Schools in Costa Blanca offer high-quality education with their extensive curriculum. Costa Blanca’s educational facilities stand out with their comprehensive curriculum and bilingual context.
When moving to another country, finding the right school for your children is one of the most essential issues. With this article, you will have a general idea about the best schools in Costa Blanca. If you are planning to move to Spain with your school-age kids, this guide will be useful for you.
Does Spain Have a Good Education System?
Yes, we can still say that Spain’s education system is pretty advanced. The system allows children to build a solid educational foundation. It is also a good country to study at the best global universities in Spain.
The education system is managed in detail by the autonomous regions. It offers a wide range of good quality public and best private schools in Spain.
In Spain, education is mandatory and free for all kids aged between 6-16 years old. For 16 to 18 years old, education is not compulsory. At this stage, there are two options: Upper-level of secondary education (Bachillerato) or vocational training.
In general, public schools in Spain offer an education from 3 years old until the end of Mandatory Secondary School (ESO).
Education is free in Spain and all the kids of compulsory education age have a guaranteed place in a state school. Just being registered in the town hall (Ayuntamiento) with a “Padron” is enough for enrolment.
What are the Important Things to Consider when Finding a School in Spain?
Enrollment in public schools is address-based. So it is essential to keep in mind that there might be some differences in schooling procedures. School hours, and application period might also change. In the case of Costa Blanca, the Autonomous Government of Valencia will be arranging the rules.
There are 4 types of schools in Spain that are subsidized by the government and are between public and private:
• Public Schools
• Private Schools
• Semi-private Schools
• International Schools
Here are some clues to keep in mind when finding a school that is good for international students in Costa Blanca:
• In Spain, the main education language is Spanish (Castellano). However, regarding the residential autonomous region, the co-official local language comes additionally. In Costa Blanca, being a part of the Valencian Community, the Valencian language is the co-official language.
That means, learning Valencian is compulsory and some classes like history or natural science are being taught in this language. This won’t be the case in the high schools in Spain, Murcia. Spanish is the only official language in this autonomous region.
• Before starting your search, make a wish list of your expectations. The curriculum, the language, and the preferences of your kids in terms of additional activities. It would also be beneficial to make a shortlist of the best international schools in Spain.
Arrange a visit to the schools on your shortlist. You can ask your questions and get more information about taught subjects, special immersion programs for new students, and so on.
• If you have some options for schools in mind, normally the first application period is May in this region. Also, it is possible to apply outside of this period, but the options might be limited.
For most of the well-known colleges, especially public or semi-private ones (concerto), you may face a waiting list. So, it is important to track the application times.
• It may be a good idea to take a Spanish-speaking person with you while enrolling. In this way, you can have better communication and not skip the details. In most public schools, it may be hard to find an administrator who speaks English fluently.
• The most important fact while enrolling in state schools is the residential address. The enrollment is based on your address. So you will be allocated to the closest public school in the area.
• To see the list of schools, check out the official webpage of education centers in Valencia (Guía de Centros Docentes). Here you can find information about the schools, which levels they offer, extra activities, and more.
• The websites of these world-class private schools in Spain provide more information about the enrolment procedure and fees.
What are the Languages Taught in Spanish Schools?
Castillian Spanish is the official and mandatory language in public schools in Spain. Although some schools, colleges, and universities may teach an additional co-official language of the given region. Such as Valencian, Catalan, Galician, or Basque.
Since educational facilities are under the jurisdiction of the Valencian Community, schools in Costa Blanca may teach Valencian alongside Spanish. The Valencian is gaining more importance in state schools. But do not be stressed as in many centers they give immersion support to pupils.
There are things to consider when deciding to enroll your kid in a public school or private school in Spain. The most critical factor, with your desire level to integrate into local life, may be the age of your kid.
If your child is at the age of primary school or below, it is recommended to enroll in a public school. It would be beneficial for a quick and better adaptation. The older the age is, it will be harder to start a new curriculum with a new language. So, take into consideration the age of your children and their Spanish level.
Where are the Best International Schools in Costa Blanca?
You will find a wide choice of the best Spain international schools in Costa Blanca. Most of them follow the British curriculum and offer classes in Spanish.
Some schools are members of organizations like NABBS (National Association of British Schools in Spain). Some are members of COBISEC (the Council of British Independent Schools in the European Community). These member educational facilities might be the better choice.
International schools are a good option for a smooth transition of the kids. You may find information on international schools also at home embassies in Spain.
How much are international school fees in Costa Blanca?
The fees of international schools such as American schools in Spain can vary from €2,000 to €15,000 per year. Generally, this fee does not include stationery, lunch, excursions, transport, and extra activities. These could create an additional cost of € 800 to € 2,000 per year.
Costa Blanca and Costa Calida International Schools List
Here is a list of some well-reputed international schools in Costa Blanca (Alicante) and Costa Calida (Murcia):
Located on the outskirts of Alicante, this is one of the most respected British schools in Spain. designed for children from Nursery (3 years old) to the Baccalaureate level (18 years old). The school follows the English National Curriculum and Spanish Curriculum with bilingual education in English and Spanish.
