Alma Forest School vs Svenska Skolan Marbella

	A Alma Forest School Malaga, Spain	S Svenska Skolan Marbella Malaga, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €7,500 - 13,750	Fees / year €8,200 - 13,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 14 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 112	Pupils 220
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 13
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Swedish
Opened	Opened 2019	Opened 2003
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
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 Marbella, Málaga, Spain. The school is located in a scenic area near Puerto Banús. Address: Urb La Alzambra Local 1D, CC Vasari, 29660 Marbella, Málaga. The campus sits in the La Alzambra area of Marbella.
Stages	Stages Escuela Bosque Ages 3-6; Primary School Ages 6-11; Middle School Ages 11-14.	Stages Primary and Secondary. The Swedish primary school and the International secondary school learn together, blending Swedish values with an International curriculum taught in English. The secondary programme follows the Cambridge pathway (Years 7-9).
School type	School type Microschool; intentionally small school; internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators.	School type International school (Swedish primary education and International secondary program).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 24 nationalities represented; 80% of families relocated to join Alma Forest School.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Tailored support is provided; small class sizes ensure each student receives the necessary support and attention.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain	Country affiliation Overseas Swedish school following the Swedish curriculum; approved by the Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket).
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 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 fee - A non‑refundable registration (inskrivnings) fee of EUR 1,000 is payable per pupil when a place is offered; payment secures the place and the registration fee is not refunded. Tuition fees (per term) and annual equivalents by year group / programme - Förskola (ages 3–5): EUR 4,300 per term (includes lunch). Annual equivalent (two terms per academic year): EUR 8,600. - Förskoleklass – Årskurs 6 (pupils not eligible for Swedish government grant / icke statsbidragsberättigade): EUR 5,200 per term (includes lunch). Annual equivalent: EUR 10,400. - Förskoleklass – Årskurs 6 (pupils eligible for Swedish government grant / statsbidragsberättigade): EUR 4,100 per term (includes lunch). Annual equivalent: EUR 8,200. - Fritids (after‑school care): - 1–2 days per week: EUR 600 per term. Annual equivalent: EUR 1,200. - 3–5 days per week: EUR 1,100 per term. Annual equivalent: EUR 2,200. - Sofia Distans (supervised Swedish distance education for Åk 7–9) and Hermods Distansgymnasium (gymnasium via distance with on‑site supervision): EUR 3,350 per term (includes lunch). Annual equivalent: EUR 6,700. - International Secondary programme (Svenska Skolan Marbella International) — Years 7–9 (where applicable): registration fee EUR 1,000 plus tuition charged per semester: EUR 6,750 per semester (two semesters per year); annual tuition equivalent: EUR 13,500. Additional typical costs for this programme include an annual materials/books fee of EUR 400 and optional costs for external exam fees, end‑of‑year trips, school photographs/yearbook and school‑logo T‑shirts/hoodies/caps. A Swedish support option via Sofia Distans for this programme may have a supplementary fee (e.g. EUR 200). Billing schedule and payment terms - Places are offered for a full academic year (two terms). Accepting a place commits the family to the full year fee. - For the Swedish day‑school and the Sofia Distans / Hermods supervised programmes, school invoices are issued by e‑mail and payment is made in advance. The contract specifies the payment deadlines as follows: the payment deadline for the autumn term is 20 April and the payment deadline for the spring term is 31 October; unpaid invoices may be sent to collections. Parents must notify the school in writing before the stated deadline (28 February) if the pupil will not continue the following school year, otherwise the family remains liable for the following term's fee. - For the International Secondary programme, academic fees are divided into two annual payments (one in May and one in November). Registration fees remain payable upon acceptance. Boarding / internat fees - Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school (förskola, grundskola and supervised distance secondary studies) and therefore there are no boarding or internat fees. Other costs and optional charges - School meals (lunch) are included in the stated tuition for the listed programmes where noted. - Optional or additional costs that families commonly encounter: - Materials and textbooks (example: EUR 400 per year for the International Secondary programme). - External examination or assessment fees (where applicable). - End‑of‑year school trips and related travel costs. - School photographs, yearbook and optional branded clothing (school‑logo T‑shirts, hoodies, caps). - Additional support for pupils with extra needs is charged to guardians at an agreed price and is invoiced in advance. Refunds and cancellation / early‑departure rules - The registration (inskrivnings) fee of EUR 1,000 is non‑refundable. If a local school grant ("skolpeng") is later awarded by a home