What Is School Like in Barcelona?

If you are planning to move to Barcelona with children, one of the most important things to consider is their education. Schooling in Barcelona is quite different from what you may be used to in other parts of the world. Here’s what you can expect.

Types of Schools

There are three types of schools in Barcelona: public, private, and international. Public schools are funded by the government and follow the Spanish curriculum.

Private schools are funded by tuition fees and may follow either the Spanish or international curriculum. International schools follow a curriculum from another country and usually have higher tuition fees.

Public Schools

Public schools are free for all children from ages 6 to 16 years old. They offer education in Catalan, which is the official language of Catalonia, as well as Spanish and English. The school year runs from September to June, with a two-month summer break.

Private Schools

Private schools may offer education in Spanish or English, or both. They usually follow the Spanish curriculum but may also incorporate elements of other curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or American curriculum. Private schools charge tuition fees, which can range from a few thousand euros per year to tens of thousands.

International Schools

International schools offer education in English and usually follow an international curriculum such as the IB or British curriculum. They also offer language classes in Spanish and Catalan. International schools have higher tuition fees than public or private schools.

The School Day

In public schools, the school day usually starts at 9am and finishes at 2pm for primary school students (ages 6-12) and at 3pm for secondary school students (ages 12-16). Afternoon classes may be offered for extracurricular activities such as sports or music.

In private and international schools, the school day may be longer and may include more extracurricular activities. Some schools offer breakfast and lunch for an additional fee.

School Holidays

The school year in Barcelona runs from September to June, with breaks for Christmas, Easter, and other public holidays. The summer break is from late June to early September.

Conclusion

Schooling in Barcelona is diverse and offers various options for children of different ages and backgrounds. Public schools are free and offer education in Catalan, Spanish, and English.

Private schools may follow the Spanish or international curriculum and charge tuition fees. International schools follow an international curriculum and have higher tuition fees than public or private schools. Regardless of which type of school you choose, your child is sure to receive a quality education in this vibrant city.