American School of Bilbao vs Montessori Gran Bilbao International School

	A American School of Bilbao Bilbao, Spain	M Montessori Gran Bilbao International School Bilbao, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €6,820 - 14,520	Fees / year €6,930 - 8,281
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 12 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 356	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1967	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Address: Soparda Bidea 10, 48640 Berango, Bizkaia, Spain.	Location The school is located on Artxandamendi Road 1 (Monte Artxanda), 48150 Sondika, Bizkaia. It is next to the Funicular and 3 minutes from the centre of Bilbao. The surroundings include parks, a skating rink and a sports centre with a swimming pool. The location provides quick access to Bilbao by funicular.
Stages	Stages PK-12; Early Years (Preschool from age 2), Primary Years Programme (3-11), Middle Years Programme (11-16), Diploma Programme (16-18).	Stages Children from 3 to 12 years old.
School type	School type Private, non-profit international school.	School type The school is an American foreign educational center with an international Montessori curriculum. It operates in a multilingual environment.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The majority of students come from the local area; 29 nationalities are represented on campus; about 20% of students are international.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliated with the United States through the Office of Overseas Schools of the U.S. State Department.	Country affiliation United States
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details ASB offers a school bus service covering the key areas of Bilbao and surrounding areas.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Pre‑registration fee - EUR 300 pre‑registration fee for all new admission applications. If the student is admitted, this amount is deducted from the Registration (Entrance) Fee. If the student is admitted but the applicant rejects the enrolment, the pre‑registration fee becomes nonrefundable. If the student is not admitted, the pre‑registration fee is refunded (in February or upon completion of enrolment). Registration / Entrance Fee (Social Fund Contribution) - New families pay a one‑off, nonrefundable Entrance Fee as a Social Fund contribution, split into two nonrefundable payments: an initial EUR 1,500 due in April and the balance due in May (the pre‑registration fee is deducted if applicable). - Entrance Fee amounts by entry grade: - Entry to Preschool – Grade 5 (PYP 5): EUR 3,350 per student. - Entry to Grade 6 (MYP 1) – Grade 10 (MYP 5): EUR 4,500 per student. - Entry to Grade 11 – Grade 12 (IBDP 1 & 2): EUR 6,000 per student. - Entrance Fee sibling discounts (applied to the Entrance Fee): 15% discount for the 3rd simultaneous child, 20% for the 4th, and 25% for the 5th and successive children (when the children belong to the same family unit). Annual tuition fees by year group (published amounts) - Preschool: EUR 6,820 per year. - Nursery: EUR 7,546 per year. - Pre‑Kinder: EUR 7,546 per year. - Kindergarten: EUR 7,546 per year. - Grade 1: EUR 8,352 per year. - Grade 2: EUR 8,794 per year. - Grades 3–7: EUR 9,510 per year. - Grade 8: EUR 9,849 per year. - Grades 9–10: EUR 10,402 per year. - Grades 11–12 (continuing ASB students): EUR 11,409 per year. - Grades 11–12 (new students entering the programme): EUR 14,520 per year. Tuition discounts - Tuition sibling discounts: when three children from the same family are enrolled simultaneously, the third child receives a 20% discount on tuition; when four or more children are enrolled simultaneously, the fourth and successive children receive a 25% discount on tuition. Supplies and incidental charges - Supplies (books and materials) charge: EUR 267 billed in September. - Additional early‑years replacement charge: Preschool extra EUR 32; other Early Years (rest of Kinder) EUR 11 at start of school year to cover water clothing and sleeping bag replacement. Optional services and other fees - Bus service (annual rates by route): - Getxo: EUR 1,424 per year. - Castro: EUR 1,595 per year. - Laukiz: EUR 1,595 per year. - Bilbao: EUR 1,575 per year. - Lunch service: EUR 1,215 per year (optional). - Student support services (additional language or support classes): - Support Fees (Type 3): 1 weekly period EUR 78 per month; 2 weekly periods EUR 156 per month; 3 weekly periods EUR 234 per month. - Extra language fee (students requiring additional language support, 2 weekly periods): EUR 1,958 per year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition, bus and lunch services are annual fees. The school issues these amounts in ten monthly instalments, billed from September through June inclusive (grade 12 included). - Single annual payment option: the annual tuition may be paid in one single payment; a 1.25% discount on the annual tuition is applied for families who choose this option, provided the school is notified before July 15th and the single payment is billed in the last week of August. - Enrollment reservation charge for currently enrolled students: a EUR 500 reservation fee is charged between February and March as a prepayment for the following academic year; this amount is deducted from the September invoice as a pre‑payment. This reservation fee is subject to the Policy Manual provisions referenced in the published schedule. Boarding