American School of Barcelona vs Learnlife

	A American School of Barcelona Barcelona, Spain	L Learnlife Barcelona, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €9,404 - 32,534	Fees / year €9,300 - 13,600
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 200
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Spanish
Opened	Opened 1962	Opened 2017
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The American School of Barcelona is located just outside Barcelona, in Esplugues de Llobregat. It is about 10 kilometers from Plaza Catalunya, the city center of Barcelona. The campus offers extensive indoor and outdoor spaces for sports, performing arts, and classroom learning.	Location Learnlife operates hubs in the Barcelona area: Urban Hub at Carrer d'Enric Granados 7, 08007 Barcelona; Eco Hub at Passeig Marítim 139, 08860 Castelldefels; and Village Hub at Rambla del Garraf 48, Local 1G, 08812 Les Roquetes. These hubs are accessible by public transport or car, with carpools common for travel from Barcelona, Castelldefels and Sitges.
Stages	Stages ASB is organized into four divisions: Early Childhood (PK3–Kindergarten), Elementary School (1st–5th), Middle School (6th–8th), and High School (9th–12th).	Stages Primary Programme for ages 6-12; Secondary Programme for ages 12-18 at two locations: Urban Hub Barcelona (ages 12-18) and Village Hub Sitges/Sant Pere de Ribes (ages 10-16) opened in 2024.
School type	School type The school is a non-profit international school located just outside Barcelona, Spain.	School type International school network with hub-based learning across Learnlife Urban Hub, Eco Hub and Village Hub.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 60 nationalities are represented among 970 students.	Pupil nationality mix The Learnlife community is globally diverse with families from 32 nationalities; the most common nationalities are Spain (25%), the USA (19%), the UK (9%), and Germany (6%).
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Learning support is provided through a Learning Support Lead, Learning Guides and Assistants, and coordination with external specialists; personalised plans include language acquisition for non-native speakers, executive functioning, literacy and numeracy, social-emotional growth, and pathways for gifted learners. The number of high-support learners per Hub is limited.
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 ASB provides transportation to Barcelona, Gavá, Castelldefels, Sitges, and Sant Cugat.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application, Matriculation & Capital Levy Fees - Application fee (one-time, non-refundable): EUR 250 per new applicant. - Annual matriculation fee (one-time, non-refundable): EUR 975 (family rate) / EUR 1,170 (corporate rate). Due within one week of acceptance or before the student's first day of class. - Capital levy (one-time, non-refundable): EUR 3,000 (family) / EUR 3,450 (corporate) for PK3, PK4, K5; EUR 6,000 (family) / EUR 6,900 (corporate) for Grades 1–12. Due within four weeks of acceptance or before the student's first day of class. Annual Tuition Fees (by year group) - PK3 (Half-day): Annual tuition — EUR 9,404 (family) / EUR 11,630 (corporate). - Early Childhood (PK3, PK4, K5): Annual tuition — EUR 14,114 (family) / EUR 17,447 (corporate). - Elementary School (Grades 1–5): Annual tuition — EUR 19,407 (family) / EUR 23,327 (corporate). - Middle School (Grades 6–8): Annual tuition — EUR 22,237 (family) / EUR 26,766 (corporate). - High School (Grades 9–12): Annual tuition — EUR 27,062 (family) / EUR 32,534 (corporate). Per-term and monthly breakdown (calculated from the annual tuition to match the school's payment options) - Note: Semester and monthly figures below are calculated by dividing the stated annual tuition by 2 (semester) or 12 (monthly) to reflect the school's payment options; the annual amounts are listed above. These per-term and per-month figures are provided for billing clarity. Family rate (examples): - PK3 Half-day: Per semester EUR 4,702; Per month (12 installments) EUR 783.67. - Early Childhood (PK3–K5): Per semester EUR 7,057; Per month EUR 1,176.17. - Elementary (Grades 1–5): Per semester EUR 9,703.50; Per month EUR 1,617.25. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): Per semester EUR 11,118.50; Per month EUR 1,853.08. - High School (Grades 9–12): Per semester EUR 13,531; Per month EUR 2,255.17. Corporate rate (examples): - PK3 Half-day: Per semester EUR 5,815; Per month EUR 969.17. - Early Childhood (PK3–K5): Per semester EUR 8,723.50; Per month EUR 1,453.92. - Elementary (Grades 1–5): Per semester EUR 11,663.50; Per month EUR 1,943.92. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): Per semester EUR 13,383; Per month EUR 2,230.50. - High School (Grades 9–12): Per semester EUR 16,267; Per month EUR 2,711.17. Re-enrollment and other annual fees - Re-enrollment fee (paid annually) for each returning student: EUR 975 (family) / EUR 1,170 (corporate). Due January 20. If a family requests the school to hold the spot through May 31, the re-enrollment fee in that case is EUR 2,000 per student. All re-enrollment fees are non-refundable. Optional / Other Fees - Lunch: EUR 170 per month. - School bus (monthly): Barcelona round trip EUR 185 (one way EUR 135); Sant Cugat round trip EUR 195 (one way EUR 140); Sitges/Castelldefels round trip EUR 215 (one way EUR 160). - After-school activities and optional trips: fees vary by activity and are billed separately as applicable. - Uniforms: Not required; there is no compulsory uniform. Dress code rules apply. - Boarding: Not offered; boarding fees are not applicable. Billing schedule and payment terms - Matriculation fee: due within one week of acceptance or before the