Aloha College Marbella vs Atlas American School of Malaga

	A Aloha College Marbella Malaga, Spain	A Atlas American School of Malaga Malaga, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €4,825 - 18,940	Fees / year €500 - 16,350
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 840	Pupils 500
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1982	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Urb. El Angel, Nueva Andalucia, 29660 Marbella, Málaga, Spain. The campus is in Urbanización El Ángel, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella.	Location Estepona, Málaga, Spain. Calle Monda Nº2, Selwo Hills, 29680 Estepona. Selwo Hills area; sits on a municipal plot awarded through an administrative concession. Phone +34 952 938 155; admissions@atlas-asm.es.
Stages	Stages Early Years (Nursery & Reception, ages 3–4); Primary (Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2, ages 5–10); Secondary (Key Stage 3 & Key Stage 4, ages 11–15); Sixth Form (IB Diploma & A-Levels, ages 16–18).	Stages Preschool (K1–K3, ages 3–6); Elementary School (1st–6th); Middle School (7th–8th); High School (9th–12th).
School type	School type International school	School type Private international school offering the American curriculum.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support SEN is supported within the mainstream classroom; families must provide full written documentation of any known SEN at registration.	Additional learning support Student Support Services including English as a Second Language and Spanish as a Second Language.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation British international education (UK curriculum elements such as English National Curriculum and IPC).	Country affiliation United States
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Primary day runs 9:00–15:40 (with supervision from 8:30 and until 16:00); Secondary day runs 9:00–16:00.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Yes. Supervised bus routes from Fuengirola and Estepona.	Bus service details School bus service available.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Admissions Prepayments - Application fee (non‑refundable): EUR 200, payable on submission of the application. - Reservation (firm offer) fee: EUR 2,500, payable on acceptance of a firm offer and deducted from the first invoice. - Waiting list holding fee: EUR 1,250 — refundable only if a place is not offered; once a firm place is offered this becomes part of the reservation fee and non‑refundable. - Administration fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): EUR 195, payable with the first invoice. - Inscription (enrolment) fee for new pupils / re‑enrolment after an absence (one‑time, non‑refundable): 1st child EUR 3,000; 2nd child EUR 2,250; 3rd child EUR 1,800. - Chromebook (required for all students joining Secondary): EUR 599, payable with the first invoice; the device is supplied and configured by the school and is assigned to the pupil. Tuition fees — Primary (per term and annual total) Invoices and payments are issued termly. Payment due dates shown in the schedule are: 1st Term due by 15/06/2025; 2nd Term due by 01/12/2025; 3rd Term due by 02/03/2026. (Below each line shows the three term amounts followed by the calculated annual total.) - Nursery (Half Day): 1st Term EUR 1,925; 2nd Term EUR 1,450; 3rd Term EUR 1,450. Annual total: EUR 4,825. - Nursery (Full): 1st Term EUR 3,115; 2nd Term EUR 2,345; 3rd Term EUR 2,345. Annual total: EUR 7,805. - Reception: 1st Term EUR 3,495; 2nd Term EUR 2,620; 3rd Term EUR 2,620. Annual total: EUR 8,735. - Year 1: 1st Term EUR 3,805; 2nd Term EUR 2,850; 3rd Term EUR 2,850. Annual total: EUR 9,505. - Year 2: 1st Term EUR 3,895; 2nd Term EUR 2,930; 3rd Term EUR 2,930. Annual total: EUR 9,755. - Year 3: 1st Term EUR 4,240; 2nd Term EUR 3,180; 3rd Term EUR 3,180. Annual total: EUR 10,600. - Year 4: 1st Term EUR 4,345; 2nd Term EUR 3,265; 3rd Term EUR 3,265. Annual total: EUR 10,875. - Year 5: 1st Term EUR 4,575; 2nd Term EUR 3,440; 3rd Term EUR 3,440. Annual total: EUR 11,455. - Year 6: 1st Term EUR 4,630; 2nd Term EUR 3,470; 3rd Term EUR 3,470. Annual total: EUR 11,570. Tuition fees — Secondary (per term / invoice and annual total) Invoices and payments are made termly for Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12; Years 11 and 13 are invoiced twice a year. Payment due dates shown in the schedule are: 1st Term / 1st Invoice due by 15/06/2025; 2nd Term due by 01/12/2025; 3rd Term due by 02/03/2026; second invoice for Year 11/13 due by 05/01/2026. (Below each line shows the invoice/term amounts followed by the calculated annual total.) - Year 7: 1st Term EUR 5,290; 2nd Term EUR 3,975; 3rd Term EUR 3,975. Annual total: EUR 13,240. - Year 8: 1st Term EUR 5,430; 2nd Term EUR 4,075; 3rd Term EUR 4,075. Annual total: EUR 13,580. - Year 9: 1st Term EUR 5,520; 2nd Term EUR 4,140; 3rd Term EUR 4,140. Annual total: EUR 13,800. - Year 