fees - No boarding programme is listed in the published fee schedule; boarding is not applicable. Refund information (published items) - Pre‑registration fee: refundable if the student is not admitted (refund issued in February or upon completion of enrolment). If the student is admitted but the applicant rejects the place, the pre‑registration fee becomes nonrefundable. - Entrance Fee payments are stated as nonrefundable (the Entrance Fee is described as a nonrefundable contribution made in two payments). - The published fee schedule does not provide further detail on refunds for tuition, optional services or reservation fees beyond the points above; specific refund procedures and any additional conditions are governed by the school's Policy Manual. Payment methods and options (what is published) - The published schedule specifies the billing frequency (ten monthly instalments or one annual payment with a 1.25% discount) and the timing/deadlines for choosing the single‑payment option. The published fee schedule does not list the specific accepted payment instruments (for example, bank transfer, direct debit or credit card) or the school's bank details. For contact and administrative queries the school publishes an email address and telephone number for the administration. Calculated instalment equivalents (inference based on published annual amounts) - The school publishes annual tuition amounts and the billing frequency (10 monthly instalments). The following per‑installment and illustrative per‑term equivalents are calculated from the published annual tuition (these equivalents are arithmetic conversions, not separately published fees): - Monthly instalment (10 payments) = Annual tuition ÷ 10. - Example (illustrative only): Grade 9–10 annual tuition EUR 10,402 → EUR 1,040.20 per monthly instalment (10 instalments). EUR 10,402 ÷ 10 = EUR 1,040.20. Summary note about published coverage - The published 2025–2026 fee schedule provides detailed amounts for pre‑registration, Entrance Fees, annual tuition by grade, supplies, bus and lunch services, student support fees, sibling discounts, billing frequency (10 instalments) and the single‑payment discount. The published schedule does not list specific payment instruments (bank account details, accepted card payments or direct debit arrangements) nor extended refund procedures beyond the items noted above.	Fee details Registration / Application Fees - Enrollment (ages 3–6): EUR 330. - Enrollment (ages 6–12): EUR 660. - Annual place reservation: EUR 330. The reservation fee is paid in January and is deducted from the October fee for the following academic year. Tuition fees by year group (academic year running July 2025 to June 2026) - Children's House (ages 3–6): - Annual payment: EUR 5,460.30 per year. - 11-installment option: EUR 496.40 per month. - 10-installment option: EUR 546.00 per month. - Lunch (annual): EUR 1,139.60 (EUR 113.90/month). - Notes: Prices above apply for payments during September; fees for July and August are EUR 248.20 for regular hours and EUR 260.05 for part‑time hours. Lunch and extended hours are charged from September through June. - Primary (ages 6–12): - Annual payment: EUR 6,811.20 per year. - 11-installment option: EUR 619.20 per month. - 10-installment option: EUR 681.12 per month. - Lunch (annual): EUR 1,139.60 (EUR 113.90/month). - Additional expenses may arise during the school year for extra activities (swimming pool, sports center use, field trips, transportation) and membership of the student family association (AFA) may carry a specific fee. Billing schedule and payment terms - Available payment modes listed: annual payment, 11 monthly installments, or 10 monthly installments (payment months vary by option as indicated above). - Reservation fee is paid in January and deducted from the October fee for the following academic year. - Discounts for early annual payment: 10% discount if annual payment is made before February 25 of the previous academic year (limited to a maximum of 5 families per year). A 5% discount applies for annual payments made before June 23 for the following academic year. A 3% discount applies to annual course payments (timing and conditions as stated by the school). Accumulated discounts (early payment plus sibling discount) cannot exceed 15% in total. Refunds and withdrawals - Annual payments will only be refunded if the right of cancellation is exercised within the days following payment (refunds for annual payments are subject to that cancellation period). For other withdrawal and refund conditions, refer to the school's financial regulations. Sibling discount - A 10% discount applies to the tuition fees of the second sibling or older when siblings are enrolled simultaneously. This sibling discount applies to tuition only and does not apply to dining services, extended hours, or extras. Accumulated discounts are capped at 15%. Boarding fees - No boarding program or boarding fees are listed for this school; boarding is not applicable. Other costs and optional fees - Lunch: EUR 1,139.60 per year (EUR 113.90/month) for both Children's House and Primary. - Extra activities and services (examples): fees may apply for swimming pool use, sports center use, field trips, transportation, and AFA membership. - Fees for July and August (summer attendance): EUR 248.20 for regular hours and EUR 260.05 for part‑time hours. - Uniforms and other specific material or supply costs are not itemized in the