Choosing a school in Spain can feel like the most stressful part of moving with children. Websites seldom reveal what daily life is truly like, and every family has different priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision process — particularly for families relocating to Barcelona.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before you compare schools, identify your non-negotiables. Most poor choices happen when families compare everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you drive each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: that's what your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and style of communication.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Narrow your options by location first. In Barcelona, traffic can transform a decent school into a daily hassle.
- Verify availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the actual classroom situation. Class sizes, staff turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition assistance for new students.
- Conduct a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust what you observe over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the sense that “everything feels the same.”
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than standard “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you support new students mid-year?
- How do teachers keep parents informed (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Wants)
Choosing a school isn't about tuition alone. Account for all routine costs as well:
Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects 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 is typically the one that aligns with your family’s actual schedule: where it’s located, the support you receive, and the everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest advertising.
If you'd like help sorting priorities for Barcelona (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +34 612 345 678.