Selecting a school in Spain can seem like the most challenging aspect of moving with children. Online resources often fail to reveal what everyday life is truly like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical considerations and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Madrid.
Step One: Determine What “Good” Looks Like for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, establish your must-haves. Many choosing errors occur when families weigh every factor at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you might assume.
- Curriculum: options include British, American, IB, or local programs.
- Language environment: the language exposure your child experiences throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, level of discipline, and communication approach.
Choosing Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical approach that suits families living abroad:
A straightforward method
- Narrow down by location first. In Madrid, traffic can turn a solid school into a daily hassle.
- Verify availability and admissions timelines. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom conditions. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support services. ESL / learning support / transition assistance for newcomers.
- Arrange one visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Rely more on what you observe than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a concise one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It avoids the feeling that “everything is the same.”
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does the day actually look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you handle heat/indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Admires)
Choosing a school is about more than tuition. Consider the total daily expense:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Deciding by reputation alone: the day-to-day routine matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admission timelines can be tighter than you expect.
The Bottom Line
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Madrid (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +34 912 345 678.