AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona vs Barcelona High School - Elementary & Preschool

	A AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona Barcelona, Spain	B Barcelona High School - Elementary & Preschool Barcelona, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €15,000	Fees / year €12,510 - 21,900
Age range	Age range 14 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 60	Pupils 340
Typical class size	Typical class size 10	Typical class size 0
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Spanish, Cantonese
Opened	Opened 2016	Opened 2024
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in Pedralbes, Barcelona, AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona sits at Carrer de Montevideo, 31, 08034 Barcelona, Spain. The campus is between Oreneta Park and the Serra de Collserola Natural Park, offering a green, focused learning environment. The surrounding area includes international consulates, private schools, and the Pedralbes Monastery, contributing to a safe, culturally rich setting.	Location Two campuses in Barcelona, Spain: Elementary & Preschool at Carrer de Montornès, 37, 08023, Barcelona; and BHS Middle School & High School at Carrer de Joan d'Àustria, 109, 08018, Barcelona.
Stages	Stages Grades 9-12	Stages Preschool / Kindergarten; Elementary School; Middle School; High School
School type	School type Private high school offering a Cognia-accredited American curriculum	School type International American School with a boarding program (not a dedicated boarding school)
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Personalized learning in small classes with individualized attention; supports for English language learners and students with mild learning differences; honors courses and accelerated tracks available to challenge high-achieving students.	Additional learning support Learning Support (LS) provides targeted help in reading, math, language (including English Language Learner), social skills, and executive functions; services include personalized learning plans, accommodations, and in-class interventions; emphasizes neurodiversity and inclusive learning.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United States	Country affiliation Spain; affiliated with the Spanish Ministry of Education
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Application fee: €50, payable online at the time you submit the application. Tuition fees (by year / term) - Annual tuition (2025–2026 academic year): €15,000 per student. - The school serves grades 9–12; the published tuition is presented as a single annual charge and no separate grade-by-grade tuition breakdown or per-term amounts are published. Billing schedule and payment terms - The published figure is presented as an annual tuition amount. No detailed public schedule showing termly instalments, deposit amounts, or automatic payment dates is published; the school offers payment plans and further payment details through admissions. - The application fee is collected immediately during application via a secure online payment mechanism. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered as part of AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona's published campus services; no boarding fees are listed. Other costs and fees - No separate, mandatory capital levy, uniform fee, exam fee, or annual materials charge is published alongside the tuition figure. Any additional optional or activity-specific charges (for trips, exams, or extracurricular providers) are not itemised in the public tuition statement. Refund information - No public, detailed refund or withdrawal penalty policy for tuition or fees is published with the tuition statement. The application-payment step is presented as a required online payment. Fee payment options - Published payment method for the application fee: secure online card payment. Other payment methods (bank transfer, standing order, or in-person payment) are not specified in the published tuition statement. Notes: The amounts and items above reflect the school's published fee information for the current academic year; where the school presents only a single annual tuition figure, this has been reported as published.	Fee details Application & Enrollment Fees - Application fee: EUR 0 (Free). - Annual matriculation fee: EUR 1,000 (non-refundable). - One-time entrance (enrolment) fee: EUR 2,500 (non-refundable). Tuition fees by year group (billing units shown as the school publishes them) - Preschool & Kindergarten (PK3 – K5, ages 3–6): EUR 1,390 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 13,900) or EUR 12,510 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — described as “1 month free”). The published amount includes the school meal plan for this age group. - Elementary (Grades 1–5, ages 6–11): EUR 1,590 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 15,900) or EUR 14,310 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”). The published amount includes the school meal plan for this age group. - Middle School (Grades 6–8, ages 11–14): EUR 1,790 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 17,900) or EUR 16,110 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”). - High School (Grades 9–10, ages 14–16): EUR 2,090 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 20,900) or EUR 18,810 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”). - Pre-University / Upper High School (Grades 