Alma Forest School vs Sotogrande International School

	A Alma Forest School Malaga, Spain	S Sotogrande International School Malaga, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €7,500 - 13,750	Fees / year €9,840 - 28,255
Age range	Age range 3 - 14 years	Age range 0 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels, Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils	Pupils 112	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 24
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Spanish
Opened	Opened 2019	Opened 1978
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located on a Spanish finca just outside Sotogrande, Spain. Expansive views across to Gibraltar and Morocco, with fields to play on, trees to climb and animals to care for. Surrounding natural parks and beaches are used to immerse learning in the natural environment. The school is internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators.	Location Av. de la Reserva, s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cadiz, Spain. The school serves students from 6 months through 18 years, from Early Years to High School. It offers day and boarding options. Private bus services cover Tarifa, Gibraltar, Nueva Andalucia and Estepona.
Stages	Stages Escuela Bosque Ages 3-6; Primary School Ages 6-11; Middle School Ages 11-14.	Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, and High School. It is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes.
School type	School type Microschool; intentionally small school; internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators.	School type International Day and Boarding School
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 24 nationalities represented; 80% of families relocated to join Alma Forest School.	Pupil nationality mix The SIS community represents 50 nationalities.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Comprehensive language acquisition programme to support students with additional language needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain	Country affiliation Spain
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Three private, air-conditioned bus services cover Tarifa, Gibraltar, Nueva Andalucia and Estepona; one-way or return options.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and inscription fees - Inscription (application) fee: EUR 500. This is a one‑off charge invoiced at the time of application and only one payment is invoiced per family. This fee is non‑refundable. - Deposit: a deposit is charged when an application is processed to secure a place. Deposits are refundable only if the school is notified in writing with a full term's notice of the student's intention to leave (see deadlines below). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term figures) - Escuela Bosque (ages 3–6): EUR 750 per month (membership fee). Per‑term and annual figures below are calculated from the published monthly amount using the school's monthly billing basis. (See calculation note below.) - Published: EUR 750 per month. - Calculated annual (example, based on a 10‑month billing basis): EUR 7,500 per year (EUR 750 × 10). - Calculated per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 2,500 per term (calculated). - Grade 1 (age 6 turning 7): EUR 10,500 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 3,500. - Grade 2 (age 7 turning 8): EUR 10,500 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 3,500. - Grade 3 (age 8 turning 9): EUR 11,750 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 3,916.67. - Grade 4 (age 9 turning 10): EUR 11,750 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 3,916.67. - Grade 5 (age 10 turning 11): EUR 11,750 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 3,916.67. - Grade 6 (age 11 turning 12): EUR 13,750 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 4,583.33. - Grade 7 (age 12 turning 13): EUR 13,750 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 4,583.33. - Grade 8 (age 13 turning 14): EUR 13,750 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 4,583.33. (Calculation note: per‑term amounts shown above are calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by three to produce termly figures consistent with the school's term structure; where the school publishes a monthly fee (Escuela Bosque) the annual and per‑term figures shown are calculated using the school's published monthly billing basis. These per‑term/annual figures are provided for clarity and are