18 best private schools in Madrid 2024

All parents dream of giving their children only the best, and education is perhaps one of the most important aspects of raising children. Private schools in Madrid are an excellent choice if you want your children to receive a truly quality, well-rounded education that will allow them to attend the best universities in the world.

The choice of private schools in Madrid is very wide: you can find schools here that operate in Spanish, French, European, British and other education systems. At the same time, English schools in Spain and Madrid are in the greatest demand, as they offer the opportunity to master Spanish and English perfectly.

In addition, Spanish schools in Madrid place great importance on the development of each child's personal qualities and creative abilities, the emotional aspect of personality, empathy, tolerance. The children are prepared for life in a multicultural, international and multilingual world, they instill teamwork skills, develop analytical thinking, etc. Sports and hobbies also play an important role.

Best private schools in Madrid are a guarantee of a quality education for your child, which will be an excellent base for adult life.

The pre-school level (Infantil) lasts from 3 to 5 years and is optional.

Compulsory secondary education in Spain lasts from 6 to 15 years and is divided into

• Lower secondary school (6-11 years)
• High school (12-15 years).

At the age of 15, compulsory secondary education ends and the child has the option to continue for 2 years and then enter university, or continue in a vocational education college.

The last 2 years of study between the ages of 16 and 18 are called high school, and children prepare to enter university. This step is optional, but without it higher education is not possible.

Secondary school is divided into 4 levels in sequence. At level 4 (15 years old), students choose the direction they will continue their studies in the matriculation program: humanitarian, natural sciences or creative.

The Spanish academic year is divided into 3 semesters, lasting from mid-September to mid-June. At the end of each academic year, students take an exam.

At the end of high school, students receive the El título de Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria - the compulsory secondary education diploma, with which children continue their high school studies or enter a university/technical school for vocational education, gaining a profession and starting an on-the-job one.

Madrid offers various types of secondary education schools, each providing unique educational experiences.

Types of Schools in Spain

• State Schools: These institutions offer free education within the Spanish or regional education systems. They cater to locally registered children, don't provide accommodation, and require payment for certain activities and educational materials. Predominantly, Spanish children attend these schools, and foreigners need a residence permit to apply. They typically have large class sizes, outdated equipment, and lower educational standards.

• Semi-State Schools: Run in collaboration with the Catholic Church and the Spanish government, these schools provide secular education under the Spanish system. Learning a second regional language is mandatory. Religion is taught as an elective subject. While they focus more on foreign languages and have stricter discipline, they don't offer accommodation. Officially free, they often require a 'voluntary' contribution ranging from 100 to 300 euros monthly, with the last two years always being paid.

• Private Schools: Both Spanish and foreign children pay for secondary education at these institutions.

Private International Schools in Madrid

These schools offer a choice of curricula: Spanish, English, American, French, International, German, etc. Madrid is also home to sports academies that integrate professional sports training with various educational programs.

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 do parents consider when choosing a Spanish school, apart from the qualifications of teachers?

Foreign families often pay attention to inclusivity and national diversity, individualization of learning, emotional support for each student, compliance with safety protocols. Assess the level of immersion in the Spanish language and culture, the opportunity to get career / educational advice. Of course, they also look at the location, facilities and equipment of the campus - what are the sports facilities, how the Arts Center is equipped, whether there are e-learning opportunities. An added bonus is having personal development programs that will help students get the most out of their time at school and succeed.

• Top Quality Education: Madrid's private schools are recognized among Europe's best, providing globally acknowledged and highly effective education.

• Value for Money: Despite the high costs, education in Madrid is considered affordable compared to elite schooling in the UK, Switzerland, and the US.

• Excellent Conditions: Madrid's private schools attract creative and ambitious students, offering a relaxed learning environment with friendly student-teacher interactions.

• Rich Cultural Experience: The city’s history, culture, and natural beauty enrich the educational experience, complemented by an extensive extracurricular program.

Graduating from a Private School in Madrid

A private school education in Madrid is not just about prestige; it opens doors to top universities in Europe and the US. Depending on the curriculum, graduates can earn the IB Diploma, A-Level certificates, or prepare for the EBAU exam for Spanish universities. Many private schools also collaborate with local universities to prepare students for admission.

Preparation for admission should start well in advance, including language proficiency. Parents often send their children to language camps for better adaptation. Applications to prestigious schools should be submitted 1.5 years to a year before the start of the school year due to limited spaces. Admission documents typically include the child’s passport, academic transcripts, teacher recommendations, language tests, and sometimes interviews to assess readiness.

Tuition varies based on the school's prestige, the child's age, and whether accommodation is included. Fees for day students range from €3,000 to €7,000 per year for elementary and €8,000 to €25,000 for middle and high school. Additional costs may include registration fees, deposits, uniforms, activities, insurance, and teaching materials.

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