published fee schedule; extra curricular or activity-specific costs may be billed separately. Fee payment options - Annual payments are required to be made by bank transfer. - Other payment methods for non-annual payments are not specified in the published fee schedule; consult the school's financial regulations for accepted payment methods for installment and other charges. Effective period - These fees apply for the school year from July 2025 through June 2026. Brief note on missing or unspecified items in the published schedule - A per‑term (e.g., per-semester) breakdown is not separately listed; fees are presented as annual totals and monthly installment options. Boarding is not offered (no boarding fees listed). Payment methods beyond bank transfer for annual payments are not specified. The published refund policy gives a cancellation-window condition for annual payments but does not specify the exact number of days in that window in the fee text.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school provides a daily on-campus dining service with meals cooked each day at the school using fresh ingredients. Menus follow nutritional guidelines and are tailored to different age groups. Special dietary requirements and food allergies are accommodated upon request and coordinated directly with families.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The American School of Bilbao is a civil nonprofit association. Governance bodies are the General Assembly and the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance of the school and consists of nine unpaid members with authority and legal responsibility; it governs in accordance with the Policy Manual and accrediting principles of ECIS and NEASC.	Governance and ownership The school is an American foreign educational center with an international Montessori curriculum and is accredited as an American foreign center.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details PK-12 private, non-profit international school in Bilbao. The curriculum is taught in English and has an international focus, leading to the American High School diploma and the IB Diploma. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) are offered; the school is preparing for Middle Years Programme (MYP) verification to complete the IB continuum. The Diploma Programme is a two-year program for ages 16–18, requiring six subjects and core components (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, Creativity, Activity and Service), with a pathway to university and employment. Upon graduation, students obtain a bilingual IB Diploma, and the IB Diploma is homologated by the Spanish Ministry of Education, so students do not need to sit for Spanish PAU/Selectividad. The course of study, marking and reporting procedures facilitate transfer to other international or English-language schools and prepare students for higher education in both host-country and English-language settings.	Curriculum details The school follows the International Montessori Curriculum and American educational standards, and incorporates Basque Country Curriculum subjects including Spanish Language and Literature and Basque Language and Literature. Education is provided for Casa de Niños (3-6) and Elementary (6-12), using Montessori materials across sensorial, mathematical, linguistic and cultural learning. Language learning uses the One Person One Language (OPOL) approach: English is the main language of teaching and is delivered through total immersion, while Spanish and Basque are integrated daily and taught through everyday activities. Additional language support is provided for students who arrive with limited proficiency.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results IB Diploma Programme Results 2024: 100% Pass Rate. The Class of 2024 met the rigorous requirements to be awarded the IB Diploma in May 2024, with an average score of 34 points. 17% of students scored above 40 points; the maximum score achieved was 44 out of 45; the school has achieved above the world average for nine consecutive years; 50% of the subjects achieved averages at least 25% above the world average.	Exam results Learning is monitored continuously and assessed without exams. Methods include self-observation, work portfolios, project presentations, and meetings with families, with progress tracked in Transparent Classroom and supported by a mentoring system.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression ASB graduates pursue higher education at universities worldwide, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Spain. Recent current acceptances include Georgetown University, George Washington University, Georgia Tech, UCLA, University of Toronto, Cambridge University, King's College London, University of Manchester, Universidad de Navarra, and Esade, among others.	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 Mission provides an English-based education that inspires students to develop an open-minded and respectful attitude as global citizens in a nurturing and safe environment. The Beliefs state that intellectual, social, physical and emotional development are equally important. The MYP aims to develop active, lifelong learners who can empathize with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning. The school seeks intercultural understanding, awareness, tolerance and respect as part of its international identity.	