10: 1st Term EUR 5,980; 2nd Term EUR 4,495; 3rd Term EUR 4,495. Annual total: EUR 14,970. - Year 12: 1st Term EUR 7,495; 2nd Term EUR 5,630; 3rd Term EUR 5,630. Annual total: EUR 18,755. - Year 11: 1st Invoice EUR 7,640; 2nd Invoice EUR 7,640. Annual total: EUR 15,280. - Year 13: 1st Invoice EUR 9,470; 2nd Invoice EUR 9,470. Annual total: EUR 18,940. Optional services and recurring extras - School lunch (Primary): Nursery–Year 2 — 1st Term EUR 615; 2nd Term EUR 450; 3rd Term EUR 440. Years 3–6 — 1st Term EUR 650; 2nd Term EUR 480; 3rd Term EUR 470. - School lunch (Secondary): Year 7–10 & 12 — 1st Term EUR 650; 2nd Term EUR 480; 3rd Term EUR 470. Year 11 — 1st Invoice EUR 795; 2nd Invoice EUR 795. Year 13 — 1st Invoice EUR 700; 2nd Invoice EUR 700. - School bus (priced by geographical zone): for Years 7–10 & 12 the per‑term amounts are: Zone A EUR 480 / EUR 350 / EUR 350; Zone B EUR 605 / EUR 445 / EUR 445; Zone C EUR 685 / EUR 505 / EUR 505; Zone D EUR 760 / EUR 560 / EUR 560. Bus charges for Years 11 and 13 are invoiced per the two‑invoice schedule with amounts varying by zone (see the invoice schedule). - Chromebook: Secondary students EUR 599 (one‑off, payable with first invoice). - The tuition and optional service fees listed include accident insurance, textbooks and exercise books, subject materials and all compulsory curricular day trips and enrichment events unless otherwise noted. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices are issued according to the term/ invoice schedule shown above (1st term/invoice in mid‑June; further invoices in December, March or early January for two‑invoice year groups). - For Years 7–10 and 12 invoicing is termly; Years 11 and 13 are invoiced twice a year. - A surcharge of 5% is imposed on fees not fully paid by the due date stated on the invoice. - Inscription, administration and Chromebook charges are payable with the first invoice or as stated in the enrolment prepayment terms. Boarding - Aloha College Marbella operates as a day school; boarding is not provided. Refunds and non‑refundable items - Application fee (EUR 200): non‑refundable. - Reservation fee (EUR 2,500): non‑refundable once a firm offer is accepted (the reservation fee is deducted from the first invoice). - Waiting list holding fee (EUR 1,250): refundable only if a place is not subsequently offered; once a firm place is offered it becomes part of the reservation fee and is non‑refundable. - Administration fee and inscription fee: one‑time and non‑refundable, payable with the first invoice. - Other refund entitlements for tuition after a pupil has started are governed by the school's enrolment and payment terms (specific conditions such as refunds on withdrawal or term‑time changes are set out in the school's policy documents). A 5% late payment surcharge applies for late settlement. Fee payment notes and options - Fees are invoiced in EUR according to the billing schedule above; invoices must be settled by the due dates shown. - The published fee documents present the invoicing schedule, fee amounts and the late‑payment surcharge. For the available payment channels (for example bank transfer, card payment via the parent portal or other methods) families should use the school's invoicing and parent‑portal arrangements when settling invoices. Other practical costs - Uniform: the school operates a second‑hand uniform shop and maintains uniform guidance; costs for new uniform items are not listed in the fee schedule and vary by item and supplier. - External optional activities (some trips, examinations, external providers or certain co‑curricular items) may carry separate charges where explicitly stated. - The fee documents include details of compulsory items (textbooks, subject materials) in the fee inclusions; additional discretionary costs (private tuition, optional external programmes, non‑compulsory trips) are billed separately where applicable.	Fee details Application and enrollment fees - Family Admission Fee: €2,000 (one-time, mandatory, non-refundable). - Annual Registration Fee: €500 per student (mandatory, non-refundable; charged mid-year for returning students). - Deposit: €1,000 per student (refundable once the student is correctly withdrawn or graduates and all financial obligations are settled). Tuition fees (installments and annual totals) - Preschool (K1 – K3) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €3,420 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Mar): €2,565 - 3rd Installment (Apr–Jun): €2,565 - Annual total: €8,550 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €8,208. - Elementary School (Grades 1–6) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €4,520 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Mar): €3,390 - 3rd Installment (Apr–Jun): €3,390 - Annual total: €11,300 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €10,848. - Middle School (Grades 7–8) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €5,080 