front cover.qxd 09/02/2005 14:26 Page 1 - AIP

es-education.qxd 08/02/2005 17:42 Page 30
EDUCATION
30
Choosing A School
continued from page 29
FOREIGN SCHOOLS
This umbrella term includes schools solely
for expats and schools which encourage a
mix of Spanish and foreign children.
Classes are smaller and the atmosphere
more relaxed than in Spanish schools.
There is also a wider choice of academic
subjects on offer and examination pass
rates are high - as is the number of pupils
going on to university.
If you prioritise an easy transition for your
child over integration, it is worth considering
a foreign school. Also if you are only
staying in Spain on a short-term contract,
you may feel it is not worth putting your
child through the strain of having to learn
another language - although the immersion
will stand them in good stead in
future years.
International schools vary hugely, however,
and they are not necessarily ghettoes
for foreign pupils. Spain has the largest
number of 'foreign' schools of any
European country, meaning schools where
the majority of pupils are from the host
nation, and many Spanish seek the prestige
of sending their child to an Englishspeaking
school.
So although lessons may be in English,
Spanish may rule in the playground. Fees
vary from around €1,500-6,000 a year,
with some schools in Barcelona and
Madrid considerably more.
American schools follow the American
system and prepare pupils for SATs and
college admission in the US. British
schools study the British curriculum and
learn Spanish as a foreign language.
International schools take pupils from several
different countries, including Spain,
and prepare them for the internationallyrecognised
bachillerato for
university entrance.
Spain's public schools have improved
considerably in recent years and the
qualifications gained are valid if
your child wants to study at a university
elsewhere, such as the UK. Figures show
that 80 percent of expats send their
children to state schools in Spain.
SPAIN EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE WWW.EXPATICA.COM