Selecting a school in Spain can feel like one of the most stressful parts of moving with kids. Websites rarely reveal what daily life is truly like, and every family has different priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Madrid.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, set your non-negotiables. Many missteps come from comparing too many factors at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you might expect.
- 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 level of structure, discipline, and the school’s communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward 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 score each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Key questions to ask schools
These questions often reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you integrate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with families (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Likes)
School choices aren’t only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost:
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.
The Bottom Line
The most suitable school is usually the one that fits your family's actual routine: location, support, and day-to-day 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.