calculated from the published amounts. ) Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment frequency options: monthly, termly, or annually. - Monthly payments: due before the 5th of each month. - Termly payments: a 2% discount is applied to fees paid termly. Termly payments are due before 15 August, 20 December and 20 April. - Annual payments: a 5% discount is applied to fees paid annually. Annual payment is due before 15 August. - Sibling discount: EUR 500 annually for each sibling after the first; the discount is calculated according to the family's preferred payment terms. - Residentials and school trips: these incur additional charges invoiced during the year. Boarding fees - Boarding provision or boarding fees are not listed in the school's published fee document. No boarding fee schedule is published. Other costs and optional extras - Catering (lunches): - Escuela Bosque catering: EUR 93 per month. - Grades 1–7 catering: EUR 110 per month. - Per‑meal rates: Escuela Bosque EUR 5.50 per meal; rest of school EUR 6.50 per meal. The monthly catering fee is averaged over 10 academic months. Parents must still provide a daily snack. Cancellation rules apply (see refunds/cancellation). - After School Club (for ages 3–6 and Grade 1; until 4:30pm Mon–Thu): monthly rates by number of days per week: - 1 day per week: EUR 55 per month. - 2 days per week: EUR 96 per month. - 3 days per week: EUR 125 per month. - 4 days per week: EUR 155 per month. - Other optional charges: transport nominal fees for day trips, residential and excursion charges, and other extras which are invoiced as they arise. Fees and extras are subject to annual review. Refunds and cancellation terms - Inscription fee (EUR 500) is non‑refundable. - Deposit refund: deposits are refundable only when the school is given written term's notice of intent to leave. The published notice deadlines for refund eligibility are: - On or before 1 September if leaving at the end of December. - On or before 31 December if leaving at the end of March. - On or before 31 March if leaving at the end of June. - Catering cancellation: canceling catering must be provided in writing before the 25th of the next month and cannot be cancelled in the middle of a month; adjustments may be charged if joining or cancelling partway through the year. - After School Club: changes or cancellations to selected days must be notified before the 25th of the next month and cannot be cancelled mid‑month. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Fee payment options (methods) - The school's published fee schedule specifies payment frequency, due dates and discounts but does not list specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card, PayPal). For information about accepted payment methods or to arrange a payment, contact the school directly via the published school contact channels. Short practical summary (key numbers) - Inscription fee: EUR 500 (non‑refundable). - Escuela Bosque: EUR 750 per month (published). Calculated example: EUR 7,500 per year; EUR 2,500 per term (using 10‑month monthly basis). - Primary / Middle (published annual tuition): Grade 1 & 2 EUR 10,500; Grades 3–5 EUR 11,750; Grades 6–8 EUR 13,750. Per‑term figures for each grade are published annual ÷ 3 (calculated values shown above). - Catering: EUR 93/month (Escuela Bosque) or EUR 110/month (Grades 1–7); per‑meal rates EUR 5.50 / EUR 6.50. - After School Club: EUR 55–155 per month depending on days per week. - Discounts: 2% termly payment discount; 5% annual payment discount; sibling discount EUR 500 per additional sibling. (Where per‑term or annual totals are shown as calculations, they were derived from the published monthly or annual figures and the school's published billing structure.)	Fee details Application / Registration and Membership Fees - Registration fee (non-refundable, payable on submission of the application): EC1–P6 €350; M1–D2 €550. - Membership fee (single payment on admission, per family): EC1–P6 €3,000; M1–M5 €4,000. Deposits - Standard deposit (single payment, refundable on departure in accordance with the school's terms and conditions): Day students EC1–P6 €2,000; Day students M1–D2 €2,500; With boarding M1–D2 €5,000. The deposit may be used to cover any damages caused during the stay. - Early Years specific deposits: Early Years deposit €500 per student. If a child continues in Early Childhood 1 (3 years old before September) the registration fee (€350) and the membership fee (€3,000) are waived, but