student's first day of class. Capital levy: due within four weeks of acceptance or before the student's first day of class. Both are non-refundable. - Payment options available: - Prepayment of the full year's tuition (by direct debit or bank transfer). - Prepayment of the semester's tuition (by direct debit or bank transfer); first semester payment due by July 1 and second semester payment due by January 1. Semester payments correspond to the proportional portion of the annual tuition. - Monthly tuition payments in 12 installments (July–June) by bank debit only (SEPA direct debit required). New students admitted after July 1 are billed in 10 monthly installments starting in September if choosing the monthly option. SEPA bank account details must be provided by the required deadline. - Payment methods accepted: direct debit (bank debit) and bank transfer. Cash, credit cards, and cryptocurrencies are not accepted. Discounts and sibling/alumni concessions - Prepayment discount: 3% discount on tuition for prepayment of the full year if paid by February 28. - Sibling discounts: 10% discount on tuition and capital levy for the third child (simultaneous enrollment); 20% discount on tuition and capital levy for each additional child beyond the third. Capital levy discount does not apply to Early Childhood enrollments. - Children of alumni: application fee waived and EUR 2,000 discount on the capital levy for children enrolling in Grades 1–12 (not applicable to Early Childhood). Refunds, early withdrawals and semester-only students - Once enrolled, tuition and all fees for the entire school year are due in full under the contractual payment terms chosen. Families must provide three months' written notice before a student's departure; tuition for those three months remains payable by the family. Matriculation fee and capital levy are always non-refundable. Written notification of withdrawal received by June 1 before the start of the school year qualifies for a full refund of any prepaid tuition or lunch fees. Notices received after June 1 incur a three-month tuition Early Departure Penalty. - Semester-only students: new students accepted for a single semester on or before June 30 are responsible for the full year's tuition; students accepted after June 30 pay proportional tuition for the semester attended (exceptions apply for current ASB secondary students on exchange). Contact timing and re-enrollment reminders - Re-enrollment fee due date (annual): January 20. SEPA enrollment and payment-option deadlines are specified in the payment terms.	Fee details Application and enrolment fees - Application fee: EUR 95. - Enrolment (one-off) fee: EUR 800. Tuition and annual programme fees (by Hub and year group) - Urban Hub (Barcelona): - Explorers & Creators (ages 12–16): Annual programme fee EUR 10,500. Payment option shown as 10 monthly instalments of EUR 1,050. Annual (administrative) fee EUR 1,050. - Changemakers (ages 16–18): Annual programme fee EUR 11,350. Payment option shown as 10 monthly instalments of EUR 1,135. Annual (administrative) fee EUR 1,135. - Eco Hub (Castelldefels, Primary ages 6–12): Annual programme fee EUR 11,500. Payment option shown as 10 monthly instalments of EUR 1,150. Annual (administrative) fee EUR 1,150. - Village Hub (Sant Pere de Ribes / Sitges): - Pioneers (ages 10–12): Annual programme fee EUR 10,500. Payment option shown as 10 monthly instalments of EUR 1,050. Annual (administrative) fee EUR 1,050. - Explorers & Creators (ages 12–16): Annual programme fee EUR 11,350. Payment option shown as 10 monthly instalments of EUR 1,135. Annual (administrative) fee EUR 1,135. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing structure: Tuition may be paid as a single annual payment or as 10 monthly instalments. A 5% discount is applied when the full annual programme fee is paid in one payment prior to enrolment. A 5% sibling discount applies to the second and subsequent children. - Monthly payment timing: instalment option is presented as 10 monthly payments (the published instalment amounts correspond to 10 monthly payments). Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed for the Urban, Eco, or Village Hubs. No boarding fees are published for these Hubs. Learnlife's Hubs operate as day programmes. Other costs and additional charges - Annual (administrative/programme) fee: each Hub and year group includes a separately listed annual fee (amounts shown above). - Uniform and kit: no compulsory school uniform fee or uniform kit charge is published for the Urban, Eco, or Village Hubs; uniform costs are not specified alongside the published programme fees. - Extra-curricular, meals, transport, exam or specialist activity charges: specific additional service fees (for example external exam entry fees, transport, daily meals, optional after-school clubs or specialist tuition) are not listed together with the published programme fees; families should expect that optional services or external costs may be invoiced separately where applicable. Refund information - Refund and withdrawal terms are not published alongside the headline application, enrolment and programme fees on the public Admissions & Fees summary. Specific refund, cancellation or withdrawal conditions for deposits, enrolment fees or tuition instalments are not listed in the admissions summary. Fee payment options - Payment formats shown in the published fee information include a single annual payment or 10 monthly instalments for tuition; the admissions summary also notes the 5% annual-payment discount. Specific payment methods (for example card, direct debit, or bank transfer) are not detailed on the public Admissions & Fees summary. Contact details are published for arranging enrolment and payments. Discounts and concessions - Sibling discount: 5% discount on programme fees for the second and subsequent children enrolled. - Annual-payment discount: 5% discount on the programme fee when paid as a single annual payment prior to enrolment. If you need this text in a different currency or formatted for your database, convert the EUR amounts accordingly.