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Mar): €3,810 - 3rd Installment (Apr–Jun): €3,810 - Annual total: €12,700 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €12,192. - High School (Grades 9–11) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €5,940 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Mar): €4,455 - 3rd Installment (Apr–Jun): €4,455 - Annual total: €14,850 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €14,256. - American High School Diploma (AHSD, Grade 12) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €7,425 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Apr): €7,425 - Annual total: €14,850 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €14,256. - IB Programme - IB Year 1 (Grade 11) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €6,540 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Mar): €4,905 - 3rd Installment (Apr–Jun): €4,905 - Annual total: €16,350 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €15,696. - IB Year 2 (Grade 12) - 1st Installment (Sept–Dec): €8,175 - 2nd Installment (Jan–Apr): €8,175 - Annual total: €16,350 - Upfront payment (4% discount): €15,696. Family discounts on tuition - 3rd child enrolled: 25% discount on tuition. - 4th child and additional children: 60% discount on tuition. - Discounts do not apply to corporate payments and are subject to review. What tuition fees include - Textbooks and basic school supplies for K1–G10, online licenses (where applicable), college counseling, transcripts, day field trips, laboratory supplies, and IB examinations (first sitting only). - Annual tuition insurance policy that covers continuity of studies in the event of the death of a parent/legal guardian (covers tuition only; does not cover lunch, bus service, registration fees, or other services). Fees and items not included (additional costs) - School uniform (not included). - Textbooks and online licenses for IB or Grades 11 and 12 (not included). - EAL (English as an Additional Language) or SAL (Spanish as an Additional Language) support: may incur an additional supplement of up to €300 per month if required. Enrollment in these programs is determined by the school. - IB certificates for American High School Diploma students: €600 per subject (one-time payment in Grade 12). - Fees for official-document recognition (Spanish diplomas, UNED registration) and AP exam costs: charged at cost. - After-school activities, extracurricular activities, and residential trips: separate costs and are billed separately (activities are paid on a semester basis). Students with outstanding payments will not be permitted to participate in school trips. Annual service fees (examples and installment breakdowns) - Bus service — One way: - Installments: €660 (1st), €495 (2nd), €495 (3rd). (G12: €660, €660 — two-installment structure where shown.) - Bus service — Round trip: - Installments: €800 (1st), €600 (2nd), €600 (3rd). (G12: €800, €800 — two-installment structure where shown.) - Lunch: - K1–G11: €580 (1st), €435 (2nd), €435 (3rd). - G12: €580, €580 (two-installment structure shown). - A daily menu is provided for Kindergarten through Grade 8; in Grades 9–12 lunch is optional and high-school cafeteria purchases are billed monthly on a high-school lunch card. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment schedule for K1–G11: - 1st Installment due by September 1. - 2nd Installment due by December 1. - 3rd Installment due by March 1. - Payment schedule for Grade 12 (where two installments apply): - 1st Installment due by September 1. - 2nd Installment due by December 1. - The Annual Registration Fee is charged in March for the following school year. - Upfront payment discount: a 4% discount is applied to annual tuition paid upfront if received by June 30, 2026; the discount does not apply to lunch or transportation fees. Payments for upfront discount arrangements are handled through the school's Finance office (finance@atlas-asm.es). - Payment conditions and penalties: - Cash payments are not accepted. - All wire transfers must be received in a net amount; parents are liable for any bank charges. - A European bank account within the SEPA circuit is mandatory for direct-debit payments (tuition, lunch, etc.). - A €20 administrative penalty applies for bounced payments. - A €20 penalty applies to payments received after the specified due dates, plus an additional €20 per month for each month of delay. - Persistent late payment may result in interruption of schooling and the school reserves the right to cancel enrollment if non-payment persists. Withdrawal and refund policy - To withdraw a student, families must contact the Admissions Department (admissions@atlas-asm.es). - If a student withdraws during an installment period, no refund will be issued for the current installment. - Written notice must be provided at least one month prior to the next scheduled payment to avoid being charged for