municipality, the registration fee is not returned. - No tuition or other fees are refunded, in whole or in part, if a pupil leaves the school during the academic year or is absent for an extended period; this rule also applies to school meals. Failure to notify the school in writing by the stated deadline for leaving may result in billing for the subsequent term. Fee payment options and bank details - Bank transfer (international bank transfer/IBAN) is accepted. The school's account details are provided for payments to the account holder COLEGIO SUECO MARBELLA, S.L. IBAN: ES31 2100 2676 1102 1040 0979; BANK: CAIXABANK; SWIFT/BIC: CAIXESBB. Families should state the payer's name on transfers. Cash payments are restricted by Spanish law to a maximum of EUR 2,500; card payments are accepted. Invoices are sent by e‑mail one month before each payment deadline. Summary (key figures at a glance) - Registration fee: EUR 1,000 per pupil (non‑refundable). - Förskola (3–5 years): EUR 4,300 per term (EUR 8,600 per year). - Förskoleklass–Åk 6 (non‑subsidised): EUR 5,200 per term (EUR 10,400 per year). - Förskoleklass–Åk 6 (subsidised): EUR 4,100 per term (EUR 8,200 per year). - Fritids: EUR 600–1,100 per term depending on days per week. - Sofia Distans / Hermods (Åk 7–9 distance with on‑site support): EUR 3,350 per term (EUR 6,700 per year). - International Secondary Years 7–9 (where applicable): EUR 6,750 per semester (EUR 13,500 per year); additional typical charges apply (materials, trips, exams, optional clothing). (End of fee overview)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
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 —
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 The school is supervised by Skolverket and authorized by Junta de Andalucía; it holds the necessary Spanish permits to operate. It is one of Skolverket's 14 approved overseas schools. The school has an international character with an extended timetable devoted to Spanish and English.
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 Preschool (3–5 years) and primary school (F–6) follow the Swedish curriculum, with after-school care. Students can also study in middle school (7–9) through Sofia Distans and gymnasium via Hermods Distansgymnasium, with teachers supporting throughout the school day. The school has an international emphasis with an extended timetable devoted to Spanish and English. The school is supervised by Skolverket and authorized by Junta de Andalucia.
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 —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
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 The school provides a holistic education that goes beyond academics, fostering personal development, creativity and social responsibility. It values safety and well-being highly and aims to create an inclusive culture where every student feels seen, respected and welcome. The school promotes a balanced lifestyle through physical activity, artistic expression and opportunities for personal growth. A strong community is built as students and teachers work together to form lasting memories and friendships. It strives to shape its students into mindful global citizens who are equipped to meet future challenges and contribute positively to society.
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) —
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 The school has an international profile with an extended timetable devoted to Spanish and English.
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 Safety and well-being are valued highly; the school fosters an inclusive culture that supports students' emotional and social well-being and helps them feel safe, seen and welcome.
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 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 Our school is located in a beautiful natural setting in Marbella near Puerto Banús. We have our own garden with a pool, three padel courts, an artificial turf football pitch, and large play areas with climbing trees and a sandbox. The campus is near a larger park and within walking distance of the beach. We offer preschool (ages 3–5) and primary school (grades F–6) following the Swedish curriculum, with after-school care available. Since 2003 the school has grown to around 200 pupils and is one of Skolverket's 14 approved overseas Swedish schools, with the necessary Spanish permits to operate.
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 Pool, three padel courts, and an artificial turf football pitch.
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 —
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 —
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 Svenska Skolan Marbella was founded in 2003. Since 2013 the school has been located in La Alzambra / Nueva Andalucia near Puerto Banús, in modern facilities that include a pool, three padel courts, an artificial turf football pitch and ample outdoor spaces. The school is a registered international school that follows the Swedish curriculum, supervised by the Swedish Schools Inspectorate (Skolinspektionen) and evaluated by the Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket), and it is approved by the Consejería de Educación de la Junta de Andalucía. It offers preschool (3–5 years) and primary education up to year F–6 on site, with supervised distance learning for secondary levels (year 7–9 via Sofia Distans and gymnasium via Hermods Distansgymnasium) under teacher guidance; Swedish, English and Spanish are active parts of daily school life.
