Picking a school in Spain can seem like the most nerve-wracking aspect of moving with children. Online resources often don’t show what day-to-day life is actually like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical considerations and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing a move to Madrid.
First: Clarify What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, identify your non-negotiables. The majority of choice mistakes come from comparing everything at once without a clearly ranked set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school’s structure, level of discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Madrid, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- 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: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions often uncover more than generic “tell me about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you support new students who join mid-year?
- How do teachers keep parents informed (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School decisions are never just tuition. Factor in the full routine cost:
Common Mistakes (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 usually the one that suits your family’s real routine: its location, the support you receive, and day-to-day comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you'd like help sorting priorities for Madrid (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +34 912 345 678.