11–12, ages 16–18): EUR 2,190 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 21,900) or EUR 19,710 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”). - Online Only (Grades 1–12, ages 6–18): EUR 1,390 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 13,900) or EUR 12,510 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition may be paid in monthly installments (the school publishes amounts as per a 10-month installment) or as a single advanced payment with a discount described as one month free. Full-year, semester-only, and monthly enrolment options are accepted. Tuition is pro-rated for the actual period of enrollment. The annual matriculation fee and the one-time entrance fee are not pro-rated. There are no additional published sibling discounts due to the school's fixed-loyalty tuition policy. Boarding and student residence fees (where applicable) - The school operates a boarding/residence programme through nearby student residences rather than on-campus dormitories; residence arrangements are offered for students aged 15–18. - Residence registration fee: EUR 1,000 (non-refundable). - Boarding deposit: 20% of the total boarding fees (non-refundable and applicable against the total boarding fees). Reservations require payment of the residence registration fee and deposit at booking. All published boarding fees for a chosen reservation period must be paid in one installment. - Boarding meal plan pricing (optional add-on as published): EUR 250 / month for breakfast only; EUR 375 / month for dinner only; EUR 650 / month for breakfast & dinner. - Published residence fee examples (by reservation period): - Premium residence (includes breakfast): EUR 25,000 for a 10-month stay; EUR 13,500 for a 5-month stay; EUR 9,000 for a 3-month stay. - Comfort residence (room only): EUR 18,000 for a 10-month stay; EUR 9,500 for a 5-month stay; EUR 6,150 for a 3-month stay. - Student visa mobility program (service fee for non-EU citizens): EUR 2,500 service fee (published as the mobility/student visa service fee). Other costs and optional programme fees - Meal plan for day students (where not included): EUR 215 / month; meal plan is published as free for Preschool and Elementary tuition packages where the tuition listing explicitly includes the meal plan. - English Foundation Year (intensive entry-year programme) published fee example: EUR 1,990 per 10-month installment (published programme fee and payment options shown on the English Foundation programme page). - Optional exam-preparation and short programmes (examples of published fees): SAT/college-prep course packages published with tiers such as EUR 2,500 (VIP), EUR 1,500 (Premium), and EUR 750 (Basic) for various SAT/PSAT/ACT prep offerings; summer language-camp weeks are published as EUR 250 / week or EUR 600 for a 3-week session. Tennis academy programme tiers are published with examples such as EUR 6,000 (Basic), EUR 9,000 (Premium), and EUR 12,000 (VIP). These extracurricular and supplementary programme fees are additional to standard tuition and boarding charges. Refunds and non-refundable items (published) - The annual matriculation fee (EUR 1,000) and the one-time entrance fee (EUR 2,500) are explicitly published as non-refundable. Residence registration fees and the boarding deposit are published as non-refundable and applicable toward total boarding fees. Tuition is published as pro-rated according to the period of enrollment. The school's published materials show the non-refundable status for those specific fees; no separate tuition-refund schedule beyond pro-ration is published in the fee listings. Fee payment options (published payment terms and discounts) - Published payment options: monthly installment plans (presented as amounts per 10-month installment), semester or full-year payment options, and a published discount for a single advanced payment (described as one month free). The school's published fee pages instruct that registration or deposit payments are required to confirm certain services (for example, boarding reservations). Specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card) are not itemised in the school's published fee pages. Summary of key fee figures (selected) - Application fee: EUR 0. Annual matriculation: EUR 1,000. One-time entrance: EUR 2,500. Preschool annual published total: EUR 13,900 (or EUR 12,510 single payment). Elementary annual published total: EUR 15,900 (or EUR 14,310 single payment). Middle School annual published total: EUR 17,900 (or EUR 16,110 single payment). High School (9–10) annual published total: EUR 20,900 (or EUR 18,810 single payment). Pre-University (11–12) annual published total: EUR 21,900 (or EUR 19,710 single payment). Online-only annual published total: EUR 13,900 (or EUR 12,510 single payment). Boarding residence examples: Premium residence EUR 25,000 (10 months) / Comfort residence EUR 18,000 (10 months). Meal plan: EUR 215 / month (with Preschool & Elementary tuition listings shown as including the meal plan).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements BHS does not operate its own boarding program; it collaborates with premium or comfort student residences next to the campus to provide housing for students aged 15 to 18. Residences are located two minutes from campus. A Mobility Program is available and is the mandatory requirement to obtain a Spanish student visa for non-EU minors.