Social & emotional learning Montessori Gran Bilbao offers education that emphasizes autonomy, critical thinking and experience-based learning within a multilingual environment and contact with nature. Emotional education is integral, and a prepared environment with reduced ratios supports meaningful learning at each child's own pace. Non-Violent Communication and positive discipline strategies help children resolve conflicts through dialogue, empathy and mutual respect, with guides mediating when needed to foster self-regulation and peaceful problem solving. A Mentoring system provides close, individualized support tailored to each child's social and emotional development. Learning is assessed through continuous observation and a mentoring approach, prioritizing academic, social and emotional development over exams.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The Admissions Policy states that students with additional needs will be given a mandatory action plan with supports needed for continued enrollment. Parental responsibilities include providing medical reports, psychological evaluations or other documentation to assess needs and ensure equal access.	Special educational needs (SEN) Montessori Gran Bilbao follows the International Montessori Curriculum and American educational standards. English is the main language of instruction, and the center provides language adaptation for students who do not yet master English, Spanish or Basque. Individualized language support helps students gradually acquire the necessary language skills. The school has a highly trained teaching team with expertise in English, Spanish and Basque to support a multilingual learning environment. If a child arrives without an adequate level in the languages of instruction, linguistic progress depends on exposure and learning pace, and individualized support is provided to facilitate integration.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is the main language of instruction at ASB. Language learning is differentiated in Middle School through Language Acquisition and Language and Literature, allowing pathways based on English proficiency. All ASB students are enrolled in Euskera as their additional language.	English as an additional language English is the main language of teaching and communication at Montessori Gran Bilbao. The school follows the OPOL (One Person, One Language) method to introduce English, Spanish and Basque, ensuring constant and structured exposure to each language. English is used in most presentations to create a multilingual environment where children acquire the language spontaneously. A highly trained teaching team provides expertise in English, Spanish and Basque to support language development. If a child arrives without a sufficient level in the languages of instruction, individualized language support is provided to facilitate integration, with progress depending on exposure and learning pace.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing ASB provides a nurturing and safe environment. Intellectual, social, physical and emotional development are equally important. Balanced IB learner profile attributes encourage students to look after their mind and body and stay healthy and happy.	Mental wellbeing Emotional education is a cornerstone of the program, promoting social and emotional development. Non-Violent Communication and positive discipline strategies help children resolve conflicts through dialogue, empathy and mutual respect. Guides intervene as mediators to encourage self-regulation and peaceful problem solving. A Mentoring system provides close, individualized support tailored to each child's social and emotional needs. Progress is tracked through continuous observation and mentoring, prioritizing social and emotional development alongside academics rather than exams.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding ASB provides a caring, safe environment. The Admissions Policy states that incoming IB students will have a mandatory action plan with supports for continued enrollment for students with additional needs. Parental disclosure of medical and psychological information is requested to assess safety and equal access. The school also maintains a Legal Advice and Privacy Policy.	Safeguarding Guides accompany children and prepared environments reinforce safety and well-being of the child at school, with ongoing communication with families to reinforce safety and well-being. Non-violent communication and positive discipline contribute to a safe, respectful school culture. We observe and share information with families to reinforce the safety and well-being of the child at school. The Student Family Association (AFA) provides a forum for safeguarding the educational community and supporting student celebrations.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The school is an American foreign educational center offering an international Montessori curriculum. It is located on Monte Artxanda, next to the Funicular, three minutes from the centre of Bilbao. The spaces are designed for each development stage and include outdoor areas such as courtyards, a vegetable garden, a library and community parks, with access to the Artxanda sports centre. Surroundings provide recreational and sports spaces, including parks, a skating rink and a sports centre with a swimming pool.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school provides access to the Artxanda sports centre for athletic activity, and the surrounding area includes parks and a skating rink, with a local sports centre that has a swimming pool.