The school offers the English National Curriculum to pupils from the age of 18 months to 18 years. King’s College British School of Murcia also prepares students for Spanish universities with an adapted Spanish curriculum. The campus is approximately half an hour from the city center of Murcia. It is only 10 minutes from San Javier, and 25 minutes from Cartagena.
Founded in 1991 and situated in Elche, Alicante, this school offers education from the early years to the Spanish Baccalaureate level. In Early Years and Primary Education model, it follows the British Curriculum.
The secondary education and Baccalaureate program meet the requirements of the Spanish Educational System. The Valencian language is being taught in the Early Years program. With additional German lessons by the sixth year of primary education, the students will promote their language skills.
The Primary and Secondary Schools of the Lady Elizabeth School are on one campus in Benitachell, Alicante. Founded in 1987, the school offers both English and Spanish curriculums. It is among the most exclusive English language schools in Spain. In this way, the graduates get a chance to apply to universities in the UK, and the rest of Europe.
XIC admits students from pre-nursery to Sixth Form and follows the British National Curriculum as well as the Spanish Curriculum. The college is currently divided into 3 sites in Jávea: Infants, Juniors, and Secondary.
The Elian's British School in La Nucia is a member of IEP (International Education Partnership). IEP is also a subsidiary of a group of successful schools in Sweden. The English National curriculum is applied from nursery to the end of the primary. In addition, the Spanish Curriculum leads up to the Spanish Baccalaureate.
ELIS follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales. It also offers American and Spanish university preparation. The school is for pupils aged 3 to 18.
The majority of students are Spanish but also there are international students from over 20 different countries. The school has 2 campuses one in Villamartin, Alicante the other is in Murcia.
Phoenix International School is located in San Miguel de Salinas on the Costa Blanca. This international school is a great option for pupils from Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, and surrounding areas.
The school follows the British National Curriculum and caters to pupils from ages 4 to 18. It is divided into stages of Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and College. The small and cozy school was formerly known as Mar Azul International School.
The Sierra Bernia School was founded in 1973 and is known as the oldest British School in Costa Blanca. The school is located in Alfaz del Pi close to Benidorm. It offers British education for pupils of all nationalities aged from 3 to 18 years. Sierra Bernia is an outstanding Spain high school following a British curriculum.
The Altea International School was founded in 2012 and is located inland near La Nucia. AIS is a British International School in Costa Blanca with a Steiner-Waldorf orientation.
This school is located in Orihuela Costa, Alicante. The school operates as a primary school. It provides educational services from preschool to year 9.
Mostly Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish students in Costa Blanca enroll in this school. This is a small school following the Swedish curriculum. But also students receive instruction in Spanish and English from the first year.
Located in Alicante, Alfaz del Pi, The Norwegian School Costa Blanca was established in 1972. The school offers education for Primary School, Secondary School, and is among the best high schools in Spain following Norwegian Curriculum. This is a private school with state support, approved by the Norwegian authorities.
Den Norske Skole Rojales is a Norwegian school located in Ciudad Quesada, Rojales. The DNSR offers education from Primary School till the end of upper Secondary School.
The French High School is in El Campello, Alicante for more than 50 years. The French school in Spain has students from 1st grade of Infant Education (3 years old) to Baccalaureate (17-18 years old). The school offers a multilingual education (trilingual from 3 years old) promoting culture and sports. It is covered by the Agency for French Teaching Abroad (AEFE).
Are there Private Spanish Schools other than International Schools in Costa Blanca?
Public Spanish schools and international schools mostly follow the British curriculum. There are also several private Spanish schools in Costa Blanca too. These schools offer high-quality bilingual education.
Most of them provide transportation services for school days. In private schools, you may have the option of studying less Valencian. It is a great option for those who do not plan to stay longer than 2 years in Costa Blanca.
The college gives International Education from 0 to 18 years old. It is accredited by the IB (International Baccalaureate) organization. This is a Bilingual school teaching English-Spanish, and German as a second foreign language. It is highly preferred to pursue higher education in German schools in Spain.
The school is located in Monforte del Cid, Alicante. It is known as a bilingual school with English language immersion. It offers education for stages of Infant, Primary, Secondary Education, and Bachillerato.
The school was founded in 2006 and is located in San Pedro del Pinatar, a coastal town of Murcia autonomous region. The region is also known as Costa Calida.
The bilingual college follows the Spanish curriculum with classes of 50% in English and 50% in Spanish. The education stages start from Nursery to the Spanish Baccalaureate. Being in the Murcia region, the only official language is Spanish.
Schola Europea was Founded in 2002, mainly by European officials from different EU countries. The school has 4 language sections: Spanish, English, French, and German.
The graduates obtain the European Baccalaureate diploma after passing the exams. In this way, their diplomas are officially recognized by universities in all EU member states.
For more details on the Spanish school system please read our article about Education in Spain.
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