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements No boarding facilities are offered. Students must reside with at least one parent or legal guardian in the Barcelona area to attend ASB.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are not required; there are dress code rules.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Lunch is provided: Hot, healthy lunches are prepared daily in our kitchen by Hostesa in collaboration with Ametller Origen. Meals are served in the cafeteria; the health specialist supervises the lunch menu to ensure meals are healthy for students and staff.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system Learners are grouped into Adventurers (ages 6–8), Discoverers (ages 8–10) and Pioneers (ages 10–12).
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership ASB is a non-profit foundation, The American School of Barcelona, Fundación Privada. The Board of Trustees governs the school to support its long‑term sustainability. The Board is self‑perpetuating, with eight voting members plus the school director (non‑voting). Members serve three‑year terms (up to nine years) and include both parent and external members. The Board sets the vision and five‑year strategic plan, supervises the director, approves the annual budget and capital expenditures, and oversees legal, finance, and compensation matters; it does not directly manage the school staff or parent communication. Audited financial reports are published (e.g., 2023‑24, 2022‑23, 2021‑22).	Governance and ownership Learnlife operates Eco Hub in Castelldefels and Village Hub in Sitges/Sant Pere de Ribes; the site footer references Our Dream School SL as the entity.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details English is the language of instruction. Elementary School uses a progressive American, international standards-based curriculum. Middle School uses an American educational program. High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and the International Baccalaureate Career-related Program, with the IB Diploma Program also awarding a US High School Diploma. Cambridge Exams are offered through ASB's English Programs.	Curriculum details Curriculum is the Learnlife Competency Model, a framework built on years of research and best practices from pioneering educators. It aligns with the local Ministry of Education and centers on five learning domains—Learning to Be, Learning to Think, Learning to Learn, Learning to Relate, and Learning to Act—delivered through Building Blocks. Learning experiences promote agency, real-world relevance, and a mix of project-based, design-thinking, play-based, and nature-based methods. Academic foundations in English, literacy, numeracy, science, humanities and languages are developed through an interdisciplinary approach with real-world application. Assessment is ongoing and competency-based, using Learning Vitae, 360 assessments, showcases and portfolios rather than traditional exams; languages are taught in English, with opportunities to learn Spanish and Catalan, and multilingual learning guides support the programme.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 8:1	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Average IB score is 35 (2025). SAT results show 34 of 97 graduates took the SAT with an average total score of 1320 (652 reading and writing; 668 math). ASB is recognized by Education Advisers as a Top 10 IB School in Spain and Top 50 in Europe. Approximately 30% of graduates enroll in Spanish universities, with others attending universities around the world.	Exam results Exams may be required for pathways. If learners need to pass an exam to reach their chosen pathway, schedules can be adapted and learners are supported to prepare; several learners have done this, and their exam results are well above national benchmarks.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Approximately 30% of graduates enroll in Spanish universities, with others pursuing higher education at universities around the world.	Higher education progression Graduates design their own next steps through the Pathways Programme, with guidance and structure to reach their goals. Urban Hub learners who meet the criteria can obtain an American High School Diploma and may qualify for the Spanish ESO Certificate, opening doors to top global universities.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Pathways for gifted learners exist, with personalised plans and access to Learning Guides; support may include coordination with external specialists and additional learning plans.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school uses the Second Step Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program to teach children important skills for getting along with others, problem solving, and managing emotions, contributing to a safe and supportive learning environment. In K5, a Second Step Child Protection Unit is delivered by school counselors to strengthen safety awareness. Students learn Personal Safety, including safety around sharp tools, fire, and transportation. They learn Touching Safety, including safe, unsafe, and unwanted touches and how to respond. They learn Assertiveness, including asking a grown-up for help and speaking up in unsafe situations. The program also fosters respect for diverse family structures.	