Selecting a school in Spain can seem among the most challenging aspects of moving with children. Online resources often miss what daily life is really like, and every family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families planning to relocate to Barcelona.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. Many choices go wrong when families weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British, American, IB, or local options.
- Language environment: what language your child is immersed in all day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and the way it communicates.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that tends to work well for expat families:
A simple process
- Start with location when making your shortlist. In Barcelona, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily hassle.
- Verify availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about what the classroom is actually like. Class sizes, staff changes, and communication style.
- Inquire about support services. ESL / learning support / transition assistance for new students.
- Schedule a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust your own impressions over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page rubric and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the sense that everything is identical.
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions typically uncover more than broad “tell us about your program” chats:
- 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 a typical day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support students who feel anxious or are adapting to a new country?
- What are the policies for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How is heat managed and indoor/outdoor time arranged during hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Unpopular Bit)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost of living and routines:
Common Pitfalls (And How to Prevent Them)
- Picking a school based on reputation alone: the day-to-day routine matters more.
- Overlooking commuting time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not inquiring about support: transitions are real for children.
- Delaying too long: admission timelines can be tighter than anticipated.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school typically matches your family’s actual routine: location, support, and everyday comfort for your child — rather than the one with the most eye-catching marketing.
If you’d like help prioritizing for Barcelona (commute, daily rhythms, what to ask), get in touch — or call +34 931 23 4567.