Choosing a school in Spain can feel like the most stressful part of moving with children. Websites rarely reveal what everyday life is actually like, and each family has different priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning a move to Madrid.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, set your nonnegotiables. Most missteps come from weighing everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: Daily travel time matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: how the school's structure, discipline, and communication style align with your family.
Choosing Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that works well for expat families:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Madrid, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily hurdle.
- Verify 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.
- Conduct 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” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions typically reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate 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 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, indoor and outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn’t just about tuition. Include the full ongoing costs of daily life:
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.
Key Takeaway
The right school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s actual routine: location, support, and everyday 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 91 234 5678.