Selecting a school in Spain can seem one of the most stressful aspects of moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what everyday life is actually like, and each family's priorities vary. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing a move to Madrid.
First: Clarify What “Good” Looks Like for Your Family
Before weighing options, set your non-negotiables. Many choices go wrong when families compare too many factors at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend driving each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British, American, IB, or local options.
- Language environment: the linguistic setting your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline approach, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Madrid, traffic can transform a decent 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. Rely on your own 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” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- 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/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 manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warm months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part No One Enjoys)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the complete ongoing expenses:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the day-to-day schedule matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it does not.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admission timelines can be tighter than anticipated.
Bottom Line
The ideal school is typically the one that matches your family’s actual schedule: location, support, and everyday ease for your child — not the one with the most showy advertising.
If you'd like help sorting out priorities for Madrid (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +34 912 345 678.