gradoli-sanz-imagine-montessori-school-mariela-apollonio-38 — Gradoli Sanz Montessori School

Childcare and Schools in Spain

The Spanish education system is structured to provide universal access to schooling from early childhood through to vocational training or university. For foreign nationals moving to Spain, understanding the distinction between public, subsidized, and private institutions is essential for effective planning. Education is managed by the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports, though significant authority is devolved to Spain's 17 autonomous communities.

Structure of the Spanish Education System

Education in Spain is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 16. The system is divided into several distinct stages based on the age of the student:

Educación Infantil (Pre-school): Divided into two cycles: 0–3 years (optional and usually paid) and 3–6 years (optional but free in public institutions).
Educación Primaria (Primary Education): Ages 6–12. This stage is compulsory.
Educación Secundaria Obligatoria - ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education): Ages 12–16. Completion of this stage leads to the Graduate of Secondary Education certificate.
Bachillerato or Formación Profesional (Optional Post-16): Ages 16–18. Students choose between university-track studies (Bachillerato) or vocational training (FP).

Types of Schools

Foreign residents can choose from three main types of schools. The choice often depends on the family's residency status, budget, and long-term plans regarding the Spanish language.

Public Schools (Colegios Públicos)

Public schools are state-funded and free of charge, though parents are typically responsible for the cost of textbooks, school supplies, and extracurricular activities. Admission is based on a points system, largely determined by the family’s proximity to the school (residency via the Padrón).

Semi-private Schools (Colegios Concertados)

These are privately owned schools (often founded by religious organizations) that receive government subsidies. They follow the Spanish national curriculum. While tuition is technically subsidized, many require a "voluntary" monthly donation or fees for additional services. Costs typically range from 100 EUR to 300 EUR per month ($105 USD to $315 USD, Jan 2026).

Private and International Schools

Private schools (Colegios Privados) receive no state funding and set their own fees. This category includes international schools that follow the British, American, French, or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula. Lessons are often taught in English or other foreign languages.

Childcare and Early Childhood Education

For children under the age of 3, childcare is provided through Escuelas Infantiles (often called Guarderías). These can be public or private.

Public Guarderías: Highly sought after with limited spots. Fees are usually based on the parents' income.
Private Guarderías: More widely available. Prices typically range between 350 EUR and 600 EUR per month ($367 USD to $630 USD, Jan 2026), depending on the hours and location.
Check for Subsidies: Many autonomous communities offer "cheque guardería" (childcare vouchers) to help working parents offset the cost of private centers.

Enrollment Process and Requirements

The enrollment period for public and concertado schools usually opens in March or April for the school year starting in September. Applications are managed by the local educational authorities in each autonomous community.

To enroll a child in the Spanish system, the following documentation is generally required:

The child’s birth certificate (translated into Spanish if necessary).
Proof of identity for parents and child (Passport and NIE/TIE).
Proof of residence (the Certificado de Empadronamiento).
Up-to-date immunization and health records.
Academic transcripts from previous schools (for children entering secondary education).

Note: In regions with a co-official language (Catalonia, Basque Country, Valencia, Galicia, and Balearic Islands), the language of instruction in public schools may be the regional language rather than Castilian Spanish.

Costs and Financial Considerations

While public education is free, families should budget for several annual and monthly expenses:

Textbooks: These are not usually free in Spain. Expect to pay 200 EUR to 400 EUR ($210 USD to $420 USD, Jan 2026) per year.
Dining (Comedor): For students staying at school for lunch, the cost is approximately 120 EUR to 160 EUR ($126 USD to $168 USD, Jan 2026) per month.
International School Fees: These vary widely, typically ranging from 6,000 EUR to 20,000 EUR per year ($6,300 USD to $21,000 USD, Jan 2026).

Helpful Resources

For more specific information regarding regional calendars and application portals, visit the following institutional links:

Exceptions and Special Cases

Homologación: Students entering the Spanish system for the final years of secondary education (Bachillerato) may need to undergo a process called homologación, which is the official recognition of foreign qualifications by the Spanish Ministry of Education. This process can take several months and should be started well in advance of the school year.

Special Educational Needs (SEN): Public schools are required to provide support for students with special needs. This is coordinated through the Equipo de Orientación Educativa y Psicopedagógica (Educational and Psychopedagogical Guidance Team).