Types of schools in Spain
Universities are the same as other countries, but polytechnics in Spain refer to technical universities, like for engineering. For instance Valencia has the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (technical degrees) and the Universitat de Valencia for other degrees. We’ll get into this level of education in another article!
There are three main types of schools in Spain:
- Public (colegios públicos)
- State funded private (colegios concertados)
- Private (colegios privados)
Public Schools
Like in many countries, public schools are allocated based on your address, so if you decide to put your children in public school you will want to do your research on location of your house/apartment. Public schools in the Valencia province are taught in both Castillano and Valencino, with most classes these days being in Valenciano. So be aware that even if your children are fluent in Spanish, they will be taught in Valenciano in public school here. From what I have heard the schools are well equipped to help foreign children with the language, but always best to talk to parents and a potential school yourself to be sure the facilities are there if you need them.
Colegios Concertados
Concertados schools are funded mostly by the government and partially by the parents. The fee is very low compared to private school. You will need to be accepted into a concertado school so you’d need to do your research on the ones available in your area and how to get in. Most will require a uniform and are owned by the Catholic church, so your child will be learning about the Catholic religion and participating in Catholic activities. Due to it being semi-private I believe this also means they may have some slight flexibility on their curriculum, but each school will differ in this way.
Private Schools
Private English language schools around the Valencian area are significantly cheaper than where most expats are coming from, and are all roughly the same price, around 800€ a month, but there are other costs. Most schools have a yearly admin, uniform and materials fees. Beyond that there may also be a lunch fee, bus fee and extra-curricular optional fees. All in all you’re looking at around 8,500€/year give or take. Most of the schools provide for children from preschool all the way up to graduation, which is one of the great benefits, once you have this sorted out, you’re done looking at schools again if you stay here! There are some Spanish public schools that are run in Spanish and Valenciano and are cheaper. Below is a list of some of the international private schools in the area, a starting point shall we say!
Busses are generally provided by most schools, so if you live in the city you can bus your kids to the schools in the rural areas. The exception to this might be some of the smaller schools like the Waldorf school.
American School of Valencia (American)
Founded in the 80’s to support the expats at NATO, ASV was the only American school in the area till 2023. Located in Puzol, it has a rural location inside the Monasterios Urbanization in the Sierra Calderona mountains north of Valencia. The school does not have a uniform, technically, but they have a uniform for PE, which is a few days a week, and once you get into middle school, if you are in an extra sports activity, there is a uniform for that too. Therefore, you could end up with only one day a week without a uniform! That said, because they are just sports uniforms, they are cheaper than full school uniforms.
Caxton School (British)
Founded in the 80’s to support the expats at NATO, ASV was the only American school in the area till 2023. Located in Puzol, it has a rural location inside the Monasterios Urbanization in the Sierra Calderona mountains north of Valencia. The school does not have a uniform, technically, but they have a uniform for PE, which is a few days a week, and once you get into middle school, if you are in an extra sports activity, there is a uniform for that too. Therefore, you could end up with only one day a week without a uniform!
Cambridge House (British)
Cambridge house is located in the city of Valencia.
British School of Valencia (British)
Founded in the 80’s to support the expats at NATO, ASV was the only American school in the area till 2023. Located in Puzol, it has a rural location inside the Monasterios Urbanization in the Sierra Calderona mountains north of Valencia. The school does not have a uniform, technically, but they have a uniform for PE, which is a few days a week, and once you get into middle school, if you are in an extra sports activity, there is a uniform for that too. Therefore, you could end up with only one day a week without a uniform! That said, because they are just sports uniforms, they are cheaper than full school uniforms.
Shackleton International School (British)
Los Olivos (British)
This is a small school since 1976, located in Campolivar, close to Godella and Rocafort. They have infantil ( 3-5y), Primaria (5-11y), Secundaria (11-16), Bachillerato (16-18 years). No uniform.
iale International School (Bilingual)
Founded in the 1967, iale International School is located in L’Eliana, west of the city of Valenica.
Imagine Montessori (English/Montessori)
Imagine Montessori has two locations. Imagine La Pinada and Imagine Valencia.
Valencia Montessori (English/Montessori)
0-12 years, the school is located in the city of Valencia near the Biopark.
El Puig Waldorf (American/Waldorf)
0-16 years, the school is located just north of the city outside El Puig de Santa Maria.
Mas Camarenas
0-16 years, the schools is located in Betera just west of Valencia.
Lycée Française
0-16 years, this school is run in French and Spanish and is located in Paterna, just west of Valencia.
A lot of schools have a waiting list so make sure to start registration as soon as possible, also keeping in mind most schools are closed during the summer.
If you want more information, don’t hesitate to contact us!