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Children's House (3 to 6 years) offers materials for reading, writing, music and expression; the classroom has direct access to the patio, enabling a fluid connection with the outdoors, and the morning work cycle lasts three hours. Workshop 1 (6 to 9 years) emphasizes active learning with a wide range of manipulatives and includes music, painting, gardening and sports in a tri-lingual environment (Basque, English and Spanish). Workshop 2 (9 to 12 years) continues with active exploration, the development of collaborative projects and leadership within the school community.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The After School Activities (ASA) program at ASB allows students to extend and enrich their interests in academic and non-academic areas in a fun way. All activities take place on school premises with instructors knowledgeable in their field and hired externally. However, ASB staff are also involved in giving instruction in various activities, with the language of instruction being English; a select few activities may be delivered in Spanish. The ASA program lasts 8 months, beginning in October until the end of May. ASA activities include English, Sustainability, Commitment, and Innovation.	Extra curricular facilities Music, painting, gardening and sports are part of the program, and there is an on-site vegetable garden. The spaces include outdoor areas and movement-focused activities, with learning on the move in Bilbao's natural spaces.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The American School of Bilbao was founded in 1967 by American and British citizens resident in the Bilbao area, under the auspices of the Office of Overseas Schools of the U.S. State Department. It has been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS) since 1985. In 1981, the Spanish Ministry of Education officially recognized the school as a Foreign School in Spain. The school is a civil nonprofit association governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees and a General Assembly. The curriculum is taught in English and leads to the American High School credential and the IB Diploma.	History —
Community	Community The ASB community offers After School Activities (ASA) that extend and enrich students' interests in both academic and non-academic areas. The ASA program runs eight months, from October through May, with activities delivered on school premises by instructors who teach in English (a few activities may be delivered in Spanish). ASA provides opportunities to develop new skills and language abilities outside standard classes. The PTO represents parents/guardians and teachers, promotes involvement through voluntary committees, raises funds for projects and materials, and fosters communication within the school community.	Community Our community comprises families who believe education goes beyond the classroom and want to actively participate in their children's growth. Family participation in school life reinforces learning and strengthens the bond between children, guides and the community. Active involvement is encouraged through School for Families, Workshops and school events, Community activities, Volunteer groups, and the Student Family Association (AFA). The school is multilingual and in contact with nature, delivering a personalized, respectful and community-based education.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The PTO (Parents & Teacher Organization) is a representation structure chosen by the parents/guardians of students in each academic year and the ASB teaching staff. Its objectives are to promote involvement of parents/guardians and teachers through voluntary work in committees. It raises funds for projects, activities and special material resources. It encourages communication between the different members of the educational community to promote understanding and cooperation. It coordinates with teachers, at their request, with the grade representative for the academic year, as well as with parents/guardians of the grade, for activities requiring volunteers through events that are organized. Representation in the PTO is composed of 16 parent representatives for each academic year, from Nursery to Grade 12, and 4 teacher representatives, one for each section: Early Childhood, Lower School, the Middle Years and Upper School.	Parent teacher association The Student Family Association (AFA) is a space for collaboration that contributes to the evolution of the educational community and supports student celebrations. School for Families provides training and meetings where experiences and educational tools are shared to support children's development at home. Workshops and school events provide spaces to strengthen the connection between the educational community and offer joint learning opportunities. Community activities are special celebrations that reinforce the sense of belonging. Volunteer groups offer spaces for families to get involved in school initiatives and collaborative projects. The involvement of families is essential to building a strong community committed to the comprehensive development of children.