International Schools in Barcelona

  1. Benjamin Franklin International School

     Accredited by the Middle States Association for Collages and Schools as well as by the Spanish Ministry of Education, the Benjamin Franklin School prepares students for Universities both in the USA, Spain and other countries. BFS is very much a multicultural environment - around 35% are Spanish/Catalan, 30% American and 35% other international students. The school is divided into 4 subsections - Early Childhood, Elementary (grades 1-5), Middle (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12). High School students are required to take 4 years of English, Spanish, Social Studies and Physical Education and 3 years of Mathematics and Science. Also obligitory are Computer Science, Music and Art.
    Calle Martorell i Peña 9 934342380 www.bfis.org

    Comments: 
    "We had selected the school in 2001-2 for our daughter when we were last in BCN. We had liked it then in terms of its educational outlook and teaching quality. In 2007 we selected it again (after my daughter inerviewed with 4 other schools, (American, International, British and Catalan) as we felt the school had in fact improved in its vision for the next 20 years in terms of educational standards." (AG)

    Click here to read an interview with Anuradha M. Ghemawat

    Recommended by Anuradha Ghemawat

  2. The American School

    All classes at The American School are taught in English and the school follows the US curriculum until grade 12. There are more than 450 children representing 30 nationalities currently at the school and they can gain either an American or Spanish diploma.
    The American School of Barcelona, C/Balmes 7. 08950 Esplugues  933714016 / 933715012 info@a-s-b.com www.a-s-b.com

    Comments: 
    "My 6 year old son Max is doing his first year at the The American School and we are very pleased. He learns English, Spanish and Catalan. The class only have 21 children.  There is a schoolbus all the way home. They have fun afterschool activities. It’s a great school spirit. Our son is loving it"  Maria Agrell

    "I have 3 children at the school aged 4, 8 and 10.  Our 4 year old does not receive any formal instruction in Spanish or Catalan; however she is conversant after a year as the language on the playground at this age tends to be Spanish."  Carol Perry

    Click here to read an interview with Carol Perry

    Recommended by Maria Agrell

  3. The English School

    Founded in 1957, The English School is a small  trilingual primary school where children can attend from the age of 3 until 12
    Calle Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, 50 08002 Barcelona 932138864 englishschool@colegioingles.net www.colegioingles.net

    Comments:
    "I chose 'The English School'  because Ella was 4 years old, spoke only English and although I visited a few schools I felt this one was small, friendly with a good mix of people Spanish, Catalan, English and others. They instantly put me at ease and I was happy with the school most of the time."
    (JS)

    Recommended by Julie Stephenson

  4. St Peter´s School

    Founded in 1964, St Peters School accepts children from the ages 3 to 17 with a nursery for children from 18 months. Pre-school is taught in English. Primary school and Bachillerato are in English and Spanish. The school consists of 600 pupils and over 100 members of staff.
    Eduard Toldrà 18, 08034 Barcelona 932043158 stpeters@stpeters.es www.stpeters.es

    Comments:
    "St Peter's school is in the "Zona alta" in the residential district of Pedralbes, with fantastic views over Barcelona. I have found it to be the perfect school for my children - now aged 10,12, and 14. When we arrived in Barcelona 3 years ago it was the closest match I found to "English style" schooling, but with a total immersion in the Spanish way of life. They wear a uniform and the teaching staff in the junior school are predominantly English - this changes in the senior school to predominantly Spanish. The school teaches a curriculum close to the English curriculum, but obviously they are teaching English as the foreign language. In the senior school they take the "Bachillerato". The pupils are around 75 - 80% Spanish, a great positive for us because my children arrived speaking no Spanish and are now fluent. They are also learning French, German and Catalan. I have found the emphasis on work just about right. They have more homework as they progress through the school, and they are also encouraged to participate in after school clubs such as Volleyball, Football and even Chinese. The school fosters a sense of community, and I have been very impressed by the way they encourage the children to 'think' - there are regular writing competitions and participation in group and solo 'projects' throughout the school year. The school outings are both educational and fun, and the children are taught to consider the world around them and their relationships with others, giving the ideal balance between "traditional" schooling and exam preparation and the "social" aspects that give the children the necessary skills to develop as well rounded individuals. Parents play an important part and St Peter's keep you well informed as to the progress of your children. My children are very happy and have made great friendships as well as gaining so much with mastering another language." Karen Reith