a refundable deposit of €1,500 is required under the school's terms and conditions. Tuition fees by year group (annual, EUR) - Early Childhood: EC1 €9,840; EC2 €10,485. - Primary: PYP1–PYP2 €15,650; PYP3–PYP6 €16,810. - Secondary (MYP): MYP1–MYP3 €20,575; MYP4–MYP5 €23,100. - IB (DP): D1–D2 €28,255. Early Years term fees (per term; Early Years operates three terms per school year) - Standard day programme (09:00–15:10): - 5 days: 1st term €2,920; 2nd term €2,190; 3rd term €2,190. - 3 days: 1st term €2,490; 2nd term €1,870; 3rd term €1,870. - 2 days: 1st term €2,170; 2nd term €1,625; 3rd term €1,625. - Extended day programme (09:00–17:00, 5 days): 1st term €3,650; 2nd term €2,740; 3rd term €2,740. After-hours programme (monthly fee, 15:10–17:00): €225 per month. Boarding fees and boarding-related services (annual unless stated otherwise) - Annual boarding standard pack (Templeton House – Standard Pack): €22,720. Includes: all term meals; ensuite shared-room accommodation; transport to activities within a 10 km radius; dedicated supported study time; airport–school transport provision within set dates; weekend activities & entertainment; term-time medical & health insurance. - Guardian pack for non-EU members (adds dedicated guardian services, visa and residency permit support, notary expenses): €26,810 (annual). - Weekly boarding house (Monday–Friday, annual fee): €18,350. Extra night for weekly boarders: €115 per night. Flexi-boarding / double room (daily fee, subject to availability): €115 per night; flexi-boarding is for short stays (2–14 days maximum) and is not available during school holidays. What is included / not included in fees - Included in published tuition and boarding packages: all term meals and compulsory curriculum-related trips (boarding standard pack details listed above). Boarding packs also include medical & health insurance during term time where specified. - Not included: devices (e.g., personal laptops/tablets), uniform, transport (where not included in a boarding pack), external examination fees and charges, and other optional extras. Early Years notes specify lunch and uniform are not included in Early Years term fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - Full payment option: full payment of fees before 15 August. - Instalment options for tuition fees: three instalments payable on 15 August, 15 December and 15 March. Payments must be arranged by direct debit. - IB Diploma (D1 & D2) instalment option: D1 and D2 fees are payable in two instalments on 15 August and 15 December. - Boarding fee instalments: boarding fees are payable in three instalments with the first instalment due 15 March (preceding year), then 15 December and 15 March. Refunds and cancellation-related points - Registration and membership fees are non-refundable and payable on submission of the application or admission. The deposit is a single payment that is refundable on departure in accordance with the school's terms and conditions; the deposit may be used to cover any damages caused during the stay. Early Years has a specific refundable-deposit arrangement (€1,500) when registration/membership are waived for children continuing into EC1. Fee payment options and required payment method - Required method: payments must be arranged by direct debit (SEPA / direct debit arrangements are required). Instalment schedules described above assume direct-debit collection. The published fee materials set direct debit as the payment arrangement. Other costs and optional charges - Additional or optional costs may include: uniform, personal devices, optional external examination or certification fees (where applicable), optional after-hours programs for Early Years (monthly fee €225), extra boarding nights beyond contracted weekly boarding, transport outside included provisions, and any optional extracurricular or elite-sports programme fees where applicable. Specific items listed as not included in the fee schedules are devices, uniform, transport and external examination fees. (End of fee overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school offers on-site boarding with Full Boarding, Weekday Boarding, and Flexi-boarding. The Boarding House provides a safe, welcoming space with on-site staff, common rooms, and a wide range of evening and weekend activities for boarders.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school uniform is mandatory and can be purchased from El Corte Inglés stores in Algeciras and Marbella or online.
