privately-funded primary and secondary schools, Spain is also home to international schools that cater specifically to the needs of children from other countries. These schools typically offer classes in English, and may also base their curriculum, teaching style, and grading system on North American or British standards. This is a good way to provide continuity if your child’s stay in Spain is going to be brief. Primary and secondary coursework at international schools in Spain is generally recognized by foreign schools, so children will not face the unpleasant situation of repeating a grade when they return to their home country. Mandatory schooling laws apply to international schools just as they would to any other.

In Spain, education is highly prized as the backbone of a healthy society, and significant investment on the part of the government and private actors has made Spain a global leader in education. For expatriates living in the country, this can be a considerable advantage–Spanish schools are in many cases better than those in the home country. There is, then, no reason to be concerned about the quality of education that your children can receive while you are living and working in Spain.