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options Boarding meal plan (7 days a week): Breakfast 250€ per month; Dinner 375€ per month; Breakfast and Dinner 650€ per month. Premium residences also include breakfast.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Cognia-accredited; part of the AESA International School System. EPIC member.	Governance and ownership Owned and operated by International American School, LLC. Accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education, the Barcelona Education Consortium, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), and the American International Accreditation Association of Schools and Colleges (AIAASC).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona serves international students in grades 9-12 with a college-preparatory American curriculum. The curriculum blends rigorous academics with personalized learning. Core courses include Literature, Math, Science, and Social Studies, with electives in Languages, Arts, Health, and Communication and additional electives tailored to students' interests. The program is designed to prepare students for university and beyond. The school is Cognia-accredited, ensuring global recognition of the diploma.	Curriculum details US Curriculum is offered from PK3 through 12th grade, with 9th–12th in High School. The program culminates in a US High School Diploma. The High School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Barcelona Education Department, enabling admission to Spanish and international universities. AP courses are part of the program; BHS is the AP Exam Center for Europe, College Board approved, and offers a range of AP courses. The academic year runs September through June. AP courses include Biology, Calculus AB/BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, English Language and Composition, European History, US History, World History, Physics 1, Psychology, Spanish Language, and US Government and Politics; NCAA-approved courses are available.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small by design; classes are small to ensure individualized attention and support.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression University preparation and scholarship support guide students to study at universities in the USA, Europe, and worldwide, with guidance through the college application process and athletic scholarship opportunities.	Higher education progression University and Futures Counseling is a four-year program for Grades 9–12 that provides personalized university advising. Students use Unifrog to explore universities, prepare applications, and plan career paths; visits from international university representatives and campus tours are organized. Students apply to universities globally, including Spain, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Italy, Ireland, the Czech Republic, the UK, the US, and Canada; the BHS Profile lists universities where graduates have been admitted.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Learning Support (LS) embraces neurodiversity and provides resources and strategies to support a range of needs; support is highly individualized and may include personalized learning plans, accommodations, and small-group interventions. LS also works to challenge high-achieving students and to foster academic, social, and emotional growth in collaboration with other wellbeing and ELL teams.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school fosters a diverse, multicultural learning environment that promotes global citizenship, collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding.	Social & emotional learning The school emphasizes student mental health and social development alongside academics, with dedicated social-emotional support as part of its overall approach.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has extensive experience working with English language learners and students with mild learning differences, including dyslexia and ADHD.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides learning support as part of its program for student needs and diverse learning profiles.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school has extensive experience working with English language learners.	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction, with intensive Spanish and Catalan courses available; English immersion and an English Foundation Year are offered for non-native English speakers; Elementary School provides a full Spanish–English immersion program.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mental health and emotional confidence are central to the school's social wellness philosophy, with programs and staff to support well-being alongside academics.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection are integrated into the school's policies and practices.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus is located in Pedralbes, a prestigious and peaceful Barcelona neighborhood between Oreneta Park and the Serra de Collserola Natural Park. The tranquil, green setting creates the ideal environment for focused learning and personal growth. The surrounding area includes international consulates, private schools, and the Pedralbes Monastery, making it a safe, culturally rich and accessible location. Barcelona's mild Mediterranean climate allows events to be held in the private garden, taking advantage of the outdoor spaces. The campus is Cognia Accredited and part of the AESA International School System; AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona is EPIC member.	