Selecting a school in Spain may seem one of the most challenging aspects of moving with children. Online resources often don’t describe daily life accurately, and families have different priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision method — especially for families planning a move to Madrid.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. Many choice errors occur when families assess everything simultaneously without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend driving each day is more significant than you may assume.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: school structure, disciplinary approach, communication style.
How to Pick Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits families living abroad:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Madrid, traffic can turn a solid school into a daily challenge.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Make a one-page checklist and score each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions usually reveal more than general “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 and Logistics (The Part Nobody Likes)
Decisions about schooling aren't about tuition alone. Consider the complete everyday cost:
Common Pitfalls (And How to Steer Clear of Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily 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: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school typically aligns with your family's actual schedule—its location, backing, and everyday ease for your child—rather than the school with the most eye-catching marketing.
If you'd like help sorting priorities for Madrid (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +34 91 234 5678.