Primary, secondary education in Madrid 2024

What makes studying in Madrid so special? Currently, secondary education in Madrid has become one of the most popular in Europe - its overtake only secondary education in the cities of Great Britain and Ireland.
The academic year in Madrid will tell a lot about Spain, its culture and traditions - schoolchildren and students will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the Spanish education system and gain in-depth knowledge of school subjects. With all this, the cost of education is very low, especially compared to France, the United States or the United Kingdom. Also for this reason, Spain is one of the most popular countries to study.

Esther Diaz

Education specialist, career coach and consultant. She worked for Inspired Education Group and directed the admissions department at the International School san Patricio Toledo.

What makes Spanish schools special among all schools in the world? Why do parents choose primary and secondary schools in Spain?

There are many reasons. This is a complete immersion in the Spanish language and culture, in the family environment, the strategic position of the country in the south of Europe. Outstanding, rankings educational institutions - well, a rich historical and artistic heritage, warm and hospitable people, colorful holidays, bright cities, unforgettable traditions and folklore!

Madrid is renowned for its world-class educational institutions, particularly noted for their contributions to research, technology, and innovation. Secondary education in Madrid is subject to certification and regular inspections by the government, professional organizations, and other stakeholders. This rigorous scrutiny helps maintain and enhance the already high standards of Madrid's educational system, offering:

• High-quality education

• Cultural diversity

• An active lifestyle

• Flexibility in education

• Opportunities to learn Spanish

• Affordable tuition fees

• Priority admission to universities

• Local classes within the secondary school system

• Madrid's well-developed transportation infrastructure, ensuring easy student access to schools

• Trips with foreign scholars and students

Foreign students in Madrid can access a wide range of support, both legal and interpersonal. The city boasts quality, well-equipped, and specialized schools tailored to the needs and interests of international students.

Madrid's secondary education system has unique characteristics. The curriculum includes compulsory subjects such as mathematics, Spanish, world history, geography, music, and sciences, as well as electives and vocational training basics.

After completing compulsory secondary education (about nine years), students can continue in vocational education or pursue the two-year Bachillerato program, required for university admission. During Bachillerato, students specialize in areas like arts, sciences, humanities/social sciences, and engineering. Upon completion, students take the Selectividad exam for university access.

Madrid's secondary education offers both specialized subjects and language programs, catering to modern educational needs and allowing personalized instruction for each student. A wide range of popular specialties is available.

Secondary education in Madrid enables students to live and learn in comfortable, friendly conditions. The Spanish education system is characterized by freedom, with students choosing their subjects and courses. Active participation in discussions and adventures is encouraged and valued over formal learning, promoting a friendly, informal atmosphere between students and teachers.

Madrid's secondary schools offer a plethora of useful disciplines: sports, science, and arts. These schools provide not only quality education but also comfortable accommodation for older students (residential boarding options).

Madrid's schools are highly sought after, consistently ranking high in international listings due to their developed educational system.

Secondary education in Madrid is available in both private boarding schools and public schools. Generally, the quality of education is consistently high, rooted in the national education system. However, private schools offer smaller classes with more individualized attention and support (Madrid schools closely monitor student performance). Foreign students enjoy well-furnished accommodations with comfortable rooms, full restaurant-style meals, and security. These reasons often lead parents to prefer private schools in Madrid, despite higher costs compared to public schools.

Private schools in Madrid are very popular among foreigners and Russian teenagers, highly valued for their education quality.

These schools emphasize effective foreign language learning, offering courses in English (the common international language) and Spanish. Mastery of Spanish provides a competitive advantage in the global job market, enabling graduates to successfully secure positions in major international organizations in Spain and abroad.

Moreover, all well-known private schools in Madrid boast high levels of infrastructure and technical equipment, especially in classrooms and laboratories. The facilities of these elite private boarding schools are continuously improved, creating ideal conditions for the education and living of foreign and Russian teenagers.

The main private day schools in Madrid accept children older than three years. A key admission requirement is that a Russian parent or legal guardian must reside in Spain during the child's education.

Characteristics of Private Schools in Madrid

• End-of-season/trimester/quarter academic assessments

• Individual seating arrangements, often with single desks

• Requirement of a flute for music lessons

• Classes typically lasting around 55 minutes

• Grading on a ten-point scale

• Attention to religion in education, with alternative subjects offered for uninterested students

Each program in Madrid is tailored to individual student needs, ensuring smooth knowledge acquisition without undue pressure.

Primary education in Madrid lasts six years, from 1st to 6th grade, with larger class sizes compared to middle and high school. The curriculum includes interactive, play-based lessons in art, the natural world, Spanish (sometimes English), arithmetic, and physical education. Lessons are designed to develop communication skills and teamwork through group activities.

Madrid schools strive to limit the daily schedule to five lessons to prevent student fatigue, mixing core subjects with more "entertaining" electives. During winter, schools encourage outdoor activities like skiing and ice-skating, while in summer, physical activities are held in school courtyards.

When a student moves abroad, adapting to new academic regulations is essential. This adjustment typically occurs quickly in Madrid, offering overseas pupils an exceptional pathway to prestigious careers. However, admission can be competitive due to the city's allure. As per Spanish laws, all individuals must complete fundamental schooling.

For residency applications in Spain, proof of enrollment in a local academic institution is required. Thus, navigating this educational landscape is a critical yet challenging step for achieving future success in Europe.

Schools Catering to Foreign Students

Foreign teens, known for their love of outdoor sports like football and tennis, benefit from understanding Spain's cultural and historical richness. This knowledge positively influences their educational journey and engagement. Schools catering to this demographic in the Spanish capital provide excellent foreign study options, offering fields like arts, sciences, or humanities.

The cost of education in prestigious private boarding schools in Madrid ranges from 25,000 to 40,000 euros per year. Free secondary education in Madrid is available only in the city's public schools (if residency is established). However, throughout the year, parents are responsible for covering expenses such as books, materials, uniforms, and participation in various extracurricular activities.