Selecting a school in Spain may be one of the most stressful aspects of moving with children. Online sources rarely reveal what daily life is actually like, and every family's priorities differ. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families planning a move to Madrid.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your nonnegotiables. Most missteps come from comparing everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, levels of discipline, and communication style.
How to Choose Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical approach that suits expat families:
A straightforward process
- Narrow candidates by location first. In Madrid, traffic can transform a solid school into a daily grind.
- Verify availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, and how communication is handled.
- Inquire about support services. ESL, learning support, and transition assistance for new students.
- Visit each finalist once (in person or via virtual tour). Rely on your observations rather than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Important questions to ask schools
These questions tend to reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- 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 on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the total everyday expenses:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine 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.
Bottom Line
The best school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s actual daily rhythm: its location, the support it provides, and the everyday ease for your child — not the school with the slickest advertising.
If you’d like assistance weighing priorities for Madrid (commute, routines, what questions to ask), get in touch — or call +34 915 55 1234.