Facilities overview T. E. A. Creativity Hub is a dedicated facility at Carrer de Montseny 22 in the Gracia neighbourhood of Barcelona. TEA stands for Technology, Entrepreneurship, and the Arts, including painting, music, film and performing arts. The Hub is a central part of the BHS school experience and hosts after-school and weekend extracurricular activities. The school is located in Gracia, a central Barcelona district. Barcelona High School provides an innovative digital lesson platform to complete course assignments and lessons.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities BHS follows the American curriculum with fully accredited US curriculum courses. BHS is the AP Exam Center for Europe, approved by the College Board, and offers AP courses including Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Science, English and more. AP courses are included in tuition for BHS students; non-BHS students may take AP exams here with a separate fee. Upon completion of 12th grade, students receive an American High School Diploma. 1-on-1 tutor support and university counseling are available.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Model United Nations (MUN); STEM; Art; Music; Film; Chess; Entrepreneurship; Makeup; Yearbook; Field trips.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona is part of the AESA international school system and traces its origins to 2009 in Austin, Texas, founded by Rick and Barbara Garza. The founders built a 'small by design' model with small class sizes and individualized support for scholars, athletes, and artists. In 2015, AESA expanded to Barcelona, where Kyle Overby launched AESA Prep International online and later established a blended program in 2016; in June 2020, the Barcelona campus was officially recognized as AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona. Today, AESA operates three campuses: AESA Prep Academy in Austin, AESA Prep International (Online), and AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona (Spain), all guided by a shared mission of enabling excellent education alongside opportunities to pursue personal passions.	History Barcelona High School (BHS) was founded in Spain in 2024 with the Spanish Ministry of Education and began with 5 students. It was founded by American entrepreneur and Harvard graduate Akida Mashaka to address failures of traditional education. The school now has over 500 students across two campuses in Barcelona. It is accredited as an American school by the Spanish Ministry of Education and as a US curriculum school. The BHS Method, Build. Harvest. Succeed., guides its pedagogy and the school emphasizes social and emotional wellbeing alongside academics.
Community	Community The Barcelona campus hosts a diverse and multicultural student body, creating a global learning environment. The mission describes a Cognia-accredited American high school in Barcelona offering a flexible, college-preparatory program for scholars, athletes, and artists in grades 8–12, with small class sizes and a multicultural campus that fosters global perspective. Students come from around the world, contributing to cross-cultural learning and collaboration.	Community Two campuses serve the K–12 program: middle and high school on a new secondary campus in District 22@, Poblenou, and a primary campus in Gracia for elementary and preschool. It emphasizes social and emotional wellbeing as part of its Social Wellness School identity and aims to foster a global, inclusive community. The PGA serves as a liaison between families and administration and holds meetings to discuss pedagogy, community-building events, teacher appreciation, and fundraising.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The PGA is made up of grade-level representatives and general members. Parents and guardians volunteer to be the liaison between the administration and their grade level to ensure information is communicated in grade-level chats and forums. The PGA holds meetings to engage with BHS staff, learn about school pedagogy, and discuss community-building events, teacher appreciation, fundraising efforts. The PGA also supports school life and fosters active parent and guardian involvement.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual US-based curriculum with a US High School Diploma. AP courses are offered across multiple subjects, and BHS is an AP Exam Center for Europe, allowing any AP exam to be taken at the school. The diploma provides access to Spanish and international universities, and the program is accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education; accreditation also includes WASC, NCPSA, and AIAASC.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative BHS runs the T.E.A. Creativity Hub, for Technology, Entrepreneurship, and the Arts, with after-school and weekend creativity activities such as painting, music, film and performing arts. The Hub is located in Gracia at Carrer de Montseny 22. Extracurricular Activities include Model UN, STEM, Art, Music, Film, Chess, Entrepreneurship, Yearbook and more.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Preschool and Kindergarten offer bilingual English–Spanish instruction; Elementary School offers tri-lingual education in English, Spanish, and Catalan; Grades 7–10 follow the ESO program to attend Spanish universities; in high school there is an intensive Spanish course, including AP Spanish Language & Culture, and a Summer Intensive Spanish Course. BHS Elementary is a tri-lingual school and BHS Preschool is bilingual.