Food options	Food options Lunch catering is provided; parents supply a healthy daily snack. Catering costs EUR 93 per month for Escuela Bosque and EUR 110 per month for Grade 1 through Grade 7, with meal prices of EUR 5.50 for Escuela Bosque and EUR 6.50 for the rest of the school.	Food options Home-made food is prepared on-site with a monthly menu designed by a specialist nutritionist, using fresh ingredients.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Sharyn is Co-Founder and Director. Philipp Klaus is Principal. The school is affiliated with LearningPlanet Alliance and QUEST, among other networks.	Governance and ownership Sotogrande International School is a member of Inspired Education, one of the world's largest and most innovative school groups, with over 80 premium schools across five continents.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Escuela Bosque is the pre-school for ages 3-6, and the Primary School serves ages 6-11 with Middle School for ages 11-14. The curriculum is built around three overlapping strands: the Imposed strand of Literacy and Numeracy workshops; the Emergent strand of class- or school-wide Explorations that integrate Science, Humanities and the Arts; and the Explorations framework that is co-created with students and guided by their interests. The curriculum draws from international, self-directed, democratic, project-based and outdoor education models, adapting these strengths to Alma Forest School's unique learning environment. Academic workshops align with international standards and use materials developed by leading international schools; most subjects are taught through Explorations rather than in isolated lessons. About 25% of school time is spent on self-directed projects chosen and planned with peers and teachers. Learning emphasizes outdoor, nature-based contexts and mixed-age group work, with a focus on intrinsic motivation and real-world application across disciplines.	Curriculum details The school is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes and follows an internationally-recognised curriculum.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio In the Escuela Bosque, the teacher-to-student ratio is 1:8. In the Primary School, younger groups are supported by a teacher and teaching assistant while older groups have a class teacher; class sizes do not exceed 15 learners.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Academically, students achieve at par with counterparts in other international schools. Teaching materials are drawn from curricula used by leading international schools globally. Graduates depart Alma Forest School with skills that empower independent, self-directed learning and the ability to apply knowledge across contexts.	Exam results In 2025 IB graduates achieved an average point score of 33.5 and a highest Diploma score of 43.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Graduates progress to top universities around the world, including US Ivy League, UK Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The school facilitates the development of unique gifts and talents.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school emphasizes Radical Empathy and empathy-building to connect with others and foster compassionate individuals. It follows a Consent-Based approach, with unhurried learning and students co-creating the curriculum. Alma Forest is a Microschool where everyone is known, heard and has the opportunity to contribute, supporting a strong social fabric. The school promotes open, honest exchanges and relationships based on shared humanity, with social, emotional and ethical development embedded in practice.	Social & emotional learning SIS provides a child-centered, holistic education with a robust pastoral framework. Personal Advisors in the Secondary School and Class Teachers in the Primary School are the main points of contact for parents and students, ensuring daily support and encouragement. The school emphasises wellbeing and personal development, with strong pastoral guidance, and develops leaders and global citizens through programmes like the Global Citizenship Programme and service learning. The SIS community represents 50 nationalities, contributing to intercultural awareness and mutual respect.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has staff with experience in Special Educational Needs. Inma, a Primary Teacher, specialized in International Education with a special emphasis on Special Educational Needs, English, and Physical Education.	Special educational needs (SEN) Dedicated Student Support Services and an English Language Development department provide support for learners, including those with additional language needs. The school offers personalised learning with flexible language groupings and extra ELD classes led by specialist teachers. Early Childhood includes immersion for English language development to support language acquisition. Students can access targeted language and learning support as part of a broader inclusive education approach.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not require children to speak English; as an international school it supports learners who are learning English as an additional language.	English as an additional language Although the main language of instruction is English, SIS is committed to multilingualism and intercultural understanding. The English Language Development (ELD) programme supports learners who do not have English as a first language, with personalised learning to improve English while maintaining cultural diversity. Language learning is embedded across the curriculum, with English language development available as a dedicated department and additional language opportunities (Spanish, French, German, Mandarin).