Social & emotional learning Learnlife supports social-emotional learning through personal mentoring and supportive relationships, fostering a sense of belonging in a diverse community. The programme sparks curiosity and makes learning meaningful and hands-on, with learners taking charge of their learning. Learners build confidence through mentoring and by pursuing real-world projects with guidance from teachers and mentors. A Pathways Programme helps learners translate interests into concrete next steps with guidance and structure. When additional support is needed, the team co-creates individualized plans, with explicit focus on social-emotional growth and wellbeing.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning Support (LS) teachers and counselors provide support for struggling students across ECC, Elementary, and Middle School. They evaluate needs and coordinate appropriate supports, and an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) may be established for a student with classroom modifications or pull-out/in-class supports. When necessary, parents may provide intervention services from outside providers (psychologists, speech-language pathologists, learning specialists, occupational therapists) at their own expense; ASB can assist in locating services but does not guarantee provider credentials or outcomes. English Language Learners (ELL) and Spanish Language Learners (SLL) receive language support across ECC, Elementary, Middle, and High School. The Learning Support Team collaborates with families to tailor instruction to each student's strengths and needs. Students with learning differences or emotional challenges may require specialized learning support to meet academic demands; a paraprofessional or shadow can be arranged if necessary.	Special educational needs (SEN) Learnlife provides learning support led by a Learning Support Lead, with Learning Guides and Assistants. Personalised plans are co-created with families and may involve coordination with external specialists such as psychologists and speech therapists. Areas of support include language acquisition for non-native speakers; executive functioning, literacy and numeracy; social-emotional growth and wellbeing; and pathways for gifted learners. Support is delivered by Learning Guides and Assistants with options for external specialist involvement to meet individual goals.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language ASB's English Language Center (ELC) has offered English language instruction for over 35 years, with programs emphasizing creativity, active participation, and real-world learning. The ELC provides programs for all ages and proficiency levels and connects participants with ASB campus resources for engaging language practice. English Language Learners (ELL) and Spanish Language Learners (SLL) receive language support across ECC, Elementary, Middle, and High School. The ELC offers Summer, Weekday, and Saturday English Programs and Cambridge exam preparation. Cambridge exam prep is available through the Cambridge track.	English as an additional language Our programmes are delivered in English. We offer Spanish and Catalan to develop language skills, and Learning Guides are multilingual and speak English, Spanish and Catalan.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Second Step SEL supports emotional management and social skills. What matters most to ASB are student performance, growth and achievement: academically, socially and personally. Wellbeing is central to ASB's approach to education, with the learning framework recognizing and supporting social and personal growth alongside academics. Belonging at ASB emphasizes a safe, inclusive environment where diversity is valued and respected. The school hosts events and initiatives that focus on literacy and wellbeing as part of its broader educational program.	Mental wellbeing There is a clear focus on social-emotional growth and wellbeing as part of learner support. Learners receive mentoring to support personal development, and progress is tracked through the Learning Vitae and 360 assessments. Pathways for future planning and showcases provide opportunities to reflect on growth and plan next steps.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding ASB delivers safeguarding through the K5 Second Step program and a dedicated Second Step Child Protection Unit taught by school counselors to strengthen safety awareness. Students learn Personal Safety, Touching Safety, and Assertiveness to stay safe from dangerous or abusive situations. The program teaches children to tell a grown-up if something unsafe occurs and to seek help when needed; it also covers diverse family structures with respect. A whistleblowing channel is available for reporting safeguarding concerns.	Safeguarding The Learnlife Child Protection Policy prioritises the safety of learners. The policy outlines roles such as a Hub Child Protection Officer and a Child Protection Response Team, mandatory annual professional development for staff, and reporting obligations by law. It covers disclosures, investigations, and communications, and provides resources for staff and parents. In certain cases, external child protection investigators may be engaged. The policy aligns with international human rights standards and applicable national laws.