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Extracurricular Activities include Model United Nations (MUN), STEM, Art, Music, Film, Chess, Entrepreneurship, Yearbook, Manga, Esports, and more. Clubs and activities are listed under Extracurricular Activities and include field trips and diverse groups.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Community Service is offered as part of clubs and activities. Barcelona High School promotes a community-centered ethos as a Social Wellness School, prioritizing community and psychological well-being, guided by values such as Community and Ubuntu.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The leadership team includes Amanda Slefo, Director of Middle & High School; Akida Mashaka, Founder and President of the Governing Board; Niki Savva, Director of Elementary & Preschool; and Kate Bonato, Director of Admissions. Leadership and Career Counseling Programs nurture leadership, help identify aptitudes and interests, and provide guidance for higher education and future careers.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Barcelona High School prioritizes social and emotional well-being as part of its Social Wellness School model, balancing academics with social life and mental health support. The mission states the school helps students academically, socially, and psychologically, with flexible academic and emotional support structures.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision World Languages offered include Spanish (Spanish 1-4) and Catalan (Catalan 1-2). Literature courses include English (English 1-4), Catalan Literature and History, and Spanish Literature and History. The program has extensive experience supporting English language learners.	Language provision The school teaches courses in English. The Elementary School is trilingual (English, Spanish, Catalan). Spanish and Catalan language courses are offered, including four levels and Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture. There is also a Summer Intensive Spanish Course.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school has a trilingual elementary program in English, Spanish, and Catalan. The preschool is bilingual in English and Spanish. English is the language of instruction for courses, and there is an Intensive English Program for non-native speakers across early childhood to high school.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs The school has English immersion and an English Foundation Year for non-native English speakers. The Elementary School provides a full Spanish and English immersion program. There is an Intensive English Program for non-native English speakers from early childhood through high school.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The school is Cognia-accredited (formerly AdvancED/SACS).	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Begin the online application by completing the Apply Now form. Step 1 of 4 collects Applicant Information such as the student's full legal name, date of birth, home address, and contact details. A copy of the student passport is required, and Spanish nationals must also upload a copy of their DNI. Email [email protected] with any questions. 2. Step 2 collects Current School Information, including Name of School, School Address, School Phone Number, School Email Address, the curriculum, and Student's Present Grade Level. This information helps AESA understand the student's current academic context and scheduling needs. You can Save and Continue Later to complete the form. 3. Step 3 collects Parent/Guardian Information, including at least one parent/guardian's name, relationship, email address, and phone number, with space for a second guardian if applicable. This enables AESA to communicate and coordinate during the admissions process. You can Save and Continue Later. 4. Step 4 is Signature: Certification that the information provided is complete and factually correct; you must accept the Privacy Policy and Data Protection terms; you may Save and Continue Later.	Admissions Admission is open year-round. In-person or online meeting with BHS Admissions; enrollment documentation (official school transcripts and translations if required, passport/identification, etc.); payment of a one-time entrance fee; payment of the annual matriculation fee; if applicable, start your student visa process with a BHS matriculation letter; and first month's tuition payment or one total payment for a discount.
Scholarships	Scholarships University Preparation & Scholarship Support: AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona provides university preparation and scholarship support to help students pursue higher education opportunities in the USA, Europe, and worldwide. Many student-athletes pursue athletic scholarships at top U.S. universities, and AESA's experienced team provides dedicated guidance throughout the application process.	Scholarships Financial aid scholarships are available for Catalan and Spanish students living in Barcelona who cannot afford to attend BHS. Financial aid is available to Spanish passport students who do not have the means to pay all tuition.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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