the subsequent installment. - The Deposit (€1,000 per student) is refundable once the student is correctly withdrawn or graduates and all financial obligations have been met. The Family Admission Fee and the Annual Registration Fee are non-refundable. Boarding - No boarding fees are listed; boarding is not indicated in the school's tuition and fees schedule. Fee payment options - Accepted mechanisms and requirements: - Wire transfer / bank transfer (payments must be received net). - SEPA direct-debit from a European bank account (mandatory for direct debit arrangements). - Cash payments are not accepted. - Credit-card payment is not specified in the fees schedule; parents should use bank transfer/SEPA or contact Finance for specific payment arrangements.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform. A second-hand uniform shop is run by the Aloha Parents Society.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options On-site catering provides nutritious meals prepared daily by the in-house team. Dietary requirements are fully accommodated, with vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free options. From Monday to Friday, hot lunches and healthy break-time snacks are provided. Two dining spaces serve over 1000 individuals daily, and the School Food Committee involves students in shaping menus.	Food options —
House system	House system Pupils are grouped into Houses and earn House points across school life. A House points system recognises student contributions, with annual or termly House winners (e.g., Wolves).	House system All students are assigned to a house to compete in sports and recreational activities. This house system facilitates social integration by enabling students of different ages and grades to share time and activities, fostering a sense of belonging to the community.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Fundación Aloha College is a not-for-profit foundation governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board includes parent Governors and sets the long-term vision, with the Foundation supervised by the Protectorado de la Junta de Andalucía and compliance with Law 50/2002.	Governance and ownership The school is part of Mathema Education, an educational group founded in 2012 by Antonio Arcones that also manages Aquinas American School and the International School of Navarra.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers a British international education for students aged 3 to 18. From Early Years to Year 6, the English National Curriculum is followed with the International Primary Curriculum. In Years 10–11, students prepare for IGCSEs. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), they can choose between the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) or the International A-Level programme.	Curriculum details Atlas American School of Malaga follows the American academic curriculum and prepares students for university entrance in Spain or elsewhere. The program emphasizes both content knowledge and the development of skills, training students through reflection, inquiry, and communication. The curriculum provides access to Spanish and international universities. It is organized into four stages: Preschool (K1–K3, ages 3–6), Elementary School (1st–6th), Middle School (7th–8th), and High School (9th–12th). The school emphasizes collaborative inquiry and personalized learning to foster logical thinking, reading comprehension, public speaking, and other core competencies.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Average class size: Years 7–11, 16 pupils; Years 12–13, 10 pupils.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results 2024 Exam Results: the school achieved a 100% pass rate across IB, A-Level and IGCSE examinations. In the IB programme, the average score was 35.56 points, with nine students exceeding 40. In A-Level, 31% of examinations were awarded A* to A, with a 100% pass rate. In IGCSE, 93% of examinations were graded 4–9, with 46% achieving 7–9, and all early-entry Spanish candidates earning top grades (8–9). 2025 Exam Results: published with continued strong achievements.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 96% of the 2024 cohort progressed to their first-choice universities. 17 graduates pursued UK universities including Oxford, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol. About 69% studied abroad in the US, Canada, Europe and beyond. 77% chose Arts and Humanities degrees and 23% pursued STEM fields.	Higher education progression Atlas American School of Malaga emphasizes university readiness and provides pathways to universities in Spain and abroad. Graduates have access to higher education institutions in both Spain and international locations. The program supports development of analytical, discourse, and communication skills to strengthen college applications. Graduates pursue higher education at universities around the world.