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school supports mental wellbeing through a holistic approach to development, with social, emotional and ethical growth described as part of learning. Staff express commitment to meeting children's emotional needs alongside academic progress.	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care is a core part of SIS, with Personal Advisors and Class Teachers supporting students' wellbeing and development. The school emphasises a safe, supportive environment and fosters a culture of happiness as part of a comprehensive pastoral provision. Pastoral guidance is highlighted as an area of strength alongside academic achievement, contributing to student wellbeing and personal growth.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and recruitment includes child protection screening and appropriate pre-employment checks.	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection are paramount at SIS. The school has a Safeguarding Team and trained staff who act when there is a risk of harm, working with external agencies to safeguard students. The aim is to create a school environment where students feel safe, healthy and well-supported.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Alma Forest School sits on a Spanish finca just outside Sotogrande, with expansive views toward Gibraltar and Morocco. The grounds include fields to play on, trees to climb and animals to care for, and learning extends into the surrounding farm and forest. The surrounding natural parks and beaches are used to immerse students in the environment. Alma Forest School is a microschool with small class sizes and experienced, internationally accredited staff. The program includes an Escuela Bosque for ages 3-6 and a Primary School that continues the outdoor, inquiry-based approach across the 6–11 and 11–14 age ranges.	Facilities overview The Sotogrande campus serves children from 2 to 18 years and supports 21st‑century learning with versatile spaces for engaging lessons. An expansion added a new building with 20 additional secondary classrooms, allowing each academic department to occupy a distinct part of the school. The campus provides modern learning spaces, bright offices and staff rooms, a welcoming entrance and a common room for senior students. Exterior and interior facilities include modern STEM laboratories, art studios, and spacious outdoor playgrounds. The sports facilities include a 5-a‑side astro turf football pitch and a multi‑surface leisure area, and the main building is planned to be remodelled to upgrade the library facilities and extend the primary division to a 4‑form entry school.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Outdoor spaces anchor physical activity: fields to play on and forest grounds form the core spaces for movement and play. Learning also includes beach and forest outings as part of the curriculum.	Sports facilities The campus sports facilities include a 5‑a‑side astro turf football pitch and a multi‑surface leisure area. These facilities are part of the extensive exterior and interior facilities of the campus, reflecting ongoing updates to accommodate a growing student body.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Escuela Bosque Ages 3-6 is rooted in the Forest School tradition; children spend the day outside learning in and from nature with experienced forest school educators guiding their development. They access a variety of activities with learning initiated by the student, the teacher and the environment. Primary School Ages 6-11 builds on the forest-school foundation with academic workshops based on international standards; these workshops are integrated into transdisciplinary projects co-created with students and guided by their interests, and about 25% of time is spent on self-directed projects. Middle School Ages 11-14 supports independent research and complex projects, with continued emphasis on tutorials and group workshops. Class sizes remain small, with a teacher-to-student ratio around 1:8 in Escuela Bosque and no more than 15 learners in younger Primary School cohorts.	Academic facilities Classrooms are high‑quality and equipped with advanced technology, including whiteboards, computers and music and design programmes. Selected classrooms have tiered seating and foldable tables to support presentations and group work. The school environment is designed for learners at every educational level, with modern STEM laboratories and art studios on site. Remodelling plans aim to enhance Primary School provision and update library facilities, enabling the Primary division to extend to a 4‑form entry school.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Off the Grid Summer Camp for ages 4-9 runs weekdays 9:00–14:00; €275 per week, with a sleepover option and a weekly schedule of maker projects, swimming and games. Camp is staffed by Alma Forest School educators with extensive experience in outdoor, project-based learning; lifeguards are present. Registration for 2026 opens February 15, 2026, with spaces expected to fill quickly.	Extra curricular facilities SIS offers a full and varied extracurricular activities programme to provide opportunities for students to follow their passion and develop their potential. Activities range from music and expressive arts to pre‑engineering club, chess and various sporting clubs. The SIS Activities Programme is coordinated by lead persons for each activity, with Primary School Activities and Secondary School Activities detailing age‑appropriate options.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The school is located on a Spanish finca just outside Sotogrande. The Escuela Bosque for ages 3-6 was co-founded in April 2019 to provide outdoor learning. The Primary School was created in 2020 to continue learning in this environment. The school has 24 nationalities represented and 80% of families have relocated to join, forming a truly international community. Alma Forest School is internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators, with a curriculum built around transdisciplinary projects and self-directed learning.	History Founded over four decades ago, Sotogrande International School serves children from 6 months in the Early Years division to 18 years in the High School, and offers day and boarding options. It is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The school is described as a vibrant, inclusive community of over 1,300 students, with a culture of happiness and a focus on nurturing each student's talents and ambitions.
Community	Community Alma Forest School is a microschool described as a tribe of learners where everyone is known, heard and has the opportunity to contribute. Its education is rooted in Bioregionalism, Consent-Based learning, and Radical Empathy. A Community Liaison connects families, educators and the wider community, supporting collaboration and shared learning. The school's culture centers on co-creating journeys of discovery with its students.	Community The school is a vibrant, inclusive community of over 1,300 students and emphasizes a culture of happiness, aimed at nurturing every student's talents and ambitions. The learning environment is shaped by the IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP).
