Selecting a school in Spain can seem to be the most nerve-wracking aspect of moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what daily life is truly like, and every family has its own priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Madrid.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, outline your nonnegotiables. Many selection mistakes happen when families weigh 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: what your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL help, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication approach.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that works well for expat families:
A straightforward method
- 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 a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions typically reveal more than general “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- 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 & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Include the complete daily costs:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Deciding by reputation alone: the everyday 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 children.
- Waiting too long: admission timelines can be tighter than expected.
Bottom Line
The ideal school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s actual schedule: location, support, and everyday comfort for your child—not the one with the most eye-catching advertising.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Madrid (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +34 912 345 678.