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is located just outside Barcelona in Esplugues de Llobregat and offers one of the largest campuses in the area for sport, performances, and learning in dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces. All facilities have been built from the ground up or fully renovated within the past ten years. The campus features air conditioning in every classroom, lots of natural light, and flexible furniture options. The campus houses a library with books for all levels, dedicated art classrooms with a kiln for firing pottery, dedicated music classrooms for group and private lessons, and five science laboratories. The auditorium seats more than 700 spectators and the Maker Lab includes 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, electric saws, and other tools for building prototypes. Expansive sports fields and a fitness center with cardio machines and weights support athletic programs.	Facilities overview Learnlife Urban Hub Barcelona is an international secondary school and education innovation hub in the heart of Barcelona. It uses hands-on learning with no rows of desks, featuring expert studios and open spaces where learners collaborate on projects. The space is designed to foster self-discovery, creativity and lifelong learning through real-world inquiry. Visuals of the space show dedicated spaces such as a music studio and other project-focused environments that support active learning.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Expansive sports fields allow for girls' and boys' basketball, volleyball, soccer, and flag football teams to train on campus. The fitness center has cardio machines and weights for conditioning. On-site gym spaces support regular practices and athletic events. The facilities are designed to support a broad athletic program across multiple sports.	Sports facilities Rooftop sports court provides outdoor space for physical activity. The campus environment includes spaces that support active learning and collaboration as part of the Learnlife approach.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Five science laboratories support science instruction and experiments. Dedicated art classrooms include a kiln for firing pottery. Dedicated music classrooms accommodate group and private lessons. A Maker Lab provides access to 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, and other prototyping tools. The library holds books for all levels and classrooms enjoy air conditioning and ample natural light.	Academic facilities Programmes are delivered in English, with Spanish and Catalan offered to develop language skills. The curriculum is the Learnlife Competency Model, built on five learning domains—Learning to Be, Learning to Think, Learning to Learn, Learning to Relate, and Learning to Act—and delivered through Building Blocks. Learning experiences are agency-driven, with authentic, real-world projects and a diverse mix of methodologies such as project-based learning and design thinking. Assessment is competency-based via the Learning Vitae, with Showcases and 360 Assessments; graduates can earn an American High School Diploma and/or the Spanish ESO certificate as pathways. The secondary day is structured around Explorers (ages 12-14), Creators (ages 14-16), and Changemakers (ages 16-18), and multilingual Learning Guides support language development and inclusion.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities ASB offers a diverse range of clubs and leadership opportunities across all grade levels. The program includes clubs such as Eco-School, Journalists Club, Ambassadors Club, and the Principal's Advisory Committee (PAC). Middle and high school students participate in Model United Nations (MUN) and the Speech, Debate, and Acting Club (NESDA), which compete in tournaments. Elementary students also participate in clubs such as the Journalists Club and Ambassadors Club, with leadership experiences through PAC. The Student Council (STUCO) and Link Crew Leaders provide student voice and mentoring roles.	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular spaces include a music studio and project-oriented studios that accompany hands-on learning. A Rooftop sports court supports physical activity as part of the daily rhythm. Learners showcase their work in Showcases once per cycle, with 360 Assessments and the Learning Vitae providing ongoing evidence of growth.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The American School of Barcelona was founded in 1962 by Dr. José María Poal, a Barcelona-born physician who wanted to create an English-language American school in Barcelona; it opened in October 1962 in the Pedralbes neighbourhood with 100 students (Kindergarten through Grade 5). In the 1970s, enrollment grew and the school moved to a second Pedralbes building and then consolidated on its Esplugues campus, reuniting all students on one campus by the end of the decade. The 1980s saw expansion in academics and extracurricular programming, including service trips and international conferences, and the Model United Nations club was founded. The 1990s brought a major Esplugues building addition, a new cafeteria, and accreditation from the Middle States Association plus recognition from the Generalitat de Catalunya. In the 2000s, ASB added a mosaic at the entrance and, in 2007, became an authorized IB Diploma Program school; the 2010s saw further expansion with a new Early Childhood Center and Elementary School, followed by a new Middle School, a gymnasium-auditorium, and an outdoor amphitheatre. In the 2020s ASB celebrated 60 years, growing to nearly 1,000 students, with new construction plans underway.	History Learnlife was founded in 2017 with the mission to positively transform education worldwide. It built a learning innovation framework that empowers hundreds of learners and educators on programmes and training, and provides a roadmap for transformational change. It created a global community uniting 27,000+ educators and learning innovators on a transformational journey. It has inspired public and private schools worldwide, activating over 500 education leaders to transform their learning communities.