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 PSHEE supports students from Year 1 to Year 13, equipping them with knowledge, understanding and life skills to lead healthy, happy lives and to become confident, responsible global citizens. The programme is tailored to reflect the needs of our students, the ethos of the school and the context of our international community. It is delivered by a dedicated team of trained staff. Lessons are supported by the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) programme, which nurtures resilience, empathy, focus and mindfulness. Through a spiral curriculum, students develop emotional literacy, self-esteem, healthy relationships, decision-making, risk awareness, financial understanding, personal responsibility and resilience, with regular parent workshops.	Social & emotional learning The school has Counseling Services focused on social, emotional, and academic well-being for all students. Counseling includes individual sessions, small group sessions, teacher and parent consultations, and workshops. Key topics include Kindness in the Classroom, Study Skills, Time Management, Conflict Resolution, and Personal Safety.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Aloha College Marbella identifies and supports students with SEND through an early identification approach across both Primary and Secondary. Learning support is embedded across all teaching, with a whole-school approach and SEND coordinators who work closely with parents and the student to remove barriers to learning. A four-part cycle—Assess, Plan, Do, Review—drives the development and review of support, with Learning Plans and Individual Education Plans and regular progress discussions. Where appropriate, external professionals such as Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists or medical professionals may be involved, with cooperation from parents. English as an additional language is addressed within the SEND framework; lack of English competence alone is not treated as SEND, and where ESL progress is slow other educational needs are considered; the school may advise external provision if needed.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has Learning Support Specialists who provide assistance inside the classroom and in specialized settings, using targeted strategies and interventions. Support ranges from short-term interventions to ongoing support for mild to moderate needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction; non-native English speakers must provide evidence of their English level as part of the application. Spanish is taught as a second language. English as an additional language is recognised within the SEND framework; lack of English competence should not be equated with learning difficulties, and when ESL progress is slow other educational needs are considered; language support is planned as part of the student's overall education.	English as an additional language The school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. Placement is determined by the principals and academic team; progress is regularly tracked in both the EAL program and the classroom. When ready, EAL and classroom teachers collaborate to transition the student out of the program, with post-transition monitoring to ensure continued success in the mainstream curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care at ACM is a recognised area of excellence with Beacon Status from COBIS. Every student is valued and pastoral support is tailored to meet each child's needs, with the aim of equipping them to thrive in and beyond the classroom. The approach emphasises emotional security, empathy, resilience and a positive sense of self as essential to sustaining mental health. Students are supported to become confident, autonomous and socially responsible members of a diverse, compassionate community, with strong collaboration between staff and families. The Medical Centre is staffed by a full-time on-site nurse, and the school works with local doctors and paramedics for more serious concerns.	Mental wellbeing The school provides mental wellbeing support through Counseling Services, focusing on the social, emotional, and academic well-being of students. This includes individual counseling, small group sessions, and workshops.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The Admissions Policy includes safeguarding procedures, with the safeguarding lead responsible for requesting information from a pupil's previous school to check for safeguarding issues. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, with open collaboration between families and staff to maintain a safe school community. The on-site medical and pastoral provisions support safeguarding in daily practice.	Safeguarding Counseling topics include Personal Safety, and counselors contribute to safeguarding the wellbeing and safety of students as part of Student Support Services.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Campus spans 29,000 m², with 17,500 m² dedicated to state-of-the-art buildings. Each classroom averages 55 m². Six Science Laboratories and three Computer Labs support practical learning, with dedicated Sixth Form study areas. A three-floor Multimedia Space houses the Secondary Library, the Literature and Chess clubs, and hosts regular talks. Dining services provide nutritious meals in two dining spaces for over 1,000 people daily, with an outdoor dining area refurbished in 2024. IT and technology are integrated with Google Classroom and interactive smartboards in every classroom.	Facilities overview Preschool, elementary school, middle school, and high school are offered. Atlas American School of Malaga serves students across these levels. The campus has a 7v7 soccer field, a fitness room, a gym for elementary school students, and two basketball courts. Students are organized into SHARKS houses to compete in sports and recreational activities. The school is located at Calle Monda Nº2, Selwo Hills, Estepona, Malaga.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities FIFA-certified Football Pitch: 2,650 m² artificial turf field. Outdoor Gym and Recreational Areas. Multipurpose Sports Pavilion includes a rooftop court, gym, and a fully equipped stage for cultural events.	Sports facilities 7v7 soccer field, 2 basketball courts, a fitness room, and an elementary school gym.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Six Science Laboratories; Three Computer Labs with access to over 1,300 devices (including 250 PCs, 700 Chromebooks, and 160 iPads). Dedicated Sixth Form Study Areas. Three-Floor Multimedia Space housing the Secondary Library, Literature and Chess clubs, and regular talks. IT & Technology integrated throughout with Google Classroom and interactive smartboards in every classroom.	Academic facilities Learning Support, English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers, and counselors are part of Student Support Services. University counseling is available for students in grades 11–12. English is the official language of instruction, and Spanish and French language programs are offered. The curriculum provides access to universities located in Spain and abroad.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Drama Club stages high-caliber theatrical productions each year. Literature and Chess clubs, and regular talks hosted in the Secondary Library.	Extra curricular facilities Arts, Music and Drama are integrated into the school day. The Entrepreneurship Program is offered for grades 10–12, with students building real businesses and pitching to investors in a shark-tank-style final event. Atlas ASM uses a House system called Home of the Sharks to foster friendly competition in sports and recreational activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 1982 by six visionary teachers and a group of parents as a not-for-profit initiative, Aloha College Marbella has grown into a leading international school. The school was among the first in Spain to offer the International Baccalaureate, and in 2004 a new Secondary School building doubled its capacity. What started as a small school with 210 students has grown to over 900 students on a 27,000 m² campus. The campus includes seven science laboratories, three computer suites, two libraries, four art studios, and a dedicated Music Department with a performance hall and drama studio. Not-for-profit status means every surplus is reinvested into the school, enhancing facilities, integrating technologies, and supporting staff development, while maintaining a caring, inclusive atmosphere.	History Atlas American School of Malaga is part of Mathema Education, an educational group founded in 2012 by Antonio Arcones. The group also manages Aquinas American School and the International School of Navarra. Atlas ASM is located in Estepona, Málaga. The school follows the American academic curriculum to prepare students for university entrance. The curriculum provides access to universities located in Spain and abroad.