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual ASB offers After School Activities (ASA) on campus with instructors both external and ASB staff, taught mainly in English with some activities delivered in Spanish. The ASA program lasts eight months, from October to the end of May. ASA activities include English language development, Sustainability, Commitment to a better world, and Innovation.	Academic & intellectual Autonomy, critical thinking and multilingualism are central to Montessori Gran Bilbao's educational approach. Learning is experience-based in a multilingual environment connected to nature. The morning work cycle consists of three uninterrupted hours of individual or group work. In Workshop 1 (6 to 9 years), children engage in active learning through collaborative projects while developing reading, writing, music, painting, gardening and sports.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school has a Visual Arts program, including opportunities that culminate in events such as the Final Visual Arts Exhibition. This reflects an ongoing commitment to visual arts education and student exhibitions.	Arts & creative Music, painting and expression are developed in the Children's House. Personal projects foster creativity as part of daily learning. In Workshop 1 (6 to 9 years), children work on music, painting, gardening and sports within a trilingual environment. The spaces provide access to a patio for outdoor creative activity.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Model United Nations (MUN) was established in 2014 and invites students to participate in international conferences, such as LMUNA in the Netherlands. DECA develops leadership in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, integrated into classroom instruction and with participation in DECA ICDC. The Journal Club is a student‑run club that creates a school newsletter every trimester.	Cultural & language Basque, English and Spanish are used in daily activities. The environment is trilingual and fosters reading and language learning. Language learning is integrated into daily routines and project work.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies ASA activities focus on enriching non‑academic interests on campus, with instruction primarily in English and some activities delivered in Spanish. The program highlights English language development, Sustainability, Commitment, and Innovation as core ASA themes.	Social & hobbies The school emphasizes collaboration and social skills. In Workshop 1, children work collaboratively and cooperatively, which helps develop social skills and conflict-resolution strategies. Non-Violent Communication is applied to manage emotions and relationships. Movement and relationships are central; the workshop environments encourage movement and social interaction.
Community & service	Community & service The Journal Club is a Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) activity. DECA fosters leadership and community engagement through business‑oriented projects and competitions. MUN provides opportunities for international collaboration and service through conference participation.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional DECA develops leadership in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, with participation in DECA ICDC. MUN offers leadership experiences through conference work and diplomacy activities. The Stock Market Game (SMG) is a DECA‑linked program that teaches teamwork, research and decision‑making in a simulated business environment.	Leadership & professional Workshop 2 represents the transition to adolescence, consolidating autonomy, responsibility and leadership capacity within the school community.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sustainability is a valued focus within ASA, teaching students to be environmentally aware. ASA emphasizes creating a better and more peaceful world and adapting education to a globalized context.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport is a pillar of development with spaces adapted for movement, coordination and well-being. Outdoor spaces include courtyards, a garden, a library, community parks and access to the Artxanda sports centre. The location combines nature, accessibility and sport to enrich the educational experience.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision ASB uses English as the language of instruction for the IB Diploma Programme (100% English). In the Middle Years Programme, Language and Literature is taught in English and Spanish, and all students study Euskera as an additional language. Depending on MAP results and teacher recommendation, a student may take English as a Language Acquisition instead of Language and Literature.	Language provision Languages taught include English, Spanish and Basque. English is the main language of instruction; Spanish and Basque are introduced through daily activities and integrated across the curriculum. Individualized language support is provided to help learners acquire the necessary language skills.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching ASB provides bilingual language education within the Middle Years Programme (ages 11-16). Language and Literature is taught in English and Spanish, and all students study Euskera as an additional language. Depending on MAP results and teacher recommendation, a student may take English as a Language Acquisition instead of Language and Literature. The Diploma Programme is taught entirely in English.	