Community	Community ASB is a non-profit international school located just outside Barcelona, Spain, with over 975 students from 60 countries, creating a multicultural environment. The ASB community includes students, staff, parents, and alumni who form lifelong connections and consider ASB a home. The school community hosts events such as International Day and other cultural activities, and Community Events describe a range of events and volunteer opportunities organized by the Parents Association. There are Neighborhood and Interest Groups, including Grade/class WhatsApp groups, neighborhood meetups, and clubs for activities like biking, running, and book clubs, plus on-campus celebrations of student learning.	Community Learnhubs are lighthouses for learning innovation and the starting point to build an ecosystem around Personal Learning. In Barcelona, two Learnhubs—the Urban Hub and the Eco Hub—have hosted over 170 full-time learners aged 6-18. The learning spaces are open and welcoming, with a community host at entry; there are no classrooms with closed doors, no principal's office, and spaces are flexible for collaboration and independent study. Learnlife Urban Hub in Barcelona and Eco Hub in Castelldefels are predominantly English-speaking environments, with conversations that can occur in Spanish, English, and Catalan across the Centre.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association ASB has the ASB Parents Association (PA) representing all enrolled parents. The PA's mission is to bring joy to the school environment and foster close communication between ASB families and the school. All parents are represented by the PA when they enroll their children; the PA has an Executive Committee that organizes a number of memorable events, and leadership roles include Class Reps, Division Liaisons, and Welcome Ambassadors; all volunteer opportunities are communicated in The Lantern. The PA organizes events throughout the year, including Ice Cream Social, Fall Party (parents only), Halloween, Winter Bazaar, International Day, and Welcome Coffees for New Families. Neighborhood and Interest Groups include Grade and class-level WhatsApp groups, neighborhood meetups, and clubs for activities such as biking, running, and book clubs, plus Friday night soccer and coffee meetups at the ASB Café. Celebrations of Student Learning are supported by the PA, including end-of-unit celebrations, concerts and performances, sports games, and grade-level ceremonies.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual ASB offers a range of clubs that challenge students academically and foster intellectual growth. Model United Nations (MUN) engages 8th–12th graders in multiple conferences. Speech, Debate, and Acting Club (NESDA) competes in two tournaments each year, and Math Club trains for competitions such as Math Counts, Cangur, and ISMTF. Elementary Journalists Club and Ambassadors Club support student voice, while Middle/High School STUCO and Link Crew Leaders provide leadership and mentoring opportunities.	Academic & intellectual The secondary day is project-based, with teens learning through studios and solving real-world problems. Explorers (ages 12-14), Creators (ages 14-16) and Changemakers (ages 16-18) form the core learning groups. The curriculum uses an interdisciplinary approach that integrates literacy, numeracy, science and other key domains, and places emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration and creativity. Assessments are authentic and ongoing, including showcases and 360 assessments, rather than traditional exams.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative ASB offers Theater, Music, and Visual Arts. Theater includes Musical Theater for 3rd–5th and 6th–12th grades, a Theater Elective for 6th–10th, and Theater Festivals. Music options include IB Music (11th–12th), Orchestra (4th–10th), Band (4th–10th), Music Festivals (6th–12th), Private Lessons, and Choir. Visual Arts includes PK3 to 8 curriculum with after-school art classes, and high school electives including IB Visual Art.	Arts & creative Expressive Arts is a Learnlife community programme at Learnlife Barcelona Eco Hub in Castelldefels. Art therapy builds self-esteem and enables learners to create and explore different materials, all from the perspective of planetary awareness and care for the environment and others. The activity runs in small groups (maximum seven) with materials provided. Sessions occur Mondays 16:30 to 17:30 and are suitable for ages 6 to 12.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Model United Nations (MUN) conferences are hosted by ASB and open to 8th–12th graders. International Day celebrates school diversity with over 20 country tables and student performances. Ambassadors Club helps welcome new families; Journalists Club serves elementary students; Link Crew Leaders mentor incoming students; STUCO provides student leadership.	Cultural & language Learnlife programmes are delivered in English, with Spanish and Catalan offered to develop language skills. The Learnlife community celebrates diversity and multilingualism and provides many opportunities to develop language skills and engage with local culture. Learning Guides are multilingual and speak English, Spanish and Catalan. The multilingual approach helps learners develop language proficiency across contexts and cultures.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies ASB provides social clubs and leadership opportunities, including Journalists Club, Ambassadors Club, and STUCO. Link Crew Leaders mentor incoming students. After-school activities also include arts and sports alongside academics.	Social & hobbies Teens learn through collaboration on projects in studios rather than rows of desks. Passion-based studios include coding, music, sport, woodworking, cooking, art, multimedia and fashion. Learnlife balances freedom and routine in daily life to support autonomous learning. Community activities and events, such as family vision board workshops and other social gatherings, help learners connect with peers and families.