Community	Community Aloha College Marbella has an international community with over 50 nationalities represented, fostering cultural diversity and global mindedness. An active alumni network maintains strong ties with the school, with former students returning as parents and mentors. The ECO-School program embeds sustainability into curriculum and daily life through student-led initiatives, including a biodiverse garden, water conservation, beach clean-ups and recycling. Solidarity Actions engages students in local and global charitable causes, led by students and reinforced by staff and the wider community.	Community All students are assigned to a house called Home of the SHARKS to compete in sports and recreational activities. The house system facilitates social integration by allowing students of different ages and grades to share time and activities. It promotes a sense of belonging to the school community. News & Events shows there are no upcoming events.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Aloha Parents Society is a group of volunteers who help organise many of our most loved events—like the Welcome Party, Christmas Bazaar, and Family Fun Day. They also run coffee mornings and a second-hand uniform shop. Their support is a big part of our community spirit.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Aloha College Marbella offers a vibrant co-curricular programme that includes STEM, sport, the arts, languages, wellbeing and social development. The programme provides a range of clubs and activities beyond the classroom, with sessions open to both Primary and Secondary students and delivered by staff and senior pupils. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is part of the enrichment offering and provides a framework across four sections to develop practical and leadership skills. Full details of the co-curricular offerings are available in the Co-Curricular Booklet.	Academic & intellectual Atlas American School of Málaga graduates students with an American High School degree, which can be validated by the Spanish Baccalaureate for access to Spanish universities. Atlas ASM has authorization to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The school offers an annual SAT preparation course and serves as an SAT exam center. It provides counseling and support for university selection and admissions processes, helping students pursue higher education worldwide.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Music plays a vital role in school life. Music is taught by subject specialists in both Primary and Secondary, with clubs and ensembles outside timetabled lessons for beginners to advanced performers. The School Production, Pop Band and Singing rehearsals provide regular performance opportunities, and a new school band is formed each academic year. Drama offers student-led experiences with a large-scale production, a co-curricular drama club, and Theatre Thursdays in the Drama Studio, fostering creativity, confidence, leadership and collaboration.	Arts & creative Arts, Music and Drama are integrated into the school day. Enriching activities such as theatre, music, and painting are fully integrated into the curriculum. The program encourages students to develop their skills, talent and creativity in these disciplines.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Languages are a focus within the co-curricular programme, with opportunities to engage in language-based clubs and activities beyond the classroom. The broader programme includes languages alongside sport, arts, STEM, games, wellbeing and social development, encouraging intercultural understanding and cross-age collaboration. Full details of the co-curricular offerings are provided in the Co-Curricular Booklet.	Cultural & language English is Atlas ASM's official language. The school places great importance on the knowledge of other languages for cultural enrichment and future professional development. The Spanish Language Program offers SSL for non-native speakers and Lengua Castellana y Literatura Española following the LOELO-MLOE system, with lower and upper school groupings and grade-based variation. Beginning in Grade 3, Atlas ASM offers an intensive French language program, with hours per week that increase by grade level and a project-based approach to language learning.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Clubs span games, hobbies and social development, with sessions open to both Primary and Secondary students and led by staff and older pupils. Students across age groups collaborate in shared clubs, building friendships and teamwork beyond lessons. The programme provides experiences beyond the classroom to support informal interests and social connections.	Social & hobbies Students are assigned to a house to compete in sports and recreational activities. The student life program includes social and charitable events such as a Spring Charity Concert – Together for Humanity, a book fair, and READCESS, as well as Earth Day themed short-story contests. There are soccer tournaments and other athletic events, and social activities such as the Winter Formal and ski trips.