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 fosters a friendly, close‑knit community and a positive social climate, with professional and engaged staff and a strong physical and social learning environment. It aims to shape students into mindful global citizens who can contribute to society and supports holistic development through a balance of academics, physical activity, and creative expression. The La Alzambra / Nueva Andalucía campus offers a garden, a pool, multiple outdoor spaces and is in proximity to a park and the beach, enhancing a balanced lifestyle for students.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
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 The school follows the Swedish curriculum and offers preschool (3-5) and primary education (F–6). It extends the timetable to include English and Spanish from early years. Upper levels are studied via Sofia Distans for högstadiet (grades 7–9) and Hermods Distansgymnasium for gymnasium, with trained teachers supervising throughout the school day. The school emphasizes holistic education, balancing academic progress with personal development, creativity and social responsibility.
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 supports artistic expression with activities in art, music and crafts, and offers practical subjects such as woodwork, sewing and home economics with dedicated spaces for these subjects. Students have opportunities to engage in creative pursuits as part of a well-rounded education.
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 Spanish and English are introduced from preschool, with extended timetables for both languages. All lessons are conducted in Swedish, with Spanish and English taught as language courses; multilingual staff support language learning. The school participates in Spanish culture and works to integrate into the local community while maintaining Swedish and Spanish traditions.
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 fosters a strong sense of community and a positive social climate, with professional and engaged staff. After-school care runs from 15:00 to 17:00 and a range of activities such as padel, programming, dance, jujutsu and language clubs are offered. Regular discos and outdoor activities encourage social interaction and provide opportunities for pursuing interests outside class.
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 school participates in local community activities and collaborates with nearby schools to experience Spanish culture and society. It has zero tolerance for bullying and follows an action plan to prevent all forms of discrimination and harassment. The school emphasizes values, inclusion and integration within the community.
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 staff are professional and engaged, with low turnover and a stable teaching team. Leadership is responsive, flexible and development‑oriented. The school has over 20 years of experience running a Swedish school in Spain and follows Swedish pedagogy and the Swedish curriculum under Skolverket, with Spanish integration as a key feature.
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 The campus sits in a beautiful natural area near Puerto Banús, with a garden, a pool, three padel courts, an artificial turf football pitch and large play areas, plus a nearby park and beach within walking distance. The school day typically runs 09:00–15:00, with after‑school care 15:00–17:00 and a variety of outdoor and aquatic activities, including swimming lessons during pool season (May–October). Lunch is provided by Sana Catering, offering nutritious meals.
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 All lessons, except language classes, are conducted in Swedish according to the Swedish curriculum. Spanish and English are taught as additional languages from preschool with 180 minutes per week of English and Spanish. The school has an extended timetable for both languages and offers extra language activities after school, such as English and Spanish.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school uses Swedish as the primary instructional language for all classes. English and Spanish are introduced from preschool with dedicated language lessons. The timetable includes extended hours for English and Spanish to support language development.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
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 1. Guardians submit an Interest Form on the school's website, including all contact details and other important information about the pupil. All fields must be filled. 2. The school assesses the possibility of a place. Space and capacity are considered, and to achieve the best stability in the groups and high-quality learning, priority is given to applicants who apply for one year or more. 3. The pupil's admission is always decided by the principal. The school works according to the Swedish curriculum and follows applicable laws and policies; if the pupil has special needs, contact the principal for further information about admission. 4. Guardians receive an admission decision or rejection by email; decisions are communicated in March or April. 5. To secure the child's placement, the following documents are required: a completed definitive registration; a copy of the paid enrollment fee of 1,000€ per student; a copy of the pupil's passport and guardians; the pupil's birth certificate; and any assessments performed on the pupil and information about any prior support. The enrollment fee must be paid after an offer is made. The enrollment fee is binding and non-refundable.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
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 We strive to offer places to all applicants. Sometimes a class is full. Siblings are given priority, and it is important to register interest on the website and schedule a visit.
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