Bilingual teaching English is the main language of teaching and communication. Language learning follows the OPOL method (One Person, One Language), with guides speaking a specific language to the children. English is used in most presentations, and a multilingual environment develops with Spanish and Basque embedded in daily activities.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs ASB offers English-language immersion through its Summer Programme for learners outside ASB; these courses are designed to learn or reinforce English using ASB's methodology. The Summer Programme includes Cambridge English exam preparation classes (B2 First/PreFirst and C1 Advanced/PreAdvanced). The program emphasizes total immersion in English on campus.	Immersion programs Learning happens in a natural and immersive environment with total immersion for English. English instruction follows a process of total immersion, while Spanish and Basque are introduced through daily activities, conversations, specific materials and moments of reading and writing in each language.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The American School of Bilbao is an International School serving PK-12, private and non-profit. It was founded in 1967 by American and British citizens, under the auspices of the Office of Overseas Schools of the U.S. State Department. The school has been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS) since 1985, and in 1981 it was officially recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a Foreign School Located in Spain. The curriculum is international and taught in English, leading to the American High School diploma and the IB Diploma. The school is located in Berango, Bizkaia (Soparda Bidea 10, 48640).	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions ASB offers the International Baccalaureate Continuum from Early Years to Grade 12 and is the only IB Continuum school in Northern Spain. The pathway includes Early Years (from age 2), Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme, with English as the main language of instruction and language support in Middle School through differentiated pathways. Admissions are evaluated holistically, considering academic background, English proficiency, and readiness for an international curriculum. The order of preference for limited placement prioritizes siblings of current ASB students or exceptional students with an average of at least 85% in the previous two years, returning ASB students, children of ex-alumni, native English speakers, students' academic level, students who have attended accredited schools, and parents with work transfers, followed by the date of application. For pre-school admissions, priority goes to siblings of current ASB students, ex-ASB families, and the application date; staff children have priority according to policy. The Admissions process consists of two tracks: applicants with children at ASB and applicants without children at ASB. The steps include submitting required documents, an admissions assessment and interview, possible ESL/SSL or psychological assessments, and a final recommendation by the Principal and Admissions Committee. Admission is confirmed on or before February 1, with provisional admission letters issued along with placement details and fees; final confirmation occurs within 15 working days after signing documentation and paying the initial fee. If places are not available, qualified candidates remain on a waiting list and are considered if a place opens, following the established admission criteria and preferences. Fees for 2025-2026 are downloadable, and 2026-2027 fees will be updated."	Admissions Admission process at Montessori Gran Bilbao consists of five steps: 1. Explore information about the school, its Montessori approach, and its educational model; 2) complete the online application on the Transparent Classroom platform (applications are free); 3) request an in-person appointment to tour the facilities and have questions answered by the team; 4) undergo an evaluation and, if needed, an additional interview or rehearsal session; 5) pay the registration fee to secure the place once admission is approved. Limited seating means seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis due to the small-group focus; if no spots are available, joining the waiting list is possible. Course-long admission is available as applications are accepted throughout the year if there is availability. In addition, fees related to enrollment are published: €330 for enrollment of children aged 3–6, €660 for enrollment of children aged 6–12, and a €330 annual place reservation. There are also ongoing tuition structures and discounts, including a 10% sibling discount for a second child enrolled simultaneously and various early-payment discounts on annual tuition.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Waitlisted applicants: The school may wait-list an admission application for the February or May process if a place becomes available. In grades with a waiting list, parents will be informed and any pending documents and required fees must be provided prior to consideration of the wait-listed application. If placement becomes available, the same criteria will be followed as in the order of preference for admissions among the wait-listed pool."	Waitlist Waiting list is available if there are no available spots; course-long admission is possible as applications are accepted throughout the year if space exists.
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