Community & service	Community & service Service Learning is a core part of ASB life, integrating meaningful service projects to affect positive change in the community. Opportunities are embedded in the curriculum and offered through after-school programs, overnight, and extended trips to develop empathy and organizational and communication skills.	Community & service Service-based learning combines learning objectives with community service to enrich the learning experience and strengthen communities. It is one of the 25 learning methodologies in the Learnlife toolkit. Learners engage in Impact Studios and community-driven events such as sustainability initiatives, including Sustain: Circular Economy workshops and upcycling exhibitions.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student Council (STUCO) has middle school and high school bodies and serves as the student voice. Link Crew Leaders mentor incoming students, and Ambassadors Club fosters leadership and school involvement. The Elementary Principal's Advisory Committee (PAC) works with the elementary principal to plan assemblies and make recommendations for school improvement.	Leadership & professional The Pathways Programme provides guidance and structure to help learners design a personal pathway that matches their interests and goals. Mentors and Learning Guides coach and support learners throughout their journeys. Pathways include Showcases and 360 Assessments to capture progress and inform next steps. Graduates leave with clarity on their next steps and multiple possible futures.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Athletics program includes Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Cross Country, Cheerleading & Dance, Gym & Move, Flag Football, and Fitness, all aimed at developing teamwork and life-long fitness. The program emphasizes effort, self-discipline, and teamwork as key life-skills. After-school activities run Monday–Friday from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, with some Middle/High School sports training extending later and after-school buses available to central Barcelona.	Lifestyle & wellbeing A wellbeing check-in is part of the secondary day. A wellbeing framework covers cognitive, physical, social, emotional, spiritual and digital well-being, and actions promote a healthy lifestyle with physical activity, safe practices, healthy eating, adequate sleep, deliberate quiet and stress management.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the main language of instruction and the vast majority of instruction and homework is conducted in English. Spanish is taught as part of the curriculum, beginning in Kindergarten. Catalan is included in the program as part of the International/American/Spanish/Catalan curriculum. Language learner classes are available in English, Spanish, and Catalan to provide guided practice.	Language provision English, Spanish and Catalan are taught. Learnlife Urban Hub in Barcelona and Eco Hub in Castelldefels are predominantly English-speaking environments, with opportunities for activities in other languages.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching English is the main language of instruction. The vehicular language of instruction is English in ASB's English-based curriculum. Spanish instruction begins in Kindergarten, with language learner support in English, Spanish, and Catalan. A combined International/American/Spanish/Catalan program of study is offered.	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in English and Spanish, with conversations that may take place simultaneously in Spanish, English and Catalan at different points in the Centre.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Language groups and multi-language conversations create immersion-style learning across English, Spanish and Catalan.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations IB Organization, Middle States Association, Catalan Department of Education, Spanish Ministry of Education	Accreditations The New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) accredits Learnlife in full, and the Urban Hub secondary programme is officially recognised as an accredited international secondary school.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Complete the division-appropriate application form (PK3, Elementary, Middle School, or High School). The application is submitted via asb.openapply.com and a €250 fee is required; the fee is valid for up to two years for students in the waiting pool. After submission, the admissions team will contact you to arrange a time to meet your child. Supporting materials must be provided as specified for your division in the application guidelines. 