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The PTA welcomes all parents and staff as members and organizes fundraising and social events throughout the year, with funds used to provide resources for students, such as extra playground equipment, table tennis tables, and Go Pros. The Parent Ambassador role promotes the school and represents SIS, helping to share experiences and support families.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school uses a three-strand curriculum that blends Imposed Literacy and Numeracy workshops with Emergent transdisciplinary Explorations. Literacy and numeracy are delivered through dedicated workshops, including Jolly Phonics, Words Their Way, Reading and Handwriting, and numeracy is taught with Contexts for Learning Mathematics, Number Talks and Mathletics. The Emergent strand guides projects that integrate Science, Humanities and Arts, while Explorations are co-created with students and guided by their interests. About 25% of school time is devoted to self-directed personal projects planned and carried out with peer and teacher support.	Academic & intellectual Sotogrande International School is an independent IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The school also offers an American High School Diploma route and an International A-level route for high school students. The average IB Diploma score is 34 points. The school emphasizes holistic, inquiry-based learning and enrols students from 6 months through 18 years.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts are embedded through Emergent Explorations, with the Emergent strand explicitly including the Arts alongside Science and Humanities. Explorations integrate Arts into cross-disciplinary projects rather than treating Arts as a separate subject. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning where creative inquiry and expression are part of the beach and forest explorations.	Arts & creative The school provides a broad range of activities across performance arts, sports, and service, with academies in Golf, Tennis, Soccer and Water Sports to support competitive participation and personal development.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The common language of the school is English and it is spoken inside and outside the classroom. Spanish lessons are regularly offered during academic workshop time and are connected to Explorations, using conversational activities to build vocabulary. Although not an immersion school, English language learners receive support and opportunities to acquire English within the active curriculum. With over 20 nationalities represented, Alma Forest School hosts a diverse international community.	Cultural & language The school is multilingual and internationally minded; its primary language of instruction is English, with some subjects taught in Spanish. First languages offered include English, Spanish and Russian, and second languages include English, Spanish, French, German and Mandarin.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Personal, Social and Physical Education is interwoven with all activities, and Morning Circles address conflict resolution, healthy relationships, bodies and current affairs. A non-violent, restorative approach to conflict resolution underpins daily interactions. Students participate in residential trips and school sleepovers that build community and independence. Guest workshops and local partnerships bring external experts into learning and broaden horizons.	Social & hobbies The school offers extensive extracurricular activities across a wide range of interests to support student passions beyond the classroom.
Community & service	Community & service The parent community is a valuable resource and shares experiences to support learning. The school collaborates with local organizations and regularly invites guest workshops to bring real-world knowledge to students. Residential trips and sleepovers reinforce community and relationships and provide opportunities for extended learning outside the classroom. Families participate in events and partnerships that connect Alma Forest School with the local community.	Community & service The Kindred Project, an independent NGO run by students since 2010, supports projects in Ecuador, India, Morocco, Spain and Uganda as part of the school's global citizenship activities.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Students plan and carry out self-directed personal projects with the support of peers and teachers. Explorations are co-created with students and guided by their interests, fostering leadership, collaboration and problem-solving. The school supports a village-like culture where students are partners in learning and in shaping the curriculum. Tutorials and group workshops provide structured opportunities for shared leadership and peer learning.	Leadership & professional The school supports leadership development and university/career guidance through its pastoral system and university placement services, with a strong emphasis on preparing students for international higher education.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Escuela Bosque is a forest-school program for ages 3-6, with children learning outdoors in the natural environment. Alma Forest School emphasizes an unhurried approach to childhood and intrinsic motivation, avoiding unnecessary stress. Daily routines include mindfulness, Morning Circles and culture-building activities, with a strong emphasis on healthy living and movement. Residential trips and school sleepovers, along with regular outdoor activities, support wellbeing and community.	