    Click here for an interview with mother, Laura O´Campo

    Recommended by Karen Reith

  5. St Paul´s School

    Founded in 1968 St Paul´s accepts children from ages 3 to 18. Pre-school is taught in English and Elementary school half a day in Spanish. The Bachillerato is mostly in Spanish.
    Avenida Pearson 39 08034 Barcelona 932030500 stpaul@stpauls.es www.stpauls.es

    Comments:
    "It is a very academic school with high expectations. The majority of families using the school are Spanish or Catalan."
    (JS)

    Recommended by Julie Stephenson

  6. Parvulari Panda Anglo Español

     Calle Ferran Puig, 12-18, 08017. 932197991

  7. Princess Margaret

    Princess Margaret School, founded in 1967, is a co-educational, trilingual school for children through from 3 until 16. At preprimary (3-5) children are taught 15 hours a week in English, 10 hours in Catalan and 10 hours in Spanish. Throughout primary the languages are split equally, however at secondary level more emphasis is put on Catalan and Spanish.
    Calle Font d'en Fargas 15-17, 08032 Barcelona 934290313 colegio@princessmargaret.org www.princessmargaret.org

  8. Kensington School

    Staff at The Kensington School have all obtained their qualifications and previous experience in the U.K. — except for the French and Spanish teachers, who are native speakers and give classes in their own language. Most pupils are sons and daughters of business people, consular or diplomatic officials of various countries, or executive personnel of multi-national firms. English is taught in all classes and the school follows the UK curriculum. Spanish is taught from age 7. There is a pre-school for ages 3-6.
    Calle Cavallers 31-33, 08034 (Pedralbes) Barcelona 932035457 info@kensingtonschoolbcn.es www.kensingtonschoolbcn.com

    Comments:
    British Council accredited. Bus and Lunch service

  9. French Lycée

    The French School caters for more than two and a half thousand pupils from nursery to baccalauréat. Pupils are taught according to the French National System of Education and are required to pass the French academic exams. All levels are taught in French with Spanish, Catalan and English as elective subjects. Teachers have qualifications from France
    French Lycée, Calle Bosch i Gimpera 6-10, 08034 Barcelona, 932037950 lfb@lfb.es www.lfb.es

    Comments: 
    Students can also qualify for the equivalent Spanish diploma

    Recommended by Marie-France

  10. Oak House

    Founded in 1968, pupils at Oak House are t aught according to the UK National Curriculum in primary school and the Spanish system in secondary school. Puplis are accepted from the ages of 3 to 17 and there is a nursery school for younger children taught in English. Elementary school is in English and Spanish with Catalan introduced at 8 years. Oak House is British Council credited and Member of the European Council of International Schools
    Sant Pere Claver 12-1808017 BARCELONA  932524020 / 932524021sec@oakhouseschool.com www.oakhouseschool.com

    Comments:
    There are daily after school clubs including sport (judo, gymnastics, football etc) and cultural activities (music, drama, art, German and French) as well as ski trips and summer school.

  11. Bon Soleil - Gava

    Bon Soleil School in Gava (just outside Barcelona), was ranked as one of Spain´s top 100 schools by El Mundo newspaper in 2007. The school follows the French education system with English, Spanish and Catalan as secondary languages. Founded in 1969, there are  currently 1080 pupils in the school and 71 members of staff.
    Camino de la Pava, 15. Gavà 936331358 courrier@bonsoleil.com www.bonsoleil.com

    Recommended by Anne Ollerenshaw

  12. Europa International School

    From ages 1 to 18, the School is a member of ECIS and follows the National Catalan Curriculum as well as offering different international examinations throughout Primary, Secondary and Baccalaureate (e.g. Cambridge, Trinity, DELF etc.). There is a strong emphasis on language learning, with great importance given to values, order and discipline. The majority of the students are Catalan or Spanish with a small percentage from the international community. Teaching is of a high quality and strives for academic achievement with good pastoral care in a family atmosphere. Fees are less than the Barcelona average.
    Av. Pla del Vinyet 110, 08172 Sant Cugat 935898420 info@europais.com www.europais.com

    Comments:
    Extensive Extra-School Activities which include pre-sport, sport and swimming activities; dance, music, art and theatre; Language School and Academic Support Centre.

    "Languages (are taught) from an early age, values taught, importance of order and discipline, good family atmosphere and care is give to the individual student" 

    Click here for more information

  13. Liceo Italiano

     Primary and Secondary School up to 16 years. Approx 150 students.

