Selecting a school in Spain can seem like the most stressful part of moving with children. Websites rarely reveal what daily life is really like, and every family's priorities vary. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning a move to Madrid.
First: Clarify What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, set your non-negotiables. Many choosing errors occur when families compare too many factors at once without a clear list of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend driving each day is more consequential than you may assume.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local curricula.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Choose Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical approach that works well for expat families:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Madrid, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- 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 concise one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the everything feels the same dilemma.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These inquiries tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you manage new students who join 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 accommodate heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school involves more than tuition alone. Consider the complete ongoing expenses.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for children.
- Delaying too long: admission timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Bottom Line
Typically, the right school is the one that aligns with your family's actual schedule: where it is, the support provided, and everyday ease for your child—rather than the one that boasts the slickest advertising.
If you’d like help sorting out priorities for Madrid (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +34 912 345 678.