Lifestyle & wellbeing SIS provides boarding facilities (Boarding House for 160+ students) alongside day schooling, supported by a focus on safeguarding, well-being and a holistic, inclusive school culture.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Spanish is taught. English as an additional language support is available. There is no English language requirement for enrollment.	Language provision The main language of instruction is English, and the school maintains a multilingual environment. Spanish is offered from age 3 as either First Language or Additional Language. Russian is offered as a First Language, while French, German and Mandarin are offered as Second Languages. An English Language Development program supports non-native English speakers.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school is bilingual, with English as the main language of instruction and Spanish taught in some subjects. A second language is used in daily routines and in classroom learning. The school employs native-English teachers to support language development and maintains a multilingual environment. This bilingual approach supports multilingualism across the curriculum.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs English immersion is used in Early Childhood for learners who do not have English as a first language. In Early Childhood, English is introduced through the immersion programme. In Primary, English Language Development provides more specialised language support.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1: Get to Know Us. A video call or a physical tour of Alma Forest School is arranged to walk you through our approach and ethos. Before the meeting, read the website and our social media pages to understand the school's ethos and activities. This helps families determine if the environment aligns with their expectations. Step 2: Complete an Application Form. After the tour, complete the Application Form to apply for a free space or to join the waitlist. Provide as much information as possible about the prospective student and family, and include supporting reports and assessments with the completed forms. Create an account to view your application after submitting it. Step 3: Student Trials. When logistically possible, prospective students are invited to attend trial days before an offer can be extended. This ensures Alma Forest is the best environment for the child. Step 4: Invitation to Join the Alma Tribe. Following the successful outcome of the above steps, an offer to enrol with Alma Forest is issued.	Admissions Register Your Interest by completing the Enquiry Form and arranging a visit. Open Days are held throughout the year on Saturdays. Complete the Application Form on the Open Apply platform and upload the last two years of school reports translated into English; a registration fee is due: Primary €350 per child; Secondary €550 per child. Examinations: Primary students entering PYP5 (9 years) and PYP6 (10 years) complete an online Cognitive Test invigilated by Admissions. Secondary students aged 11–15 take an online Cognitive Test plus the iDAT 360 assessment. Diploma and A‑level students aged 16–18 complete an online assessment including Cognitive, English and Maths. Admissions Review and Conditions: The Admissions Committee reviews applications and assessments and informs the outcome; Diploma students have an online interview with the IB Coordinator. Successful Application: You receive an email with the offer letter and payment conditions. Upload to OpenApply the following documents: copy of student's passport, copies of parents' passports, student NIE, parents' NIE, contract signed by both parents, and Image Consent Form. All documents must be received before your child starts at SIS; if relevant information is withheld, the school reserves the right to withdraw from the place offered.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Nsouli Scholars Programme enables 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. Scholarships at Sotogrande International School are merit‑based and cover reduced IB tuition fees for students who excel in academics, expressive arts and sport; learners of all ages may apply. Complete the Scholarships Application Handbook and the Scholarships Application Form to be considered; download the Scholarship Guide 2026 - 2027. Bursaries: SIS provides financial assistance to families; to be considered, students must have completed at least one full academic year; download the Economic Aid Guide 2025 - 2026.
Waitlist	Waitlist Waitlist overview: A waitlist is used for enrolment at Alma Forest. Completion of the Alma Forest Waitlist Enrolment Form entitles the Applicant to be added to the waitlist. A separate form is required for each child. The form collects Child Details, Parental Details, and the intended enrolment dates, along with Additional Information. The form includes an Agreement between Parent/Guardian and Alma Forest Primary outlining commitments such as active parent participation, ensuring the child is well nourished and rested, and outdoor learning in all weather. Completion of the form entitles the Applicant to the waitlist. A separate Application for Enrolment and a registration fee are required for each child when moving from waitlist to enrolment. Return completed form to info@almaforestschool.com.	Waitlist —
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