    Ptge Menendez Vigo 5-8 08009 Barcelona

  14. Santa Claus Academy

    Santa Claus Academy accepts pupils from the age 3 until 14 with nursery school in English. Primary school is taught in Spanish with a strong emphasis on English.
    Calle León XIII, 12 08022 Barcelona 932116778 mail@academysantaclaus.com

    Comments:
    Bus and Lunch service

  15. Collège Ferdinand de Lesseps

    Collège Ferdinand de Lesseps, founded by Ferdinand de Lesseps, is the oldest French school in Spain. Following the French education system, the school is for children from the age of 3 and is accredited by the AEFE (the association of French schools abroad). The school is divided into two campuses on Calle Valencia and Calle Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes. There are approx. 460 pupils of which 54% are French.
    Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes 707  932321612 and Calle Valencia 314 934583241 lesseps@lesseps.net www.lesseps.net

  16. The British School

    Recently taken over by the Cognita group chaired by the highly respected former UK Inspector of Schools Chris Woodhead, The British School is from 3 to 18 years and follows the UK curriculum. Spanish is introduced at 4 years and Catalan at aged 5. Located 20 kilometres from Barcelona in Castelldelfels, close to the beach and a bus service is available.
    Calle Ginesta 26, Castelldelfels 936651584 info@britishschoolbarcelona.com www.britishschoolbarcelona.com

    Comments:
    "My daughter loves it there and says she has a great group of teachers for her GCSE course. They do the IGCSE which has no coursework and is much respected by UK private schools. The school is renowned for its very friendly and welcoming atmosphere - there seems little evidence of bullying" (SB)

    Recommended by Sarah Barclay

  17. Escuela Suiza de Barcelona

    The Escuela Suiza de Barcelona accepts children of all nationalities from the age of 3 to 18. The school follows the Swiss curriculum and teaching is in German with Spanish as a second language. Founded in 1919 there are currently 660 pupils at the school. Approximately half the teaching staff are German speaking and the other half Spanish. Both Swiss and Spanish diplomas awarded.
    Calle Alfins XII 99, 08021 Barcelona 932096544 info@escuelasuizabcn.es www.escuelasuizabcn.es

  18. Deutsche Schule

    The Deutsche Schule is an independent private school. recognized by the government of Spain and accredited by the Ministry of Education in Germany. In 2007 El Mundo newspaper recognised The Deutsche Schule as one of the top hundred schools in Spain. Pre-school 3-6 years. Oberschule for 4-6 years (depending on which exams you do). The Oberschule is divided in 'gymnasium' classes (classes 7-12 with the Reifeprifung exam) and the Haupt and Realschule (classes 7-10). Pupils can take the 'Bachillerato' (classes 11 and 12) and after the 'selectividad' exam can study at any Spanish or German University.
    Av Jacint Ecteva Fontanet 105, 08950 Esplugues 933718300 dsbarcelona@dsbarcelona.com  www.dsbarcelona.com

  19. The Japanese School

    Pupils attend The Japanese School from age 7 to 15 and must have one Japanese parent. The curriculum follows the official Japanese school system with some Spanish language. Pupils are taught by teachers sent by the Japanese government and qualify for senior high and university in Japan.
    Camí de can Graells s/n, Polígono Can Graells, 08190 Sant Cugat 935893307

    Comments:
    School year starts in April

  20. Zurich Schule

    The Zurich Schule offers an education in German, Spanish, Catalan and English to pupils from the age of 3 until 14.
    Av Pearson 73, 08034 Barcelona 932037600 info@zurichschule.com www.zurichschule.com

    Comments:
    Bus & lunch service available

  21. Scuola Italiana

    Scuola Italiana of Barcleona follows the Montessori system and is certified by the Italian Ministry of Education. Teaching is in Italian with Spanish and Catalan as secondary languages
    Calle Setanti 10-12, 08034 Barcelona 932030701 / 932030006 webmaster@simontessori.com www.simontessori.com

    Comments: 
    "My daughter Leyla grew up in the Italian school system (she is know in the 4th grade) and going to the Italian school was the natural choice since she did not know neither Spanish nor Catalan. We thought that the Italian school would permit her to learn Spanish and Catalan gradually and allow her to integrate smoothly in the Catalan society." Hana Danan

    Click here to read an interview with Hana Danan

    Recommended by Hana Danan

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