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School Enrollment Guide for Expat Children

Last Updated: February 2026
Source: WhatsApp groups (Imigracija, Drugovanje Valencia, Obrazovanje)

Overview

Spain has excellent public and private schools. This guide covers enrolling children (ages 3-18) when moving to Spain as expats.

School Types

Public Schools (Colegios Públicos)

  • Cost: Free
  • Language: Spanish (Castellano) or regional language (Valenciano, Catalan, etc.)
  • Quality: Generally good, varies by neighborhood
  • Integration support: Yes - schools help non-Spanish speakers

Semi-Private (Concertados)

  • Cost: €100-300/month
  • Language: Usually Spanish + English programs
  • Quality: Good, religious affiliation common
  • Integration: Varies by school

Private (Privados)

  • Cost: €500-1,500+/month
  • Language: Often bilingual or English-medium
  • Quality: High, smaller classes
  • Integration: Usually excellent support

International Schools

  • Cost: €800-2,000+/month
  • Language: English, German, French programs
  • Curriculum: IB, British, American systems
  • Best for: Families planning to move frequently

Age Groups

  • Infantil (Preschool): 3-6 years
  • Primaria (Primary): 6-12 years
  • Secundaria (Secondary/ESO): 12-16 years
  • Bachillerato: 16-18 years

Enrollment Process

Public Schools

Step 1: Get Empadronamiento

  • Register at town hall (ayuntamiento)
  • You need this before enrolling in public school
  • Proof of residence required

Step 2: Choose School

  • Research schools in your area
  • Public schools prioritize neighborhood residents
  • Check ratings, programs, and distance

Step 3: Apply

  • Main enrollment period: March-April
  • Mid-year enrollment: Possible but limited spaces
  • Apply at your preferred school or online portal

Required documents:

  • NIE/TIE (parents and child)
  • Empadronamiento
  • Birth certificate (translated and apostilled)
  • Health card
  • Previous school records (if applicable)
  • Vaccination record

Step 4: Wait for Placement

  • Schools notify in May-June
  • If no space at first choice, assigned to nearby school

Step 5: Complete Enrollment

  • Visit school with all original documents
  • Sign enrollment forms
  • Get uniform/supply list

Private/International Schools

Step 1: Research and Visit

  • Schedule tours (1-3 months in advance)
  • Most schools have open days
  • Ask about English support, curriculum, fees

Step 2: Apply

  • Submit application (often online)
  • May require entrance exam/assessment
  • Interview with child and parents

Step 3: Acceptance

  • School notifies of acceptance
  • Pay enrollment fee (€500-2,000)
  • Sign contract

Step 4: Prepare

  • Provide all required documents
  • Pay first tuition installment
  • Get uniform if required

Language Support

For Non-Spanish Speaking Children

Ages 3-6 (Infantil):

  • Learn very quickly through play
  • Usually fluent within 6-12 months
  • No formal language classes needed

Ages 6-10 (Early Primaria):

  • Fast learners
  • Schools provide support (PT - pedagogía terapéutica)
  • Fluent in 12-18 months
  • May struggle first few months but adapt well

Ages 10-14:

  • Takes 1-2 years for academic fluency
  • Schools offer language support programs
  • Extra help with reading/writing
  • Social integration usually quick

Ages 14+:

  • Harder to catch up academically
  • Consider international school or private with English
  • May need private tutoring
  • Plan for 2-3 years to reach native level

Community Advice

From experienced expats:

  • "Schools help children according to needs"
  • "6-year-olds adapt faster and without major difficulties"
  • "Don't worry too much - kids are resilient"

Timing Your Move

Best Times to Enroll

September (start of school year):

  • ✅ Best for integration
  • ✅ Full year of learning ahead
  • ✅ Make friends from day 1

January (mid-year):

  • ⚠️ Possible but harder
  • ⚠️ Limited spaces
  • ✅ Still 5 months of school

March-June:

  • ❌ Very difficult
  • ❌ Minimal spaces
  • Consider waiting until September

Application Deadlines

  • Public schools: March-April for September
  • Private/International: Rolling admissions, but apply 3-6 months early

Costs

Public School

  • Tuition: Free
  • Books: €100-200/year
  • Lunch: €120-150/month (optional)
  • Activities: €20-50/month
  • Supplies: €50-100/year
  • Total: ~€300-500/year (if no lunch)

Private School

  • Tuition: €500-1,200/month (€6,000-15,000/year)
  • Enrollment fee: €500-2,000 (one-time)
  • Books: €200-400/year
  • Lunch: Included or €100-200/month
  • Uniform: €150-300
  • Activities: €50-150/month
  • Total: €8,000-20,000/year

International School

  • Tuition: €800-2,000/month (€10,000-25,000/year)
  • Enrollment fee: €1,000-3,000 (one-time)
  • Everything else: Similar to private
  • Total: €12,000-30,000/year

Recommended Support

Community Resources

  • WhatsApp group "Obrazovanje" - Education-focused
  • Ask experienced parents for advice
  • School recommendations by neighborhood

Professional Help

  • Milica (lawyer) - Can help with school-related documents
  • Local gestores - Help with translations, apostilles

Language Tutors

  • Consider hiring Spanish tutor for first 3-6 months
  • Cost: €15-30/hour
  • 2-3 sessions/week recommended for older kids

Common Challenges

Challenge 1: Language Barrier

Solution:

  • Enroll in September (more time to learn)
  • Private tutor first 3 months
  • Encourage Spanish playmates
  • Watch Spanish TV/videos

Challenge 2: Different Curriculum

Solution:

  • Schools adapt to child's level
  • Extra support available
  • May repeat a grade if very far behind (rare)

Challenge 3: Social Integration

Solution:

  • Join sports clubs, activities
  • Organize playdates
  • Encourage friendships at school
  • Be patient - takes 3-6 months

Challenge 4: Bureaucracy

Solution:

  • Get all documents apostilled before leaving home country
  • Have everything translated
  • Hire professional help if overwhelmed

FAQs

Q: Can my child start school without NIE?
A: Temporarily yes (public schools can't deny education), but you'll need it soon. Start the NIE process immediately.

Q: Do I need translated birth certificate?
A: Yes, official translation + apostille (if from non-EU country).

Q: My child doesn't speak Spanish - will they manage?
A: Yes! Kids ages 3-10 adapt very quickly. Older kids need more support but will be fine.

Q: Public vs private - which is better?
A: Depends on budget and needs. Public schools are good quality. Private offers smaller classes and English programs.

Q: Can we switch schools mid-year?
A: Possible but difficult. Schools have limited mid-year spaces.

Q: What about special needs support?
A: Public schools have good support (PT, AL specialists). Private schools vary - ask specifically.

Q: Vaccination requirements?
A: Spain requires standard vaccines. Check if your child's home country vaccines meet Spanish requirements.

Resources

Official:

Community:

  • WhatsApp group "Obrazovanje"
  • Local expat Facebook groups
  • School parent associations (AMPA)

Professional Help:

  • Milica (Tulex Abogados): milica@tulexabogados.com
  • Translation services: Many in every city
  • Community recommendations list

Compiled from community experiences in WhatsApp groups. Individual experiences may vary - always verify current requirements with your local school.

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