Community & service	Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is part of the co-curricular programme and includes volunteering as a core section, with students engaging in charity work, environmental projects and community support. The award also includes Skill, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey sections that foster practical service and teamwork. These activities contribute to social responsibility and community engagement as part of Be your best.	Community & service Community service is integrated into student life through charity events and school-supported initiatives, such as the Spring Charity Concert for humanitarian causes. These activities foster social responsibility and engagement with the broader community.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The co-curricular life offers leadership opportunities, including student leadership roles in drama and the presence of Student Arts Ambassadors. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award fosters leadership, planning and teamwork through its four sections (Skill, Volunteering, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey). Students also take on roles in clubs and events, delivering projects with staff support.	Leadership & professional Atlas ASM offers an Entrepreneurship Program for 10th–12th graders. Students form teams to develop real products or startup services, guided by coaches and mentors from the business world. Teams pitch to investors in a shark-tank style final event. The program emphasizes communication, teamwork, problem solving, resilience, public speaking, accountability, creative thinking and empathy.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport is a central part of wellbeing at Aloha College Marbella, with Football Club, Basketball Club, Athletics and Cross Country fostering fitness, teamwork and resilience. The sports programme aims to create inclusive opportunities for all students to participate and develop lifelong healthy habits. Wellbeing is supported across the co-curricular programme through performance arts, mindfulness and a variety of physical activities that promote confidence and belonging.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and physical education play a central role in wellbeing. Physical education is four hours per week in Lower and Middle School, with high school students able to take sports as electives. The campus features a 7v7 soccer field, two basketball courts, a fitness room and an elementary gym. Preschoolers have a gross motor skills class as part of daily activity.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision All classes are taught in English. Spanish is introduced from Nursery, and by Year 2 there are up to six hours of Spanish per week. From Year 7, French or German can be studied as an additional Modern Foreign Language. Spanish is offered as a First or Second language in Secondary and Sixth Form, with opportunities to study Spanish in IB or A-Level, including ab initio options for IB students.	Language provision English is the official language of instruction. A Spanish Language Program is offered with Spanish as a Second Language (SSL) and Lengua Castellana y Literatura Española following the LOmLOE curriculum. In Grades G7–G10, seven hours per week are taught (including Spanish Language and History). In Grade 12, courses in Spanish prepare for the PEC-UNED exam, and there is an option to take the AP Course in Spanish Language and Culture. A French Language Program starts in Grade 3, with two hours per week in Grades 3–4, three hours per week in Grades 5–6, and four hours per week in Grades 7–8; High School French classes total four hours per week, and in Grade 11 students can choose between French Ab Initio, French B SL, and French B HL.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The language of instruction is English. Spanish is introduced from Nursery, and by Year 2 students have up to six hours of Spanish per week. From Year 7, French or German can be studied as an additional Modern Foreign Language. In the IB Diploma Programme, History is taught in Spanish, contributing to a bilingual diploma; many teachers are native English speakers, and Spanish mother tongue staff support language development.	Bilingual teaching The school's official language is English and it offers Spanish Language Program and French Language Program.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs The language of instruction is English, with near- or perfect-immersion classroom settings to support English language development. From Reception onwards, students learn and communicate in English while taking part in an extensive Spanish program to develop their mother tongue. All Key Stage 3 students study a third language (French or German). In the IB Diploma Programme, Language A options include Spanish or English, and Language B options include English, Spanish, French and German.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations null
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquiry Stage. The process starts with an enquiry on the school's site. OpenApply provides access to upload documents, track progress, and complete the application. The most recent school reports, copies of passports (child and both parents), and proof of English proficiency for Year 1 and above (if English is not the first language) are requested. There are two application periods: 1 November–31 January for entry in the following academic year and 1 March–31 May; applications outside these periods may be considered subject to availability.	Admissions Schedule a school tour to learn more about Atlas ASM. Complete the Online Application at atlas-asm.openapply.com/apply. After reviewing the student's academic history, an interview and placement test will be scheduled to assess academic capabilities. Final admission decisions are communicated by a formal admissions letter; admitted families receive a service provision agreement to sign by the indicated date and a bank deposit is required to finalize enrollment. Notification of admission: Upon notice of admission, you have 15 calendar days to confirm in writing your intention to enroll using the form included in the Notification of Admission; if not confirmed, the space is relinquished. Documents requested: school transcripts for the previous two years and the current year; applicant information; ID/passport copies; one letter of recommendation issued and sent from the admissions platform to the designated teacher, principal, or advisor. Non-native English speakers applying for grades 9–12 must provide results from the Duolingo English Test (DET) with a score of 120 or higher; the DET is computer-based and requires Google Chrome, a self-facing camera, and a microphone; results are available within 48 hours. Instructions to share DET scores appear at englishtest.duolingo.com/sharing. The admission process is conditional on the receipt of final grades for the current academic year. All G7–G11 students studying abroad must bring all original documents certified by the country of origin and with the Hague Apostille.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Waiting list. If no place is available, an offer is made on the waiting list. To accept, pay €1,250 within one week; this payment is refundable if no place is offered. If a place becomes available, the remaining €1,250 must be paid within 48 hours to secure the spot.	Waitlist —
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