Americans School & Education in Spain
Will my kids fall behind or race ahead if we move to Spain?
Compare US, international, and Spanish school options in one place
“From kindergarten to high school, see how other American families successfully made the switch.”
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30+ Years Experience
Recognized US-SPAIN Experts
Download FREE Complete Property Guide to Buying in Spain
How much will you save vs US living?
Get your personalized cost breakdown
Compare by city, family size, life stage and visa type.
3 Big School Questions Americans Ask First
How can my child continue a US style or English language education?
What are real tuition, cost and scholarship opportunities?
Will Spanish or internatinal options help for US/UK college prep?
Learn More
Visa Planning Guide
Cost of Living
Compare the true savings of life in Spain vs. US
Moving Logistic
Your personal belongings and your pet. How to bring them to Spain.
US to SPAIN Admissions FAQs
Healthcare for Kids
Discover world-class healthcare in Spain, at the fraction of the costs in the US
Education Pathways Table
| School Type | Curriculum | Language | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
|
American Schools |
AP/SAT, US style |
English |
US university prep, English immersion |
|
British International |
IGCSE, A-levels |
English |
UK/EU/US college, international students |
|
International Bilingual |
IB, Spanish/English |
both |
Dual language, global |
Best-Fit Schools for American Families on the Costa del Sol
Atlas School of
Estepona
Strong college counseling to US and UK
International School of Estepona
High support for language transitions
Aloha College
Marbella
Strong college counseling to US and UK
British Int’l School
Marbella
Smaller class sizes for easier integration
Laude International
College
Strong college counseling to US and UK
Queens British Grammar Estepona
Strong college counseling to US and UK
Education Pathways Table
| School Type | Annual Tuition | Typical Extras | Scholarship? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
International School |
€5,000-€15,000 |
Activities, transport |
Some available |
|
US Private School |
$5,000-$40,000 |
Activities, transport |
Limited |
Most schools have financial aid or merit scholarships; value for money exceeds typical US standards.
MEDIA
WATCH • LISTEN • READ
NATIVES
(video)
Learn more from real people, just like you & experts about moving to Spain.
DEEP DIVE
(podcasts)
5-15 minute conversations about Americans living in Spain.
Key Considerations
Tom & Ina talk through the differences in US, IB & Spanish school systems
SPAIN MADE SIMPLE
(blogs)
10-15 minute conversations about Americans living in Spain.
Is it Possible?
Yes. Are there hard parts in the transition for your children, not really.
THE EXPLAINER
(video)
10-15 minute videos answering your biggest Spain questions.
Education in Spain
Over 100 sources comparing standards, costs, and education routes for your children.
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NATIVES-DEEP DIVE-SPAIN MADE SIMPLE-THE EXPLAINER
Watch • Listen • Read
Everything You Need to Know
Visa and Residency Options
All pathways explained in plain English
Buying and Property in Spain
Step-by-step guides written for Americans
Mortgages for US Citizens
How to secure Spanish financing from abroad
Schools and Education
American & International school options
Healthcare for
Expats
Public vs private: what Americans need to know
Cost of Living & Comparison
How much will Americans save by living in Spain?
Double Tax & Beckham’s Law
Will Beckhams’s law work for you? Paying tax in Spain?
Moving Step-by-
Step
Guiding you from an idea to living the life you want
Before You Decide
What American Parents Ask
US, IB, British or Spanish: Which Curriculum is right for your child
Understand Each system affects college options, language and your child adjustment.
How Early Do We Need to Apply and What are the chances?
See typical timelines, waitlist realities and what American families do to secure a place.
What do American-Style Schools Actually Cost in Spain?
Compare typical tuition, transport, meal and extras to US private school prices.
Will My kids Adjust Socially and
Academically?
Learn how tong language adaption really takes and what support schools provide.
Admission & Enrollment
Step-by-Step
Visit
Schedule in-person/virtual tours and meet advisor.
Apply
Prepare US transcripts, residency proof, possible language assessments.
Decision
Apply early, ensure timely acceptance-be aware of limits and waitlist.
Start
Attend orientation, get school supplies, help your child adjust in a global, welcoming community.
Resources
School Match Tool
Personalized recommendations and admission checklists.
Visa & Residency Guide
For family, student and dependent applications.
Cost of living Calculator
Real estimates for education/ living packages by city/ region.
Moving Guide for Families
Steps to enroll, register and adjust
Healthcare for Kids
Vaccines, registration, English-speaking providers.
Parent groups, testimonials, region reviews.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Guidance on application and eligibility tips.
Application Template Downloads
US-to-Spain transfer, records checklist,tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our kids are still in elementary school-will they cope in Spanish or bilingual programs?
Most younger children adapt quickly; see language and integration.
Our kids are still in elementary school-will they cope in Spanish or bilingual programs?
Most younger children adapt quickly; see language and integration.
Our kids are still in elementary school-will they cope in Spanish or bilingual programs?
Most younger children adapt quickly; see language and integration.
Can Americans attend US or international schools in Spain?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
How do enrollment, visas and residency work together?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Is bilingual or English-only better for future college plan?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Are US or IB diplomas accepted for US/UK university entrance?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
What age does school start and end?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
How do extracurriculars and sports compare?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
How does Spanish public school compare for English speakers?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Are bus, meals and activities included in tuition?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
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