Picking a school in Spain can feel like the most stressful part of moving with kids. Online resources rarely 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: Clarify what “Good” means for your family
Before comparing schools, set your non-negotiables. Most decision mistakes occur when families weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you drive each day matters more than you might assume.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, level of discipline, and communication style.
How to Pick Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Madrid, traffic can turn a “good” 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. Trust your observations more than 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 Worth Asking About Schools
These questions typically reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you accommodate 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, expectations for homework)?
- How do you support children who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is your policy on language support (ESL) if required?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Likes)
Choosing a school isn't about tuition alone; consider the complete daily cost of the routine:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily schedule 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.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school is usually the one that aligns with your family’s real routine: location, support, and day-to-day comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help sorting your priorities for Madrid (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +34 91 234 5678.