How to choose a school in Barcelona

​Choosing the right school in Barcelona is crucial for your child’s education and well-being. This guide provides essential insights on how to choose a school in Barcelona, covering public, semi-private, and international options, to help you make an informed decision.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Finding the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions when relocating to Barcelona. The city offers a variety of educational options, from public and semi-private (concertadas) to private and international schools. Each system has its own advantages and requirements, making the decision process complex. This guide will help you understand how to choose a school in Barcelona that best suits your child’s needs and your family’s lifestyle.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a School

Curriculum & Language

The curriculum and language of instruction are critical aspects to consider. Barcelona offers schools following the Spanish and Catalan curriculum, as well as international programs such as the British, American, French, and German systems. Many international schools also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Things to consider:

  • If you want your child to integrate into the local culture, a public or concertada school with Catalan as the main language may be a good choice.

  • For families planning to stay short-term, an international school offering a familiar curriculum may be more suitable.

  • Some bilingual schools offer a mix of English, Spanish, and Catalan, helping students adapt while keeping up with international education standards.

Location & Commute

School location plays a significant role in daily logistics. Consider:

  • Proximity to your home or work. Long commutes can be tiring for children.

  • Public transportation access. Some schools are better connected than others.

  • Neighborhood preferences. Many families choose to live near international schools in areas like Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Pedralbes, Esplugues or Sant Cugat.

Educational Approach

Different schools in Barcelona follow different teaching philosophies. Options include:

  • Traditional academic-focused schools with structured learning.

  • Montessori or Waldorf-inspired schools emphasizing creativity and independence.

  • STEM and innovation-driven schools focusing on science, technology, and research.

  • Religious-affiliated schools, especially among semi-private concertadas.

Understanding your child’s learning style can help you decide which educational approach is the best fit.

School Reputation & Community

Many parents rely on word-of-mouth recommendations and online reviews to assess school reputation. Things to look at:

  • Parent communities. Some schools have strong networks that can provide support.

  • Extracurricular activities. A well-rounded experience is often as important as academics.

  • Alumni success. Where do students go after graduation?

School Categories and Their Advantages

Public Schools

Public schools in Barcelona are free for residents and follow the Catalan curriculum.

  • Pros: No tuition fees, cultural immersion, strong local network.

  • Cons: Catalan is the primary language, varying quality based on location.

Semi-Private (Concertadas)

These are partially subsidized by the government but require monthly fees.

  • Pros: More flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods, a balance between affordability and quality.

  • Cons: Still largely follow the local curriculum, fees can vary widely.

Private & International Schools

Barcelona has a variety of private schools offering international curricula.

  • Pros: English-language education, familiar curriculum for expats, smaller class sizes.

  • Cons: High tuition costs, potential limited local integration.

Costs & Budget Planning

School fees vary widely in Barcelona. Here’s a rough breakdown:

  • Public Schools: Free (small material costs may apply).

  • Concertadas: €200 – €800 per month.

  • Private Schools: €5,000 – €20,000 per year.

  • International Schools: €7,000 – €27,000 per year.

Additional costs include registration fees, extracurricular activities, and school materials.

Application & Admission Process

Each school type has its own admission requirements:

Need personalized guidance? Our relocation service can help streamline the school search and admission process.

Some International Schools in Barcelona

School Name

Location

Castelldelfs / Barcelona (city)

Barcelona (city)

Barcelona (city)

Esplugues de Llobregat

Esplugues de Llobregat

Esplugues de Llobregat

Esplugues de Llobregat

La Miranda International

Sant Just Desvern

Kesington School

Barcelona (city)

St. George International School

Canet de Mar

Ágora Interantional School

Sant Cugat del Vallés

The British College of Gavá

Gavá Mar

The Olive Tree School

Sant Pere de Rives

Learnlife

Barcelona (city)

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right school in Barcelona involves balancing curriculum preferences, budget, location, and long-term plans. Whether you opt for a public, semi-private, or international school, understanding your child’s needs and the available options is key. If you need assistance navigating the school system, contact us for expert advice.

Related Articles:

🔗 Understanding the School System in Barcelona

FAQs: Choosing a School in Barcelona

What types of schools are available in Barcelona for expat families?

Barcelona offers public schools, semi-private schools (concertadas), and private/international schools. Each has distinct curricula, language policies, and fee structures.

  • Public schools are state-funded and free, with Catalan as the main language.

  • Concertadas are semi-private schools partially funded by the state, offering lower fees and more flexibility.

  • Private and international schools are independently funded, usually with higher tuition and international curricula.

Public and concertada schools are ideal for families who want their children to integrate into local Catalan culture and language.

Yes, most international schools in Barcelona offer instruction in English, sometimes alongside other languages such as Spanish, Catalan, German or French.

  • Public: Free (minor costs for materials)

  • Concertadas: €200–€800/month

  • Private: €5,000–€20,000/year

  • International: €7,000–€27,000/year
    Additional costs may include registration, books, and extracurriculars.

Yes, public and concertada school applications often depend on your residential address and a points-based system.

Applications usually open in early spring for the following academic year. International schools may have different timelines—check with each school directly.

It’s possible, especially with private and international schools, but availability depends on the school. Public and concertadas may have stricter rules.

Barcelona’s international schools offer British (IGCSE, A-Levels), American (AP), French, German, and IB (International Baccalaureate) programs.

Popular areas include Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Pedralbes, Esplugues, Sant Just Desvern, and Sant Cugat del Vallès due to proximity to well-known international schools.

What is the language of instruction in public schools?

Popular areas include Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Pedralbes, Esplugues, Sant Just Desvern, and Sant Cugat del Vallès due to proximity to well-known international schools.

The primary language is Catalan, with Spanish also used. English is taught as a foreign language but not used as the main language of instruction.

Yes, we offer personalized school search and admission support to help you make the right choice and handle paperwork efficiently.

tristanb