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Schools in Spain

One of the most challenging aspects of relocating to another country is your children’s education, the moment you take the decision to move you should start thinking about their schooling immediately. If you are planning to move to one of the major cities or to an area particularly popular with expats then you will find a wide range of International private schools, as well as the more established Spanish State schools. If you plan to move to a less populated area then you may not get such a great choice, but they key is to do as much research as possible, your children only get one education.

International Schools

There are many private international schools, and are predominately situated in major cities and resort towns which use the International Baccalaureate or the Spanish bachilllerato syllabus. For parents wishing their children to follow the English Curriculum you will find an array of excellent schools. In any case the majority of private schools are much more economical than their European counterparts and provide a comprehensive range of facilities.

Spanish Schools

Attending a Spanish school, be it state or private, is one of the best ways for your children to fully integrate into Spanish society. The quality of State schools has improved dramatically in recent years and in general, are comparable with those in other EU countries.
School in Spain is not compulsory until the age of 6, but children generally start school in the autumn of the year in which they turn 3. The legal maximum class size in primary schools is 25, with one teacher and a "floating" classroom assistant who helps out with several classes. There is special provision for children over the age of 6 who don’t speak Spanish as a first language.
Enrollment procedures can vary from town to town however for most schools this procedure takes place between March and June, again the key here is to do as much research as you possibly can.

Learning the Language

Children are like sponges, they will learn new languages and adapt to new circumstances much quicker than the majority of adults. Kindergartens invariably receive children from the age of 2 upwards, most expats choose to enroll their toddlers into private establishment and will absorb the Spanish language without any problem. Older children will usually need more help, whilst you will more than likely find that they adapt perfectly well to their new school, they may need some help in the earlier years to supplement their Spanish. Private tuition is an excellent idea; you will find no shortage of tutors who can develop tailor made courses for your child, even in the comfort of your own home. If possible, enroll your child on a Spanish course before arriving in Spain, the same one as you are going to take of course.

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