2. Submit the required documents. Early Childhood requires the application, last year's report (in English; Spanish or Catalan allowed with originals), a confidential teacher questionnaire, and any relevant evaluations; passport copies are also requested. Elementary requires last two years' official report cards (in English; Spanish or Catalan allowed), confidential teacher and principal/guidance counselor questionnaires, and passport copies (standardized tests may be requested if available). Middle School requires the application, last two years' report cards, English and math teacher questionnaires, a principal or guidance counselor questionnaire, standardized tests in math and reading (if recent scores are unavailable, testing may be arranged), and passport copies (non-native English speakers may be asked for a writing assessment). High School requires the application, last three years' report cards (in English; translations needed for Grade 10+), English and math teacher questionnaires, a principal or guidance counselor questionnaire, standardized tests (MAP, PSAT, or other), and passport copies (an on-campus or remote writing assessment and/or interview may be requested). 3. Admissions review. All completed applications undergo a detailed review by the Admissions and Academic Teams, with consideration of English level, academic record, teacher references, and admissions assessments. For September admissions, completing the application by January 31 is strongly encouraged; the first round of admissions decisions is typically by mid-to-late February. Applications received after January 31 are reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions communicated by email within two to three weeks. Decisions include Place Offered (with payment deadlines), Waiting Pool (space permitting), or Not Accepted. 4. Offer/Enrollment. If a place is offered, the family has one week to pay the matriculation fee and four weeks to pay the capital levy to reserve the spot; both fees are non-refundable. If a place is not available, families may be placed in the Waiting Pool, from which space becomes available on a rolling basis and does not confer priority for the next school year.	Admissions Who should apply: Learnlife welcomes families seeking a school where positive relationships, passion and purpose, and self-discovery are at the heart of learning; learners gain the confidence and skills to thrive in life, not just exams. The community includes families from Spain and around the world, with 32 nationalities represented. How and when to apply: Applications are open all year round; Learnlife has grown quickly and had waiting lists in 2025 and expect them again in 2026. Fees and discounts: Application €95; Enrolment €800. Urban Hub Barcelona: Explorers & Creators (12–16) €1,050 annual fee; €10,500 annual programme (or 10 monthly payments of €1,050). Changemakers (16–18) €1,135 annual fee; €11,350 annual programme (or 10 monthly payments of €1,135). Eco Hub Castelldefels: €1,150 annual fee; €11,500 annual programme (or 10 monthly payments of €1,150). Village Hub Sant Pere de Ribes/Sitges: Pioneers (10–12) €1,050; Explorers & Creators (12–16) €1,135. Discounts: 5% sibling discount; 5% annual payment discount. Start your application: Schedule a call with the admissions team using the calendar below.
Scholarships	Scholarships Little Lynx Scholarship: Long-term scholarships for local residents entering PK3 for the 2026-27 school year, providing 15%–35% off tuition for the full duration of attendance; renewal each year until the end of Grade 6, with updated financial information before Grade 7; PK3 students receive a 50% reduction on the capital levy. Eligibility includes being a resident of Spain, long-term tax resident status, preference for students fluent in English, Spanish, and Catalan, and demonstration of financial need; current ASB families are eligible. Applications use the standard online form and require daycare references, financial disclosure, and open house or information session participation is encouraged. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, with decisions communicated after admission and financial documents are reviewed; renewal occurs automatically at January reenrollment unless extenuating circumstances apply. English Language Center Scholarship Program: Up to 10 scholarships covering 100% of Summer 2026 tuition for ASB's English Language Center Summer program; eligible students may reapply to continue in Weekday or Saturday classes for the 2026–27 school year on a full scholarship. Eligibility requires admission to grades 4 or higher, financial need (total family gross annual income under €50,000), residence in Barcelona metropolitan area, and completion of online application with supporting documents; current ELC students are eligible to apply. Selection includes financial need, academic potential, a letter of recommendation, language level testing, and an interview; applications require a €25 online application fee and must be submitted by May 15, 2026, with finalists contacted for testing and interviews; scholarship recipients are announced by mid-June.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Waiting Pool: The grade is filled, and families are contacted as space becomes available. Being in the waiting pool for the current year does not confer priority for the following school year.	Waitlist Applications are open all year round. There were waiting lists in 2025 and expect them again in 2026.
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